ENGINEERING SURVEYING

Engineering Surveying
Highways Geometric
(CEAlignment
Horizontal 443)
Prepared by :
Fall 2017-2018
Eng: Muktar Iibey Omar
Compound curve
Prepared by:

by eng iibeyDr. Aslam Al-Omari

 Chapter 12
Topic No. 4:
Roadways and Their
Geometric Characteristics
Chapter
Horizontal 15
Alignment
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve
• Compound curves
consist of two or more
simple curves in
succession, turning in
the same direction, with
any two successive
curves having a
common tangent point.
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve
• These curves are used mainly to obtain
desirable shapes of the horizontal
alignment, particularly for:
 at-grade intersections,
 ramps of interchanges, and
 highway sections in difficult topographic
areas.
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve
• To avoid abrupt changes in the alignment,
the radii of any two consecutive simple
curves that form a compound curve should
not be widely different.
• AASHTO recommends that the ratio of the
flatter radius to the sharper radius at
intersections should not be greater than 2:1
so drivers can adjust to sudden changes in
curvature and speed.
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve
• The maximum desirable ratio recommended
for interchanges is 1.75:1, although 2:1 may
be used.
• To provide a smooth transition from a flat curve
to a sharp curve, and to facilitate a reasonable
deceleration rate on a series of curves of
decreasing radii, the length of each curve
should observe minimum length requirements,
based on the radius of each curve as
recommended by AASHTO (Table 3.14)
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve
• The 2:1 ratio of the flatter radius should
preferably not be exceeded but is not critical
for the acceleration condition.
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve
• Figure 15.22 shows seven variables: R1, R2,
D1, D2, D, T1, and T2, six of which are
independent, since Δ = Δ1 + Δ2.
• Several solutions can be developed for the
compound curve.
• The vertex triangle method is presented
since this method is frequently used in
highway design.
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve (Vertex Triangle Method)
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve (Vertex Triangle Method)
• In order to lay out the curve, the intersection
angles and chord lengths for both curves
must be determined.
• Usually, Δ1 or Δ2 can be obtained from the
layout plans, and
• Eqs. 15.29 through 15.34 can be used to
solve for Δ1 or Δ2, VG, VH, t1, t2, T1, and T2.
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve (Vertex Triangle Method)
• Example 15.7
Design of a Compound Curve
Figure 15.23 illustrates a compound curve
that is to be set out at a highway intersection.
If the point of compound curve (PCC) is
located at station (565+35), determine the
deflection angles for setting out the curve.
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve (Vertex Triangle Method)
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve (Vertex Triangle Method)
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve (Vertex Triangle Method)
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve (Vertex Triangle Method)
Topic No. 4: Roadways & Their
Geometric Characteristics
2) Compound curve (Vertex Triangle Method)