Wisconsin DOT

Facilities Development Manual

(FDM)

Weston Philips
1/27/05
http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist1/d1traffic/cap/curve.jpg
 Superelevation

 Vertical Alignment
Superelevation
 A different angle on superelevation?

Ch. 3 Elements of Design

In Horizontal Alignment Section Ch. 2 Alignments

p. 173 Section 2A-2, 2A-3

 Axis of Rotation

1. Rotate pavement about centerline

2. Rotate about inner edge of pavement
3. Rotate about outside edge of pavement
4. Rotate about center of median (Divided)
Axis of Rotation
Axis of Rotation
 Superelevation Profile
Two-Lane Highway – Centerline Rotation
Normal Crown
Tangent Runout/Crown Runoff

Horizontal
Superelevation Runoff
Superelevation = Cross Slope
Superelevation Achieved
 Max Superelevation Rate

Nomograph (Discussed Later)

Max Superelevation Rate Cont’d
 How to Calculate Superelevation
1. Using Superelevation Tables

2. Nomographs

3. Simple Curve Formula

 Superelevation Option 1
Given: VD = 40 mph
R = 700 ft.
fmax = 0.178 (from Table 7)

► First solution is obtained

from the superelevation
tables, emax = 0.04 (Figure 3.9%
9)
► R = 700.; e = 0.039

Note: Choose
Table emax =
0.04
Iowa has ramp tables.
Minimum Radius
► Greenbook p. 145 (186 pdf)
 Minimum Radius Table
Superelevation Option 2

Radius
700 feet

e = -2.5%

40mph
Note: Greenbook contains derivation of equations/graphs.
 Superelevation Option 3
Third solution is obtained from the simplified curve formula:

e = (VD2/15R) - fmax (English version)

e = (402/15*700) - 0.178 = 0.152 - 0.178 = -0.0256
-2.56%

Where:
VD = design speed
R = radius
e = superelevation rate
fmax= maximum side friction.

Note: Metric Version

e = (VD2/127R) - fmax (metric version).
 Superelevation Transition
► Superelevation transition is the length required to
rotate the cross slope of a highway from a normal
crowned slope to a fully superelevated cross slope.
Transition Placement
► WisDOT practice is to place the tangent runout and
approximately two-thirds of the length of runoff on the
tangent approach and one-third of the length of runoff on
the curve.
 Calculations
► Compute the theoretical point of normal crown and the
theoretical point of full superelevation.
Given: Where:
PC = Station 870+00.00 PC = Point of Curvature
L = 115 ft. (Table 7, 40mph design speed) L = Length of Runoff
X = L * NC/ e = 115 * .02/.02 = 115ft X = Length of Tangent Runout
NC = Normal Crown of 2%
Theoretical point of normal crown
PC - 2/3L - X = 870+00.00 - 76.67 - 115 =
Station 868+08.33

Theoretical point of full superelevation

PC + 1/3L = 870+00.00 + 38.33 =
Station 870+38.33
Length of Runoff (L)
Length of Runoff (L)

The adjustment factor (α) is used to adjust for different roadway widths.
 Length of Runoff (L)

► Greenbook p. 171 (pdf 212)

Tangent Runout Lt or X
Tangent Runout Lt or X
Tangent Runout Lt or X
Tangent Runout Lt or X
 Vertical Alignment

http://www.scvresources.com/highways/sr_23.htm
 ► The highway vertical alignment consists of tangents
or grades and vertical curves.
► Design vertical curves to provide adequate sight
distance, safety, comfortable driving, good drainage,
and pleasing appearance.

http://listproc.ucdavis.edu/archives/cbximages/log0306/att-0011/01-CoolRide.jpg
 No Vertical Curves?
“Although grade changes without a vertical curve are discouraged,
there may be situations where it is necessary.”

“Some rounding of the deflection point is

anticipated during construction.”
Max % Grade By Functional Class
 Vertical Curves

Vertical curves are generally

identified by their K values.

K K is the rate of curvature and is defined

as the length of the vertical curve divided
by the algebraic difference in grade

Note: For Drainage, use K > 167

 Question:

Is there more on Vertical Alignment

in the Wisconsin Manual?

2A-1

p. 235 (276 pdf)