FUNDAMENTALS

OF SURVEYING
COMPOUND CURVE
REVERSE CURVE

[CESURVE] HORIZONTAL CURVES PRC 2020

 HORIZONTAL CURVE

A curve parallel to earth’s surface…

[CESURVE] HORIZONTAL CURVES PRC 2020 2

 SIMPLE CURVE

Circular
arc 
The simple curve is
an arc of a circle. The
radius of the circle
determines the
sharpness or flatness
of the curve. 
R

Straight road
sections
[CESURVE] HORIZONTAL CURVES PRC 2020 3
 COMPOUND CURVE

Circular arcs
R1

R2
Straight road
sections

This curve normally consists of two

simple curves joined together and
curving in the same direction.

[CESURVE] HORIZONTAL CURVES PRC 2020 4

 REVERSE CURVE

Circular arcs

Straight road
sections
A reverse curve consists of two simple
curves joined together, but curving in
opposite direction.

[CESURVE] HORIZONTAL CURVES PRC 2020 5

 COMPOUND CURVE
Curve that is made
PI or V
up of a series of I
simple curves
curving in the same
direction C t1
PCC t2
t1 e1
T
Elements: Curv Cu

t2
rv e
PCC – point of PC 2

PT
compound curve
CT – common tangent
CT = t1 + t2 R2

R1

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 6

 COMPOUND CURVE
Case 1: If CT is not parallel to LC:
V
I = I 1 + I2

I. Triangle PC-V-PT
V1 I1
PCC I2
t1 V2 V

t2
PC C1 C
2

PT
LC 180o - I

R2
R1

I1 /2+ α
PC I2 /2
+β
LC
PT

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 7

 COMPOUND CURVE
Case 1: If CT is not parallel to LC:
V
I = I 1 + I2

II. Triangle V1-V-V2

V1 I1
PCC I2
t1 V2 V

t2
PC C1 C
2

180o - I

PT
LC

R2
R1

I1 I2
V1
CT = t1 +t2 V2

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 8

 COMPOUND CURVE
Case 1: If CT is not parallel to LC:
V
I = I 1 + I2

III. Triangle PC-PCC-PT

V1 I1
PCC I2
t1 V2 PCC

t2
PC C1 C
2

PT
LC 180o – I/2

C2
1
C
R2
R1

α β
PC
LC PT

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 9

 COMPOUND CURVE
Case 2: If CT is parallel to LC:
V
I = I 1 + I2

I. Triangle PC-V-PT
V1 I1
PCC I2
t1 V2 V

t2
PC C1 C
2

PT
LC 180o - I

R2
R1

PC I1
I2
LC
PT

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 10

 COMPOUND CURVE
Case 2: If CT is parallel to LC:
V
I = I 1 + I2

II. Triangle V1-V-V2

V1 I1
PCC I2
t1 V2 V

t2
PC C1 C
2

180o - I

PT
LC

R2
R1

I1 I2
V1
CT = t1 +t2 V2

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 11

 COMPOUND CURVE
Case 2: If CT is parallel to LC:
V
I = I 1 + I2

III. Triangle PC-PCC-PT

V1 I1
PCC I2
t1 V2
PCC

t2
PC C1 C
2

PT
LC
180o – I/2

C2
1
C
R2
R1

I1/2 I2 /2
PC
LC PT

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 12

 EXAMPLE 3

The total length of a compound curve is 340m. The

second curve has a radius of 290m and a central
angle of 30◦. Compute the central angle of the other
curve if the radius is equal to 200m.

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 13

 EXAMPLE 3
The total length of a compound curve is 340m. The second curve has a radius of 290m and a central
angle of 30o. Compute the central angle of the other curve if the radius is equal to 200m.

PT

340 PCC
290

200 290

?
30°

200
PC
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 14
 EXAMPLE 3
The total length of a compound curve is 340m. The second curve has a radius of 290m and a central
angle of 30o. Compute the central angle of the other curve if the radius is equal to 200m.

The total length of a compound curve is equal to the sum of the PT

lengths of the individual curves.

