UNSYMMETRICAL

PARABOLIC CURVE
LESSON 7
 UNSYMMETRICAL PARABOLIC CURVE

An unsymmetrical curve is characterized by two unequal tangents, resulting in an unequal

division of the curve at the VPI. The rates of change of the slope of the two sections of the
curve under the two tangents are different and the point under the VPI forms the transition
between the two rates.
Computing the Curve
H=

Location of the Highest or Lowest Point of the Curve

1. From the PC
S1 =

2. From the PT
S2 =

when > H, the highest or lowest point of the curve is located on the right side of
the curve use S2 but if < H, use S1
Example

An unsymmetrical parabola curve has a forward tangent of -8% and a backward tangent of
+5%. The length of the curve on the left side of the curve is 40 m long while that of the right
side is 60 m long. At station 6 + 780 and at elevation of 110 m.

1. Determine the height of the fill at the outcrop

2. Determine the elevation of curve at sta. 6 + 820

Solution

H=

H = = 1.56

y = 0.88
Elev. of A = 110 + 30(.05) = 111.5 m

Elev. of B’ = 111.5 – 0.88 = 110.62

Height of fill = 110.62 – 108.40 = 2.22 m

Grade Elev. at 6 +820 = 110 + 40(.05) = 112

Elev. of curve = 112 – 1.56 = 110.44 m