Profile grade elevations are used as what type of points for highway construction?

Profile grade elevations serve as control points in highway construction. These elevations provide a predetermined reference from which the vertical alignment of the roadway can be established. They are essential in ensuring that the final roadway surface meets design specifications and achieves proper drainage and safety features. By utilizing profile grade elevations as control points, engineers can accurately assess how the proposed structure interacts with the surrounding topography and make necessary adjustments during the construction process.

Control points are vital for guiding the construction crew, assisting in maintaining the correct grade throughout the project, and ensuring consistency with engineering design plans. This consistency ensures that both the initial and final grades comply with the project’s specifications, leading to a safer and more effective roadway.

In contrast, the other options do not specifically reference the role of profile grade elevations in construction. Reference points are typically used for survey purposes, marker points could indicate various features during construction but are not specific to grading, and alignment points relate more to the horizontal setup of the roadway rather than vertical elevations.