PRESENTATION OF

HIGHWAY ENGINEERING

ROAD GRADIENT
Prepared by:
Pujan rathod
216200306010
 What Is the Road Gradient

It is defined as the rate of rising or falls along the length of the road with respect to
the horizontal is known as Gradient of road.

In another word, it is the longitudinal slope provided to the formation level of the road
along its alignment. It is generally expressed in 1 in n .
Types of Road Gradient

•Ruling Gradient.
•Limiting Gradient.
•Exceptional Gradient.
•Average Gradient.
•Floating Gradient.
•Minimum Gradient.
 1. Ruling Gradient

The gradient, which is usually adopted while making the alignment of the road, is known as the ruling
gradient. The ruling gradient is used for designing the road because it gives maximum safety at minimum cost.
 2. Limiting Gradient

The gradient, which is steeper than the ruling gradient, is known as the limiting gradient. In some situations,
we cannot adopt the ruling gradient, where we have to use a limiting gradient.
 3. Exceptional Gradient

The gradient, which is steeper than the limiting gradient, is known as the exceptional gradient. This type of
gradient is generally used in an extraordinary situation where shorter lengths of the roads are available.
 4. Average Gradient

The total rate of rising or fall between any

two points along the alignment of the road
divided by the horizontal distance between
two points is known as an average gradient.
 5. Floating Gradient

The gradient on which a motor vehicle, moving with a constant speed, continues to descend
at the same speed without any application of power or brakes is known as a floating
gradient.
 6. Minimum Gradient

The minimum desirable slope which is essential for the effective drainage of
rainwater from the surface of the known as a minimum gradient. It is usually adapt
where surface drainage is important.