11

Vertical Curves
In the same way as horizontal curves are used to connect intersecting straights in
the horizontal plane, vertical curves are used to connect intersecting straights in
the vertical plane. These straights are usually referred to as gradients .
As with horizontal curves, vertical curves are designed for particular speed values
and the design speed is constant for each particular vertical curve.

11.1 Gradients

These are usually expressed as percentages, for example , 1 in 50 = 2 per cent ,

1 in 25 = 4 per cent. The Department of Transport (DTp) recommend desirable and
absolute maximum gradient values for all new highways and these are shown in
table 11.1. Wherever possible, the desirable maximum values should not be exceed-
ed. Any gradient steeper than 4 per cent on motorways and 8 per cent on all other
highways is considered to be substandard.
For drainage purposes the channels should have a minimum gradient of 0.5 per
cent. This is achieved on level sections of road by steepening the channels between
gullies while the road itself remains level.
Further details concerning gradients can be found in the DTp publications
referenced in section 11.15 .

TABLE 11.1
(published here by permission of the Controller ofHer Majesty's Stationery Office)

Desirable Maximum Absolute Maximum

Type of Road Gradient Grad ient

Motorways 3% 4%
Dual Carriageways 4% 8%
Single Carriageways 6% 8%

J. Uren et al., Surveying for Engineers

© J. Uren and W. F. Price 1985
 274 SURVEYING FOR ENGINEERS

In the design calculations, which are discussed later in the chapter, the algebraic
difference between the gradients is used . This necessitates the introduction of the
sign convention that gradients rising in the direction of increasing chainage are con-
sidered to be positive and those falling are considered to be negative.
This leads to the six different types of vertical curve. These are shown in figure
ll.l together with the value of the algebraic difference (A). Note that A can be
either positive or negative and is calculated in the direction of increasing chainage.
Throughou t the remainder of this chapter, reference will be made to the terms
crest curve and sag curve and , in order to avoid confusion , these terms are defined
as follows. A crest curve, which can also be referred to as a summit or hogging curve ,
is one for which the algebraic difference of the gradients is positive , and a sagcurve,
which can also be referred to as a valley or sagging curve , is one for which the
algebraic difference of the gradients is negative.
Hence , in figure ll.l , (a), (b) and (f) are crest curves and (c), (d) and (e) are sag
curves .

R
A = (tm)-(+n) =
A (+m) -(-n)
hence A is positive hence A is positive
(0) (b)

R
A = (-m)-(tn)
A= (-m)-(-n)
hence A is negative
hence A is negative
(d)
( c)

p
tm%

=
A (tm)-(tn) =
A (-m)-(-n)
hence A is negative hence A is positive
(e) (f)

Figure 11.1 Types of vertical curve

11.2 Purposes of Vertical Curves

There are two main requirements in the design and construction of vertical curves.