surface (topsoil-based)

Either of the following takeoff surfaces created by defining stripping and replacement topsoil areas:

• Original ground with topsoil stripped (& subgrades demolished) - This surface represents the uppermost surface of existing, in situ earthen materials, excluding the topsoil that is to be stripped.
• Finished design with topsoil absent (& subgrades adjusted) - This surface represents the uppermost surface of earthen materials other than proposed, in-ground improvements, as it is formed before and in preparation for topsoil replacement.