What does grading tolerance refer to in FDOT projects?

• A. The minimum acceptable cross-section alignment tolerance.
• B. The permissible deviation from the design grade or cross-section alignment.
• C. The recorded height of drainage pipes.
• D. The maximum allowed moisture content.

Answer: (B)

Grading tolerance is the permissible deviation from the planned design grade and cross-section alignment. It sets the allowable vertical and horizontal differences inspectors will accept as the earthwork is built. In practice, field checks compare actual elevations and cross-section lines to the design, and if measurements exceed the tolerance, the contractor must bring the area back into spec. This ensures drainage, slopes, and the paving subgrade perform as intended and helps control quality and costs. It isn’t about drainage pipe height or moisture content, which are covered by other specifications.