What does the term drainage refer to in site engineering?

The term "drainage" in site engineering encompasses a broad range of activities and processes designed to manage water on a site. It specifically refers to the control and management of both surface water and subsurface water, which includes the aspects of natural absorption, surface runoff, and groundwater removal.

Natural water absorption is an essential part of drainage, as it deals with how water penetrates the soil and is retained or released. Control of surface water runoff is critical for managing how rainwater flows across the landscape, preventing erosion, flooding, and water pooling that can lead to structural issues or water damage. Additionally, the removal of groundwater plays a significant role, especially in areas where the water table is high or where construction activities may lead to increased water accumulation, necessitating methods for managing subsurface water.

Thus, the comprehensive nature of drainage includes all these processes, making the correct interpretation of the term in site engineering inclusive of every aspect mentioned.