ENGINEERING EDUCATION & TRAINING

CARE • QUALITY • COMMITMENT

Civil Breadth - Geometries

Part VI- Geometries
ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND TRAINING
For Questions & Comments Contact: Samir Ead
sead@eetusa.com

11/4/2017

VI. Geometries: 3 questions

A. Basic circular curve elements (e.g., middle ordinate, length, chord, radius)
B. Basic vertical curve elements
C. Traffic volume (e.g., vehicle mix, flow, and speed)

Index
• Horizontal Curves Equations
• Vertical Curves Equations
• Traffic volume, Annual Average Daily Traffic, Flow rate, headways, Mean
Speed

11/4/2017
 Horizontal Curves - Types
There are three primary types of horizontal curve alignments. The three primary
types of horizontal curves are: Simple Horizontal Curves, Reverse Horizontal
Curves, and Compound Horizontal Curves.
There is also what are called Spiral Horizontal Curves (a curve with varying radius)
but these are not expected to be tested on the PE Exam.

A Simple Horizontal Curve is the most common (and most preferred, in roadway
design) type of horizontal curve and is a circular curve of constant radius arc
located between two straight tangents.

A Reverse Horizontal Curve is a series of two simple curves joined together and tangent
to each other, connecting the EC of the first curve with the BC of the second curve
(at the PRC), with each of the two curves curving in opposite directions. The two
curves may have the same or different radii.

A Compound Horizontal Curve consists of two (or more) curves of different radii
joined at a point of tangency (at the PCC), with both curves curving in the same
direction.
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Horizontal Curves Components

Radius of curve R
Degree of curvature D (degrees): Expresses the rate of curvature of the
alignment (larger D = sharper curve and smaller D = flatter curve). See slide 6 for
the difference in degrees of curvatures based on Arc and Chord definitions.
Intersection Angle A or I (degrees): the change of direction of the two tangents.
It is equal to the central angle subtended by the curve.
Point of intersection PI (Station): intersection of back and forward tangents.
Point of Curvature PC or BC (Station): beginning of the curve
Point of Tangency PT or EC (Station): end of the Curve.
Tangent Distance T (feet): Distance from PC to PI, or PI to PT.
Long Chord LC = C (feet): the straight line connecting PC and PT
Length of the Curve L (feet): distance from PC to PT: measured along the curve
(arc definition) or measured along the chords (chord definition).
Middle of Curve MOC (station): The location at the exact middle of the
horizontal curve.
Middle ordinate M or MO (feet): the radial distance between the midpoints of
the long chord and curve.
11/4/2017
Horizontal Curves Components
• External Distance E: The length from PI to curve midpoint MOC.
• Point on curve POC (Station): any point on the curve.
• Point on Tangent POT (Station): any point on along the tangents
• Origin O: same as Radius Point (RP)
• Point of Compound Curve PCC (station): location on the alignment where EC
of Curve 1 meets the BC of Curve 2 between two curves in a compound curve
• Point of Reverse Curve PRC (Station): location on the alignment where the EC
of Curve 1 meets the BC of Curve 2 between two curves in a reverse curve
• a = Deflection angle between the tangent at PC and the chord between PC and
any point along the curve

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Chord u L L" I

(360o)(l00) _ 5729.58
50
sin(Dc / 2) 2nR R
R
100 ft

5729 .58
50 D
sin(Dc / 2)
Arc Definition
Chord Definition

11/4/2017
 Horizontal Curve - Arc Definition
Length of Curve: L
L= " RA=100A°
180 D°

. . . . . . . . .

xX/ "
a-
r = i?tanf

L/
Chord Length: L, ^pc \ Lc
. \
L r = C = 2Rsm-
c 2
r» 5729.58
D— R \
R

.N
MC y ^
^ A/2

m
N"
Note: Above eauations for L and can be used to \ ^—
calculate length of any segment of curve or short \

^
chord by replacing the A angle with the angle \
subtending the short segment or chord. \

Horizontal Curve - Arc Definition

M = R( 1 - c o s — )
/ > \

2
A ^A1
m/\

E =T tan-
s

i A/2 /P"T^\
/
'
f

'
Deflection Angle a at any r\ I / R
. , 1 ,, v 2a I
point along the arc: /
/
A \ A/2I A/2 /
a = ( S t a . at A - P C ) x — v^T
^ I rr /
1I/4/2017 1t
 Horizontal Curve - Arc Definition

Exercise 1- Horizontal curve

A horizontal curve for a new highway has the following data:
A =16° 28', R = 800 ft and PI Station at 7+36.45.

1- Find BC and EC stations.

