2

Curve Surveying II:

Compound and Reverse Curves

2.1. ELEMENTS OF A COMPOUND CURVE

In Fig. 2.1, T,DT, is a two
centred compound curve having two B/
circular arcs T,D and DT, meeting (P.1.
at a common D known as the
poin
point of compound curvature (P.C.C.).
T is the point of curve (P.C.) and
T is the point of tangency (P.T.).
0. and O are the centres of the two
D(P.C.C.)A2
arcs s
Rs = the smaller radius (TO)
R =
the longer radius (T20,) T1
D,D = common tangent
(P.C.)
T (P1.)
deflection angle between the
A =

rear and the common tangent

A deflection angle between the O

common and the forward
tangent
= total deflection angle
Is = the length of the tangent P
to the arc (T,D) having a o
smaller radius FIG. 2.1. TWO CENTRED COMPOUND CURVE.

t = the length of the tangent

to the arc D T2 having a longer radius
Ts =
tangent distance Ti B corresponding to the shorter radius
T=tangent distance BT corresponding to the longer radius
From Fig. 2.1, we have
s= TD = D,D = Rs tan , A ..[2.1 (a)]
(47)
48
SURVEYIN
= T:D =
D,D =
Ri tan , A2 ...2.1 (b
..2.2
A A+A
From triangle BD,D. we have
sin A sin Az
D,B DD sin A USTLsin sin A
and sin A sin A
D,B =D,D. =
(ts+ )
sin A sin A

Ts = T,D,+D,B = {s + (ts + t) sin A2

Sin A
..2.3 (a
and sin A
TL= T2D2 + DB =L + (ls + IL) sin A ..2.3 (b))
2.2. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PARTS OF A
There are seven
COMPOUND CURVE
Ts. A, RL, TL and A. When quantities
of two centred
four of these, compound curve, i.e. A, Rs
other three may be determined. including an angle, are
given or assumed, the
from the plan and the Usually, the lengths of the two
radii,
angle A is measured in the field. The Rs and R are established
A,A, Ts and T is usually selected from the fourth quantity out of
quantities may be made as explained below plan. The calculation
of the rest of the three
Case (1): Given: A, Rs. RL,
A, (or Az)
Required Az (or A), Ts and Ti
This is the most common
B
case.
From equation 2.2, A2 A =
- A1 D.
(or A A - Az)
.

From equation 2.3 and 2.1, we O2

have

Ts= Rs tan
A + (Rs

+R tan A)sin
sin A
tan
A
sin A2
********* T
and TL = R tan A: + (Rs tan A
Rs
sin A
+Ri tan A:) sin A

Case (2): Given : A, Rs. RL and Ts.

Required: A1, Az and T.
the short
In Fig. 2.2, prolonguntil t has
curve T1D to a point D'
Its tangent
the central angle A.
to the tangent FIG 2.2. CALCULATION OF A, A
B'D' will then be parallel
ND TL
BT2
 AND REVERSE CURVES 49
COMPOUND

TB' B'D' = Rs tan ,A

Then ...(1)
Draw BP perpendicular to BD".
Prolong BD' to meet 0, T, in 0. Draw 0,S perpendicular to Q,7,

Then T: BP = BB' sin A =(T,B - T,B') sin A = (Ts -Rs tan A) sinnA ..(2)
Also, B'P BB' cos A = (7s - Rs tan A) cos A (3)
OS= 0:T - Ti Q - QS = Ri - BP - Rs
Now, .(4)
OS
From triangle O03, COS az 5)
R-Rs
A A-Az (6)
O,S (RL - Rs) sin A (7)
and

Ti = BTa= PQ = QD' + BD' - B'P = 0,S + BD' - B'P .

.(8)
Thus A1. A; and Ti are determined from (5), (6) and (8) above.
Case (3) : Given :A, Rs,Ri and T

---.

