Lecture 14

-Transition curves
- Superelevation Transition

31/03/2021 1
Transition curve

 In most cases, horizontal alignment have tangents joining directly to

circular curves. Transition curves are sometimes introduced between
the straight section and the circular curve or between two circular curve
sections of different radius in a roadway.

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Transition curve

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Use of transition curve

 To provide easy-to-follow path for drivers such that lateral force on

vehicle increases and decreases gradually as it enters and leaves a
circular curve.

 To keep the driver in its own lane and prevent encroaching into
adjoining lanes, especially in case of high-speed roads with sharp
curvature.

 To enhance the appearance of the roadway and avoid noticeable

breaks in the alignment perceived by drivers as it enters and leaves
the circular curve.

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Transition curve equation

 The general equation of the length of transition curve is given by

𝑉3
𝐿𝑠 = 0.0214
𝑅𝐶

Where
𝐿𝑠 = minimum length of spiral (transition) in m
V = speed in km/h
R = curve radius in m
C = rate of increase of lateral acceleration, 𝑚/𝑠 3 (usually assumed
to be 1.2m/s3)

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Superelevation Transition

 Superelevation transition involves gradual tilting of the roadway cross-

section as it moves from the tangent section of the road to the curve. It
consists of two sections; superelevation runoff and the tangent runout
sections.
 Superelevation runoff is the distance required to accomplish a transition
from a normal crown section of the roadway with flat grade to the fully
superelevated section, or vice versa. It is dependent on the design speed
of the road and the rate of superelevation.
 Tangent runout (or Crown runoff) section consists of the length of
roadway needed to accomplish a change in outside-lane cross slope from
the normal cross slope rate to zero (flat), or vice versa.
 Where transition curves are used, superelevation runoff usually follows
the length of the transition curve.
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Superelevation Transition

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Superelevation Transition
Maximum Relative gradient

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Superelevation runoff equation

Minimum length of runoff is determined using the equation;

(𝒘𝒏𝒍 ) 𝒆𝒅
𝑳𝒓 = (𝒃𝒘 )
𝜟

Minimum length of tangent runout is given by

𝒆𝑵𝑪
𝑳𝒕 = ( 𝑳𝒓 )
𝒆𝒅
𝐿𝑟 = minimum length of superelevation runoff in m
𝑤 = width of one traffic lane, usually 3.60m
𝑛𝑙 = number of lanes rotated
𝑒𝑁𝐶 = normal cross slope rate, percent (usually 2%)
𝑒𝑑 = design superelevation rate, percent
𝑏𝑤 = lane adjustment factor for number of lanes rotated
Δ = maximum relative gradient, percent. 9
 Relative gradient

 Maximum relative gradient is the slope of the outside edge of the

travelled way relative to the centerline of the profile. It is
dependent on the design speed of the roadway.
 Typical values are shown below (AASHTO Guidelines 2011).

Source: A Policy
on Geometric
Design of
Highways and
Streets (The
Green Book).
Washington, DC.
American
Association of
State Highway
and
Transportation
Officials, 2011
10
6th Ed.
Runoff length

 The runoff length ( 𝐿𝑟 ) is divided between the tangent and the

curved section such that 2/3 𝐿𝑟 lies in the tangent portion while
1/3 𝐿𝑟 is in the curve.

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 Lane adjustment factors

Source: A Policy
on Geometric
Design of
Highways and
Streets (The
Green Book).
Washington, DC.
American
Association of
State Highway
and
Transportation
Officials, 2011
12
6th Ed.