2- Calculate the length of the long chord

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 Solution-Exe. 1
PI
7+36.45
A =16° 28'

T = R tan —= 800 tan 1 = 115.76 ft

2 2
PI at 7+36.45
L * a a = M * 1 = A A ( rad -T 1+15.76
180 D° )
BC = 6+20.69
+L 2+29.92
71 EC = 8+50.61
L x 800 x 16.4666 = 229.92ft = 2 + 29.92 sta.
180

LC = C = 2^? sin — Lrn C = 2 x 800

C =n oaa
x • 16.4666 229.13 ft
2
1/4/2017

Exercise 2-Deflection Angle

A circular curve is laid out by deflection angles. The degree of curve (based on
100-ft arc) is 4°. The PC is at sta. 12+60.41 and the PI is at sta. 15+73.26.
What is the deflection angle for station 13+50 on the curve (to the nearest)?
a) 1.792° b) 2.452°
c) 3.584° d) 4.154°
Calculate chord length between Station 13+50 and 14+50?
a) 98.99 b) 99.98
PI
c) 100.98 d) 101.98 Sta. 15+73.26

PC
Sta. 12+60.41

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 Solution Exe. 2
• Tangent length T = 1573.26- 1260.41 = 312.85 ft

n^. /• n 5729.58 5729.58

Radius of curve = R = = = 1432.40
D 4
A
• Using T = R tan the deflection angle A is calculated as

A = 24.64°
z r r 100A° 100x24.64° ,1,AA.
Length oj curve = L = —=
D° —
4° = 616.00ft

The arc length from PC to Sta. 13+50 = 89.59 ft. The corresponding
deflection angle is given by:
a - ( S t a . at A - PC ) x
2L
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24 64
a = 89.59 x = 1.7918 ° = 1 ° 4 7 ' 3 1 "
2x 616 Answer is a

Chord Length between Stations 13+50 and 14+50

C = 2R sin — = 2(1432 .40)sin — = 99.98ft

2 2
Notice that the same equation was used to calculate the long chord
using the A angle and the short chord using the subtended angle which
is D for one station.

Answer is b
11/4/2017
 Exercise 3- New Radius
The long Chord of a circular curve is 700 ft; the delta is 120°. If the
forward tangent of this curve is moved in 10 ft, what radius curve

Solution-Exercise 3
• Given C = 700 ft
LC = C = 2R sin — therefore R= , = 404.15f t
2 2 sin 60
A 120°
T = R tan — = 404.15 tan = 700.00//
2 2
At intersection of tangents: solve for x:
JC= 10 = 11.55 ft
sin 60°
T' = 700.00- 11.55 = 688.45 ft

R,™ = r = 68845 = 397.49ft

tan A/2 tan 120/2

Notice that the new R is not 404.15ft - 10 ft = 394.15 ft

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 Exercise 4 - Horiz. curve
• Two tangents intersecting at an angle of 38°48' are to be joined by a
8°45' curve. The PI for the curve is at 10+45.00 and the degree of
curve is based on a 100-ft chord.
• Determine the station of PC and PT.
• Calculate deflection angle from the tangent at the PC to a point at Sta.
10+00 located on the curve.

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\\ / 38°48'
s v •
\\ '
s\ /

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 Solution-Exe 4
• If the degree of curve is based on a 100 ft chord, the relationship is:
R= — = — = 655.45 ft
sin( D / 2) sin(8.15/2)
A 18 8°
T = R tan — = 655.45 tan = 220 .^2 ft
2 2
PI station = PC station + T
PC station = (10+45.00)- (2+30.82) = 8+14.18
Curve length L = RA(radians) = 655.45 x 0.677188 = 443.86 ft

PT station = (8+14.18) + (4+43.86)= 12+58.04

Find deflection angle from PC to Sta.10+00:

A 18 8
a = ( Sta . at A - PC )x = 185.82 x ^ =8.12°
2L 2 x 443.86
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A horizontal curve has a radius of 700 ft, and mid-ordinate of 21.7 ft.
I) Calculate the length of this horizontal curve?
a) 312.54
b) 349.42
c) 378.36
d) 395.24
II) Calculate angle subtending a 50 ft arc along this curve.
a) 4.09°
b) 8.18°
c) 12.27°
d) 16.36°

11/4/2017
 Solution- Exercise 5
I) Length of curve?
Given the middle ordinate
M = R ( \ - c o s — ) = 1 0 0 ( 1 - c o s — ) = 21.7
Rearrange and solve for A:
A 21.7
cos— =1 = 0.969
2 700

A/2 = 14.30 therefore A = 28.60c

Curve Length:
£-JLfi4 = £><700 x 2 8 ^ - 3 4 9 4 (
180 180°
Answer is (b)
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Solution Exercise 5 - cont.

II) Angle subtending 50 ft arc of the curve.

