Examples

CHAPTER III
GEOMETRIC DESIGN OF HIGHWAYS
Tewodros N.
www.tnigatu.wordpress.com
tedynihe@gmail.com
 Example 1
1.Calculate the minimum sight distance required to avoid a
head on collision of two cars approaching from the opposite
directions at 90 and 60 Kmph. Assume a reaction time of
seconds, coefficient of friction of 0.7 and a brake efficiency
of 50 percent, in either case.
2. Calculating the stopping sight distance on a highway at
descending gradient of 2% for a design speed of 80 Kmph.
Assume other data as per IRC recommendation.
 Example 1
1. Compute the minimum radius of a circular curve for a highway designed
for 110 km/h. The maximum super elevation rate is 12%.
2. The design speed of asphalt concrete paved highway designed for
construction is 80kph. During right-of-way reservation period it was
found out that the space available for horizontal curve is only adequate for
provision of maximum 200m radius. Can this speed be safely maintained
on the road? If not, what should be done?
3. Prepare a table giving chords and deflection angles for staking out a 600
m radius circular curve with a total deflection angle of 18°24’. The PI
point is at station 21 +40. Give deflection angles and chords at 20 m
intervals, including full stations.
 Example 2
• A two-lane highway (one 3.6m lane in each direction) goes from
normal crown with2% cross-slopes to 8% superelevation by means
of a spiral transition curve. Determine the minimum length of the
transition if the difference in grade between the centerline and edge
of traveled way is limited to 1/200. Round up to the next largest 20
m interval.
• Draw the superelevation diagram for the transition described in part
a. The station of the TS is 120 + 00.
3.6m C 3.6m

2% 2%
L
 Example 3
• Compute the minimum length of vertical curve that will
provide 220 m stopping sight distance for a design speed of
110 km/h at the intersection of a +3.50% grade and a -2.70%
grade.

• Compute the minimum length of vertical curve that will

provide 220 m stopping sight distance for a design speed of
110 km/h at the intersection of a -3.50% grade and a +2.70%
grade.
 Example 4

A highway reconstruction project is being undertaken to reduce accident rates on

the highway. The reconstruction involves a major re-alignment of the highway
such that a 110kph design speed is attained. At one point on the highway, a 240m
equal tangent crest vertical curve exists. Measurements show that, at 106m from
the VPC, the vertical curve offset is 0.9m. Assess the adequacy of the existing
curve in light of the reconstruction design speed of 110kph and, if the existing
curve is inadequate, compute a satisfactory curve length.
 Example 5
•An existing tunnel needs to be connected to a newly constructed bridge with sag and crest vertical
curves. The profile view of the tunnel and bridge is shown in Fig 2. Develop a vertical alignment to
connect the tunnel and bridge by determining the highest possible common design speed for the sag
and crest vertical curves needed. Compute the stationing and elevations of PVC, PVI, and PVT
curve points.

•Suppose a design speed of only 60 km/h is needed. Determine the lengths of curves required to
connect the bridge and tunnel while keeping the connecting grade as small as possible.

Station 0+310 m, PVTc

Bridge Deck Elv. =42 m

Tunnel Floor Elevation =30 m

Station 0+000, PVCs

Figure 2. Profile View

 Example 6
Given the profile below, determine:
The length of vertical curve needed to make the highest point on the vertical curve
come out exactly over the centerline of the cross road at station 150 + 70.
The vertical clearance between the profile grade on the vertical curve and the
centerline of the cross road

St. 150 + 00
P.V.I. Elv. 48.00
●
● -3.0%
+6.0% ● Elv. 37.50
Crossroad

Figure 1. Profile view

 Example 7

Two roads meet at a point V with a deflection of 80°00’.

Design a combined curve for the following data: design speed
of vehicle = 100km/hr, maximum centrifugal ratio= 1/4;
maximum rate of change of radial acceleration = 0.3m/s3. The
curve consists of a circular curve and two spirals.
Thank You!