ROUTE SURVEYING
 A survey that applies the necessary
data such as grades, alignments,
coordinates, station and earthwork
quantities needed for the design of
projects like roads, highways, bridges,
railways, canals, transmission lines,
drainage and other projects that do not
close upon the point of beginning.
1 2
ELEMENTS OF SIMPLE CURVE
 Vertex (P.I. , V) – point of intersection of the tangents
 Radius (R) – radius of the slope curve
 Angle of intersection of the Tangent/ Central Angle of the
Simple Curve (I)
 Tangent Distance (T) – distance from the PC to vertex
 Point of Curvature (PC) – from the vertex to the PT
 Point of Tangency (PT)
 External Distance (E) – distance from midpoint of the
curve connecting PC to PT
3 4
SIMPLE CURVE
 An arc of a circle that joins two
tangents together.
 NO ELEVATION INVOLVED
 Middle ordinate (M) – distance from midpoint of the
curve to midpoint of the chord connecting PC and PT
 Long chord (Lc) – length of chord from the PC to PT
 Length of curve (Lcu) – length of the circular arc
 Degree of curve (D)
 Arc basis
 In highway practice wherein the radius is small
and distance are usually measured along arcs, the
degree of curve is the angle subtended by an arc
equal to 1 full station or 20m.
1
  Degree of curve (D)
 Arc basis
In highway practice wherein the radius is small
and distance are usually measured along arcs,  Chord basis – usually used in railway practice
the degree of curve is the angle subtended by wherein the radius of curvature is relatively
an arc equal to 1 full station or 20m. large and distance are measured along chords.
The degree of curve is the angle subtended by a
20m 100⁰
chord equal to one full station or 20m.

D R D R
20m 100⁰
SI ENGLISH
D R D R

SI ENGLISH

5 6

 Note: in horizontal / circular curves the elevation are assumed to be  CHORD BASIS
equal. 20m/100

 R’ , I’
D/2 D/2

R
 Tangent distance (T)

 Sin D/2 = 10/R > SI

 Sin D/2 = 50/R > ENGLISH

 External Distance (E) Sta PT = Sta PC + Lcu

20/1000

D R
 Long chord

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2
 EXAMPLE 1 EXAMPLE 2

A simple curve connects two tangents w/ bearings
I
N85⁰30’E and S565⁰30’E respectively. If V is @ 4+360.2
and the PC is at 4+288.4. Solve for the ff.
a. R
b. E
R I R c. M
d. Lc
e. Lcu
f. Sta. PT

9 10

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3
 The offset distance of the simple curve from the PT to the tangent line
passing through the PC id 120.2m. If I=50⁰ ; solve the ff. 
a. D b. E c. LC

R = 1145.916/D
D = 3⁰24’

E = R (sec I/2 -1) Lc = 2R sin I/2

= 336.49 (1/cos25 -1) = 2(336.49)(sin25)
= 34.79m = 284.41m

Sin30 = 120.2/T
T = 156.91m
T = Rtan I/2
156.91 = R tan25
R = 336.49m

13 14


METHODS OF LAYING OUT SIMPLE
CURVES IN THE FIELD
1. Circular curve deflection / Deflection angle
2. Effect from the tangent method

 METHOD OF DEFLECTION ANGLES

 The most common method of laying out simple curves in the field
 Typically, the theodolite is set upped at the PC and the deflection triangles are drawn
from the tangent line
GIVEN: I, R & 1 station
Deflection Angle: Arc Length/Lcu x I/2

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 

@ 0+200
subchord = 2(400) sin 0⁰14’01” = 3.262m

@ even stations:
subchord = 2(400) sin 1⁰25’57” = 19.999 ≈ 20m

@ last stations:
subchord = 2(400) sin 0⁰27’42” = 6.446 ≈ 7m

17 18

 Given
Forward Tangent = 92.282⁰50’

