FUNDAMENTALS

OF SURVEYING
SPIRAL CURVE

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 HORIZONTAL CURVE

A curve parallel to earth’s surface…

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 SPIRAL CURVE

R = Rn

R=
The spiral is a curve that has a varying
radius. It is used on railroads and most
modern highways. Its purpose is to provide
a transition from the tangent to a simple
Straight road curve or between simple curves in a
section compound curve

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 SPIRAL CURVE
▣ An easement or a
transition curve
▣ A curve of gradually
increasing radius that
allows an easy transition
between a circular arc
and a straight on a road
or railway
▣ In railroad or highway
surveying, a curve of
progressively decreasing
(or increasing) radius
used in joining a tangent
with a simple circular
curve or in joining two
circular curves of
different radii.
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 SPIRAL CURVE
▣ Highway Application

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 SPIRAL CURVE

▣ Sharp “corners” at the

juncture of curve and
straight line

▣ Spiral transition is used

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 SPIRAL CURVE
Advantages of Using Spiral
Curves
▣ Provides natural, easy-
to-follow path for drivers
(less encroachment,
promotes more uniform
speeds), lateral force
increases and decreases
gradually
▣ Provides location for
superelevation runoff
(not part on
tangent/curve)
▣ Provides transition in
width when horizontal
curve is widened
▣ Aesthetic
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 SPIRAL CURVE
▣ Superelevation

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 SPIRAL CURVE
•TS: point of change from tangent to spiral
•SC: point of change from spiral to circle
•CS: point of change from circle to spiral
•ST: point of change from spiral to tangent
•L: spiral arc length from TS to any point on the spiral
•Lc: total length of spiral from TS to SC
•Sc: central angle of spiral (from TS to SC)
I •S: the spiral angle from TS to any point on the spiral
•i: spiral deflection angle at the TS from initial tangent to any
point on the spiral
x •D: degree of curve of the spiral at any point, and R = its
radius
Y c
•Dc: degree of curve of the shifted circle to which the spiral
c
becomes tangent at the SC, and R-c the radius of the circle
•I: total central angle of the circular curve
q •Ic: central angle of circular arc of Lc extending from the SC to
the CS
Ic •xc: tangent offset of the SC with reference to the TS and the
initial tangent
I •x: tangent offset,
•yc: tangent distance for the SC
•y: tangent distance
•q: distance along tangent to the point perpendicular to the
PC of the shifted curve
•p: offset from the initial tangent to the PC of the shifted
circular curve or throw
•Ts: total tangent distance = distance from PI to TS or ST
•Es: = total external distance = distance from PI to midpoint of
curve

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 SPIRAL CURVE
•Rc: radius of simple curve
•R: radius of spiral at any point
•e: superelevation
I •k: velocity of vehicle in kph
•v: velocity of vehicle

xc
Yc

Ic

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 SPIRAL CURVE
1. At the end of the spiral adjacent to the tangent,
the radius of the spiral is large; along the curve
it decreases gradually until at the point where
the spiral joins the circular curve, the radii of the
curves are equal, hence, the radius of the spiral
varies inversely proportional to the radius of the
circular curve.
𝑅 𝐿𝑐
=
𝑅𝑐 𝐿
Note: The length of the spiral at any point Q is directly proportional to the
length of the spiral from the TS.

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 SPIRAL CURVE
2. The spiral angle varies as the squares of the
lengths along the spiral.

( )
2
𝑆 𝐿
=
𝑆𝑐 𝐿 𝑐

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 SPIRAL CURVE
3. The tangent offset varies as the cubes of the
lengths along the spiral.

( )
3
𝑥 𝐿
=
𝑥 𝑐 𝐿𝑐

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 SPIRAL CURVE
4. The deflection angle from the Ts to any point on
the spiral is one-third of the spiral angle from the
Ts at that point.
1
𝑖= 𝑆
3

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 SPIRAL CURVE
5. The deflection angle varies as the squares of the
lengths along the spiral.

( )
2
𝑖 𝐿
=
𝑖𝑐 𝐿𝑐

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 SPIRAL CURVE
6. Distance along tangent
a.) The distance along tangent for any point Q on the
spiral is:
𝐿5
𝑦 =𝐿− 2 2
40 𝑅 𝑐 𝐿𝑐
b.) The distance along tangent for SC is:
𝐿3𝑐
𝑦 𝑐 =𝐿𝑐 − 2
40 𝑅 𝑐

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 SPIRAL CURVE
7. The length of the circular curve extended back
from the SC (toward TS) (also known as ghost
curve) through the spiral is one-half the total
length of the spiral.
q

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 SPIRAL CURVE
8. The length of the offset from the tangent to the
end of the extended curve (ghost curve) is one-
fourth of the length of the circular curve
extended back from the SC (toward TS) through
the spiral.
𝑥𝑐
𝑝=
4

Note: The length of the offset from the tangent to the end of the extended
curve (ghost curve) is known as throw.

