FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

COURSE SURVEYING

COURSE CODE ECG345

LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0

CATEGORY TRADITIONAL

DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 0

PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 2 WEEKS ( WEEK 13 & 14)

TITLE SETTING OUT : HORIZONTAL ROAD CURVE

1.0 Introduction

Level 0 or known as a traditional method of conducting laboratory activities will not be

able to provide the avenue for students to enhance independent learning activities and
inculcate creativity and innovation. The traditional method is fully prescriptive where
the three elements namely problem, ways & means and answers are guided/fully given
to the students. However, it is still necessary to be implemented as part of the whole
laboratory course activity especially to first and second year students.

1.1 Setting out

A highway route survey was initially laid out as a series of straight lines (tangents).
Once the centreline location alignment has been confirmed, the tangents are joined
by circular curves that allow for smooth vehicle operations at the speeds for which the
highway was designed.

In this laboratory activities, students will be exposed to a deflection angle method

which is the common method to peg all the setting out points for horizontal curve. A
highway route survey was initially laid out as a series of straight line (tangents). Once
the centreline location alignment has been confirmed, the tangents are joined by
circular curves that allow for smooth vehicle operation at the speeds for which the
highway was designed. This laboratory has agreed to fix a task that will be concerned
the basic of to set-out the points of curve by deflection angle methods.

©FKA, UiTM, PHG OCT 21 –JAN 22

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

2.0 Objective
The objective of this laboratory are:

2.1 Learn to use the survey instrument especially the Theodolite.

2.2 To obtain setting out points for a simple circular horizontal curve by pre-
computation.
2.3 To execute the fieldwork based on the data computed.

3.0 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the laboratory activities, students should be able to:

3.1 Form effective teamwork.

3.2 Communicate effectively through laboratory reports and oral communication.
3.3 Use of critical thinking in solving problems related to survey data.
3.4 Prepare appropriate survey equipment involved.
3.5 To tabulate the setting –out data into the proper table.
3.6 Analyze setting –out data.

4.0 Theoretical Background

4.1 Types of circular curves;

There is a few type of curve, which are designed to fulfill the requirements for safe
journey and passage. Moreover, it is practice on the construction of railway, road
alignments and canals whereby obstacles are present at the proposed alignment
where curve are necessary to avoid fatigue of the drivers. The types of curves are
listed below:

a. Simple Curve

A curve is said to be simple when it has same radius throughout and consists of
single arc of circle with two tangents meeting at actual point of intersection of roads.

Figure 1: Simple Circular Curve

©FKA, UiTM, PHG OCT 21 –JAN 22

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

b. Compound Curve

Figure 2 shows the geometrical of compound curve. A compound Curve Consists

of two or more simple curves having different radii but bending in same direction
and lying on same side of common tangent.

Figure 2: Compound Curve

C. Reverse Curve

These consist of two consecutive curves of the same or different radius with any
intervening straight section and with their centres of curvature falling on opposite
sides of their common tangent point.

Figure 3: Reverse Curve

©FKA, UiTM, PHG OCT 21 –JAN 22

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

4.2 Definition of a circular curve

Based on Figure 1 (Simple Circular Curve), when two straights meet at a point of
intersection I, a circular arc of radius, R runs between the straights, meeting them
tangentially at tangent points T and U with a total deflection angle or total
intersection angle, ϴ. Therefore, the principles of a sample circular curve are given
below:

Given
< ITO = <IUO = 90°
< TIU + <TOU = 180°
< TIU + <CIU =180

Therefore,
< TIU = <TOU =ϴ
< TIO = <ITU = ϴ/2

Curve length = Rϴ where ϴ in radians

Tangent length, IT = R tan ϴ/2
Chainage of T = Chainage of I - Tangent length
Chainage of U = Chainage of T + Curve length

4.3Setting out Using Method of Deflection Angles

For long curves, the curve can be set out by using chord length, which should not
more than R/20; therefore, the convenient interval for the pegs is given as 10 m.
The deflection angle by the given interval can be calculated by:

Deflection angle α = 1718.9 x Chord / R (in minutes)

The pegs are then stationed out using theodolite and tape to determine each peg
from pre-computation given.

©FKA, UiTM, PHG OCT 21 –JAN 22

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

5.0 Problem Statement

A curve is to be set out from two tangent lines connecting to an intersection points.
The control points or tangent points (TP) are to be marked to start the setting out.
The first chainage of the control point is assumed to be CH 0 and the through
chainage 500m. The radius of curve, R is 350 meter and the deflection angles
between back tangent and forward tangent is 30⁰. The layout is to proceed is
within 20m interval and where the point intersection chainage, PI is 200m.

Use the parameters above as guided to transfer the setting out data into the real
situation.

6.0 Apparatus

1. Theodolite
2. Tripod
3. Ranging pole
4. Measurement tape
5. Peg and hammer
6. Prism
7. String / thread

7.0 Procedures

1. Driven peg into the ground at the points for permanent markings of the
intersection point (IP) and control points (CP).
2. Set and adjust the tripod with prism at IP.
3. Set the first CP (First chainage interval) as 00°00'00'' from the intersection
point (IP).
4. Position the pre-computation deflection angle from CP. Hold the prism at the
point and instruct the staffman until the point is sighted accurately. Hold the
tape from CP with the given interval to mark the second chainage interval.
5. For the remaining interval, obtain the deflection angle and cumulative length
of interval by turning the theodolite to desired value and hold the tape
according to the cumulative length computed. Hold the prism at the current
point based on the observer's instruction and mark until the final point.
6. The final deflection angle fro, the theodolite must be equal to ϴ/2 based on the
pre-computation done.

