Introduction:

Purpose of Transition Curves

• Provides path for vehicle to move from straight to a circular curve.

• Improved appearance of curve to driver.

• Allows introduction of super elevation and pavement widening.

Types of Transition Curves

• Clothoid – the one that we will examine in more detail, most commonly used.

• Lemniscate – used for large deflection angles on high speed roads.

• Cubic Parabola –unsuitable for large deflection angles.

Geometry of Clothoid
To accommodate the transition curve the circular curve is normally shifted
inwards towards the center of the curve.

The shift can be calculated by:

Shift = S =LP^2/24R

Where Lp is the length of plan transition (TS to SC)

If S <0.25m then the transition

is usually ignored or not required

When a transition curve is used the

Tangent Length becomes:

Tangent Length = (R +S) tan (I/2)

And

The distance from the IP to the TS (start of transition) = (R+S) tan (I/2) + Lp/2

The circular arc length from SC – CS is reduced by Lp. This gives:

Arc = R*I – Lp

d= (1800/3.14) *( 1^2/RL)

Aim:
To set out a spiral curve:

Instruments:
1. Theodolite.
2. Stakes.
3. Hammer.
4. Tape.
SPIRAL CURVE LAYOUT
With the instrument at the PI, the instrumentman sights along the back tangent
and keeps the head tapeman on line while the tangent distance (Ts) is measured.
A stake is set on line and marked to show the TS and its station value.

The instrumentman now sights along the forward tangent to measure and set the
ST.

Laying Out First Spiral from TS to SC

Set up the instrument at the TS, pointing on the PI, with 0°00’ on the horizontal
circle.

1. Check the angle to the ST, if possible. The angle should equal one half of
the I angle if the TS and ST are located properly.
2. The first deflection is subtracted from 360 degrees, and the remainder is
set on the horizontal circle.
3. Measure the standard from the TS, and set the first spiral station on line.
4. The remaining spiral stations are set by subtracting their deflection angles
from 360 degrees and measuring spiral chord length from the previously
set station.

Laying Out Circular Arc from SC to CS

Set up the instrument at the SC on the horizontal circle. Sight the TS with the instrument
telescope in the reverse position.
1. Plunge the telescope. Rotate the telescope until 0°00’ is read on the horizontal
circle.
2. The instrument is now sighted along the tangent to the circular arc at the SC.
3. The first deflection is subtracted from 360 degrees, and the remainder is set on the
horizontal circle.
4. The first sub chord is measured from the SC, and a stake is set on line and marked.
5. The remaining circular arc stations are set by subtracting their deflection angles
from 360 degrees and measuring the corresponding chord distance from the
previously set station.
Laying Out Second Spiral from ST to CS
Set up the instrument at the ST, pointing on the PI, with 0°00’ on the horizontal circle.
1. Check the angle to the CS. Whether the CS is located properly.
2. Set the spiral stations using their deflection angles in reverse order and the
standard spiral chord length.
3. Correct any error encountered by adjusting the circular arc chords from the SC to
the CS.

Intermediate Setup
When the instrument must be moved to an intermediate point on the spiral, the deflection
angles computed from the TS cannot be used for the remainder of the spiral.
In this respect, a spiral differs from a circular curve.