Lc1 + Lc2 = 340

340 PCC
290
Lc1 = 340 – Lc2
200 290
Lc2 = R2I2 (π/180°) = 290 * 30° * (π/180°) = 151.844
?
30°
Lc1 = 340 – 151.844 = 188.156
200
PC
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 15
 EXAMPLE 3
The total length of a compound curve is 340m. The second curve has a radius of 290m and a central
angle of 30o. Compute the central angle of the other curve if the radius is equal to 200m.

PT

Lc1 = R1I1 (π/180°)

340 PCC

I1 = Lc1 / [R1 (π/180°) 290

200 290
I1 = 188.156 / [200 (π/180°)] = 53°54’10”
?
30°

200
PC
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 16
 EXAMPLE 4

The long chord of a compound curve is 140m and

the angles it makes with the tangents are 16o and
20o, respectively. Find the radii of the compound
curve if the common tangent is parallel to the long
chord.

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 17

 EXAMPLE 4
The long chord of a compound curve is 140m and the angles it makes with the tangents are 16 o and 20o,
respectively. Find the radii of the compound curve if the common tangent is parallel to the long chord.

V1 16° PCC 20° V2

PC PT

140 m

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 18

 EXAMPLE 4
The long chord of a compound curve is 140m and the angles it makes with the tangents are 16 o and 20o,
respectively. Find the radii of the compound curve if the common tangent is parallel to the long chord.

If V1-V2 is parallel to PC-PT,

V-V1-V2 = V-PC-PT and V-V2-V1 = V-PT-PC

V

V1 16° PCC 20° V2

PC 16° 20° PT

140 m

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 19

 EXAMPLE 4
The long chord of a compound curve is 140m and the angles it makes with the tangents are 16 o and 20o,
respectively. Find the radii of the compound curve if the common tangent is parallel to the long chord.

Using LC1, the deflection angle from PC to PCC can be computed to be half of the subtended angle from
PC to PCC

d = 16° / 2 = 8°
V

V1 16° PCC 20° V2

8°
PC 16° 20° PT

140 m

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 20

 EXAMPLE 4
The long chord of a compound curve is 140m and the angles it makes with the tangents are 16 o and 20o,
respectively. Find the radii of the compound curve if the common tangent is parallel to the long chord.

Using V1-PC-PCC, PCC-PC-PT can be computed

PCC-PC-PT = V-PC-PT - V1-PC-PCC

PCC-PC-PT = 16° - 8° = 8° V

V1 16° PCC 20° V2

8°
PC 16° 8° 20° PT

140 m

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 21

 EXAMPLE 4
The long chord of a compound curve is 140m and the angles it makes with the tangents are 16 o and 20o,
respectively. Find the radii of the compound curve if the common tangent is parallel to the long chord.

Doing the same for the other side, using LC2, the deflection angle from PT to PCC can be computed to be half
of the subtended angle from PT to PCC
d = 20° / 2 = 10°
and using V2-PT-PCC, PCC-PT-PC can be computed
PCC-PT-PC = V-PT-PC - V2-PT-PCC V
PCC-PT-PC = 20° - 10° = 10°

V1 16° PCC 20° V2

8° 10°
PC 16° 8° 10° 20° PT

140 m

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 22

 EXAMPLE 4
The long chord of a compound curve is 140m and the angles it makes with the tangents are 16 o and 20o,
respectively. Find the radii of the compound curve if the common tangent is parallel to the long chord.

Using ∆PC-PCC-PT, PC-PCC-PT can be computed using PCC-PC-PT and PCC-PT-PC

PC-PCC-PT = 180° - 8° - 10° = 162°

V

V1 16° PCC 20° V2

8° 10°
162° PT
PC 16° 8° 10° 20°

140 m

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 23

 EXAMPLE 4
The long chord of a compound curve is 140m and the angles it makes with the tangents are 16 o and 20o,
respectively. Find the radii of the compound curve if the common tangent is parallel to the long chord.

Using sin law in ∆PC-PCC-PT, LC1 and LC2 can be computed

V1 16° PCC 20° V2

8° 10°
162° PT
PC 16° 8° 10° 20°

140 m

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 24

 EXAMPLE 4
The long chord of a compound curve is 140m and the angles it makes with the tangents are 16 o and 20o,
respectively. Find the radii of the compound curve if the common tangent is parallel to the long chord.

