At the end of this lecture students should

know; CO1-PO1

The definition of road curve

Types of road curve
Design of road curve
Calculation of curve with different radii
Pre-computation for road curve setting out
Setting out of road curve
1
 CURVES
DEFINITIONS
Are defined as arcs, with some finite radius, provided
between intersecting straights to gradually negotiate a
change in direction.

For example, when two straights of a highway or railway are

at some angle to each other, a curve is introduced between
them to avoid an abrupt change in direction and to make the
vehicle move safely, smoothly & comfortably.

This change in direction of the straights are :-

1

1. Horizontal curves (eg. simple circular, compound, reverse,

transition curve and etc.).
2. Vertical curves (eg. summit and sag vertical curve).
 TYPE OF HORIZONTAL CURVES
A curve, connecting two intersecting straights having a
constant radius all through is known as a simple
circular curve.

When two or more simple circular curves, of different

radii, turning in the same direction join two intersecting
straights is known as a compound curve.
When two simple circular curve, of equal or different
radii, having opposite direction of curvature join together
is known as a reverse curve.
1

A curve usually introduced between a simple

circular curve & a straight, or between two simple
circular curves.
 CIRCULAR CURVES
Used in roads for connecting two straight sections.
For safety and avoid overturning of the vehicles.
Usually C.C specified by their radius and this method
only will be considered by referring to Figure A.
M J

A B

O
Figure A
 CIRCULAR CURVES
I = Intersection point @ Apex
A & B = Tangent points
O = Centre of the circle
AI & BI = tangent lengths & these are equal
R = Radius of the circle
AB = Long chord
From A to B along the curve = Curve length
JIB = AOB = Deflection angle 1

IAB = IBA = AOI = IOB = Tangent angle

MIJ = Intersection angle
 CIRCULAR CURVES
Position of Tangent Points

Tan Tangent length

R
Tangent length = AI = R tan /2

Examples :-
Two straight sections of roads are joined by a curve of
radius 100m. If the intersection angle is 120°, calculate
the length of the tangents.
1
 CIRCULAR CURVES
Length of Curve

An angle of 360° = 2πR (where R is the radius)

Therefore; length of arc is proportional to the angle

subtended at the centre of the arc.

Length of arc A to B;

2πR θ
360 1
 CIRCULAR CURVES
Long Chord Length

Sometimes necessary to fix the position of tangent

point B by calculating the length of the long chord &
measuring this distance from tangent point A.

The sine rule can be used to calculate this length

Sin θ/2 = ½ AB ½ AB = R Sin θ/2

R 1

AB = 2 R Sin θ/2
 CIRCULAR CURVES
Setting Out the Curve

After positioning the tangent points (A & B) on the

ground & determining the length of the circular
curve, the curve may be set out by one of the
following methods:
1. One theodolite and steel tape.
2. Chain or steel tape only.
3. Two theodolites. 1

Method 1 is most frequently used and method 2

should only be used for curves of comparatively
short length and small radii.
 CIRCULAR CURVES
One Theodolite Method

b
To set out the curve by
a c this method:-
A B

A1 B1

O
Figure 10.2 1
 CIRCULAR CURVES
Calculation of Tangent Angle

Tangent angle for chord AD

Short
chord
I
= IAD
angle. Curve

= 90° - OAE
D
= AOE
E
A B
Sin AOE = AE = ½ chord
AO radius
R B
A1
1 Given the radius of the curve
O and the length of the chord :-
1

Figure 10.3 Sin (tangent angle) = ½ chord

radius
tangent angle = IAB = IBA = IOA = IOB
 CIRCULAR CURVES
Exercise :-

The centre line of a road consist of 2 straights joined by a curve of

radius 250m. The deflection angle between the two straights is 70°
and the curve is to be set out using chords of 20m. Calculate the data
necessary for setting out the curve.

Solution :-

1
 TRANSITION CURVES
General

Is a curve of constantly changing radius.

