Definition and Background of Spiral Curves

Spirals are curves used to transition between a circular curve with a specific radius and
degree of curvature and a straight tangent (whose radius is infinity). The term spiral is
interchangeable with easement or transition curve. The radius and sharpness of a spiral
curve increase uniformly along its length. The length and degree of curvature of a spiral
curve are based on the anticipated speed of traffic and the sharpness of the circular
curve that the spiral must meet.

The principal advantages of transition curves in horizontal alignment are the following:

1. A properly designed transition curve provides a natural, easy-to-follow path for

drivers, such that the centrifugal force increases or decreases gradually as a vehicle
enters or leaves a circular curve. . . .
2. The transition curve length provides a convenient desirable arrangement for
superelevation runoff. . . .
3. The spiral facilitates the transition in width where the traveled way section is to be
widened around a circular curve. . . .
4. The appearance of the highway or street is enhanced by the application of spirals. .
..

One disadvantage of the use of spirals is that it increases the amount of space required for
each curve. Spirals effectively lengthen the curve.

Spiral Curve
Spirals are used to overcome the abrupt change in curvature and superelevation that
occurs between tangent and circular curve. The spiral curve is used to gradually change
the curvature and superelevation of the road, thus called transition curve.
Elements of Spiral Curve

 TS = Tangent to spiral
 SC = Spiral to curve
 CS = Curve to spiral
 ST = Spiral to tangent
 LT = Long tangent
 ST = Short tangent
 R = Radius of simple curve
 Ts = Spiral tangent distance
 Tc = Circular curve tangent
 L = Length of spiral from TS to any point along the spiral
 Ls = Length of spiral
 PI = Point of intersection
 I = Angle of intersection
 Ic = Angle of intersection of the simple curve
 p = Length of throw or the distance from tangent that the circular curve has been
offset
 X = Offset distance (right angle distance) from tangent to any point on the spiral
 Xc = Offset distance (right angle distance) from tangent to SC
 Y = Distance along tangent to any point on the spiral
 Yc = Distance along tangent from TS to point at right angle to SC
 Es = External distance of the simple curve
 θ = Spiral angle from tangent to any point on the spiral
 θs = Spiral angle from tangent to SC
 i = Deflection angle from TS to any point on the spiral, it is proportional to the square of
its distance
 is = Deflection angle from TS to SC
 D = Degree of spiral curve at any point
 Dc = Degree of simple curve

Formulas for Spiral Curves

Distance along tangent to any point on the spiral:
Y=L−L540R2Ls2Y=L−L540R2Ls2

At L = Ls, Y = Yc, thus,

Yc=Ls−Ls340R2Yc=Ls−Ls340R2

Offset distance from tangent to any point on the spiral:

X=L36RLsX=L36RLs

At L = Ls, X = Xc, thus,

Xc=Ls26RXc=Ls26R
Length of throw:
p=14Xc=Ls224Rp=14Xc=Ls224R

Spiral angle from tangent to any point on the spiral (in radian):
θ=L22RLsθ=L22RLs

At L = Ls, θ = θs, thus,

θs=Ls2Rθs=Ls2R

Deflection angle from TS to any point on the spiral:

i=13θ=L26RLsi=13θ=L26RLs

At L = Ls, i = is, thus,

i=13θs=Ls6Ri=13θs=Ls6R

This angle is proportional to the square of its distance

iis=L2Ls2iis=L2Ls2

Tangent distance:
Ts=Ls2+(R+P)tanI2Ts=Ls2+(R+P)tan⁡I2

Angle of intersection of simple curve:

Ic=I−2θsIc=I−2θs

External distance:
Es=R+PcosI2−REs=R+Pcos⁡I2−R

Degree of spiral curve:

DDC=LLs