What is the primary purpose of slope stakes in construction?

Slope stakes are critical in construction for indicating cut and fill lines, which are essential for earthmoving operations. When constructing a site, it is necessary to determine where the ground will be excavated (cut) and where additional material will need to be added (fill) to achieve the desired elevation and slope for the project. Slope stakes provide visual guidance to operators, ensuring that they maintain the correct grade during excavation and filling activities.

Having accurate slope stakes helps prevent over-excavation or under-excavation, which can lead to costly rework or structural issues. They serve not only as a reference for those operating machinery but also ensure that grading aligns with the engineering plans designed to promote proper drainage and stability in the construction site.

The other options, while relevant to construction, do not encompass the primary function of slope stakes. Elevation points are important for overall site layout but are typically marked using different methods. The indication of material type and defining boundary limits pertains to other aspects of construction measurement and site preparation, rather than the specific role of slope stakes in denoting cut and fill lines.