DEBRE BIRHAN POLY TECHNIC COLLEGE

HORIZONTAL CURVES
Curves are provided in the line of communication like roads, railways, canals etc. to

bring about the change of direction gradually. Horizontal curves are curves that are

used to connect straight line called tangent. The curves employed normally are circular.

Although spiral curves may be used to provide gradual transitions to or form the

circular curves.

CLASSIFICATION OF CIRCULAR CURVES.

 Circular curves can be classified as
Simple circular curves

Compound Circular curves

Reverse Circular Curves

Spiral Curves

 Simple Circular Curves

A Simple Curve is a circular are joining two intersecting tangents. The radius of the

circle determines the sharpness or flatness of the curve.

Elements of the simple circular curve

1. Vertex (V)- the point of intersection (PI) of two intersecting tangents.

2. Point of curvature (PC) the point of curvature where the curve leaves the

tangent.

3. Point of tangency (PT)- the point of tangency where the curve meat the other

tangent.

4. Tangent distance (T) - the distance from the vertex to the JPC or PT.

5. Intersection angle (I) or D- the angle by which the forward tangent deflects from

the back tangent

6. Radius (R) - the radius of the circle of which the curve is made.

7. External distance (E) is the distance from the vertex to the midpoint of the

circular curve.

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8. Long chord (C)- is the distance from the midpoint of the long chord to the

midpoint of the circular curve.

9. Middle Ordinate (M) -is the distance from the midpoint of the long chord to the

midpoint of the circular curve.

10. Degree of curve (D)- Curves are designated either by their radius (R), or their

degree of curve (D0) The degree of curve (D) defines the "sharpness" or "flatness" of

the curve. There are two common definitions for degree of curve, as follows:

Chord Definition states that the degree of a curve is the angle formed by two

radii drawn from the center of the circle to the ends of a chord 20m long. The

chord definition is used primarily for civilian railroad construction and is

used by the military for both roads and railroads

Arc Definition states that the degree of a curve is the angle formed by two

radii drawn from the center of the circle to the ends of an arc 20m long. This

definition is used primarily for highways and streets.

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Important Relationship in circular curve

1. Tangent distance (T)

2. Length of long chord (C)

3. The external distance (E)

4. The Middle ordinate (M)-

5. The length of the curve (L)

π R∆
180
6. Chainage of PC(chPC)
chPC = chPI - T
7. Chainage of PT(chPT)
chPT = chPC + L

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 SETTING OUT OF A CURVE
 A circular curve can be set out by.
I. Linear or chain and tape method when no angle measuring instrument is used.
II. Instrument methods in which a theodolite tacheometer or a total station instrument is
used.
I. Chain and tape methods
1. Offsets from long chords
 First we can calculate mid ordinate(M)
From Triangle T1EO
OE + (L/ 2) = R
2 2 2

OE = R −( L/ 2)
2 2 2

OE = √ R2−(L/2)2
 Express OE distance in terms of Radius and mid ordinate
OE = R - M
M = R - OE ........so

M = R - √ R2−(L/2)2
 second we can calculate offset distance(Ox)
From Triangle PP1O
X + OP 1 = R
2
2 2

OP 1 = R −¿ X
2 2 2

OP 1 =√ R2−X 2
 Express OP1 distance in terms of Radius , mid ordinate and offset distance(Ox)
OP 1 = R - M + Ox
Ox = OP 1 - R + M

Ox = √ R2−X 2- R + M

2. Offsets from Tangent

i. By Perpendicular method
From Triangle AP1O
X + OA = R
2 2 2

OA = R − X
2 2 2

OA = √ R2−X 2
 Express OA distance in terms of Radius and offset distance(Ox)
OA = R−Ox
Ox = R−¿ OA

Ox = R - √ R2−X 2
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ii. By Radian method

From Triangle OPT1
X + R = OP
2 2 2

√ R2 + X 2 = OP
 Express OP distance in terms of Radius and offset distance(Ox)
OP = R + Ox
Ox = OP−R

Ox = √ R2 + X 2−¿ R

3. Successive Bisection
In this method, points on a curve are located by bisecting the chords and
erecting the perpendiculars at the mid-point
 Referring to Fig. 2.7

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Compound And Reverse Curve
 Combination of two or more simple circular curves of different radius having their
curvature in the same direction. also a curve that is made up of a series of successive
tangent circular arcs is called Compound curve.
 Essentially a compound curve consists of two curves that are joined at a point of PCC
and are located on the same side of a common tangent though their radii are in the
same direction they are of different values.
Combination of two circular simple curve having a common tangent but lies on
opposite sides is called Reverse curve.