D' T

Oa
CALCULATION OF A. A2 AND Ts
FIG. 2.3.
 SURVE
Required:A, A and Ts
In Fig. 2.3, until it has a central
prolong (he long curve T; D to a point D'
2 A I t s tangent B'D' will then be parallel to the tangent B
Then. T,B = B'D' =Ri tan A
Braw BP perpendicular to D'B.
to DO.
TOOng BT to meet D', in 0. Draw 0,S perpendicular
T,B) sin A
Then D'Q BP BB' sin A (T, B
-

=
= =

= (R tan A - T) sin A

T) cos A
B'P =BB' cos A (R, tanA
-

Also. =

BP Rs '

D'Q QS Ri
-

-
=

Now, O,S 0,D

-
-

OS
From triangle 0,0,S, cos
A R-R$
0,S (R - R$) sin A

and Ts = QT
TB =QB
- =
D'P - 0,S
= D'B' + B'P - 0,S
above.
A2 and Ts are determind from (5). (6) and (8)
Thus, A ,

Case (4): Given 4,7s. T and Rs.

and R.
Required: A1 A: ,

Refer Fig. 2.2,

As in case (2), we have
TB B'D' =Rstan ;A
(2)
TaQ=(Ts - Rs tan A) sin 4
A 3)
B'P B'B cos A =(7s-Rs tan A) cos
and
+BP - B'D' ...4)
Now O.S =QD' QP + PB' -B'D= T
=

Join DD' and prolong it to pass through 72.

Evidently LTD= A
T:0 .(5)

tanA0D' (6)

R -
Rs=0,0= O,S
sin A2

R =Rs+ _OS ..7

sin A2
Thus, Ai, A2 and R can be computed from (5), (6) and (7) above.
 AND REVERSE CURVES 51
COMPOUND

Case (5) : Given: Ts T and R

Required: A , A: and Rs
Refer Fig. 2.3. As in case (3), we have
TB' B'D' =
R. tan A ..(1)

D'Q = BP = (RI. tan ;A - Ti) sin A ...(2)

B'P BB cos A = (R, tan A-7Ti) cos .(3)
and
0,S QTi = QB - TB =D'P - T,B = D'B' + BP Ts ..(4)
Now
Join DT and prolong it to pass through D'.
Evidently LDT. = A
D'Q BP .(5)
1an A OT01S
6)

0,0 OS
R Rs = =

sin A
O,S 7)
Rs R sin A
Thus, , A and Rs can be computed from (5), (6) and (7).

2.3. SETTING OUT COMPOUND CURVE

The compound be set by method of deflection angles. The first branch
curve can
the second branch is set out by
is set out by setting the theodolite at Ti (P.C.) and
The procedure is as follows
setting the theodolite at the point D (P.C.C.).
calculate the rest of the three parts by the
(1) After having known any four parts,
formulae developed in § 2.2.
and T2 by linear measurements from the
(2) Knowing Ts and TL, locate points 7,
point of intersection.
Calculate the chainage of Ti, D and
(3) Calculate the length of curvesIs and .
T as usual.
etc., for setting out the curve
(4) For the first curve, calculate the tangential angles
by Rankine's method.
of the curve as already
() Set the theodolite at T and set out the first branch
explaind. theodolite to D and set
(6) After located the last point D (P.C.C) shift the
having
Ti and plunge
t there. With 'the vernier set to
oriented
360°
) reading,
along 71P produced
take a

and if the
backsight on

theodolite
iescope. The line of sight is thus
S now swung through the line of sight will be directed along the common tangent

T h u s the theodolite is correctly oriented at D.

 (7) Calculate
SURVEYING
tangential angles for the second branch and set out the
the
observations from D, till T: is reached. curve b
Cur.