©FKA, UiTM, PHG OCT 21 –JAN 22

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

8.0 Data Acquisition

The pre-computation data will be tabulated in the tables given below to ease the
verification and presentation of the technical report. The original table can be
determined from Appendix 1(a).

9.0 Result and Analysis

The group is required to submit the technical report of the laboratory results
highlighting the apparatus used, the procedures undertaken for the test, data
acquisition process. Analysis carried out and the relevancy of the set-out output
to address the given problem. The format of the technical report is left to the
creativity discretion of the group. The report must be submitted 7 days after the
completion of the lab.
Result and Analysis

• All point of curves must be firmly pegged on the ground.

• Attach the picture illustrated the entire curve in the lab report.

©FKA, UiTM, PHG OCT 21 –JAN 22

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

HORIZONTAL CIRCULAR CURVE

Deflection Cumulative 0 /20 /40

Chainage Chord
Point Angle Deflection /60 Angle
Length
(°, ', ") Angle (°, ', ") to be Set

POC 2725.21 0 0 0 0

Peg 1 2728 2.79 0 °23 '58.72" 0 °23 '58.72" 0 °24 '00"

Peg 2 2743 15 2 °8 '55.05" 2 °32 '53.77" 2 °33 '00"

Peg 3 2758 15 2 °8 '55.05" 4 °41 '48.82" 4 °41 '40"

Peg 4 2773 15 2 °8 '55.05" 6 °50 '43.87" 6 °50 '40"

Peg 5 2788 15 2 °8 '55.05" 8 °59 '38.92" 8 °59 '40"

Peg 6 2803 15 2 °8 '55.05" 11 °8 '33.97" 11 °08 '40"

Peg 7 2818 15 2 °8 '55.05" 13 °17 '29.02" 13 °17 '20"

Peg 8 2833 15 2 °8 '55.05" 15 °26 '24.07" 15 °26 '20"

Peg 9 2848 15 2 °8 '55.05" 17 °35 '19.12" 17 °35 '20"

Peg 10 2863 15 2 °8 '55.05" 19 °44 '14.17" 19 °44 '20"

POT 2864.84 1.84 0 °15 '48.83" 20 °00 '03" 20 °00 '00"

©FKA, UiTM, PHG OCT 21 –JAN 22

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

AutoCAD Drawing

Field Work

©FKA, UiTM, PHG OCT 21 –JAN 22

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

9.1 Calculation

Tangent length = R tan ϴ/2 = 200 tan 40° = 72.79

2

Length of Curve = (πRϴ / 180°) = π (200)(40°) = 139.63

180°

Chainage at first point = 2798 – 72.79 = 2725.21

Chainage at last point = 2725.21 + 139.63

= 2864.84

Deflection angle = (1718.9 x L) / 60R = 2 °8 '55.05"

Length of initial chord = 2728 – 2725.21 = 2.79

Total no of chord at 15m intervals = LOC / Peg Interval

= 139.63 / 15
= 9.3

(take 9 chord)
Chanel covered until = 2728 + 15(9) = 2863

Length of last chord = 2864.84 – 2863 = 1.84m

©FKA, UiTM, PHG OCT 21 –JAN 22

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA LABORATORY MANUAL

10.0 Discussion

Horizontal curve are ones that modify the road's alignment or direction. A horizontal
curve connects two tangent strips of roadway, allowing a vehicle to negotiate a turn
gradually rather than abruptly. The curve's design is determined by the intended
design speed of the roadway, as well as other factors such as drainage and friction.
In this fieldwork activities, deflection angle method was used. The deflection angles
are the angles formed by a tangent and the endpoints of the Point of Curvature
(POC) chords. They are used by the surveyor to determine the direction in which the
chords should be set out. The sum of the deflection angles is always half of the
Intersecting Angle (I) angle. In this method, curves are staked out by turning
deflection angles from the tangent to points along the curve at the point of curvature.
The curve is defined by driving pegs at regular intervals equal to the normal chord
length. The method assumes that there is no difference in length between the arcs
and their corresponding chords of normal length or less. The underlying principle of
this method is that the deflection angle at any point on the circular curve equals one-
half of the angle subtended at the centre of the circle by the arc from the POC to that
point.
In this fieldwork we can also learn to use survey instruments especially Theodolite
and some other appropriate survey equipment such as prism and ranging pole.
Before we begin this fieldwork, we need perform pre-calculations to determine the
setting out points for a simple circular horizontal curve using the angle provided by
the lecturer and the formula specified.

Tangent length, IT = R tan ϴ/2

Length of Curve, LOC = πRϴ/180o
Deflection Angles = 1718.9×L/60R

The pegs are then stationed using a theodolite and tape to identify each peg based
on the pre-computation provided. As a result, curves can be constructed and
identified with string.

11.0 Conclusion

In this laboratory experiment, we have learn how to use the survey instrument,
especially the Theodolite using the correct techniques. We also have obtain setting
out points for a simple circular horizontal curve by pre-computation and execute the
fieldwork based on the data computed. Using the collected data, we can draw the road
curve in AutoCAD.

©FKA, UiTM, PHG OCT 21 –JAN 22