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Unsymmetrical Vertical Curves

An unsymmetrical vertical curve is a curve in which the horizontal distance from the PVI to the PVC is different
from the horizontal distance between the PVI and the PVT. In other words, l1 does NOT equal l2.
Unsymmetrical curves are sometimes described as having unequal tangents and are referred to as dog legs.
Figure 2-6 below shows an unsymmetrical curve.

Unsymmetrical Vertical Curve Computations

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Location of highest or lowest point on the curve:

When, the highest or lowest point on

the curve is
located between PVC and PVI. Its distance S1 from PVC is determined by:

When, the highest or lowest point on

the curve is
located between PVI and PVT. Its distance S2 from PVT is determined by:

Note: S1 + S2 ≠ L1 + L2

Example
A forward tangent having a slope of –4% intersects the back tangent having a slope of +7% at STA 6+300m
whose elevation is known to be 230m. It is required to connect the these two tangents by an unsymmetrical
vertical parabolic curve that shall pass through point A on the curve having an elevation of 227.57m at station
6+270. If the length of the curve on the side of the back tangent is 60m, determine the total length of the
curve, and the location and elevation of the highest point on the curve.

Problems
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1. An unsymmetrical parabolic curve has a forward tangent of – 8% and a backward tangent of +5%. The length of the
curve on the left side of the curve is 40 m long while that of the right side is 60 m long. At station 66 + 780 and at
elevation 110 m, Determine the:
A. Height of fill at the outcrop.
B. Elevation of the curve at sta. 6 + 820.

2. A forward tangent having a slope of – 4% intersects the back tangent having a slope +7% at point V at station 6 + 300
having an elevation of 230 m. It is required to connect the two tangents with unsymmetrical parabolic curve that shall
pass through point A on the curve having an elevation of 227.57 m. at STA. 6 + 270. The length of curve is 60 m on the
back tangent. Determine the:
A. Length of curve on the side of the forward tangent.
B. Stationing and elevation of the highest point of the curve.

3. In a certain construction undertaken by DPWH, it was decided to connect a forward tangent of 3% and a back
tangent of -5% by a 200 m symmetrical parabolic curve. It was discovered that the grade intersection at STA 10 + 100;
whose elevation fall on a rocky section with the exposed boulder at elevation 102.67 m. To avoid rock excavation, the
project engineer decided to adjust the vertical parabolic curve in such a way that the curve will just clear the rock
without altering the position of P.C. and the grade of the tangents. Determine the stationing and elevation of the new
P.T.

4. A forward tangent of +6% was designed to intersect a back tangent of -3% at a proposed underpass along Arch.
Reyes Ave. so as to maintain a minimum clearance allowed under a bridge which crosses perpendicular to the
underpass. A 200 m curve lies on the side of the back tangent while 100 m curve lies on the side of the forward
tangent. The stationing and elevation of the grade intersection is 12 + 530.20 and 100 m, respectively. The center line
of the bridge falls at STA 12 + 575.2. The elevation of the underside of the bridge is 117.48. Determine the minimum
clearance of the bridge if it has a width of 10 m.