(8) Check the observations

by measuring the angle T,DT2, which should should behe equal
to180e or 180

Example 2.1. Two straights AB and BC are intersected

by a
The angles
BD,D and BDD, are 40° 30 and 36 24 respectively.lineThe D,D, (Fig. 2.). °

first arc is 600 metres and that radius of th

of the second arc is 800 metres. f the the
intersection point B is 8248.1 metres, chainage
point of compound curvature.
find the chainages of the tangent
points and th
Solution.
LBD D2 = Ai = 40° 30'
LBD,D = A = 36° 24'
A =A+ A =
40° 30'+36° 24' 76° 54'
For the first branch, the central angle =Ai =
40° 30'
Is Ti D =DD =Rs tan 600 tan 20° 15'
For the second 221.4 m
branch, the central angle =
A2 =
36° 24'
= T Da =
D,D
=R tan= 800 tan 18° 12' =
263 m

From
DD =
D, D +
DD =221.4 + 263 484.4 m
triangle BD,Da, we have
BD D,D
sin A2 sin A

BD,= D,D, sin d2 = 484.4 x sin 36° 24'

sin A sin 76° 54 295.1 m
Length of the first T Rs A T 600
arc = l, =
Xx x 40° 30
180 180
= 424.1 m

Length of the second TRL A2_T 800

arc - h -
x x 36° 24 = 508.2 m
180°
180
Ts BD TiDi =295.1
+
+221.4 516.5 m
Chainage of P.I.
8248.1 =
m
Subtract Ts 516.5

Chainage of Ti =
7731.66
Add length l1 =
424.1
Chainage of P.C.C. =
8155.7
Add
length l2 =
508.2

Chainage of T2
8663.9
 REVERSE CURVES 53
cOMPOUND AND

2.2. The following data refer to a compound cirular curve which bears
Example
to the ighi
Total deflection angle 93
Degree of first curve 4
second 5°
Degree of curve

Point of intersection a 45 + 61 (20 m units)

Determine in 20 metre units the running distance of the tangent points and the point
of compound cunvature, given that the latter point is 6+ 24 from the point of intersection
°

at back angle of 290 36' from the first tangent.

Solution. (Fig. 2.1)
Let RI Radius corresponding to 4° curve

and
Ra = Radius corresponding to 5° curve

R146
From Eq. 1.3. metres
D

R= 1146
4
286.5 m
and R=1146
5
=229.2 m
BD 6+24 in 20 m units = 6.24 x 20 = 124.8 m

LT1BD (external) = 290° 36'

LTBD (internal) = 360° 290° 36' = 69° 24'

From triangle T,BD.

sinBT D sin 71BD
BD TD
But LBT,D 2

and T.D 2R sin= 573 sin A

Hence S1n 2 sin 69° 24'

124.8
573 sinA
124.8
(sin- 573
x sin 69° 24'

( 124.8 2
or x sin 69° 24'
sin 373

From which 26° 50', or A = 53° 40

 cOMPOUNDAND

SURVEYINNG
A: = A A = 93° 53° 40' 39 20

TD =Ri tan 286.5 tan 26° 50' =144.9 m

I= T:D: = Rz t a n = 229.2 tan 19° 40' =81.9 m

Ti TB =
t + (1 +) Length of
sin A

=
144.9 + (144.9 + 81.9) =
288.9 m
sin 9 3 Length
Length of the first arc =
l
53° 40
20 20= x
40
20 = 268.3 mn

Length of the second arc = l2

39° 20
20
D
x 20 157.3 m

Chainage of P.I= 912.2 m = 45+610 (in 20 m units)

Subtract Ti = 288.9 = 14445
Chainage of

Example 2.4. A Co
Chainage of P.C. = 623.3 = 31.165
90 °. As determined fro
Add = 268.3 = 13.415 of
and 400 metres repectively
is be 300 me
Chainage of P.C.C. = 891.6 44.580 first curve

Add = 157.3 =
7.865 Solution. (Fig. 2.2)
Given Ts=
Chainage of P.T. = 1048.9 = 52.445.
TL=
Example 2.3. A compound curve is to consist of an of 36
arc chains followed by
one of 48 chains radius and is to A
connect two straights which yield a deflection
angle
of 84° 30. At the intersection poinn the chainage, if continued along the first tangent, would
be 86+ 48 and starting point of the curve is selected at chainage
Rs
47 + 50. Calculate the Required to find
chainage at the point of junction of the two branches and at the end of the curve.
Solution. (Fig. 2.2). TB
Here, Rs, R. A and Ts are given In order to calculate the
.