Using length of longchords LC1 and LC2, the radii of the compound curve can be computed

V1 16° PCC 20° V2

8° 10°
78.671 162° 63.052 10° PT
PC 16° 8° 20°

140 m

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 25

 EXAMPLE 5

The compound curve has R1 = 390.32m, R2 =

174.26m and has central angles of 12o and 18o,
respectively. Determine the long chord if it is
parallel to the common tangent.

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 26

 EXAMPLE 5
The compound curve has R1 = 390.32m, R2 = 174.26m and has central angles of 12 o and 18o,
respectively. Determine the long chord if it is parallel to the common tangent.

V1 12° PCC 18° V2

PC PT
390.32 390.32 174.26 174.26
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 27
 EXAMPLE 5
The compound curve has R1 = 390.32m, R2 = 174.26m and has central angles of 12 o and 18o,
respectively. Determine the long chord if it is parallel to the common tangent.

If V1-V2 is parallel to PC-PT,

V-V1-V2 = V-PC-PT and V-V2-V1 = V-PT-PC

V1 12° PCC 18° V2

PC 12° 18° PT
390.32 390.32 174.26 174.26
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 28
 EXAMPLE 5
The compound curve has R1 = 390.32m, R2 = 174.26m and has central angles of 12 o and 18o,
respectively. Determine the long chord if it is parallel to the common tangent.

Using LC1 and LC2, the deflection angles from PC and PT to PCC can be computed to be half of the
subtended angles from PC and PT to PCC
d = 12° / 2 = 6° and d = 18° / 2 = 9°
and using V1-PC-PCC and V2-PT-PCC, PCC-PC-PT and PCC-PT-PC can be computed
PCC-PC-PT = V-PC-PT - V1-PC-PCC and PCC-PT-PC = V-PT-PC - V2-PT-PCC
PCC-PC-PT = 12° - 6° = 6° and PCC-PT-PC = 18° - 9° = 9°
V

V1 12° PCC 18° V2

6° 9°
PC 12° 6° 9° 18° PT
390.32 390.32 174.26 174.26
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 29
 EXAMPLE 5
The compound curve has R1 = 390.32m, R2 = 174.26m and has central angles of 12 o and 18o,
respectively. Determine the long chord if it is parallel to the common tangent.

Using R1, I1, R2, and I2, lengths of LC1 and LC2 can be computed

V1 12° PCC 18° V2

6° 9°
PC 12° 6° 9° 18° PT
390.32 390.32 174.26 174.26
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 30
 EXAMPLE 5
The compound curve has R1 = 390.32m, R2 = 174.26m and has central angles of 12 o and 18o,
respectively. Determine the long chord if it is parallel to the common tangent.

Using ∆PC-PCC-PT, PC-PCC-PT can be computed

PC-PCC-PT = 180° - 6° - 9° = 165°

Using sin law,

V1 12° PCC 18° V2

6° 9°
165°
PC 12° 6° 81.599 54.521 9° 18° PT
390.32 390.32 174.26 174.26
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 31
 EXAMPLE 6

A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to

the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long
with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 +
432.25, determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also
determine the long chord and the angles it makes
with the tangents.

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 32

 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
V

V2
PT
PCC 250
208.85

V1
480

PC
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 33
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
V
68°35′05"
V2
PT
Using the arc lengths and radii, I 1 and I2 can be computed PCC 250
208.85
S = RI (π/180°) 68°35′05"
36°0′18"
V1
and 480
and

PC 36°0’18"
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 34
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
V
Using right ∆PC-V1-O1 and right ∆PT-V2-O2, tangents PC-V1 and
68°35′05"
V2 142.428
V2-PT can be computed PT
PCC 250
T = R tan (I/2) 208.85
68°35′05"
and 36°0′18"
V1 O2
480
and
248.224

and O1
PC 36°0′18"
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 35
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
V
Common tangent, can be computed by adding T 1 and T2
75°24’37” 68°35′05"
V2 142.428
PT
CT = t1 + t2
PCC 250
208.85
CT = 248.231 + 142.430 = 390.661 390.661
68°35′05"
36°0′18"
V1 O2
Using ∆V1-V-V2, V1-V-V2 can be computed
480

