Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Bench terracing is a mechanical soil conservation practice used on steep slopes to convert them into a series of flat platforms.
An inward-sloping bench terrace is constructed in high-rainfall areas to safely divert excess surface runoff toward an inner drain at the foot of the hill, preventing water from flowing over the outer edge.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Designing the cross-section of an inward-sloping bench terrace requires defining specific structural parameters:
The batter slope (A) is the stable slope angle of the vertical cut (riser) between successive terraces, which depends on the soil type and its angle of repose.
The dimension of the shoulder bund (B) is critical.
A small earthen bund is constructed at the outer edge of the terrace to prevent water from spilling over the riser, which could trigger a landslide.
The inward slope of the terrace (C) is the cross-slope of the platform towards the hill, which guides the runoff into the inner drainage channel.
These three parameters—batter slope, shoulder bund dimensions, and inward slope—uniquely define the cross-sectional profile of an individual terrace.
Terrace width (E) is a planimetric spacing parameter rather than a structural cross-section parameter of the platform itself.
Alignment of the drainage channel (D) is a longitudinal layout step that comes after designing the cross-section.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The design of the inward terrace cross-section consists of deciding the batter slope, the dimension of the shoulder bund, and the inward slope of the terrace.