L = —RA -» L r . =
180 180

Rearrange and solve for angle p

1 8 0 x £ „ _ 180x50 _ 1 0 9 „
71 xR k x 700

Answer is a

11/4/2017
 Exercise 6
A curve has a radius of 800 feet.
The bearing of the back tangent = N 50° E
The bearing of the forward tangent of S 35° E.
Find the nearest length of curve.
a) 987
b) 1326
c) 1745
d) 2652

11/4/2017

Solution-Exercise 6
Calculate A = 180° - 50° - 35° - 95°

L U -RA
180 Where R = 800 ft and A = 95°
r 7i n . 71x800x95° . __ .
L= RA = = 1326.45ft
180 180°
Answer is (b)

50°

PC

M/2017
 Exercise 7-Reverse Curve
A hwy is designed with reverse curves which have the same degree of
curvature. Calculate station of PC, PRC and PT. Also calculate
deflection at midpoint of the first curve.

Midpoint

r
Sta. 30+00
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Solution-Exe. a
Given that D1 = D2 and R1 = R2
T1 + T2 = 2350 ft 70° 45°
Tl = Rx tan T2 = R2 tan
2 2
Substitute Tj and T2 into above equation
Rj(0.70021) + R2(0.41421) = 2350 ft Since Rj = R2 then
2350
R i=R 2= T-T77~rr = 2108 .lift
1.114424 calculate Tx and T2
Tj = 1476.54 ft T2 = 873.45 ft

D1 = =
5729-58 = 5729-58 = 2.72°
R 2108 .71
71 Ttx2108.71 x70°
A RA = = 2576.28 ft
180 180°

L2 = K tcx 2108. 71 x45°

RA 1656.18 //
180 180°
11/4/2017
 Solution-Exe. 7 cont.
Begin Sta. 30+00
+24+00
PI 54+00
-T1 -14+76.54
PC 39+23.46
+L1 +25+76.28
PRC 64+99.74
+L2 + 16+56.18
PT 81+55.92

Calculate deflection at midpoint of first curve:

A mid
=1/ x A/2 = 7074 = 17.5°
2
point

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Vertical Alignment
• Criteria Used for design of Vertical Curves
- Minimum Stopping Sight Distance
- Adequate drainage
— Comfortable in operation
— Pleasant appearance
 Vertical Curves - Types
A Crest Vertical Curve is a vertical curve that is concave open down, typically
connecting an upgrade (positive grade, +), or an uphill, roadway to a downgrade
(negative grade, -), or a downhill, roadway (but can also connect a steep positive
grade to a less steep positive grade, or a negative grade to a steeper negative grade).

A Sag Vertical Curve is vertical curve that is concave open up, typically connecting
a downgrade (negative grade, -), or a downhill roadway to an upgrade (positive
grade, +), or an uphill roadway (but can also connect a steep negative grade to a les^\*l|
steep negative grade, or a positive grade to a steeper positive grade). ^ '

A Symmetrical Vertical Curve is the most common type of vertical curve and is a
vertical curve that has the same length from BVC to PVI as PVI to EVC.

An Asymmetrical Vertical Curve is less common and is a vertical curve that has
one length from BVC to PVI and a different length from PVI to EVC. Asymmetrical
VCs can be thought of as two symmetrical vertical curves joined together at a Point
of Compound Vertical Curve (PCVC)
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Vertical Curve Components

Defined below are the components that apply to crest and sag vertical curves.
• BVC = PVC = Point of Vertical Curvature (Station). Location on the vertical
alignment where the incoming tangent grade (gl) ends and the vertical curve begins.
• EVC = PVT = Point of Vertical Tangency (Station). Location on the vertical
alignment where the outgoing tangent grade (g2) begins and the vertical curve ends
gl: Incoming tangent grade before the vertical curve (%)
g2: outgoing tangent grade after the vertical curve (%)
PVI = Point of Vertical Intersection (Station). Location where the projection of
tangents gl and g2 intersect. Located at LA L on a symmetrical vertical curve.
HP = High Point (Station) - designates the highest elevation on a vertical curve
M or M = Vertical offset or middle ordinate, which is the vertical distance from the
VPI to the arc (feet)
r = Rate of change of grade per station (%/station)
A = Algebraic difference in gradients, g2 - gl (%)
L = Horizontal length of vertical curve from BVC to EVC (Stations or feet). It is
not the length along the curve
11/4/2017
 Vertical Curve Components
Defined below are the components that apply to crest and sag vertical curves.
• x = Horizontal distance to any point on the curve from the BVC (Stations or feet)
• m = Vertical offset or middle ordinate, which is the vertical distance from the VPI to
the arc (feet)
• d = Vertical distance at any point on the curve to the tangent grade (feet)
• r = Rate of change of grade (%/station)
• L = Horizontal length of vertical curve from BVC to EVC (Stations or feet). It is
not the length along the curve
• K = Rate of vertical curvature (%)
• D: offset distance from BVC

11/4/2017

Crest & Sag Vertical Curves

 Vertical curve Formulas
• The elevation of the curve at distance x from the BVC is given by:
y = ax2 + bx + c (general equation for a parabola)
Tr tz
F- ~ FIVE + SI X +
r%2

r = ^2 ~gj
L
where: x = the distance from BVC to a point on the curve
r = rate of grade change per station

The rate of vertical curvature x = -= L

r g 2 ~gi

K is the distance required to achieve a 1% change in grade.