V1-V-V2 = 180° - V-V2-V1 - V-V1-V2 248.224

36°0′18" O1
V1-V-V2 = 180° - 68°35’05” - 36°0’18” = 75°24’37” PC
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 36
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
V 237.304
75°24’37” 68°35’05”
V2 142.428
Using sin law in ∆V1-V-V2, sides V1-V and V-V2 can be PT
computed 375.807 PCC 250
208.85
390.661
68°35’05”
36°0’18”
V1 O2
V1-V 480

248.224
V-V2

36°0’18” O1
PC
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 37
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
10 + 432.25 V 237.304
75°24’37” 68°35’05”
V2 142.428
PT
Using Sta. PI or V, Sta. of PC can be computed by subtracting 375.807 PCC 250
lengths PC-V1 and V1-V 208.85
390.661
68°35’05”
Sta. PC = Sta. V – V-V1 – V1-PC 36°0’18”
V1 O2
480
Sta. PC = 10 + 432.25 – 375.807 – 248.224 = 9 + 808.219
248.224

36°0’18” O1
9 + 808.219 PC
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 38
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
10 + 432.25 V 237.304
75°24’37” 68°35’05”
V2 142.428
10 + 288.21 PT
375.807 PCC 250
From Sta. PC, Sta. PCC can be computed by adding Lc 1
208.85
390.661
68°35’05”
Sta. PCC = Sta. PC + Lc1 36°0’18”
V1 O2
480
Sta. PCC = 9 + 808.21 + 480 = 10 + 288.219
248.224

36°0’18” O1
9 + 808.219 PC
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 39
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
10 + 432.25 V 237.304
75°24’37” 68°35’05”
V2 142.428
10 + 288.21 PT 10 + 538.219
375.807 PCC 250
From Sta. PCC, Sta. PT can be computed by adding Lc 2
208.85
390.661
68°35’05”
Sta. PT = Sta. PCC + Lc2 36°0’18”
V1 O2
480
Sta. PT = 10 + 288.21 + 250 = 10 + 538.219
248.224

36°0’18” O1
9 + 808.219 PC
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 40
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
10 + 432.25 V
237.304
Length of the longchord can be computed using ∆PC-PCC-PT with sides 68°35’05”
75°24’37”
PC-PCC and PCC-PT as longchords LC1 and LC2, respectively V2 142.428 10 +
10 + 288.21 235.340 PT 538.219
375.807 PCC 250
LC = 2R sin (I/2)
208.85
472.142 390.661
68°35’05”
and 36°0’18”
V1 O2
480
and
248.224
and
36°0’18” O1
9 + 808.219 PC
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 41
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
10 + 432.25 V 237.304
Recall:
75°24’37” 68°35’05”
V2 142.428
10 + 288.21 235.340 PT 10 + 538.219
375.807 PCC 250
127.705°208.85
472.142 390.661
68°35’05”
36°0’18”
PC-PCC-PT = 180° - I/2 V1 O2
480

PC-PCC-PT = 180° - (I1 + I2) / 2 = 180° - ( + ) /2 248.224

36°0’18” O1
PC-PCC-PT = 127°42’19” 9 + 808.219 PC
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 42
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
10 + 432.25 V 237.304
75°24’37” 68°35’05”
V2 142.428
Using cos law on ∆PC-PCC-PT, the length of the longchord can 10 + 288.21 235.340 PT 10 + 538.219
be computed 375.807 PCC 250
127.705°208.85
LC2 = LC12 + LC22 – 2(LC1)(LC2)cosθ 472.142 390.661
68°35’05”
36°0’18”
V1 O2
LC2 = 472.1422 + 235.3402 – 2(472.142)(235.340)cos(127°42’19”) 480 643.597

