Elements of Design 3-81

3.3.8.4.9 Location with Respect to End of Curve

In alignment design with spirals, the superelevation runoff is affected over the whole of the tran-
sition curve. The length of the superelevation runoff should be equal to the spiral length for the
tangent-to-spiral (TS) transition at the beginning and the spiral-to-curve (SC) transition at the
end of the circular curve. The change in cross slope begins by removing the adverse cross slope
from the lane or lanes on the outside of the curve on a length of tangent just ahead of TS (the
tangent runout) (see Figure 3-8). Between the TS and SC, the spiral curve and the supereleva-
tion runoff are coincident and the traveled way is rotated to reach the full superelevation at the
SC. This arrangement is reversed on leaving the curve. In this design, the whole of the circular
curve has full superelevation.
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3.3.8.5 Compound Curve Transition

In general, compound curve transitions are most commonly considered for application to low-
speed turning roadways at intersections. In contrast, tangent-to-curve or spiral curve transition
designs are more commonly used on street and highway curves.

The runoff length between compound curves is the runoff computed for the difference in the
superelevation rates.

Guidance concerning compound curve transition design for turning roadways is provided in
Chapters 9 and 10. The guidance in Chapter 9 applies to low-speed turning roadway terminals
at intersections while the guidance in Chapter 10 applies to interchange ramp terminals.

3.3.8.6 Methods of Attaining Superelevation

Four methods are used to transition the pavement to a superelevated cross section. These meth-
ods include: (1) revolving a traveled way with normal cross slopes about the centerline profile, (2)
revolving a traveled way with normal cross slopes about the inside-edge profile, (3) revolving a
traveled way with normal cross slopes about the outside-edge profile, and (4) revolving a straight
cross slope traveled way about the outside-edge profile. Figure 3-8 illustrates these four meth-
ods. The methods of changing cross slope are most conveniently shown in the figure in terms of
straight line relationships, but it is important that the angular breaks between the straight-line
profiles be rounded in the finished design, as shown in the figure.

The profile reference line controls for the roadway’s vertical alignment through the horizontal
curve. Although shown as a horizontal line in Figure 3-8, the profile reference line may corre-
spond to a tangent, a vertical curve, or a combination of the two. In Figure 3-8A, the profile
reference line corresponds to the centerline profile. In Figures 3-8B and 3-8C, the profile refer-
ence line is represented as a “theoretical” centerline profile as it does not coincide with the axis
of rotation. In Figure 3-8D, the profile reference line corresponds to the outside edge of traveled
way. The cross sections at the bottom of each diagram in Figure 3-15 indicate the traveled way
cross slope condition at the lettered points.

© 2018 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
3-82 A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets

The first method, as shown in Figure 3-8A, revolves the traveled way about the centerline pro-
file. This method is the most widely used because the change in elevation of the edge of the
traveled way is achieved with less distortion than with the other methods. In this regard, one-
half of the change in elevation is made at each edge.

Normal Tangent Length of Full

Crown Runout Runoff Superelevation

Outside Edge of
Travled Way

Centerline Profile

Inside Edge of
Traveled Way

Profile Control
Centerline

A B C D E

Crowned
Traveled Way Revolved about Centerline

–A–

Normal Tangent Length of Full

Crown Runout Runoff Superelevation

Outside Edge of
Travled Way

Actual CL Profile

Theoretical CL Profile

Inside Edge of
Traveled Way

Profile Control
Inside Edge
Traveled Way
A B C D E

Crowned
Traveled Way Revolved about Inside Edge

–B–

Figure 3-8. Diagrammatic Profiles Showing Methods of Attaining

Superelevation for a Curve to the Right

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© 2018 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.
 Elements of Design 3-83

Normal Tangent Length of Full

Crown Runout Runoff Superelevation

Theoretical CL Profile

Outside Edge of
Traveled Way

Actual CL Profile

Inside Edge of
Traveled Way

Outside Edge
Traveled Way

A B C D E

Crowned
Traveled Way Revolved about Outside Edge
–C–

Normal Tangent Length of Full

Crown Runout Runoff Superelevation

Outside Edge of
Traveled Way

Inside Edge of
Traveled Way

Profile Control
Outside Edge
Traveled Way
A B C D E

Straight Cross Slope

Traveled Way Revolved about Outside Edge
–D–

Note: Angular breaks to be appropriately rounded as shown (see text)

Figure 3-8. Diagrammatic Profiles Showing Methods of Attaining

Superelevation for a Curve to the Right (Continued)

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© 2018 by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

All rights reserved. Duplication is a violation of applicable law.