Contents

Introduction of Horizontal alignment..........................................................................................................1

1. Mechanism of vehicle turning.............................................................................................................1
2. Condition for Application Of Horizontal Curves...................................................................................2
Design horizontal alignment........................................................................................................................3
Type of curve...........................................................................................................................................3
Factor influencing curve design...............................................................................................................3
Curve design............................................................................................................................................5
1. Simple circular curve........................................................................................................................5
2. Compound curve.............................................................................................................................6
3. Broken back curve...........................................................................................................................7
4. Reverse curve..................................................................................................................................8
5. Spiral curve (a.k.a simple curve + transition curve)........................................................................9

Introduction of Horizontal alignment

1. Mechanism of vehicle turning
 The application of horizontal alignment is to prevent skidding and also overturning. The theory
are as describe below

 So basically there are to main equation to satisfied the condition of horizontal alignment
 P/W ≤ b/2h (overturning)
 P/W ≤ m (skidding)
 As however, sometime P/W is more than the fixed parameter above therefore superelevation is
introduce to obtained dynamic equilibrium.
  Take note that the m or f will be denote with value 0.15

2. Condition for Application Of Horizontal Curves

 Sometimes the straight is difficult to obtain due to certain circumstances hence horizontal curve
is introduce
 Natural topography make construction of continuous straight difficult. Implicates
extensive earthworks and steep slopes
 Continuous straight road can be boring and induce driver fatigue. Therefore, the straight
limit sometimes is fixed.
According to LLM the straight not exceed driving distance equivalent ot 2 min at
the design speed
According to Germany standard L=20V
 Glare from headlight of opposing vehicle can be annoying during night time driving
 Difficult to estimate speed of opposing vehicle, hence overtaking can be risky
 Driver tends to drive faster on the straight
2. Chainage calculation

Design horizontal alignment

Type of curve
 Simple
 Most commonly use associated with transition curve
 Circular
 Compound
 Broken back
 Reverse
 Spiral curve

*note that purpose of curve is to join two tangent lines provided with enough safety and
comfort when the road user use it.

Factor influencing curve design

 Design speed
 Safe side friction coefficient,f
 Superelevation rate, e


 Centrifugal ratio
 Radius of circular curve, R
 To balance the centrifugal force via a combination of side friction and superelevation
 Sight distance (can refer REAM 2 chapter 4)


 
 Type and length of transition curve L s
 Pavement widening at corners

Curve design
1. Simple circular curve
Design criteria (radius, design speed, side friction factor, superelevation)
Calculation please refer to self-written note
 Balance the centrifugal force via combination of side friction and super elevation

 Rmin can also be determine from table 4.5 ATJ 8/86 or table 4-7A
 emax = 0.10 (rural), 0.06(urban) because of the design speed in urban might be
lower than rural
 side friction might be influence by
I. vehicle speed
II. type of tyre and condition type of tyre and condition
III. material type and road surface condition
IV. weather condition

However, side friction, f maximum value is 0.15

 *distribution of e and f can be seen from the lecture slide pg 15

 Sight distance
 Horizontal sight line offset (HSO)
Determine from figure 4.6 B (mainly depends on the parameter =>road sight
distance is calculated from figure 4.6A . if there no stated the S>L or S<L then
use general equation as shown in diagram

*derivation of formula visit

http://onlinepubs.trb.org/Onlinepubs/trr/1987/1122/1122-011.pdf

 Extra widening
refer to ATJ 8/86 4.2.7 and table 4.9

2. Compound curve
3. Broken back curve
4. Reverse curve

*the straight is different from the straight mentioned in previous section as this straight is
particularly for reverse back curve
5. Spiral curve (a.k.a simple curve + transition curve)

Design criteria

 Widening curve at corners

 Transition curve

For more information please look ATJ 8/86 FIGURE 4.5

 Calculati
on please refer to self written note
*check ATJ CL 4.2.4 for more details