chainages of various points, TiO

we will have to first determine A and A.
Ts = 86.48 - 47.50 = 38.98 chains. B'F
As in Fig. 2.2, prolong he shorter arc to a point D' so that its central
angle is
equal to A =84° 30". The tangent D'B' will then be parallel to intitial tangent BT. Draw
O
BP perpendicular to B'D'. tan
Then T:Q = BP = BB' sin A

(TB TiB') sin A = (Ts - Rs tan a) sin A or

cOMPOUND AND REVERSE
CURVES 55

= (38.98 - 36 tan 42° 15') sin 84° 30' = 6.26 chains

O:S = 0,7 - T: - QS = R - T:Q Rs

48 6.26 - 36 = 5.74 chains

O,S 5.74
cos A=
dR
RL -

Rs 48 36
A 61° 24.
A 84 30' - 61° 24' 23° 6

Length of the first arc = l, = TRs A _Tx 36 x 23° 6' 14,.52 chains
180 180
61° 24'
" K, Az_Tx 48
x
Length of the second arc =, = 51.44 chains
180 180
Chainage of P.C. = 47.50 chains
Add length of the first arc = 14.52

Chainage of P.C.C. = 62.02

Add length of the second arc = 51.44

Chainage of end of curve = 113.46

Example 2.4. A compound curve is to connect two straights having a deflection angle
the the lengths of the two tangents are 350 metres
of 90. As determined from plan,
and 400 metres repectively. Calculate the lengths of the wo arcs ifi the radius of the
first curve is be 300 metres.
Solution. (Fig. 2.2)
Given Ts 350 m
T 400 m
= 90°

Rs= 300 m
Required to find Ai , A2 and R
TiB' = B'D' =
Rs tan A =
300 tan 45° =
300 m

T. BP =(Ts - Rs tan A) sin A =

(350 -

300 tan 45°) sin 90° =

50 m

B'P BB' cos 90° = zero

PB' B'D' =T: +0 300 =400 300 I00 m

0,S =QD' =QP +
-
-

AT:
1anA 50 0.5
OD OD' 100
BP

A 26° 34'
or A2 = 53°8'
A Az 90° 53° 8' = 36° 52'
A =
-

= -
 w
ooz =
E -
.
R, 250
m.
 AND REVERSE
CURVEs 57
cOMPOUND

ccential condition to replace the two curves and the straight by a single circular curve
wuithout the change in the direction of original tangents and also without shifting the original
points. Naturally. the central angle (A) for the new curve will be the original
Langent
intersection between the two tangents.
angle of
Let O be the centre of the new curve, and R be its radius. The centre will coincide
with the point of intersection of the external radius vectors TO and T:0: (both produced

back) of the
two original curves.

Join O,0 Draw 0;C perpendicular to OnA.

Then 0,0 No.c?+ 0,C?,

But 0,C 0A 0,B 250 200 50m and 0,C =AB = 200 m

O,0= V(50) + (200)* 206.2 m

t a n O C tan = 14° 2'
tan 0%C 200
From triangle O,00O.
40100 = 180° ( 0 +90°+A2) = 180° (14° 2' +90° +27 30') =48° 28

Now, 0,0 R- 250 and O;0 = R- 200

Applying cosine rule,
0,0 = (O10.+ (00:) - 20,0 .00, cos 48° 28'

(R 250) = (206.2)* + (R - 200)-2 x (206.2) (R-200) cos 48° 28

From which R 430.6 m
In order to calculate central angle A of the new curve, consider triangle 0,0,0, in
which we have
2 0,00 = 48° 28'

0.0 206.2 m
0 , 0 R - 250 = 430.6 - 250 = 180.6 m

Applying the sine rule,

O,0
sin A
0,0
sin O,0200

sin A O10 sin 200.4 sin 48° 28' = 0.8547

0,010 =180.6
O10
A 58° 43
Now from triangle DD D
A A+ A2
A =A A -
= 58° 43' -

27° 30' = 31° 13.