COMPOUND CURVES
Back tangent = 92.247⁰50’
Common tangent(AB) = 92.268⁰30’
Length of AB = 76.42m
 Composed of two consecutives simple curves having different radii, Degree of Curvature = 4⁰
with the center lying in the same side of the curve. Station A = 43+010.46
 The simple curves are connected by a common elements. Req’d: a. R₂
b. sta. PC
ELEMENTS: c. sta. PCC
1. V d. sta. PT
2. R, R₂ e. LC
3. PC
4. PT
5. Long Chord (Lc) sin2⁰ = 10/R₁
6. Common Tangent R₁ = 286.54m
sinD/2 = 10/R
7. Lcu sin4⁰/2 = 10/R
8. Point of compound curvature (PCC) R = 286.71
 Point alomg the common tangent line in w/c the two curves

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 Ex. On the road line, 2 tangents intersect at Sta. 10+243 so as to form a
 compound curve with I= 36⁰28’. The curve that starts at the PC (sta.
10+163) is to be a 4⁰ curve (chord basis), with a central angle of 17⁰.

Req’d: a. R₂
b. sta. PCC
C. length of the tangent from PC to PT

T₁ = R₁tan I₁/2
= 286.54tan8⁰30’

T = 42.52m

T₁ + T₂/ sin143⁰32’ = 37.18/sin19⁰28’ = x/sin17⁰

x = 32.62m
T₁ + T₂ = 66.31
66.31 – 42.82 = T₂
T₂ = 23.49m

21 22

Ex. Given:

D₁ = 3⁰30’
D₂ = 4⁰

R₁ = 1145.916/3⁰30’ = 327.40m
R₂ = 1145.916/4⁰ = 286.48m
Sta. A = 1+125.92

Req’d: A. if the compound curve is to be replaced by a simple curve that

shall end at the same pt. , find R.
B. If the compound curve is to be replaced by a simple curve, that shall be
tangent to the three lined, find R.
C. sta. PC (for b)

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 Ex. A turn around pattern which fits the topography is provided in a
highway by connecting and tangents with a compound curve.
AB = 220⁰15’
BC = 264⁰30’ , 303m
CD = 320⁰24’ , 200m
DE = 32⁰58’
The radius of the last curve is 4 times shapper than the 1st curve.
T₁ = R₁tan I₁/2 = 46.98m T₁’ + T₂’ = AB Req’d:
T₂ = R₂tan I₂ /2 = 33.91m = 80.89m a. R₁ R₃ = ¼R₁
b. R₂
R”tan I₁/2 + R’ tan I₂/2 = 58.89 c. R₃
R” = 308.90m
x/sin16⁰20’ = 80.89/sin150⁰10’
x = 45.73m sta. PC” = sta. A - T₁
where T₁’ = R”tan I₁/2
x + T₂ = T T₁’ = 44.33
T = 79.64m
79.64 = R’tan I/2 sta. PC” = 1125.92 – 44.33
R’ = 298.96m = 1+081.59

25 26

I₁ = 44⁰15’ T₂ + T₃ = 200m
I₂ = 53⁰54’ T₁ + T₂ = 303m

REVERSED CURVE
I₃ = 12⁰34’

R₂ tan I₂/2 + R₃ tan I₃/2 = 200m - (1) substitute to solve R₂

R₁ tan I₁/2 + R₂ tan I₂/2 = 303m - (2)
 Compound of two consecutive simple
R₁ = 461.8m curves connected by a common
R₂ = ¼ R₁ = 115.45m
R₃ = 217.20
tangent, but whose center on the
opposite side of the curve
 Point of reversed curvature (PRC) point
along the common tangent through
which the two curved meet.