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 SPIRAL CURVE
9. The angle of intersection of the spiral is equal to
the sum of the angle of intersection of the
circular curve and twice the spiral angle at the
Sc.

𝐼=𝐼 𝑐 +2 𝑆 𝑐

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 SPIRAL CURVE
10.The tangent distance of the spiral (spiral
tangent) is:
𝐿𝑐 𝐼
𝑇 𝑠 = +(𝑅 𝑐 +𝑝) tan
2 2

where,

𝐿 2𝑐
2
𝑥𝑐 6 𝑅𝑐 𝐿𝑐
𝑝= = =
4 4 24 𝑅 𝑐

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 SPIRAL CURVE

11.The external distance is:

𝐼
𝐸 𝑠 =(𝑅 𝑐 +𝑝)sec − 𝑅 𝑐
2

where,

𝐿 2𝑐
2
𝑥𝑐 6 𝑅𝑐 𝐿𝑐
𝑝= = =
4 4 24 𝑅 𝑐

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 SPIRAL CURVE
12.The superelevation increases uniformly from
zero at the TS to maximum The superelevation
per unit width of the road is:
𝑒 0.0079 𝑘2
= where,
𝑊 𝑅 e = superelevation
k = velocity in kph
R = radius of spiral
0.0079 𝑘2 W = width of road
𝑒= (𝑊 )
𝑅

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 SPIRAL CURVE
Superelevation: Tangent offset: Distance along tangent at the SC:
𝐿3 𝐿3𝑐
𝑒 0.0079 𝑘2 𝑥= 𝑦 𝑐 =𝐿𝑐 −
= 6 𝑅𝑐 𝐿 𝑐 40 𝑅𝑐
2
𝑊 𝑅
0.0079 𝑘2 Tangent offset at the SC: Angle of Intersection:
𝑒= (𝑊 )
𝑅
𝑥 𝑐=
𝐿2𝑐
6 𝑅𝑐
𝐼=𝐼 𝑐 +2 𝑆 𝑐
Desirable length of spiral:

0.036 𝑘3 Deflection angle: Length of ghost curve:

𝐿𝑐 =
𝑅 1 q
𝑖= 𝑆
Radius of spiral: 3
1145.916 𝐿𝑐 Deflection angle at the SC: Throw:
𝑅=
𝐷𝑐 𝐿 1 1 𝐿2𝑐
𝑖𝑐 = 𝑆 𝑐 𝑝= 𝑥 𝑐 =
Spiral angle: 3 4 24 𝑅𝑐
𝐿2 Distance along tangent: Tangent distance:
𝑆=
2 𝑅𝑐 𝐿𝑐 𝐿5 𝐿𝑐 𝐼
𝑦 =𝐿− 2 2 𝑇 𝑠= +(𝑅 𝑐 +𝑝) tan
Spiral angle at the SC: 40 𝑅 𝑐 𝐿𝑐 2 2
𝐿𝑐 ❑ 𝐼
𝑆 𝑐= External distance: 𝐸 𝑠 =(𝑅 𝑐 +𝑝)sec − 𝑅𝑐
2 𝑅𝑐 2
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 SPIRAL CURVE

According to the Roads and

Transportation Association
of Canada (RTAC)
The product of any
instantaneous radius r and
the corresponding spiral
length 𝝀 from the beginning
of the spiral to the point, is
equal to the product of the
radius R and the entire
length Ls of that spiral,
which means it is a
constant
𝑟𝜆=𝑅𝐿𝑠=𝐴2

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 SPIRAL CURVE

𝐴/𝑅=𝐿𝑠/𝐴

The RTAC tables are based

on design speed and the
number of traffic lanes,
together with a design
radius. The constant value
A is taken from the table
and used in conjunction
with R to find all the spiral
table curve parameters

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 SPIRAL CURVE (A=125m)

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 SPIRAL CURVE

Spiral Layout Procedure

Select A in conjunction with

the design speed, number
of traffic lanes, and
sharpness of the circular
curve

Determine P, q, x, y, etc.
Compute the spiral tangent,
Ts, and the circular tangent,
Tc

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 SPIRAL CURVE

Spiral Layout Procedure

Prepare a list of relevant

layout stations including all
horizontal alignment key
points (e.g. TS, SC, CS,
and ST) as well as all
vertical alignment key
points (e.g. BVC, high/low
point, and EVC)

