Vertical Parabolic Summit

Curve
 Vertical curves are used to provide gradual change between
two adjacent vertical grade lines. The curve used to connect the
two adjacent grades is parabola. Parabola offers smooth
transition because its second derivative is constant.
A. SYMMETRICAL CREST
Highest point
PI
b Zenith
V Forward
H y -g
2 % Tangent
Backward %
Tangent +g 1 d
EL. Invert
PT
PC
L/2 L/2

Xm1 Xm2
• 
Where:
L = Length of the curve
B = |g1 – (-g2)|

Xm1 = Distance from PC to the

Highest Point/Lowest Point

Xm2 = Distance from PT to the

Highest Point/Lowest Point
 R = Radius of curvature of the
• 
curve

r = Rate change of grade

n = No. of station

L = 20n – If no distance
between station given
• 
Highest point
PI Zenith
b
V Forward
H y -g %
y1 2 Tangent
Backward %
+g1
Tangent
PT
PC
L/2 L/2

Xm1 Xm2

X1
• 
STATIONING:

STATION PI = STA. PC - L/2

STATION PT = STA PC + L
STA ZENITH = STA. PC + Xm1
STA ZENITH = STA. PT – Xm2
PROBLEM:
A HORIZONTAL LAID CIRCULAR PIPE CULVERT HAVING AN
ELEVATION OF ITS TOP TOBE 26m CROSSES AT RIGHT ANGLES UNDER A
PROPOSED 120m HIGHWAY PARABOLIC CURVES THE POINT OF
INTERSECTION OF THE GRADE LINE IS AT STA. 5+216 AND ITS
ELEVATION IS 27m WHILE THE CULVERTS IS LOCATED AT STATION
5+228. THE BACKWARD TANGENT HAS A GRADE OF +3% AND OF THE
FORWARDS TANGENT IS -1.6% UNDER THIS CONDITION. WHAT WILL BE
THE DEPTH OF COVER OVER THE PIPE?
EL = 26
 Sta. PI = 5 + 216
El. 27 b Sta. Cu = 5 + 228
V
H y 1m
-1.6%
El. 26 d
+3%
El. Invert PT
PC
60

12 Xm2 = 60-12
Xm2 = 48

     
El invert = El tobe
- .60
El invert = 26 – 0.60
El. Invert = 25.4m
•