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 Types: 4. Reversed curve with
1. Reversed curve parallel tangents and equal radii;

2. Reversed curve w/ parallel tangents and unequal radii, Ex. In a railroad layout, the centerline of the two tracks are connected with
a reversed curve with // tangents L unequal radii. The distance between
the tracks is 27.60m. Sta. of PC is 15+420. if R₂=290m and F=16⁰. Solve
for the ff.
a. R₂
b. LC
c. Sta. PT
3. Reversed curve with changing tangents

29 30

 Two // tangents 10m apart are connected by a reversed curve. The chord
length from the PC to the PT is 120m.
req’d:
a. R (common radius)
b. Length of the common tangent
c. Sta. PRC if the vertex is at 3+420
120m = LC + LC
120m = 2LC
120m = 2(2RsinI/2)
Sta. PRC
120m = 4R sin I/2
30 = R sin I/2

Sin I/2 = 10/120 30 = RsinI/2

I/2 = 4.78 30 = Rsin (4.78)
I = 9.56 R = 360.0m
v₁v₂=2T
= 2Rtan I/2
sinI = 10/2T
2T = 10/sin9.56 ; 2T=60.21m

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 


33 34

Sta. PRC = 10432.25 – 50.32 + 99.64

Sta. PRC = 10+481.56 

Sta. PT = sta. PRC + Lcu₂

= 10481.56 + 179.41
Sta. PT = 10+660.97

Two tangents converged at an angle of 30⁰, the direction of the tangent

line passing through the PT is due to East, and the common tangent has
been on bearing of S40⁰E. If the distance from the PC to the projection of
the tangent, line passing through PT is 116.50m solve the ff.
a. I₁
b. Common radius
c. Sta. PRC if the PC is @ 10+620

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 Guiding principles for symmetrical curves
1. Any given grades/slope (in %) is the rate at which the vertical distance
changes with respect to the horizontal distance.

VERTICAL CURVES (PARABOLIC CURVES)

 Are curves used to connect two intersecting grade
 Used to prevent abrupt changes in the vertical direction of moving
vehicle. 2. The vertical offset from the curve to the tangents is proportional to the
Types: 1. symmetrical parabolic curve square of the horizontal distance from the point of tangency.
2. unsymmetrical parabolic curve Y₁/x₁² = H/(L/2)² ; Y²/x₂² = H/(L/2)²

Symmetrical parabolic curve 3. The curve bisects the distance from the vertex to the midpoint of the
chord connecting PC and PT.
a vertical curve through which the horizontal distance from the PC
to the vertex is equal to the horizontal distance from the vertex to the PT. BD/ L/2 = EF/L
4. Algebraic Difference of grade
+ - summit
- - sag
5. The number of stations to the left of the vertex is equal to the number
of stations to the right.

37 38

Ex. A parabolic curve has a descending grade of -0.8% and a descending

6. The degree of the curve varies uniformly along the curve grade of +0.4% intersecting at sta. 10+020. The elevation of the vertex is
Y=kx² r = g₂ - g₁/L 240.6m and the maximum allowable rate of change of grade per 20m
dy/dx = 2kx station is 0.15.
d²y/dx² = 2k = r r = g₂ - g₁/n Req’d:
a. L
7. The vertical offset (H) is 1/8 the length curve multiplied by the b. Elevation of the lowest pt. of the curvature
difference of grades. c. Elevation of the curve @ sta. 10+000
H = L/8 (g₁ - g₂) s₂ = g₂L/g₂ - g₁
H = ¼ (g₁ - g₂)(L/2) = 0.004(160)/0.004 – 0.008
h. For the location of the highest/lowest point along the curve = 53.33m from PT
a. From the PC S₁ = g₁L/g₁ - g₂
S₁ = g₁L/ g₁ - g₂ r= 0.15 = 0.4 – (-0.08)/n = -0.008(160)/-0.008 – 0.004
N = 8 station = 106.67m from PC
b. From the PT L = n(20) a = 26.67(0.004)= 0.11
S₂ = g₂L/g2 – g1 L = 160m
SPP
Elev of Lowest point: H/(L/2)² = Y/x²
=elev. V + a + y 0.24/(80)² = y/(53.33)²
=240.6 + 0.11 + 0.11 y=0.11
=240.82m