248.224
LC = 643.597

36°0’18” O1
9 + 808.219 PC
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 43
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
10 + 432.25 V 237.304
Using sin law on ∆PC-PCC-PT, side angles α and β can be computed
75°24’37” 68°35’05”
V2 142.428
10 + 288.21 235.340 PT 10 + 538.219
375.807 PCC 250 35°28′43"
and 127.705°208.85
472.142 390.661
68°35’05”
and
36°0’18”
V1 O2
480 643.597
and 248.224
16°48’58”
48’58” and 36°0’18” O1
9 + 808.219 PC
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 44
 EXAMPLE 6
A compound curve is laid out 480m from the PC to the PCC having a radius of 763.84m, then from the
PCC another curve is laid out to the PT 250m long with a radius of 208.85m. If PI is at STA 10 + 432.25,
determine the STA PC, PCC and PT. Also determine the long chord and the angles it makes with the
tangents.
10 + 432.25 V 237.304
Recall: 75.41° 68°35’05”
V2 142.428
10 + 288.21 235.340 PT 10 + 538.219
375.807 PCC 250 35°28′43"
127.705°208.85
472.142 390.661
68°35’05”
36°0’18”
V1 O2
480 643.597
Α = I1/2 + α and Β = I2/2 + β 248.224
A = (36°0’18”/2) + 16°48’58” and B = (68°35’05”/2) +
16°48’58”
A = 34°49’07” and B = 69°46’16” 36°0’18” O1
9 + 808.219 PC
763.84
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 45
 REVERSE CURVE
Series of simple curves in opposite direction
C

R
R
PRC

T
Elements of Reverse Curve:

PRC – point of reverse curve

CT – common tangent

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 46

 REVERSE CURVE
▣ Equal/Unequal radii Equal/Unequal radii
T1 ≠ T 2
Type 1: Parallel tangents Type 2: Converging tangents

T1

θ
CT

CT T2

θ – angle of convergence = I
I = I 2 - I1
Ct = t1+ t2
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 47
 REVERSE CURVE

PARALLEL TANGENTS I1

a
P= a + b P

a = R1 (1 - cos I1) b

b = R2 (1 - cos I2) I2

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 48

 EXAMPLE 7

The perpendicular distance between parallel tangents is 10m,

central angle is 8o and the radius of the first curve is 180m. Find
the radius of the second curve.

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 49

 EXAMPLE 7
The perpendicular distance between parallel tangents is 10m, central angle is 8 o and the radius of the first curve is 180m.
Find the radius of the second curve.
P=a+b
a = R1 (1 - cos I1)
a = 180 (1 – cos (8°)) = 1.752 m 8°
b=P–a
a
b = 10 – 1.752 = 8.248 m
P = 10 m

b = R2 (1 - cos I2) b

R2 = b / (1 – cos I2) 180 m

8°

R2 = 8.248 / (1 – cos (8°)) = 847.519 m

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 50

 EXAMPLE 8

Given a broken line AB=60m, BC=92m and CD=92m arranged as

shown. A reverse curve is to connect these three lines, thus,
forming the centerline of a new (curve) road. Find:
1.) the length of the common radius;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) the STA of PRC and PT if the STA PC is at 10 + 000.
4.) What is the total area included in the right of way in this section
of the road (A to D) if the width of the road is 15m?
C
64o
92m

92m
A B 22 o D

60m

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 EXAMPLE 8
Given a broken line AB=60m, BC=92m and CD=92m arranged as shown. A reverse curve is to connect these three
lines, thus, forming the centerline of a new (curve) road. Find:
1.) the length of the common radius;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) the STA of PRC and PT if the STA PC is at 10 + 000.
4.) What is the total area included in the right of way in this section of the road (A to D) if the width of the road is 15m?
CT = t1 + t2 = 92

64°
t1 = R1 tan (I1/2) and t2 = R2 tan (I2/2)
112.298

t1 = 21.829 t2 = 70.172 112.298

70.172
CT = R1 tan (I1/2) + R2 tan (I2/2) PRC
But R1 = R2 = R A PC 22°
21.829 PT
R = CT / [tan (I1/2) + tan (I2/2)] 112.298