 Elements of compound and Reverse curve

 PC = point of curvature
 PT = point of tangency
 PI = point of intersection
 PCC = point of compound curve
 PRC = point of reversed curvature
 T1 = length of tangent of the first curve
 T2 = length of tangent of the second
curve
 V1 = vertex of the first curve(point of
intersection of first curve)
 V2 = vertex of the second curve(point of
intersection of second curve)
 I1 = central angle of the first curve
 I2 = central angle of the second curve
 I = angle of intersection = I1 + I2
 Lc1 = length of first curve
 Lc2 = length of second curve
 L1 = length of first chord
 L2 = length of second chord
 L = length of long chord from PC to PT
 T1 + T2 = length of common tangent
measured from V1 to V2
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 For compound curve
 θ = 180° - I
 x and y can be found from triangle V1-V2-PI. by using sin law

sin θ sin I 1 sin I 2

(T 1+T 2)
= Y
= X

sin I 2∗(T 1+T 2)

X= sin θ
sin I 1∗(T 1+T 2)
Y= sin θ
 L can be found from triangle PC-PCC-PT
 Finding the stationing of PT
Given the stationing of PC
Sta PT= Sta PC+Lc1+Lc2
Given the stationing of PI
Sta PT=Sta PI− X− T1 + Lc 1+ Lc2
 For Reverse curve
 Finding the stationing of PT
Given the stationing of PC
Sta PT=Sta PC+Lc1+Lc2
Given the stationing of V1
Sta PT=Sta V1−T1+Lc1+Lc2
 Reversed Curve for Parallel Tangents

TRANSITION CURVES

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Transition Curves are curves in which the radius changes from infinity to a particular value. The

effect of this is to gradually increase the radial force P from zero to its highest value & thereby

reduce its effect.

For a Vehicle traveling from PC to PT, the force gradually increases from zero to its maximum on

the circular curve and then decreases to zero again. This greatly reduces the tendency to skid &

reduces the discomfort experienced by passengers in the vehicles. This is one of the purposes of

transition curves; by introducing the radial force gradually and uniformly and uniformly they

minimize passenger discomfort.

If the transition curve is to introduce the radial force in a gradual & uniform manner it must have

the property that the product of the radius of curvature at any point on the curve and the length

of the curve up to that point is a constant value.

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PI = Point of intersection of main tangents. Ls =Total length of spiral curve from TS to
TS = Point of change from tangent to spiral SC
curve.
SC = Point of change from spiral to circular ls = Spiral arc from the TS to any point on
curve. the spiral (ls = Ls at the SC).
CS = Point of change from circular curve to ∆ s = Central (or spiral) angle of arc Ls.
spiral. ∆ = Total central angle of the circular
ST = Point of change from spiral curve to curve from TS to ST.
tangent. ∆c = Central angle of circular curve of
LC = Long chord. length L extending from SC to CS.
LT = Long tangent. p = Offset from the initial tangent.
ST = Short tangent. q = Abscissa of the distance between the
Ts = Tangent distance from TS to PI or ST shifted PC and TS.
to PI. Ys = Tangent offset at the SC.
Es = External distance from the PI to the Xs = Tangent distance at the SC.
center of the circular curve. x and y = coordinates of any point on the
R = Radius of the adjoining circular curve. spiral from the TS.

 Equation Of Spiral Curve Where V

90 ° Ls
∆s = in m/s
πR
3
Where
−Ls
∆c = ∆−2 ∆ sXs = Ls
40 R
2 V in
Ys =
Ls
2
Km/hr
6R
2
Ls
p=
24 R
q = Xs −R sin ∆ s
∆
Ts = (R + p) tan 2 + q
LT = Xs −¿
Ys
ST = sin ∆ s
LC =√ Xs2 +Ys 2
3
−ls
x = ls 2
40 R
3
ls
y=
6 RLs
ls ∆ s
α =(
Ls )( 3 )

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 Vertical Curves
For highways and railways whenever there is a change of grade in the vertical plane, a vertical
curve is required to smoothen the change. It is usually parabolic as parabolic curves provide a
constant rate of change of grade. A vertical curve should be so designed that
I. it gives smooth riding qualities which again will occur if (
there is a constant change of gradient
uniform rate of increase of centrifugal force and
II. Adequate sighting distance is available before the vehicle reaches the summit.
There are four types of vertical curves
1. Sag curve
2. Crest or summit curve
3. Rising curve
4. Falling curve.
 In a sag curve, a down grade is followed by an upgrade
 In a summit curve an upgrade is followed by a downgrade.
 In a rising. curve an upgrade is followed by another upgrade
 In a falling curve a down grade is followed by another downgrade.

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 ELEMENTS OF VERTICAL CURVE

 Vertex (V) - The point of intersection of the grade line (PVI)
 Point of Vertical Curvature (PVC) - The point of tangency where the vertical curve leaves initial grade.
 Point of Vertical tangency (PVT) - The pt of tangency where the vertical curve meets the forward grade.
 Length of Vertical curve (L) - The horizontal distance b/n PVC to PVT.

 Symmetrical Vertical Curve

The curve length from PVC to PVI and from PVI to PVT is equal.

 Unsymmetrical Vertical Curve

The curve length from PVC to PVI and from PVI to PVT is not equal.