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10
 Elev. B = elev. V + a₁ + y₁ H= L/8 (g₁-g₂) SPP
a₁=20(0.008) y₁=0.135 = L/8 (0.04-0.02) y/x² = H/(L/2)²
a₁=0.16 =0.075L 0.375/(30)² = 0.0075L /(L/2)²
L=200m
Elev. B=240.6 + 0.16 + 0.135
Elev. B=240.895m S₂= g₂L/ g₂-g₁ S₁= g₁L/g₁-g₂
S₂= 0.02(200)/0.06 S₁= 0.04(200)/0.06
A vertical summit parabolic curve has a vertical offset of 0.375m from the S₂= 66.67m from PT S₁= 133.33m from PC
curve to the grade tangent at 10+050. The curve has a grade of +4%
intersecting a -2% grade. Elev. H.P. = elev. PT + a – y elev. H.P. = 86.42 + 1.33 – 0.67
Sta. PC 10+000. @ a=66.67(0.02) elev. H.P. = 87.08m
Req’d: a. L @y
b. Horizontal distance from the PI to the vertical curve turning point SPP
c. elevation of the vertical curve turning point if the PT has an elevation of y/x² = H/(L/2)²
56.42m
y/66.67 = 1.5/100²
y = 0.67

41 42

3. Similar triangle:
(g₁-g₂)L₂/L₁+L₂ = 2H/L₁ or H= (g₁-g₂)L₁L₂/2(L₁+L₂)
4. Location of the highest/lowest point along the curve
UNSYMMETRICAL PARABOLIC CURVE a. When, g₁L₁/2 <H from the PC
S₁=g₁L₁²/2H
 Composed of one symmetrical curve from the PC to the vertex and
another symmetrical curve from vertex to the PT. b. When, g₁L₁/2 >H from the PT
 The two vertex are joined together by a common tangent S₂=g₂L₂²/2H

Ex. Given,
g₁=+5% L₂=60m
g₂=-3% sta. PC=6+720
L₁= 40m elev. PC=110m
An outcrop is found at 6+740 and the elevation of the top of the outcrop
1. From symmetrical curve is 108.4m.
h₁=H/4 and h₂=H/4
2. Squared property of a parabola
y₁/x₁² = H/L₁² ; y₂/x₂² = H/L₂²

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 Given;
sta. V=12+200 L₂=120m
elev. V= 30m g₁= +7%
L₁= 160m g₂= -4%

a. H= (g₁-g₂)L₁L₂/2(L₁+L₂) elev. 108.4= elev. PC+20(0.05)-y+h The curve is to provide a vertical clearance of 4.42m. Above the right curb
= (0.08)(40)(60)/2(40+60) 108.4=100+1-0.24-h of a underpass which is at 12+260.
H= 0.96 h= 2.36m Req’d: a. elev. Of the curb
SPP b. If the elev of the curb is 22.6385m and the clearance is maintained,
y₁/x₁² = H/40² solve for the length of the curve in the right side of the vertex
y = 0.24m c. sta. A elevation of the h.p. (for b)
b. Elev PT?
PT=elev PC+40(0.05)-60(0.03)
PT=110+2.0-1.8
Elev PT=110.2m SPP
c. g₁L₁/2 = 0.05(40)/2 = 1>H y₁/x₁² = H/L₁²
From the PT y₁/56.25² = 0.p96/60²
S₂=50.25 from the PT y₁ = 0.844m
elev. h₁p₁=110.2+1.69-0.844
= 111.046m