Used to connect a straight to a curve of radius R, then the
commencing radius of the transition will be the same as the
straight (∞), and the final radius will be that of the curve R.
By referring to Fig. 5.19 and 5.20

T1
1

Fig. 5.19 Fig. 5.20

 TRANSITION CURVES
A vehicle travel at speed (V) along the straight.
The forces acting on the vehicle with its weight (W), vertically
down & opposite force acting vertically up through the wheels.
When vehicle enter the curve of radius (R) at tangent T1 ,an
additional centrifugal force (P) acts on the vehicle.
If P is large,the vehicle will be force outside of the curve and may
skid or overturn.
In Fig. 5.20, the resultant of the 2 forces is shown as N.
If the road is superelevated normal to this force, there will be no
tendency for the vehicle to skid.
1

It should be noted that as:- P = WV2

Rg

Superelevation will only cancel the effect of P at a constant design

speed V.
 TRANSITION CURVES
Superelevation

When a particle moves in a circular path, then a force (known as

centrifugal force) acts upon it, and tends to push it away from the
centre.

To counterbalance the centrifugal force, the outer edge of the road is

raised to some height.

The height through which the

outer edge of the road is
raised is known as
superelvation. 1
 TRANSITION CURVES
Principle of the Transition
The objectives/purpose of a transition curve is to:-
a) Avoid overturning of the vehicles.
b) Achieve a gradual change of direction from the straight –
(radius ∞) to the curve (radius R).
c) Permit the gradual application of superelevation to reduce
centrifugal force.

Curve Design
The requirements in the design of transition curves are:-
1

a) The value of the minimum safe radius R.

b) The length L of the curve.
 TRANSITION CURVES
Curve Design

For the calculation of a safe radius R, the centrifugal ratio P

W
is first found from eqn. 5.11 thus:-

P = V2
W Rg
where V = the design speed in m/s.
g = acceleration due to gravity in m/s2.
R = is minimum safe radius in m.

So, when V is expressed in km/hr, the expression becomes:-

1

P = V2 Derive this from above equation!!

W 127R
 TRANSITION CURVES
Curve Design

The commonly used values for centrifugal ratio are:-

a) 0.21 to 0.25 on roads.
b) 0.125 on railways.

Eg. If P/W = 0.25 & V = 50 km/hr; what is the radius?

Length of a Transition Curve

where V = design speed is expressed in km/hr
L = V3 = V3 . the remaining units being in metres
1

Rq 3.63Rq R = radius in metres

q = rate of change of radial acceleration
usually taken as 0.3,0.45 & 0.6 m/s3
This method is used in road design & also designed for railways.
 TRANSITION CURVES
Setting Out Data
Fig. 5.23 indicates the usual situation of 2 straights projected
forward to intersect at I with a transition curve starting from
tangent point T1 and joining the circular arc at t1. The second
equal transition starting at t2 and joins at T2.

Fig. 5.23
 TRANSITION CURVES
Setting Out Data

Fixing the tangent points T1 and T2

In order to fix T1 and T2; the tangent lengths T1I and T2I are
measured from I backdown the straights.

T1I = T2I = (R + S) tan /2 + c

where S = L2 and c= L
24R 2
1

Length of Circular Arc

where = L
R( -2 )
2R
 TRANSITION CURVES
Setting Out Data

EXAMPLE:-
Part of a motorway scheme involves the design and setting out of
a simple curve with cubic spiral transition at each end. The
transitions are to be designed such that the centrifugal ratio is
0.197, whilst the rate of change of centripetal acceleration is 0.45
m/s3 at a design speed of 100 km/hr.
If the chainage of the intersection of the straights is 2154.22 m
and the angle of deflection 50° 00´ 00´´, calculate:-
a) The length of transition. 1

b) The chainage at the beginning and the end of the total

composite curve.
 VERTICAL CURVES
General

Used to connect intersecting straights in the vertical plane.

This straights usually referred to as gradients.
Vertical curves are designed to control the speed limit.

Gradients
Usually expressed as percentages (eg. 1 in 50 = 2%)
On urban motorways, the maximum gradient should be taken as
4% although 5% is allowable in difficult locations @ in hilly areas.
On rural motorways, the max. gradient should be taken as 3%,
1

although in hilly areas 4% is permissible.