 SURVEYING

REVERSE CURVES
2.4.
ELEMENTS OFA REVERSE CURVE
A reverse curve
consists of two simple curves of opposite direction that jOin at a
Ontangent point called the point of reverse curvature (P.R.C.). They are used when
the stranghts are
parallel or include a very sma angle of intersection and are requently
Ccountered in mountaineous countries, in cities, and in the layout of railway spur tracks
and cross-over The use of reverse should be avoided and main
lines where speeds
curve on highways railway
are high for the following reasons
(1) Sudden
cant is
change of
required
from one side
of P.R.C. to the other.

(2) There is no oppor-

tunity to elevate the outer
bank
at P.R.C.
(3) The sudden
of direction is
change
uncomfortable
to
passengers and is objection- (P.C)
able (P.R.C.)
(4) Steering is dangerous R,
in the case of
highways and
the driver has to be
very cau- v(P.1l.)
tious T2P.T.)
It is definitely an ad-
vantage to separate to curves FIG. 2.5. REVERSE CURVE (A> 2)
by either a short length of straight or reversed
a
spiral. The elements of a reverse curve
are not directly determinate unless condition or dimension is specified as., for
some
equal radii (R, R^) or =
equal central example,
angle (A, A). Frequently, a common or equal radius
=

is used for both

parts of the curve in order to use largest radius
possible.
Fig. 2.5 shows the general case of a reverse curve in which VA and
two straights and TE T: is reverse VC are the
curve. Ti is the of point curvature
(P.C.), E is the
point of reverse curvature (P.R.C.)
and T, is the point of tangency (P.T.). 0,
O: are the centres of the and
two branches. BD is the
common angent.
Let R = the smaller radius
R: = the greater radius

A =
central angle for the curve having smaller radius
A2 =
central angle for the curve having greater radius (A is greater than A)
A total deviation between the tangents
8
angle between tangent AV and the line T7 joining the
tangent points
8 angle between tangent VC and the line
=

7,7 joining the tangent points

Since E is the point of reverse curvature, the line
0,0, is perpendicular to the
common tangent BD at E. Join 7,and and
T drop perpendiculars 0,F and 0,G on it from
 AND REVERSE CURVES 59
cOMPOUND

o. and 0, respectively. Through O,, draw 0,H parallel to T,7, to cut the line 0,G produced
in H.
Since TB and BE are tangents to the first are, LABE = A1. Similarly, since ED
and DT are tangents to the second are, EDV =A:.
From triangle BVD. A = A+ A

A =
A- A (1) ..(2.4)
or
From triangle TVT. ô, = A + ô

(2)
From (1) and (2), Ai - A; = 8, - ô2
(3) (2.5)
Since TO, is t o T,B and 0,F is i to TT we have
LT0F =LBT F =8
Similarly. T: 0,G = LFT,D = ô
LFO E = Ai - 6i and 4EOG = A - ô2
Hence
Since O,F and O2G are parallel, we have
LFO E = EO;G

or
(A - 6)) = (A2 - 82) (3a)
which is the same as obtained in (3).

Again TiF R1 sin ô1

TG = R2 sin ô2
FG 0,H = 0,02 sin (A2 - ô) = (Ri + Rz) sin (42 - ö3)
and

Hence TT = TiF+ T:G + FG

T T = Ri sin 6 + R2 sin 62 + (R + R:) sin (A2 - 6:)
(4) 2.6)
Again, 0,F HG =RI cos ôi.
0,G= Rz cos ô2
OH O1O2 cos (A2 -

8,) =
(Ri+ R) cos (42 -

82) =
(Ri + R:) cos (A -

8,)

O,H OF + O,G
(R+ R:) cos (A - 8:) = R: cos 1 + Rz cos ô

RIcos ô+ Rz cos
or cos (A2 -

Sz) = cos (A1 -

61) = 5) ..(2.7)
R+R2
In the above treatment, it has. been assumed that A, is greater than A, so that A = A1 - A2.

the point of intersection occurs before

In general, however, A =
t (A, -

4,) according as

or after the reverse curve.

