13.

Vertical Curves

Vertical curves provide a gradual change between two adjacent road grades

Components of the equal tangent vertical curve

Geometric properties

Where is the Low Point? (or high point of a crest curve)

Two methods for computing a vertical curve: 1) Tangent offset method 2) Solve the parabolic equation directly

Two methods for computing a vertical curve:

1) Tangent offset method 2) Solve the parabolic equation directly

Spreadsheets are handy

Special situations: 1) Highway vertical curve must pass through a fixed point (station and elevation) to match a railroad or street crossing, or a catch basin location

2) Distance is limited on one side of the point of intersection of two grade lines. Solution: link two unequal vertical curves together = unequal tangent vertical curve

Example: Vertical Curve Computation

Required: A 550-ft curve, g1=-2.90%, g2=+1.25%, PVI @ sta 89+30 and elev. 130.00.
Show elevations of BVC and EVC, low point, even stations. Solution: 1) Compute a

2) Find BVC and EVC

3) Find Low Point

Example: Vertical Curve Computation

4) Compute elevations at desired stations

Station

(g1)x

ax2

Elev. BVC

Elevation

13.6

Sight Distance and Road Design

How are highways laid out? Highway layout: Horizontal and vertical alignments are coordinated for aesthetics and safety

Design speed does not equal posted speed. Design speed depends on factors such as lane width, and how far a driver can see ahead, to assess developing situations and take appropriate action.

Sight Distance: Sight distance = length of highway visible to the driver Stopping sight distance = the sight distance required to safely stop a vehicle traveling at design speed Passing sight distance = the sight distance required (two-lane highway) for a vehicle to execute a normal passing maneuver as related to design conditions and design speed Decision sight distance = the sight distance required for a driver to detect an unexpected or difficult-to-perceive information source or hazard, interpret the information, recognize the hazard, select and appropriate maneuver Entering sight distance = the sight distance along a roadway that an object of specified height is continuously visible to a driver entering a roadway from a driveway or cross street.

Sight Distance Examples

Entering sight distance

Decision Sight Distance

Stopping Sight Distance (see Ref. Mat. 17, from WSDOT Design Manual)

Passing Sight Distance (see Ref. Mat. 17, from WSDOT Design Manual)