In the design calculations, the algebraic difference (A) between the
gradients is used. Calculated either +ve q –ve will be made from
left to right.
 VERTICAL CURVES
Gradients
Gradients rising to the right are +ve

Gradients falling to the right are -ve

Got 2 terms:-
1. Crest curve / summit or hogging (meleding) curve

2. Sag curve / valley or sagging (kendur) curve 1

 VERTICAL CURVES
Design & Construction of Vertical Curves

There are 2 main requirements in the design and construction of

vertical curves:-
1. Adequate Visibility
 The vehicles that travelling at the design speed can stop or
overtake safely and necessary that on coming vehicles or any
destruction in the road can be seen clearly and in good time.
 This requirement is achieved by the use:-
(i) Sight distance
(ii) K-Values
2. Passenger Comfort and Safety 1

 This requirement is achieved by:-

(i) Restricting the gradient, which has the effect of reducing the force.
(ii) Choosing a suitable type and length of curve reduced force is
introduced as gradually & uniformly as possible.
 VERTICAL CURVES
Type of Curved Used

1. Flat curve
Its length is L & its radius R where:-

L < 1
R 10

Vertical curve can be categories as flat.

2. Parabolic curve
To achieve a uniform rate of change of gradient.
This uniformity rate of change of gradient is shown as follows:-
1

x = cy2 dx < 2cy d2x < 2c

Constant
dy d2 y
 VERTICAL CURVES
Assumptions made in vertical Curve

The assumpitions are:-

1. Chord PTR = arc PSR = PQ + QR 1

2. Length along tangents = horizontal length; where PQ = PQ´

3. QU = QT
4. PQ = QR
These assumptions are valid if m 4% and n 4%
 VERTICAL CURVES
Eqn. Of the Vertical Curve

The eqn. of the curve; x = cy2 , y = tangent length

Let QS = e = x; total length of the curve = L, using the assumptions:-
1

Level of Q above P = (m/100) (L/2) = (mL/200)

Level of R below Q = (n/100) (L/2) = (nL/200)
Hence:-
Level of R above P = (mL/200) - (nL/200) = (m-n)L/200
 VERTICAL CURVES
Eqn. Of the Vertical Curve
But, from the assumptions, PT = TR, therefore:-

Level of T above P = (m-n)L/400

But, from the properties of the parabola:-

QS = QT = ST
2

Therefore:-
QS = ½ (mL/200 – (m-n)L / 400) = (m+n)L / 800
1

But (m+n) = algebraic difference of the gradients = A, therefore:-

QS = e = LA / 800
 VERTICAL CURVES
Eqn. Of the Vertical Curve

The equation of the parabola is x = cy2, therefore at point Q, when

y = L / 2, x = e, hence:-
e = c ( L/2 )2 c = e / ( L/2 )2

But, from above:-

e = LA / 800

Therefore:-

x = ey2 LA x y2 x 4 x =1
Ay2
(L/2)2 800 L2 200L
#
 VERTICAL CURVES
Sight Distances

Length of curve depends on the síght distance.

Both crest & sag curves are design using sight distance with
different criteria.
There have 2 type of sight distances:-
1. Stopping Sight Distance
- Is the length required to enable a vehicle traveling at @ near the
design speed to stop before reaching an object in its path.
- Usually sags are designed using only the stopping sight distance.
2. Overtaking / Passing Sight Distance
- Should be determined on the basis of the length needed to safety
1

complete a normal passing manoeuver.

- Crest on two way single carriageways using overtaking sight
distance but one way roads @ dual carriageways using stopping
sight distance.
 VERTICAL CURVES
Sight Distances

The Sight Distance for Crest:-

- Is the distance of visibility over a summit from a point 1.05m above
the road surface on one side of the summit to be a similiar point on
the other side of the summit.
- The value of 1.05m is taken to be the average height on the
driver‘s eyes above the road surface.

1
 VERTICAL CURVES
Sight Distances
The Sight Distance for Sags:-
- Is the distance required for the vehicle headlamp beams to show
up objects on the carriageway. (usually 0.75m)

1
 VERTICAL CURVES
K-values
The minimum of vertical curve (L) for any given road is obtained
from the formula:-

L = K.A metres

Where :- K - constants (unit in metres)

A - the algebraic difference of the gradients.

Overtaking K-values apply to two way roads with single carriageways

is not critical on sags.

Stopping K-Values apply to dual carriageways, one-way streets and

1

two-way roads.
sags are usually designed based on stopping
K-values.
 VERTICAL CURVES
Use of K-values
See in pages 209, (table from library‘s book).

Length of Vertical Curve to be used

Often the value for minimum length of curve obtained from the K-
values is not used, a greater length being chosen.