45 46

a. Elevation of A = elev. V – 60(0.14) – y – 4.42 A symmetrical curve 200m long with a back tangent of -5% intersects a
+3% at 10+100, elevation 100m. It was discovered that the grade
SPP intersection to avoid excavation, the engineer decided to adjust the curve,
cleaning the outcrop and without altering the position of the PC and the
H/L² = y/60² = 3.77/102² = y/60² = y-0.94 grades of the tangents.
H=(0.11)(120)(160)/2(280) = 3.77 Req’d:
a. New length of curve
Elev. A= 30-60(0.04)-0.94-4.42 = 22.24 b. Sta. A elev of the new PT
c. Elev of the h.p of the new curve
b. 22.6385=30-60(0.04)-y₁-4.42
y₁=0.54m
H/L₂’ = y₁/(L₂’-60) but H’=(g₁-g₂)L₁L₂’/2(L₁+L₂’)
L₂’=100m H’=(0.11)(160)(L₂’)/2(160+L₂’)
H’=3.38
c. g₁L₁/2 = 160(0.07)/2 = 5.6m > H
sta. hp = 12+240.83
⸫S₂=g₂L₂’²/2H’ elev. h.p. = 30-40.83(0.04)-1.18
= 0.04(100)²/2(3.38) ⸫ elev. h.p. = 27.19m
S₂=59.17m from PT spp
y₂/59.17² = H’/100²
y₂=1.18m

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 a. H=L/8(g₁-g₂) H’=2.67m
=200/8(0.03-(-0.05))
= 2m H’= (g₁-g₂)(L₁)(L₂)/2((L₁)+(L₂))
2.67=(0.08)(100)(L₂)/2(100+L₂) SPIRAL CURVE/CLOTHOID
L₂=200m
b. Sta. PT’ = 10+300  Used to overcome the abrupt change in the curvature and super
el. PT’=elev V-200(0.03) elevation that occurs between a tangent and a circular curve
el. PT’=100+6.0  The spiral curve gradually changes the curvature and super elevation of
el. PT’=106.0m the road.
c. g₁L₁/2H = 0.05(100)/2=2.5 < 2.67  Also called Transition Curves
SPP
⸫S₁=g₁L₁²/2H’ y/93.63² = H’/100²
S₁=0.05(100)²/2(2.67) y=2.34m
S₁=93.63 from PC
elev. H.p. = elev.V + 6.37(0.05) +y
ele. hp= 102.66m

49 50

 Distance along the tangent (y)

y=L=L⁵/40Rc²Lc² > L - L⁵/40Rc²Lc²
@S.C.
y=yc , L=Lc
yc=Lc - Lc³/40Rc²

Ex. A spiral easement curve having a length of spiral of 80m. The angle of
intersection of the tangents is 42⁰ and the degree of the central curve is
60⁰.
Req’d: a. L.T
b. ST
c. Es
d. P
e. Velocity that a car could pass through the curve w/o skidding

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  LT= Yc –a
Yc = Lc - Lc³/40Rc²
= 80-80³/40(19.099)²
Yc=79.65m

@ L=10m , y=?
Y= L-L⁵/40Rc²Lc²
= 10-10⁵/40(190.99)²(80)²
Y=9.99m ≈ 10m

A simple curve having a radius of 280m connects two tangents having an

angle of intersection of 50⁰. A is to be replaced by another curve having
80m spirals at its ends such as the point of tangency remains the same.
Req’d:
a. Radius of the new simple curve
b. Central angle of the new curve
c. Deflection angle at the end of spiral
d. Es
e. Xc
f. Yc

53 54

EARTHWORKS
Volume of earthworks
1. Average end area method (applicable for 3 level section)
Ve=L(A₁+A₂)/2
1. Prismodal formula
V=L/6(A₁+4Am+A₂) where: Am= area @ the middle
1. End area with prismodal correction
A=Ve-Vcp where: Ve=vol. by average end area
Vcp=prismodal correction
Vcp=L/12(C₁-C₂)(D₁-D₂)

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14
 Given the fof x-section for a proposed highway project. Assume both
sections to have the same side slope and width of base

Sta. 10+100
left center right

6.45 0 4.5
+2.3 +1.5 +1.0

Sta. 10+200

6.0 6 6.9
+2.0 x +2.6

Req’d: 2.35+B/2 = 6.45

a. Side slope for both sections S + B/2 = 4.5
b. Value of x if the x-sectional end area S = 1.5
c. Volume between the two

57 58

Side slope: 1.5:1 In a certain portion of a road, the ff.