Calculate the deflection

angles

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 SPIRAL CURVE

Spiral Layout Procedure

From the established PI,

measure out the Ts
distance to locate the TS
and ST

From the TS, turn off the

spiral deflection, θs,
measure out the long chord
of the spiral, LCs, and
locate the SC

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 SPIRAL CURVE

Spiral Layout Procedure

From the established PI,

measure out the Ts distance
to locate the TS and ST. Or
from the TS, measure out the
LT distance along the main
tangent and locate the spiral
PI (SPI1)

The spiral angle, Δs, can

now be turned, and the ST
distance be measured out to
locate the SC

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 SPIRAL CURVE

The circular curve can be

run in from the SC

It is common practice to run

half the curve from the SC,
and the other half from the
CS, so that acceptable
errors that accumulate can
isolated in the middle of the
circular arc

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 EXAMPLE 10

Two tangents having azimuths of 240o and 282o are connected by

an 80-m spiral curve with a 6o circular curve. The width of the road
is 10m. If the design velocity of the roadway is 60 kph, determine
the following:
a.) superelevation at quarter points
b.) deflection angle at the end points (SC)
c.) external distance

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 EXAMPLE 10
Two tangents having azimuths of 240o and 282o are connected by an 80-m spiral curve with a 6 o circular
curve. The width of the road is 10m. If the design velocity of the roadway is 60 kph, determine the
following:
a.) superelevation at quarter points
b.) deflection angle at the end points (SC)
c.) external distance

240°

282°

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 EXAMPLE 10
Two tangents having azimuths of 240o and 282o are connected by an 80-m spiral curve with a 6 o circular
curve. The width of the road is 10m. If the design velocity of the roadway is 60 kph, determine the
following:
a.) superelevation at quarter points
b.) deflection angle at the end points (SC)
c.) external distance

190.986
190.986
TS

ST SC
CS
42°

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 EXAMPLE 10
Two tangents having azimuths of 240o and 282o are connected by an 80-m spiral curve with a 6 o circular
curve. The width of the road is 10m. If the design velocity of the roadway is 60 kph, determine the
following:
AA
a.) superelevation at quarter points 0.373 0.745 1.118 1.490
b.) deflection angle at the end points (SC)
c.) external distance
𝑅 𝐿𝑐
w
= e1 e2 e3 e4
𝑅L𝑐 𝐿R e
20 763.994 0.372

40 381.972 0.745
190.986
60 254.648 1.117 190.986

80 190.986 1.489
TS

ST SC
CS
42° AA

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 EXAMPLE 10
Two tangents having azimuths of 240o and 282o are connected by an 80-m spiral curve with a 6 o circular
curve. The width of the road is 10m. If the design velocity of the roadway is 60 kph, determine the
following:
a.) superelevation at quarter points
b.) deflection angle at the end points (SC)
c.) external distance

190.986
190.986
TS

ST SC
CS
42°

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 EXAMPLE 10
Two tangents having azimuths of 240o and 282o are connected by an 80-m spiral curve with a 6 o circular
curve. The width of the road is 10m. If the design velocity of the roadway is 60 kph, determine the
following:
a.) superelevation at quarter points
b.) deflection angle at the end points (SC)
c.) external distance

190.986
190.986
TS

ST SC
CS
42°

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 EXAMPLE 11

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

intersecting at an angle of 50o. It is to be replaced by another
curve having 80m spirals at its ends such that the point of
tangency shall be the same. Determine the following:
a.) radius of the new circular curve
b.) distance that the new curve will move nearer the vertex
c.) central angle of the circular curve
d.) deflection angle at the end point of the spiral
e.) offset from tangent at the end of the spiral
f.) distance along the tangent at the midpoint of the spiral

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 EXAMPLE 11
A simple curve having a radius of 280m connects two tangents intersecting at an angle of 50 o. It is to be
replaced by another curve having 80m spirals at its ends such that the point of tangency shall be the
same. Determine the following:
a.) radius of the new circular curve
b.) distance that the new curve will move nearer the vertex
c.) central angle of the circular curve
d.) deflection angle at the end point of the spiral
e.) offset from tangent at the end of the spiral
f.) distance along the tangent at the midpoint of the spiral

80

80

280

50°

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 EXAMPLE 11
A simple curve having a radius of 280m connects two tangents intersecting at an angle of 50 o. It is to be
replaced by another curve having 80m spirals at its ends such that the point of tangency shall be the
same. Determine the following:
a.) radius of the new circular curve
b.) distance that the new curve will move nearer the vertex
c.) central angle of the circular curve
d.) deflection angle at the end point of the spiral
e.) offset from tangent at the end of the spiral Sta. PT simple curve = Sta. PT spiral curve
f.) distance along the tangent at the midpoint of the spiral