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1 ertical curve Formulas

Vertical distance from VPI to curve
m = d0 = g 2 " g ] L
8
/ \2 d = Vertical distance from
d= x ( g 2 ~ g j = 4m(x ) = j x any point on the curve to tangent
2L V \L/2j
x is the distance from BVC if point is left of VPI and from EVC if the point is on the
right of VPI.

D = 100 ( Y H — Y P ) Distance from VPI to any point on the tangent

4/2017
 Vertical curve Formulas
S= slope of the tangent to the curve at any point on the curve
s= +-x(g2"gi)
gl gi+rO)
L
• High and Low Points on Vertical Curves: the location of low and
high points are required for the vertical clearance calculations between
a bridge and a roadway. The minimum cover over a utility pipe would
require the determination of low points along the profile of the road.

Dl or Dh = Distance to low or high point from BVC of the curve

DL = Si( L )
Si Si L
Low Point

BVC EVC

11/4/2017

Exercise - 8
• The grade line is being developed for a highway. A rising
3.0% grade meets a falling grade of 1.5% at station 50+00.
The elevation of the P.I. of the two grades is 88.00.
• For a VC length of 1200 ft, find the middle ordinate of the
vertical curve and elevation of VC at PI.
• Find elevations of the vertical curve for station 48+00

11/4/2017
 Solution-Exe 8
• Length of VC = 12 stations
\g? - g, I 1-1.5-3.0|
Middle ordinate = m = -L = -x 12 = 6.75 ft
8 8
Elev. On the VC at PI = 88.00 - 6.75 = 81.25
At BVC Elev. = 70.00 At EVC Elev.= 79.00

You can solve also by using Equation: ^bvc + 8ix + ^

se 9
A sag vertical curve has a length (L) of 400 ft. Grades are as
shown below gj= -4.4% and g2 = +2.2%. The PVI is located at
station 42+50 and has an elevation of 245.35 ft.
• Find station and elevation of the low point.
a) 246.8
a) 42+64
b) 247.6
b) 42+86
c) 248.3
c) 42+98
d) 249.4
d) 43+17

PVI Sta 42+50

Elev = 245.35
11/4/2017
 Solution - Exercise 9
Distance from BVC
D, = = ~ 4 A ( 4 ) = 2.67 stations
gi~gi -4.4-2.2

Therefore the low point is located 267 ft from BVC Station:

(42+50) — (2+00) + (2+67) = 43+17 Answer d

Elevation of low point: Sta. 43+17

Y,=YBrc+glx + Zj- r = lAZrJL

YBVC = 245.35 + (4.4 x 2) = 254.15

R = G2 ~ SI = 2.2 - (-4.4) = 1 65
L 4
y, = + (-4.4X2.67) + ,M2sf, 4B„«re

11/4/2017

Exercise 10
A 800 ft sag vertical curve has a -3.5% grade meeting a + 4% grade.
How long must a new vertical curve be in order to retain the same
grade rates and to raise the elevation at the center of the curve by
2.5 ft (to the nearest 100 ft)?

a) 900
b) 1000
c) 1100
d) 1200

20

11/4/2017
 Solution Exe 10

+4.0%

L = 8 stations

Solve for middle ordinate m:

|g2 - 4.0-(-3.5)
Middle ordinate = m = x8 = 7.5ft
8 8
Add 2.5 ft to m = 7.5 + 2.5 = 10 ft (new m value)
Rearrange the middle coordinate equation above and solve for L:

L= mxS 10x8
= 10.67 stations Round up to 11 stations Answer Is c
£2 £1 7.5
11/4/2017

A parabolic vertical curve joins a tangent of -5% to a tangent of +4% as

shown. The PVI is located at station 24+54.35 and elevation 346.76 ft.
The slope (%) at station 26+00 is most nearly:
a) -0.32 c) 0.42
b) 0.32 d) 0.56

11/4/2017
r
Use Equation
Solution Exercise 11
s=& + xfe &) = & +r(x)
L
1

to find slope at Sta. 26+00.