A₂=14.64 , x=? 1+040

14.64=1/2(x)(6) + ½(3)(2)+1/2(3)(2.6)+1/2(x)(6.9) x 0 x
X=1.2m = C₂ -1.84 -1.22 -0.42

A₁=1/2(1.5)(6.45)+1/2(3)(2.7)+1/2(3)(1)+1/2(1.5)(4.5) 1+100
A₁=13.1625m² x 0 y
+0.98 +3.05 +0.50
Ve=1/2(A₁+A₂) = 100/2(13.1625+14.64)
Ve=1390.125m² Base for cut = 9m , side slope=1:1
Base for fill = 8m , side slope=1.5:1
Vcp=L/12(C₁-C₂)(D₁-D₂) = 100/2(1.5-1.2)(10.95-12.9)
Vcp=-4.875m³ Req’d:
a. Area @ 1+040
⸫Vt=Ve – Vcp b. Are @ 1+100
Vt=1395m³ c. Difference in volume between cut and fill using EAM.

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15
 Vfill= L/2(A₁+A₂) Vcut= L/2(A₁+A₂)
A₁=1/2(4)(1.64)+1/2(1.22)(6.76)+1/2(1.22)(4.63)+1/2(4)(0.42) = 17.14/2(11.47+0) = 42.86/2(0+19.31)
A₁=11.0679m² Vf= 98.30m³ Vc= 413.81m³
A²=1/2(3.05)(5.48)+1/2(4.5)(0.98)+1/2(3.05)(5)+1/2(4.5)(0.5)
A²=19.31m² ⸫▲V=Vc - Vf
▲V=315.51m³ > waste

61 62

Consider the ff. x-sectional notes for a highway construction project base A₁= ½(4)(4.5)+1/2(4+2)(4.5)+1/2(2+1.5)(4.5)+1/2(1.5)(1.5)
width 9.0m A₁= 31.50m²
side slope = 1.5:1

Sta. 1+020
9.0 4.5 4.5 6.0
+2.0
+2.0 +4.0 +1.5 +1.0
Sta. 11+0.40
7.5 4.5 4.5 9.0
+2.0
+02.0 +5.0 +2.0 +3.0 A₂=1/2(5)(3)+1/2(5+4)(4.5)+1/2(4+2)(4.5)+1/2(2.0)(4.5)
Req’d A₂= 45.75m²
a. Area @ 1+020
b. Area @ 1+040 Ve=20/2(31.50+45.75)
c. Volume between the stations Ve= 772.5m³

LEH = Cb/Ch (C) + FHD

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16
 LEH = 450m
Consider the ff. data for a proposed highway project

station End area m²

cut fill Profile diagram

1+460 0 40
1+760 0
2+060 60
FHD=50m
₱ borrow = ₱400/m³
₱ of excav. = ₱3.50/m³
₱ of haul = ₱0.20/m station
Loh = Xl + Xr 60/300 = a/x 40/300 = b/50-x
c/m = 60/300
Req’d: a. station of the limits of the free hand
C=60/300m (1) a=60/300x b=40(50-x)/300
b. Stationing of the limits of economical haul
½ ax = ½ b (50-x)
c. Overhaul volume
600/300 (x)(x) = 40(50-x)(50-x)/300
d. Length of overhaul
e. Cost of haul
f. Cost of waste
g. Cost of borrow

65 66

½(3.67+d+3.67)(400-m) = ½(4.49+c+439)(m)
m= 179.81m x=22.47
400-m = 220.19m a=4.49m²
c=55.96m² b=3.67m²
d=29.36m²

Stationing of the imits of LEH’

1732.47-220.19= 1+512.28
1782.47+179.81= 1+962.28

Stationing of the limit of free haul = FHD=50m

1760-27.53 = 1+732.42
1760+22.47 = 1+712.47

67

17