A designated elevation point that is accessible at all times during construction is called a ___.

A designated elevation point that is accessible at all times during construction is called a ___.

• A. Datum
• B. Control Point
• C. Elevation Point
• D. Benchmark

Answer: (D)

A benchmark is the fixed, known-elevation point on a site that you can reach at any time during construction. This physical marker has its elevation precisely established and recorded, and it’s protected so it doesn’t move. Because of that, crews can check grades, align forms, or verify finished floor heights against the same reference throughout the project, ensuring consistency with the design. The benchmark is tied to a vertical datum (the reference surface used for elevations), but what makes it special is that it’s an actual, accessible point on the ground with a known height. A datum in general is the reference surface itself, not a specific on-site point you can measure from. A control point helps locate points on the plan and may carry coordinates for layout, not primarily to verify vertical elevations. And elevation point isn’t a standard term for this concept.

A benchmark is the fixed, known-elevation point on a site that you can reach at any time during construction. This physical marker has its elevation precisely established and recorded, and it’s protected so it doesn’t move. Because of that, crews can check grades, align forms, or verify finished floor heights against the same reference throughout the project, ensuring consistency with the design.

The benchmark is tied to a vertical datum (the reference surface used for elevations), but what makes it special is that it’s an actual, accessible point on the ground with a known height. A datum in general is the reference surface itself, not a specific on-site point you can measure from. A control point helps locate points on the plan and may carry coordinates for layout, not primarily to verify vertical elevations. And elevation point isn’t a standard term for this concept.