Start by finding offset x from PVC station.
PVC sta. is at: PI station - L/2 = (24+54. 35) - (8+00) = (16+54.35)
Offset x = (26+00) - (16+54.35) = 945.65 = 9.4565 stations
Find r:
r =
g 2 g i = 4 ( 5) =o.5625%/sta.
L 16
Therefore slope at Sta. 26+00 is:
S = -5 + 0.5625(9.4565) = +0.32%

Answer is b.
J1/4/2017

Exercise -12 1
Which of the following is NOT true for symmetrical vertical
curves:
a) The elevation of the mid-chord point is the average of
the elevations of the BVC and EVC
b) The vertical curve lies midway between the PVI and
the midpoint of the chord
c) The low point on a sag vertical curve is always at the
PVI station
d) All of the above

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 AZIMUTH
The clockwise angle, usually from the true meridian (N-S line). Azimuth
angles do not exceed 360 degrees. Convert from Azimuth to Bearing below:
North East: the prefix N and the suffix E are added (same value)
Ex: 76° 30' = N 76° 30' E
South East: the azimuth angle is subtracted
from 180° and S and E are added
Ex: 168° 40' = 180° - 168° 40' = Sll° 20'E

South West: 180° is subtracted from the

azimuth angle and S and W are added
Ex: 195° 22' = 195° 22' - 180° = S15° 22'W
North West: the azimuth angle is subtracted
from 360° and N and W are added
Ex: 314° 35' = 360° - 314° 35' = N45° 25'W
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Traffic Volume
Flow, speed, density

/2017
 Flow Rate and Headway
Flow rate (q) is the number of vehicles (n) passing some designated
roadway point in a given time interval (t):
Number of vehicles
q = Flowf veh / hr)
Time Interval

q (veh/hr) = Speed ( mile/hr) x Density (veh/mile)

5280 ft /mile
Spacing ( f t / veh)
Density (veh / mile)

Headway is the time (in seconds) between successive vehicles, as their front
bumpers pass a given point.
Spacing _ 1
h = Headway (sec/ veh)
Speed Flow rate
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Relationships
5,280
Density (veh I mi) =
spacing (ft!veh)

spacing (ft / veh)

Headway (s / veh)=
speed ( f t / s )

3,600
Flow rate (veh!hr) =
headway (siveh)

24

11/4/2017
 Exercise 13
Average headway is 2.5 sec/veh on single lane roadway; average
vehicle spacing is 200 ft; determine average speed of traffic.

_ 3600 sec/hr _ 3600 sec/hr

Flow = q = 1440 veh/hr
headway 2.5 s/ veh
5280ft/mile 5280ft/mile
Density 26.4veh/mi
spacing 200ft / veh
Flow _ 1440 veh/hr _
Speed = u 54.5 mi/hr
density 26.4 veh / mi

1/4/2017

raffic Volume Parameters

Major Traffic Elements:
1 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) is the total traffic for a year

divided by 365 days.

• Average Daily Traffic (ADT) is the average 24 hour volume that can
be measured by season, month, week, day, etc.
' K factor: K factor represents the percentage of traffic occurring during
the peak hour during an average weekday AASHTO recommends a K
value of 8 to 12 percent for urban facilities and 12 to 18 percent for
rural facilities.
' Design Hourly Volume (DHV). The DHV represents the 30th highest
hourly volume during a year... DHV = AADT(K)
Directional Distribution (D)

11/4/2017
 Traffic Volume
> Directional Design Hour Volume : DDHV
DDHV = AADT x K x D
K = proportion of daily traffic during peak hour,
K = 0.09 for urban
K = 0.10 for rural
D = proportion of peak traffic traveling in peak direction

Peak hour factor - describes the relationship between hourly

volume and maximum rate of flow within the hour
— Design Flow rate - Hourly rate based on Peak 15-minute flow rate
— PHF = hourly volume/maximum rate of flow
— PHF = V/(4 x V15)
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Exercise 14
The AADT for a four lane highway in a suburban area is 85,000 vehicles
per day. Approximately what directional design hourly volume would
be expected along this highway given the chart attached below and a
directional split of 60/40 ?
t 0.15

0.14 Highest 100 hourly volumes over one

year period for a typical roadway
o
P-t
o
i-
su
C3
<D
a
"o
>
>» 0.10
72
= 0 20 40 60 80 100
o
ffl Number of hours with specified or greater volumes
11/4/2017
 Solution - Exercise 14
Find DDHV = AADT x K x D
K = 0.12 (see chart). Look for the K value corresponding to the 30th
highest hour.
Directional Distribution = 60% (Use heaviest direction)

DDHV = 85,000 vpd x 0.12 x 0.6 = 6120 vph

] 1/4/2017

• Using the following traffic counts, determine the peak hour

volume and peak hour factor.
Interval Volume (veh)
3:00-3:15 525
3:15-3:30 590
3:30-3:45 685
3:45-4:00 785
4:00-4:15 710
4:15-4:30 650
4:30-4:45 565
4:45-5:00 505

11/4/2017
 Solution- Exercise 15
The hourly volumes for subsequent 1 hour intervals:
3:00-4:00 2585
3:15-4:15 2770
3:30-4:30 2830
3:45-4:45 2710
4:00-5:00 2430

Peak Hour Volume = 2830 vph

The peak 15-minute volume is 785.
peak hour volume 2830
PHF 0.9013
4 x Vpeak 15-min vol 4x785