R = 92 / [tan (11°) + tan (32°)] = 112.298 112.298 D

D
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 EXAMPLE 8
Given a broken line AB=60m, BC=92m and CD=92m arranged as shown. A reverse curve is to connect these three
lines, thus, forming the centerline of a new (curve) road. Find:
1.) the length of the common radius;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) the STA of PRC and PT if the STA PC is at 10 + 000.
4.) What is the total area included in the right of way in this section of the road (A to D) if the width of the road is 15m?
Lc = RI (π/180°)
64°
Lc1 = R I1 (π/180°) and Lc2 = R I2 (π/180°) 112.298
112.298 125.438
70.172
Lc1 = 112.298(22°)(π/180°) 43.119 PRC
Lc1 = 43.119
A PC 22° PT
21.829
112.298
Lc2 = 112.298(64°)(π/180°)
Lc2 = 125.438 112.298 D
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 53
 EXAMPLE 8
Given a broken line AB=60m, BC=92m and CD=92m arranged as shown. A reverse curve is to connect these three
lines, thus, forming the centerline of a new (curve) road. Find:
1.) the length of the common radius;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) the STA of PRC and PT if the STA PC is at 10 + 000.
4.) What is the total area included in the right of way in this section of the road (A to D) if the width of the road is 15m?

Total length of curve can be computed by 64°

112.298
adding the individual lengths of the two
curves 112.298 125.438
70.172
43.119 PRC
Lc = Lc1 + Lc2
A PC 22° PT
21.829
112.298
Lc = 43.119 + 125.438 = 168.557

112.298 D
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 54
 EXAMPLE 8
Given a broken line AB=60m, BC=92m and CD=92m arranged as shown. A reverse curve is to connect these three
lines, thus, forming the centerline of a new (curve) road. Find:
1.) the length of the common radius;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) the STA of PRC and PT if the STA PC is at 10 + 000.
4.) What is the total area included in the right of way in this section of the road (A to D) if the width of the road is 15m?

Sta. PRC = Sta. PC + Lc1 64°

112.298
112.298 125.438
Sta. PRC = 10 + 000 + 43.119 = 10 + 043.119 70.172
43.119 PRC
Sta. PT = Sta. PRC + Lc2
A PC 22° PT
21.829
112.298
Sta. PT = 10 + 043.119 + 125.438 = 10 + 168.557
112.298 D
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 55
 EXAMPLE 8
Given a broken line AB=60m, BC=92m and CD=92m arranged as shown. A reverse curve is to connect these three
lines, thus, forming the centerline of a new (curve) road. Find:
1.) the length of the common radius;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) the STA of PRC and PT if the STA PC is at 10 + 000.
4.) What is the total area included in the right of way in this section of the road (A to D) if the width of the road is 15m?

Total area included in right of way can be 64°

112.298
computed by multiplying the total length of road
112.298 125.438
with the road width 70.172
43.119 PRC
Area = (Lc + A-PC + PT-D)* w
A PC 22° PT
21.829
112.298
Area = [168.557+ ( 60 - 21.829) + (92 – 70.172)] * 15 = 3428.34 m 2

112.298 D
[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 56
 EXAMPLE 9

The common tangent BC of a reverse curve is 280.50m and has a

bearing of S47◦31’E. AB is the tangent of the first curve whose
bearing is N79 ◦ 45’E. CD is the tangent of the second curve whose
bearing is N38 ◦ 13’E. A is at the PC while D is at the PT. The radius
of the first curve is 180m. The PRC is at the 12+523.37. Find:
1.) the radius of the second curve;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) STA PC and STA PT.

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 57

 EXAMPLE 9
The common tangent BC of a reverse curve is 280.50m and has a bearing of S47 o31’E. AB is the tangent of the first
curve whose bearing is N79o45’E. CD is the tangent of the second curve whose bearing is N38 o13’E. A is at the PC while
D is at the PT. The radius of the first curve is 180m. The PRC is at the 12+523.37. Find:
1.) the radius of the second curve;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) STA PC and STA PT.

N79°45’E

N38°13’E
S47°31’E

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 EXAMPLE 9
The common tangent BC of a reverse curve is 280.50m and has a bearing of S47 o31’E. AB is the tangent of the first
curve whose bearing is N79o45’E. CD is the tangent of the second curve whose bearing is N38 o13’E. A is at the PC while
D is at the PT. The radius of the first curve is 180m. The PRC is at the 12+523.37. Find:
1.) the radius of the second curve;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) STA PC and STA PT.

