Which process involves smoothing slopes and shaping ditches during construction?

Finish grading is the process that specifically focuses on smoothing slopes and shaping ditches during construction. This stage occurs after the rough grading has taken place, where initial site leveling and significant earth-moving activities are completed.

In finish grading, the objective is to create a smooth and even surface that facilitates drainage and prepares the site for landscaping, paving, or other construction activities. Properly shaped ditches are essential for controlling water runoff and preventing erosion, thus maintaining the integrity of the site.

While site preparation involves various preliminary tasks, including clearing and possibly some rough grading, it does not specifically address the detailed work of smoothing and shaping. Backfilling refers to the process of refilling excavated areas with soil or other materials, often following excavation or the installation of utilities. Excavation is concerned with the removal of soil and other materials from a site to create space for foundations or other structures. Therefore, these processes are distinct from finish grading, which is the final step to ensure an aesthetically pleasing and functional surface.