[1/4/2017

Exercise 16
A multi-lane highway has the following traffic counts for a day in each
month as shown below:
• 11'ul1 _. .A Calculate the seasonal factor for the
Jan 67,800 spring months of March thru May:
Feb 62,500
Most nearly:
March 69,200
a) 0.89
April 68,900
May 72,400
b) 0.94
June 75,100 c) 0.98
July 78,700 d) 1.10
Aug 80,300
Sep 76,200
Oct 71,900
Nov 68,600
Dec 66,800
11/4/2017
 Solution Exercise 16
Calculate the ADT: IfflTiSHIVRTRni
^(day counts) _ 858,400 _ Jan 67,800
ADT 71,533
12 12 Feb 62,500
• Calculate the average for the spring months: March 69,200
April 68,900
March thru May
May 72,400
69,200 + 68,900 + 72,400
= 70,167 June 75,100
3 July 78,700
• Therefore seasonal factor for Spring: Aug 80,300
Sep 76,200
70,167
0.98 Oct 71,900
71,533
Nov 68,600
Dec 66,800
Answer is c
11/4/2017 Total 858,400

Mean speed
There are two types of mean speed: time mean speed and space mean
speed.
• The time mean speed (average spot speed) is the arithmetic
mean of the speeds of vehicles passing a specific point on a
highway during an interval of time. Thus, the time mean speed
of n vehicles is given by: _ 1 N
ut = — Y Ui
Ntr
• The space mean speed is the harmonic mean of the speeds of vehicles
passing through a stretch of highway during an interval of time.
— n
u ii
1
X U;
i=l

1/4/2017
|Exercise 17 - Mean speed
The speeds of six cars are recorded using a radar gun as follows:
48, 37,44, 39,46 and 38 mph. What is the time mean speed and
the space mean speed?

The time mean speed for the six cars:

1^ 48 + 37 + 44 + 39 + 46 + 38 ^ ,
u -— \ u _ 42 mph
N 6

The space mean speed is given by:

n 6
Us = = 41.58 mph
n 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
j_ 1 1- 1- 1"
I -
1
48 37 44 39 46 38
11/4/2017

Exercise 18
Which one of the following statements is true?
A) ADT is the average of 24 hour traffic counts collected every day in
the year.
B) Fixed traffic delay on roadways is caused by traffic side friction.
C) Space mean speed is always less than or equal to time mean speed.
D) Local streets provide more access than mobility, and they carry more
than 80% of travel volume nationwide.

30

H/4/2017
 Practice 1
Given the following information compute
I) Time Mean Speed (mph)
II) Space Mean Speed (mph)

Distance (ft) Travel Time (sec)

a) 34.38 1 1000 18.0

b) 34.44
c) 34.51 2 1000 20.0
d) 34.64 3 1000 22.0
4 1000 19.0
5 1000 20.0
6 1000 20.0
totals 6000 119.0

11/4/2017

Solution - Practice 1
Time Mean Speed (TMS)
_ 1 N 1 N
u,=3-yui=-Y4/
Ntr N tfA

1000 1000 1000 1000 1000 1000

1 1 1 -j 1
TMS- 18 20 22 19 20 20 _ 50.61 ft / sec = 34.51 mph
6
Answer c
Space Mean Speed (SMS)
—
Us =
n = d
n i n

i-
ti u z" 1

1000
SMS = = 50.42 ft/sec = 34.38 mph
(18 + 20 + 22 +19 + 20 + 20) / 6
Answer a

1/4/2017
 Practice 2
• For the horizontal circular curve shown, the PC is at Station
12+34.85 and the PT is at Station 30+11.23. A is at Station
20+00. Angle P is most nearly:

Solution Practice 2
• Length of the curve L = PT sta. - PC sta.
L= (30+11.23) - (12+34.85) = 1776.38 ft
• Length of arc from PC to A:
(20+00) - (12+34.85) = 765.15 ft
Central angle = A = 85° = angle subtended by entire curve
Therefore the angle P subtended at the center by arc PC-A is found
by proportion o f :
a/'f i r
p = 85 ° x : = 36.61 ° = 36 °36 '36"
1776 .38
Answer is b.

11/4/2017
 Practice 3
• Given a horizontal highway curve D = 12°
• Find T, BC and EC stations, L, C, M.
• Transit set on BC and sights at PI, what is the deflection angle found
at station 33+80
• Transit set at EC sighting at station 33+80 what angle is found
assuming that when turned to PI it is set at 0°00'00"
• Calculate chord length between station 33+80 and 34+80
• With forward tangent moved out 4 ft and BC held, what is the length
of new curve.

r
11/4/2017

,
Solution Practice 3
• For D = 12°
j-
• Radius of-r curve = R
„
=
5729 .58
=
5729 .58 Ann ^ .
= 477 .46 ft
D 12
A Ar ^

