Ch-6 b Transition curve

Introduction
• The transition curve is a horizontal curve
of varying radius which is used to
connect straight line to circular curve.
• The radius of curve is varying from
infinite to certain fix value.

• Generally, transition curve is provided at

both ends of the circular curve.
Sometimes it is also provided at end of
compound curve.
Objective/purpose/function
• To gradually introduce the centrifugal force between the tangent
point and the beginning of the circular curve thereby avoiding sudden
jerk on the vehicle.
• To increase the comfort of passengers.
• To introduce designed super elevation at a desirable rate
• To enable the driver to turn the steering gradually for his own comfort
and security
• To introduce designed extra widening at a desirable rate
• To enhance the aesthetic appearance of the road
• To fit the road alignment in a given alignment
Types of transition curve
a) Cubic spiral or clothoid
b) Bernoulli’s Lemniscate
c) Cubic Parabola
Cubic Spiral/Clothoid: ideal curve
It is one type of transition curve which have property in it's
equation such as it follow Cubic rule of curve.
It has following mathematical characteristics:
• It is type of a transition curve in which the perpendicular
offset from tangent is proportional to cube of distance
measured on the curve.
• The perpendicular offset from the straight line or tangent
is inversely proportional to radius of circular curve. l
• In the Cubic spiral curve, The offset is inversely y
proportional to total length of the transition curve.
• If radius of circular curve is R, distance measured along
curve is l, the total length of transition curve is L and the
perpendicular offset from tangent is y then we can write
the equation as below:
y = l³/6RL
IRC recommends spiral as the transition curve because
• It satisfies the ideal transition condition.
• Rate of change of centrifugal acceleration is consistent(smooth)
• The rate of change of radius along the length of the curve is
constant in spiral while in other curves radius decreases as length
increases.
• Radius of the transition curve is at the straight edge and changes
to R at the curve point and calculation, setting out and field
implementation is very easy and simple.
 Bernoulli’s Lemniscate
This is a curve at which radius of the curve is inversely
proportional to the length of the chord.
Therefore, R α (1/Lc)

R
Cubic Parabola

T1
Some important Terms
Radial acceleration(a) : acceleration of rounding object in
circle = V2/R

Centrifugal force (P): outward force acting on body

rounding on circle
p = M x a = MV2/R = WV2/gR
Super elevation (h) : the outer part of road is raised to
balance the centrifugal force , known as super elevation.
Centrifugal ratio
• Ratio of centrifugal force to weight of vehicle

For highway For railway

Length of transition curve
1)Depending on rate of super elevation
𝑛 𝑥ℎ
L= in m
100
where , h = value of super elevation(cm)
1: n = rate of super elevation
2) Using Time rate of super elevation
𝑣 𝑥ℎ
L=
𝑟
r = time rate of super elevation ( 2 to 2.5 cm per sec)
3)Using rate of change of radial acceleration (c)
c = V2/R / time
time = L / V
c= V3/(R x L)
L = V3/(R x C) where c = 0.3 m per sec cube
Elements and Geometry of combined curve
Spiral angle(ϕ): angle subtended at T1, T2 Tangent point of combined curve where t1, t2 are
centre by half length of transition tangent point of original simple circular curve.
curve R radius of simple circular curve introduced between two
𝐿 transition curves.
ϕ=
2𝑅
Shift(S) : shit of combined curve

L/2 L/2
S=
L/2
L/2
Derivation of shift

s
 𝛥
Tangent length = T1I = T2I = ( R + S) tan + L/2
2

π R (Δ −2ϕ)
Combined Curve length = L + +L
180
Chainage of T1 = Chainage of I – Tangent length
Chainage of BC of circular curve = Chainage of T1 + L
π R (Δ −2ϕ)
Chainage of EC of circular curve = Chainage of T1 + L +
180
π R (Δ −2ϕ)
Chainage of T2 = Chainage of T1 + L + +L
180
Setting of Combined curve
A) Linear method
i) setting of transition curve

Ii ) Setting of circular curve: as discussed in simple circular curve

2) Angular method
i) Setting transition curve
tangential deflection angle

Check :
For last point
l = L, α = ϕ / 3
ii) Setting simple circular curve
: Rankine’s tangential deflection angle method
Check:
For last point
(𝛥−2𝜙)
Δn = 2
Derivation:

………….1

……………..2