Told = Ts
80
244.346 130.566 Lc 130.566
Told = Rold tan (I/2)
80

R Told = 280 tan(25°) = 130.566

280
50° Ts = 130.566

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 EXAMPLE 11
A simple curve having a radius of 280m connects two tangents intersecting at an angle of 50 o. It is to be
replaced by another curve having 80m spirals at its ends such that the point of tangency shall be the
same. Determine the following:
a.) radius of the new circular curve
b.) distance that the new curve will move nearer the vertex
c.) central angle of the circular curve
d.) deflection angle at the end point of the spiral
e.) offset from tangent at the end of the spiral
f.) distance along the tangent at the midpoint of the spiral

80
244.346 130.566 Lc 130.566

80 =0

192.837
280
50°

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 EXAMPLE 11
A simple curve having a radius of 280m connects two tangents intersecting at an angle of 50 o. It is to be
replaced by another curve having 80m spirals at its ends such that the point of tangency shall be the
same. Determine the following:
a.) radius of the new circular curve
b.) distance that the new curve will move nearer the vertex
c.) central angle of the circular curve
d.) deflection angle at the end point of the spiral
e.) offset from tangent at the end of the spiral
f.) distance along the tangent at the midpoint of the spiral

28.946 80 Enew
244.346 130.566 Lc 130.566

80

192.837
280
50°

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 EXAMPLE 11
A simple curve having a radius of 280m connects two tangents intersecting at an angle of 50 o. It is to be
replaced by another curve having 80m spirals at its ends such that the point of tangency shall be the
same. Determine the following:
a.) radius of the new circular curve
b.) distance that the new curve will move nearer the vertex
c.) central angle of the circular curve
d.) deflection angle at the end point of the spiral
e.) offset from tangent at the end of the spiral
f.) distance along the tangent at the midpoint of the spiral

28.946 80 21.461
244.346 130.566 Lc 130.566

80

192.837
280
50°

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 EXAMPLE 11
A simple curve having a radius of 280m connects two tangents intersecting at an angle of 50 o. It is to be
replaced by another curve having 80m spirals at its ends such that the point of tangency shall be the
same. Determine the following:
a.) radius of the new circular curve
b.) distance that the new curve will move nearer the vertex
c.) central angle of the circular curve
d.) deflection angle at the end point of the spiral I = Ic +2 sc
e.) offset from tangent at the end of the spiral
f.) distance along the tangent at the midpoint of the spiral

28.946 80 21.461
244.346 130.566 Lc 130.566

80 50° = Ic + 2()

192.837
280 Ic = 26°13’50”

50° 26°13’50”

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 EXAMPLE 11
A simple curve having a radius of 280m connects two tangents intersecting at an angle of 50 o. It is to be
replaced by another curve having 80m spirals at its ends such that the point of tangency shall be the
same. Determine the following:
a.) radius of the new circular curve
b.) distance that the new curve will move nearer the vertex
c.) central angle of the circular curve
d.) deflection angle at the end point of the spiral
e.) offset from tangent at the end of the spiral
f.) distance along the tangent at the midpoint of the spiral

28.946 80 21.461
244.346 130.566 Lc 130.566

80

192.837
280
50° 26°13’50”

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 EXAMPLE 11
A simple curve having a radius of 280m connects two tangents intersecting at an angle of 50 o. It is to be
replaced by another curve having 80m spirals at its ends such that the point of tangency shall be the
same. Determine the following:
a.) radius of the new circular curve
b.) distance that the new curve will move nearer the vertex
c.) central angle of the circular curve
d.) deflection angle at the end point of the spiral
e.) offset from tangent at the end of the spiral
f.) distance along the tangent at the midpoint of the spiral
5.531
28.946 80 21.461
244.346 130.566 Lc 130.566

80

192.837
280
50° 26°13’48”

[CESURVE] HORIZONTAL CURVES PRC 2020 46

 EXAMPLE 11
A simple curve having a radius of 280m connects two tangents intersecting at an angle of 50 o. It is to be
replaced by another curve having 80m spirals at its ends such that the point of tangency shall be the
same. Determine the following:
a.) radius of the new circular curve
b.) distance that the new curve will move nearer the vertex
c.) central angle of the circular curve
d.) deflection angle at the end point of the spiral
e.) offset from tangent at the end of the spiral
f.) distance along the tangent at the midpoint of the spiral
39.989 5.531
28.946 80 21.461
244.346 130.566 Lc 130.566

80

192.837
280
50° 26°13’50”

[CESURVE] HORIZONTAL CURVES PRC 2020 47