Using T = R tan — = 477 .46 tan —— = 108 .91

2 2

BC station = PI - T = (34+00) - (1+08.91) = 32+91.09

Length of curve l = 100 A = 100 x 35 .70 = ^ ^

D° 12 °
EC station = (32+91.09) + (2+14.17) = 35+05.26

C = 2R sin — = 2 x All .46 sin 25 J° = 212 .37

2 2
w
= TW1 (l - cos 25.70 ) = 11
tl ^
Ax ^,1
M R (l - cos —) = 477 .46 .96
2 2

11/4/2017
 Solution Practice 3 - cont.
• Deflection angle to station 33+80: From PC and from EC
The arc length from PC to Sta. 33+80 = (33+80) - (32+91.09) = 88.91.
The corresponding deflection angle is given by:
a = (Sta . at A - PC ) x — = 88 .91 x 25 ,7° 5.33° = 5° 19 '48"
2L 2x214.17
• Deflection Angle from EC: Angle for sighting 33+80 from EC
a = (EC - Sta. at A)x — = 125 .26 x ——= 7.52° = 7°3112"
2L 2x214.17
Check 5.33°+7.52° = 12.85° = A/2 check OK

Chord length between 33+80 and 34+80,100 ft arc:

C = 2R sin — = 2 x 477 .46 sin — = 99.82 ft

2 2

11/4/2017

- Practice 3 - cont.
• Length of the new curve:
First calculate x: x ^ 9.22
sin25.70c
Torig= 108.91 ft
new
T orig + X = 108.91 +9.22= 118.13 ft
= T

T 118 .13
R = 517 .86 ft
tan tan (25 .70//)

K _ . 71
L RA = (517 .86 )(25 .70) = 232 .29 ft
180 180

=25°42'
PI Sta. 34+00
New EC

old EC

11 /4/2017
 Practice 4
• Find the PC station Find the PT station
a) 42 + 92.3 a) 52+08.54
b) 37 + 91.1 b) 51+91.46
c) 47 + 91.5 c) 54 + 22.65
d) 51 + 88.2 d) 55 + 91.5

Pl= 50+00

/4/2017

R —
Solution- Practice 4
Find the PC station:
5729 .58 5729 .58
= 572 .96
I
D 10
T = R tan — = 572.96 tan — = 208.54
2 2
PC Station = (50+00) - (2+08.54) = 47+91.46
Correct answer is (c).
Find PT station
40
L = RA = 572.96 7i = 400.00
V 180
PT station:
(47+ 91.46) + (4+00) = 51+91.46

Correct answer is (b).

11/4/2017
 Practice 5
BVC
Sta. 18+50 Sta. 24+50
-2.5%
Sta. 21+50
Elev. 230.25
Question 1: Find station of low point:
a) 20+93.14
b) 21+16.32
c) 21+04
d)22+10.72
Question 2: Find Elevation of low point:
a)233.87
b)234.57
c) 235.08
d)235.23
11/4/2017

Solutions - Practice 5
Oh Low point station
Ds_ gi(L) _ "2.5(6)
= 2.5424 Sta from BVC
gi-g 2 "2-5-3.4
The sta. of the low point is: (18+50) + (2+54) = 21+04
Correct answer is (c)
• 22i__Low point elevation

Y Y BVC + g , x +
rx r = g 2 -gi
L
• Ybvc = 230.25 + (3)2.5 = 237.75 ft

r = 3-4-(-2'5)=Q.9B3

Yx = 237.75 + (~2.5)(2.54) + °-983^2'54) = 234.57

Correct answer is (b)

11/4/2017
 • The bearings of two tangents connected by a horizontal
circular curve are N45°E and S55°E respectively. The tangents
intersect at station 68+00. The curve radius is 1000 ft. The
station of the PT is most nearly:
a) 71+86.14
b) 73+57.16
c) 75+37.26
d) 77+12.43

J1/4/2017

Solution - Practic
PI = 68+00

Calculate A = 180 - 45 - 55 = 80'

• Find PC station = PI -T
T = R t a n - = 1000 tan— = 839.10ft
2 2
PC station = (68+00) - (8+39.10) = 59+60.90
PT sta. = PC sta. + L
80
L = RA = 1000 71 = 1396 .26ft
V 180
PT sta. = (59+60.90) + (13+96.26) = 73+57.16
Answer
11/4/2017is b.
 Practice 7

The headway for 5 vehicles traveling on a segment of highway

is 2.0 sec, 2.6 sec, 3.2 sec, 4.5 sec and 5.1 sec. Assuming
steady state conditions, the appropriate flow rate is most
nearly:

a) 984 veh/hr
b) 1034 veh/hr
c) 1234 veh/hr
d) 1800 veh/hr

11/4/2017

Solution Practice 7
• Calculate flow rate given 5 headways:
Total headways = 2.0 + 2.6 + 3.2 + 4.5 + 5.1 = 17.4 sec