2.5. RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN VARIOUS PARTS OF A REVERSE CURVE
The various quantities involved in a reverse curve are 4, A, A , ô, ô2 R, and R2.
In order to co-relate these, three quantities and one condition equation (of either equal
radius or equal central angle) must be known. We shall consider various cases of common

OCcurrence.
G0
sURVEYING
CASE 1.
NON-PARALLEL STRAIGHTS
e n . The central angles a and a, (a, > A,) and the length of the common tangent.
Nequred. To find length of the common radius R and the chainages of T1, E and
T, if that of V is
given.
Condition equation.
In Fig. 2.6
R= R =
R.
BD = common tangent of length d
O,E = E0; = R
Other notations are the same as in Fig. 2.5.
Since TB and BE
VBE =A
are tangents to the first arc, they are equal in
length and

Similarly. the tangents A

TD and DE are
equal in length
and LEDC =A2

BT BE= R tan
DT DE =R tan

BDd= R tan Rtan

Hence R = d

(tan A + tan
Az)
.(2.8)
FIG. 2.6.
Knowing Ri, A and A.
lengths of the two arcs can be calculated.
Again, A =
A- A
From triangle BDV,
BV BD sin A2 d sin A
sin A sin 4

TV BTi+ BV= Rtan+d Sin a2

Sin
Chainage of T = chainage of V- T,V.
Chainage of E= chainage of T+ length of first arc.
Chainage of T = chainage of E + length of second arc.

The first branch of the curve can be set out from 7, and the second branch from
E by method of tangential angles.
CASE 2. NON-PARALLEL STRAIGHTS
Given. Length L of the line joining the tangentS T, and T. and angles 8, and 6-
which the line joining the tangent points makes with the rwo tangents.
the radius R.
Required. To find common

Condition equation. R =
Ra = R
 AND REVERSE CURVES 61
cOMPOUND

In Fig. 2.7, let Ti and 7: be the two tangent points, the distance TiT, being equal
L The notations etc. are the same in Fig. 2.5. Draw 0F and O,G perpendicular to
to
draw
Through O, A
TT
to TiT2, meeting
0,H parallel
produced in H. Let
0,G
L0,0,H = 0.

Now 0,F R cos 8 = GH

O, G = R cos 82
O,0; = 2RR

O,HOG+ GH
sin o.0 0,O R R

R cos S1 +R cos ô2 R
2R
+
.- o T2
C
COS d
cos
i
sin
2
(2.9)
-H
FIG. 2.7
TF R sin ô1
FG OH =2 R cos
and GT2 = R sin 82

TTa= TiF+ FG+ GT2 =L

or R sin 61 + 2R cos e+ R sin 8 = L

R L ..(2.10)
sin 81+2 cos 0+ sin ô2
where is given by the equation 2.9.
The central angle for the first branch =
A =
81 + (90° 4)
The central angle for the second branch = A2 =82 + (90° - 0)

Knowing R, A1 and A2 the lengths of the arcs can be calculated.

CASE 3. NON-PARALLEL STRAIGHTS
Given. Length L of the line joining the tangent points Ti and T , the angles
o and 82 which the line joining the tangent points makes with the two tangents. and
any one of the two radi.
Required. To find the other radius.
Refer Fig. 2.5 in which Ri is smaller radius and R2 is the greater radius.
TiF RI sin 81
TG Ra sin &2
F G O,H N(,0, - (02 H* = V(R; + R) - (R cos 8 + Rz cos ô

Now TT=L = TF+ FG+ TG

L Ri sin 8 + V¢R + R - (R, cos ô + R cos 8,) + R: sin 8

or
L (R, sin 8, + R; sin ô,)={(R+R: -

(Ri cos 8, +
Ra cos ô)
 62 SURVEYING
L + R sin 8 , + R? sin^8, + 2R, R sin 8, sin 82 -2L (Ri sin 8 + Rz sin 8,)
or
=R + R + 2R, R - (R} cos 6, + R; cos 02 t 2R Rz cos ô, cos ö