For urban roads, the DOE (Department of Environmental) specify

minimum vertical curve lengths for each design speed and these
must, at least, be used.
1

For rural roads, the minimum length of curve should never be less
than half the design speed in km/hr.
Examples:- 120 km/hr so minimum length of curve between
any gradients should be 60m and above.
 VERTICAL CURVES
Setting Out the Vertical Curve
Once the length and gradients have been decided, it is necessary to
plot the curve on the longitudinal section as a check on the design and
then set it out on the ground.

1
 VERTICAL CURVES
Setting Out the Vertical Curve

The offset are given by x = Ay2 / 200L from derivation

For a crest, x is measured down from the tangent length.
For a sag, x is measured up from the tangent length.

It is necessary to calculate the Reduced Level (RL) of points along the

proposed centre line.
If P is datum level, the level of any point z on the curve with respect to
P is given by H, where:-

H = [(m)y / 100 – (A)y2 /200L] 1 A

Where :- H can be either positive @ negative, depend the sign

of m & A and all H values are related to the RL of P.
 VERTICAL CURVES
Highest Point of a Crest, Lowest Point of a sag
The highest point of a crest occurs when H ia a maximum and the
lowest point of a sag occurs when H is a minimum.
For a maximum @ minimum value of H, d( H)/dy = 0, therefore:-

d( H) = m - Ay = 0
dy 100 100L
Hence m/100 = Ay /100; therefore y = Lm/A for a max @ min
value of H

So; eqn. A Hmax/min = [( m x Lm ) - ( A x L2m2)]

100 A 200L1
A2
= [( Lm2 ) - ( Lm2)]
100A 200A
Hmax/min = Lm2
Above @ below point P
200A
 VERTICAL CURVES
Worked Examples:-
The level at the intersection of a rising gradient of 1 percent and a
falling gradient of 0.5 percent on a rural road is 93.600m AOD.
Given that the K-value for this particular road is 90, the through
chainage of the intersection point is 671.34m and the vertical curve
is to have equal tangent lengths, calculate:-
i) The through chainages of the tangent points of the vertical curve if
the minimum required length is to be used.
ii) The reduced levels of the tangent points and the reduced levels at
exact 20m multiples of through chainage along the curve.
iii) The position and level of the highest point on the curve.
1

Solution...
 VERTICAL CURVES
Use of K-values

1
 EXERCISE
Question 1:
A circular curve of radius 290 m is to be connected between two straights of
a proposed highway. The deflection angle between the two straights is 60°
and the curve is to be set out using chords of 25m. Tabulate the data
necessary for setting out the curve.(nov.03-mac.04)

Question 2:
There have two straight sections of single carriageways which are joined
by a horizontal curve of radius 180 m. if the tangent angle is 25°, calculate
the deflection angle and a length of the tangent. (nov.03-mac.04)

Question 3:
Two tangents intersect at chainage 1712.00 m. The angle of intersection
is 120° and a curve of radius is 200m by the deflection angle method.
1

Calculate:-
i) Tangent length
ii) Curve length
iii) Chainage of first Tangent point
iv) Chainage of last Tangent point (Jun.04-Oct.04)
 EXERCISE
Question 1:
In dual carriageways, it involves the design and setting out of a simple
curve with cubic spiral transitions at each end. The transitions are to be
designed such that the centrifugal ratio is 0.202, whilst the rate of
change of centripetal acceleration is 0.42 m/s3 with radius 250 m.

If the chainage of the intersection of the straights is 1830.26 m and the

angle of deflection 44° 00’ 00”, calculate:

i) the length of transition curve.

ii) the chainage at the beginning and the end of the total composite curve.
(nov.03-mac.04)

Question 2:
The transition curves have been made in rural roads where the centrifugal
ratio is 0.24 and it must satisfy the design speed 55 km/hr. Calculate the
minimum safe radius.
(nov.03-mac.04)
Question
It is required to connect two intersecting straights whose
deflection angle is 13º16‘ 00“ by circular curve of radius 600
meter. The through chainage of intersection point is 2745.72 m
and pegs are required on the centre line of the curve at exact 25
meter multiple of trough chainage.

Tabulate the data necessary to set out the curve by tangential

angle method using a theodolite and tape.

1
Example

Tabulate data needed to set out using two tapes a circular

curve of radius 600 m to connect two straight deflection
through an angle of 18º 24‘. The chainage of the
intersection of the tangents is 2140.oo m