What is the primary purpose of a grade stake on a construction site?

• A. Indicate material type.
• B. The required elevation and slope for grading and earthmoving work.
• C. Mark water lines.
• D. Mark property corners.

Answer: (B)

Grade stakes are used to show the exact elevations and slopes that the finished ground must have for grading and earthmoving work. They tie directly to the design plans and project benchmarks, so operators know how high or low to cut or fill at specific spots and what slope to achieve for proper drainage. By providing target elevations and, when needed, slope cues, grade stakes help ensure the surface matches the design and will drain correctly, pave smoothly, and work with other features like curbs and sidewalks. Other stakes exist for marking water lines or property corners, or indicating material types, but they don’t communicate the finished grade requirements like grade stakes do.