L-2L(Ri sin 8 + R, sin 8,) + R (sin' 8, + cos' 8,) + Ri (sin' ö2 t cos' 8,)
or
= R + R + 2R, Rz 2R, R cos 8, cos o - 2R, Ra sin ô, sin 8

R (81 ô2)
R 2R
-

cos
or -2L (R; sin 8, +
R sin 8,) =
2R, -

or L - 2L(R, sin 8, + R sin 8,)= 4R, R sin ...(2.11)

the above equation. The
Knowing R, (or R,),. we can calculate R, (or R) from angle

O,0,H( 6) and hence A and A2 can then be calculated.

=

CASE 4. PARALLEL STRAIGHTS

Given. The two radii R, and R, and the central angles.

Required. To calculate various elements.

Condition Equation A A =

In Fig. 2.8, let AT and

T:C be two straights parallelto
each other so that there is no point
O1 --
of intersection.
Let Ri = smaller radius

R =
larger radius
A = central angle D
corresponding to R
A = central angle
corresponding to Rz
L distance TiT
A,/2
V= perpendicular
distance between
the two straights
h distance between
-I.o
FIG. 2.8. REVERSE CURVE PARALLEL TANGENTS.
the perpendiculars
at Ti and T2
E = point of reverse curvature.

Through E, draw a line BD parallel to the two tangents.

Since 0,T and O T2 are parallel to each other, we have
A = A2

TB 0,7 - , B = Ri - Ri cos A = Ri(1 - cos A1) = Ri versin A

T,D O2 T- O,D R2 -Rz cos A R2 R cos

= = -

A
=
R2 (1 cos A ) Rz versin A
-
=

v =
TiB + DT2 Ri versin Aj+ Ra versin A
=

(R + R:) versin A = (Ri + R:1 - cos Ai) .(2.12)

 AND REVERSE CURVES
63
cOMPOUND

Ri sin
A
Again, TiE =2
sin 2 Ri sin
TE 2R
TT = L= TE + ET = 2R, sin + 2R, sin 2 (R + R) sin A ...(2.13)

But
sini
L =20R + R:)
From which, L 2v (Ri + R2) ...(2.14)
BE =
Ri sin A ; ED =R2 sin A2 =
R2 sin A
BD = h = (Ri sin A + R2 sin A) ..(2.15)
= (Ri + R,) sin Ai

Special case
If R R2 = R, we have
v 2R(1 - cos A1)
..(2.12 a)
L =4 R sin ..(2.13 a)
L = V 4Rv ..(2.14 a)
h
2R sin A ...(2.15 a)
Example 2.6. Two parallel railway lines are to be connected by a reverse curve,
each section having the same radius. If the lines are 12 meters apart and the maimum
distance berween tangent points measured parallel to the straighis is 48 metres, find the
maximum allowable radius.
If however, both the radii are 1o be different, calculate the radius f the second
branch if that of the first branch is 60 metres. Also, calculate the lengths of both the
branches.
Solution. (Fig. 2.8)
(a) Given h = 48 m and v = 12 m

tan 0.25 m

= 14 2' or A =28° 4'

sin A = 0.47049

Now BE R sin A and ED = R sin Aj

BE+ED = h = R sin A + R sin A = 2R sin A

h 48 = 51.1 mn.
or R
2 sin A 2 x 0.47049
(b) Let R, and R, be the radii.
AS calculated above, Aj = 28° 4' and sin A = 0.47079
 64 (R + R:) sin A
h 48 = 102.2
102.2