N79°45’E
52°44’

Central angles I1 and I2 can be computed N38°13’E

from the bearings
S47°31’E

I1 = 180° - 79°45’ - 47°31’ = 52°44’

94°16’
I2 = 180° - 38°13’ - 47°31’ = 94°16’

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 EXAMPLE 9
The common tangent BC of a reverse curve is 280.50m and has a bearing of S47 o31’E. AB is the tangent of the first
curve whose bearing is N79o45’E. CD is the tangent of the second curve whose bearing is N38 o13’E. A is at the PC while
D is at the PT. The radius of the first curve is 180m. The PRC is at the 12+523.37. Find:
1.) the radius of the second curve;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) STA PC and STA PT.
CT = t1 + t2
PC 52°44’
89.222
t2 = CT – t1 PT
PRC
180 180
t1 = R1 tan (I1/2)
191.278
t1 = 180 tan (26°22’) = 89.222
94°16’

t2 = 280.50 – 89.222 = 191.278

[CESURVE] SURVEYING MEASUREMENTS PRC 2020 60
 EXAMPLE 9
The common tangent BC of a reverse curve is 280.50m and has a bearing of S47 o31’E. AB is the tangent of the first
curve whose bearing is N79o45’E. CD is the tangent of the second curve whose bearing is N38 o13’E. A is at the PC while
D is at the PT. The radius of the first curve is 180m. The PRC is at the 12+523.37. Find:
1.) the radius of the second curve;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) STA PC and STA PT. 177.539
PC 52°44’ 177.539
89.222
t2 = R2 tan (I2/2) PT
PRC
180 180
R2 = t2 / tan (I2/2)
191.278
R2 = 191.278 / tan (47°8’) = 177.539
94°16’

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 EXAMPLE 9
The common tangent BC of a reverse curve is 280.50m and has a bearing of S47 o31’E. AB is the tangent of the first
curve whose bearing is N79o45’E. CD is the tangent of the second curve whose bearing is N38 o13’E. A is at the PC while
D is at the PT. The radius of the first curve is 180m. The PRC is at the 12+523.37. Find:
1.) the radius of the second curve;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) STA PC and STA PT. 177.539
Total length of the curve can be computed by adding the
individual lengths of the curves PC 52°44’ 177.539
89.222
165.667 PT
Lc = Lc1 + Lc2 PRC
180 292.098
180
Lc = RI (π/180°) 191.278
Lc1 = R1I1 (π/180°) and Lc2 = R2I2 (π/180°)
Lc1 = 180(52°44’)(π/180°) and Lc2 = 177.539(94°16’)(π/180°) 94°16’
Lc1 = 165.667 and Lc2 = 292.098

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 EXAMPLE 9
The common tangent BC of a reverse curve is 280.50m and has a bearing of S47 o31’E. AB is the tangent of the first
curve whose bearing is N79o45’E. CD is the tangent of the second curve whose bearing is N38 o13’E. A is at the PC while
D is at the PT. The radius of the first curve is 180m. The PRC is at the 12+523.37. Find:
1.) the radius of the second curve;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) STA PC and STA PT. 177.539
PC 52°44’ 177.539
Total length of the curve can be computed by adding the 89.222
165.667 PT
individual lengths of the curves PRC
180 292.098
180
Lc = Lc1 + Lc2
191.278
Lc = 165.667 + 292.098 = 457.765
94°16’

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 EXAMPLE 9
The common tangent BC of a reverse curve is 280.50m and has a bearing of S47 o31’E. AB is the tangent of the first
curve whose bearing is N79o45’E. CD is the tangent of the second curve whose bearing is N38 o13’E. A is at the PC while
D is at the PT. The radius of the first curve is 180m. The PRC is at the 12+523.37. Find:
1.) the radius of the second curve;
2.) the total length of the reverse curve;
3.) STA PC and STA PT. 177.539
12+357.703
Sta. PC = Sta. PRC – Lc1
PC 52°44’ 177.539
89.222
165.667 PT
Sta. PC = 12 + 523.37 – 165.667 = 12 + 357.703
PRC 12+523.37 12+815.468
180 292.098
180
191.278
Sta. PT = Sta. PRC + Lc2
94°16’
Sta. PT = 12 + 523.37 + 292.098 = 12 + 815.468

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