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 Equation of symmetrical Vertical Curve

r
Y =EBVC + (g1)(x) + 2 x 2
Where: - Y is elevation of a point
EBVC = Elevation of Beginning vertical curve
g1= initial tangent grade
r = rate change of grade
x = distance b/n BVC to any point on curve

g 2−g1
r= L %/stn

L= Length of curve
g1= initial tangent grade
g2= Final tangent grade
 Note :- L in stations, g not divided by 100

Station Calculation Elevation Calculation

SBVC = SPVI – L/2 EBVC = EPVI – g1(L/2)
SEVC = SBVC + L EEVC = EPVI + g2(L/2)
EEVC = EBVC + g1L + (r/2)L2

 Equation of Unsymmetrical Vertical Curve

r1
Y =EBVC + (g1)(x) + 2 x2 For the left branch

r2
Y =EEVC - (g2)(x) + 2 x2 For the right branch

Station Calculation Elevation Calculation

SBVC = SPVI – l1 EBVC = EPVI – g1(l1)
 =Earthwork
SEVC SPVI + l2 EEVC = EPVI + g2(l2)
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Earthwork is one of the most important construction operations. It requires a great amount of
engineering effort.
The planning, scheduling, and supervising of earthwork operations are of major importance in
obtaining an efficiently operated construction project. To plan a schedule, the quantities of clearing,
grubbing, and stripping, as well as the quantities and positions of cuts and fills, must be known.
Earthwork computations involve the calculation of volumes or quantities, the determination of final
grades, the balancing of cuts and fills, and the planning of the most economical haul of material.
 EARTH WORK ESTIMATION

Earthwork computations involve the calculation of earthwork volumes, the determination of final
grades, the balancing of cuts and fills, and the planning of the most economical haul of material. The
exactness with which earthwork computations are made depends upon the extent and accuracy of field
measurements, which in turn arc controlled by the time available and the type of construction
involved. To plan a schedule, the quantity of earthwork and the soil and haul conditions must be
known so the most efficient type and quantity of earthmoving equipment can be chosen and the
appropriate time allotted. When time is critical, the earthwork quantities are estimated either very
roughly or not at all. When time is not critical, higher construction standards are possible and
earthwork quantities are estimated and controlled by more precise methods.

CROSS SECTIONS
The cross section used in earthwork computations is a vertical section. It is perpendicular to the
centerline at full and plus stations and represents the boundaries of a proposed or existing cut or fill.
The determination of cross-section areas is simplified when the sections are plotted on cross-section
paper. The side slopes of a cross section are expressed by a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical
distance. A 1 ½:1 side slope indicates a slope extending 1 ½ feet horizontally per foot of vertical rise
or fall. Slopes may be inclined more or less sharply than this, such as 3:1, 2:1, or 1:1. The surveyor
usually determines the slope by the design specifications based on the stability of the soil in cut or fill.
However, the need for economy in construction operations must often be considered. For example, cut
slopes may be flattened more than is required by soil characteristics solely to produce enough material
for a nearby fill. This practice is more economical than operating a borrow pit to obtain this material.
Type of cross section side slop

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Cut and fill

Cut and fill process is typically one of the first construction processes to take place on a site. The
topography map describes the existing slopes of the land, and allows us to draw site elevations in our
section cuts.
When planning the design and construction of a building, architects and engineers must first consider
the existing conditions of the site. Most often, the given site is not level and must be modified before
any construction can begin. So, the cut and fill process is typically one of the first construction
processes to take place on a site.
Without computer software to determine the amount of land to be added or removed, we can do simple
calculations to estimate the cut and fill volume of any site. First, the site is divided into sections.
Essentially, the site is "sliced" into segments of land, at a specified fixed distance apart, so we can look
at each segment individually. Section cuts are drawn based on the topography of the land in order to
accurately represent the land that is being evaluated.
The topography map describes the existing slopes of the land, and allows us to draw site elevations in
our section cuts.
 Computing Areas for Cross Sections
 we can calculate area of cross section by the following method
Coordinate method
Trapezoidal rule
Simpson’s rule
 Coordinate method:

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• With the coordinates of all the corners of a cross‐

section known, the area may be computed by means of the coordinate method.
• The point of intersection of the center of formation with the centerline of the road (c) is used as
the origin.
• The cut above the formation are written as plus (+) and those below as minus (‐).
• The distances to the right are written as plus (+) and those to the left as minus (‐).

 Computing Volume for Cross Sections

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A1 & A2 are parallel end areas a distance L apart and M the area at the
mid-length, found out by interpolating the linear dimensions.
V 13=l/3( A 1 +4 A 2 + A 3 )
V 35=l/3( A 3 + 4 A 4 + A 5 )
⇒V 15=l/3( A 1 + A 5 +2 A 3 + 4 ( A 2 + A 4 ))
⇒V =l/3( A1 + A N + 2(remaining odd areas )+4 (even areas ))

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