Now,
sind
0.47049

(R+R:)sin A
42.2 m.
60 mn, 60
=

R =

Ri =
102.20
If R =
102.2
-

branch
of the
first
Tx 60 x 28°4' = 29.38 m
Length
180
180
branch
second
Length of
the
x 42.2 x 28° 4 = 20.67 mn.
TR A T tangem
180
180 is the common
c o m m o n tangem

interset at
V. BD
AB and CD
curve consisting
of wo arcs
Two straights reverse
Example 2.7. introduce a °
42'respectively.
It isproposed to °
30' and 43 150
l e n g t h 200
metres. are
and CDB f tha
radii benween them.
The angles ABD P.C., P.R.C. and P.T.,
ofequal radius. (i) the
chainages of
Calculate () the common

9245.2 metres.
of B is
Solution. (Fig. 2.6)
2VBD = 180° -

150° 30' = 29° 30'

A =

A2 = LBDC = 43° 42'

29° 30' 14° 12
=43° 42'
=

A2 Aj
-

A -

Now BD 200 =
BE+ED =R tan+ R tan

200
R 200 301.1 m
0.26328+0.40089
tan A + tan Az
TB 301.1 taD 14° 45' = 79.3 m

301.1 29° 5'

Length of the first branch =T RA
T x x

180 180

Length of the 2nd branch = 1A2T x 301.1 43 12 229.7 m x

180 180
Chainage of B 9245.2 m
Subtract T,B 79.3 m

Chainage of Ti = 9165.9 m
Add length of first curve 155.0 m

Chainage of P.R.C. = 9320.9 m

Add length of second curve =
229.7 m

Chainage of T2 = 9550.6 m

Example 2.8. Two straights AT

common radius R,
and CT2 meet at V. It is proposed 1o
having T, and T2 as tangent points. Thie
ntarn
odguc

angles

a reverse curve of
 REVERSE CURVES 65
AND
cOMPOUND

VT,T, measured at T, and T, are 45° 30 and 25° 30 respectively. The distance
to 800 metres. Determine the common radius and central angle for two arcs.
is equal
TT Solution. (Fig. 2.7)
2 AT1T = ð = 45° 30'
VT:T = ð, = 25° 30
A 81 - 8, = 45° 30 - 25° 30' = 20°

O,HR cos 8, + R cos 82 cos 8, + cos 6

sin 8=
0,0 2R 2
30' + cos 25° 30
= sin 1
OS 4 = 53° 18

cos 6 = 0.59783

T1T = L = TF+ FG + GT2

Now
800 R sin 8, + 2R cos 0 + R sin 82
800 800
R 34.4 m.
sin 45° 30' +2 cos 53° 18' + sin 25° 30' 2.3395
A = 81 4+ 90° - 6 =45° 30' +90° 53 18' = 81° 12'
Now
A2 = A - A = 81° 12' - 20° = 61° 12'
A =8 + 90°- 6 = 25° 30'+90° 53° 18' = 61° 12')
(or
PROBLEMS
. The following data refer to a compound circular curve which bears to the right
Angle of intersection (or total detlection) = 59° 45
Radius of 1st curve = 19.10 chains

Radius of 2nd curve = 12.74 chains.

Point of intersection = 164.25 chains.

Determine the running distances of the tangent point and the point of compound curvature,
given that the latter point is 4.26 chains from the point of intersection at a back angle of
294° 32 from the first
tangent.
2. AB and CD are two straights such that A and D are on opposite sides of a common
angent BC; and it is required to connect AB and CD with a reverse curve of radius R.
Given that angles ABC and BCD are respectively 148° 40' and 139° 20' and that BC is 16.28
nSdetermine the common radius R and the chainage of the poinis of tangency and reverse
vanure, he direction being from A to D and the chainage of B 145.20 chains. (U.L.)
3. The
railway straights TiAl and IBT2 meeting in an inaccessible pointI are to be connected
oy a
compound such that the are T,C of radius 30 chains is equal in length to
follo
the 2 of circular curve
radius 20 chains, C being the point of compound curvature. You are given the
following data
Line W.C. Bearing

TiA 55° 30' Chainage of A 154.23 chans

IBT 114 45
AB 12.63 chans
A
2° 36'