1 5 veh 3600 sec M

Flow x = 1034 veh /hr
headway 17.4 sec 1 hr

Answer b

11/4/2017
 Practice 8
An ascending 6% grade and a descending 3% grade are joined by
an 1000 ft vertical curve. Elevation at Station 16+00 on the 6%
grade is 1755.39, and elevation at Station 36+00 on the 3% grade
is 1780.22. Find the station of the BVC.
a) 18+59
b) 20+43
c) 20+87
d) 21+17

1780.22
1755.39

36+00

Solution-Practice 8
Using +6% grade and extending the back tangent from Sta. 16+00 to Sta. 36+00:
Elevation of H = 1755.39 + (36 - 16)6 = 1875.39 ft
D = 100(Yh -Yp')
Si-82
Where Yp,=1780.22 ft
t00Q87S.39-n80 .22)

PI Station = (36+00) - 10.57 Sta. = 25+43

BVC Sta. = (25+43) - 500 ft *"
= 20+43
Answer is b

1755.39

11'WOO
 Practice 9
Two tangents are connected by a circular curve as shown. What is most
nearly the bearing of the radius line meeting the curve at PT?

a) N43°7'23"E
b) S35°27'43"E
c) N43°7'23"W
d) N35°37'13"W

1/4/2017

Solution Practice 9
The angle between the radius of the curve and any tangent on the
curve is 90°
Answer is a.
a) N43°7'23"E

180 — 90 - (46 52'37")

43°07'23"

11/4/2017
 Practice 10
A horizontal curve has an intersection angle of 67°45' and a PI
sta. 115+80. If the external distance is 35 ft, what is most nearly
the radius of the curve?
a) 170 ft
b) 180 ft Sta. 115+80
PI
c) 190 ft
d) 200 ft

11/4/2017

Solution Practice 10
Use equation E =T tan

35
Solve for T : T 114.93 ft
tan y tan 67.75/
/4

T 114.93
Solve for R: R = 171 .20 ft
tan tan ^7-75//

Answer is a

1/4/2017
 Practice 11
A horizontal curve has a radius of 2000 ft and an intersection
angle of 45°. The PI of the curve is at sta. 234+62. What is the
most nearly the station of the PT?
a) 222+87
Sta. 234+62
b) 228+23 PI
c) 234+12
d) 242+04

[1/4/2017

Solution- Practice 11
Solve for the tangent T:
A 45
T = R tan 2000 tan = 828 .43 ft
2 2
PC station: PI sta. - T = (234+62) - (8+28.43) = 226+33.57
Calculate length of the curve:

K RA = — x 2000 x 4 5 ° = 1570 .80

180 180

PT station = PC station + L
PT station = (226+33.57) + (15+70.80)
PT station = 242+04.37 Answer is d

11/4/2017
 Summary-Horizontal Curves
Length of Curve: L M = R( 1-cos —)
n _ ^ 100 A° 2
L= — RA =
180 D° A
E = T tan
T = i?tan—
2
_ 5729.58
Deflection Angle
R A
a = ( S t a . at A - PC ) x
Chord Length: Lc 2L
Deflection angle a is half
L r = C~2Rsm—
c 2 the central angle
Note: Above equations for L and Lc can be used to subtending the same
calculate length of any segment of curve or short chord.
chord by replacing the A angle with the angle
subtending the short segment or chord.

Summary-Vertical curve
rx
K ~ YBVC + Si x + &2 ~ g
~2 L

m = d, 82 g| L
8
( \N2
j _ x 2 ( g 2 ~ g i ) _ 4 m ( x 2 ) _ m' X

2L V \L/2j
gi(L)
D, Distance from PC to low or high point on curve
g\ ~gi

100 ( Y H ~ Y P )
D
g 1 -g 2
X(g 2 ~g|)
S=g,+ = g,+r(x) Slope of tangent at any point along curve
L
11/4/2017
 Geometries - Part VI - Index
Topic Page ! Page
h- : " • _ i
Horizontal curves - Types 2 Vertical curves components 15-16

Horizontal Curves - Components 2-3 Vertical Curves Equations 17-18

Arc and Chord Definition 3 Vertical curves Exercises 18-22

Horizontal Curves - Equations 4-5 Azimuth Vs. Bearing angle 23

Horizontal curves - Exercises 5 Traffic - Flow rate / Density/Headway equations 24-25

Exercise - Deflection angle 6-7 Traffic Volume: AADT, DHV, K, D and PHF 25-27

Exercise - shifting forward tangent 8 Seasonal Factor 28

Exercise - Chord Definition 9-10 Mean Speed: Time Mean and Space Mean speed 29-30

Exercise - horizontal curves 11-12 Practice problems: Speed 31

Exercise - Reverse curve 13 Practice Problems: Horizontal curves 32-35

Vertical Curves types 14 Practice Problems: vertical and horizontal curves 3 6 - 4 2

44