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Transition Curve

Transition curves are curves of variable radius used to connect circular curves. They allow for a gradual change in superelevation or "cant" which is the raising of the outer edge of the road or rail to counteract centrifugal force. An ideal transition curve will attain the specified cant at junctions, have a rate of change of cant equal to the curve, and meet the circular curve tangentially. The length of a transition curve can be determined using arbitrary gradient, time rate of superelevation, or rate of change of radial acceleration formulas. A clothoid or Glover's spiral is a type of transition curve whose length is inversely proportional to its radius of curvature.

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51 views11 pages

Transition Curve

Transition curves are curves of variable radius used to connect circular curves. They allow for a gradual change in superelevation or "cant" which is the raising of the outer edge of the road or rail to counteract centrifugal force. An ideal transition curve will attain the specified cant at junctions, have a rate of change of cant equal to the curve, and meet the circular curve tangentially. The length of a transition curve can be determined using arbitrary gradient, time rate of superelevation, or rate of change of radial acceleration formulas. A clothoid or Glover's spiral is a type of transition curve whose length is inversely proportional to its radius of curvature.

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prasitagnihotri
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© © All Rights Reserved
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TRANSITION CURVES

DEFINITION
“A curve of
variable radius is
known as
Transition
Curve.”
CONCEPT OF SUPERELEVATION
“The height through which the outer edge of the road or rail
is raised to counterbalance the centrifugal force is called
Superelevation or Cant.”

Equation of Superelevation:
1. For road:

Superelevation = (Bv2 / gR)

2. For rail:

Superelevation = ( Gv2 / gR)


CENTRIFUGAL RATIO
“Centrifugal ratio is defined as the ratio of the centrifugal
force to the weight of the vehicle.”
C.R. = P/W = [Wv2 / (gRW)] = v2 / (gR)

1. Allowable value of C.R. for road = 0.25

2. Allowable value of C.R. for rail = 0.125


SIDE FRICTION FACTOR
“Side friction factor (f) is defined as force transferred by friction
parallel to the pavement per unit force normal to the pavement.”

P/W = [v2 / gR] = [(tan φ + f) / (1- f tan φ)]


USE OF TRANSITION CURVE
1. Superelevation

2. Maintenance of constant
proportionality of
superelevation

3. Prevention of
overturning of vehicles

4. Reduce wear and tear of


rail section
PROPERTIES OF IDEAL TRANSITION CURVE

1. Must attain specified cant at


junction

2. Rate of change of cant must


equal that of the curve

3. Radius of transition curve at


junction should be equal to
radius of circular curve

4. Must meet the circular curve


tangentially
LENGTH OF TRANSITION CURVE

1. By an arbitrary gradient:

L = ne

2. By the time rate of superelevation:

L = ev/r

3. By the rate of change of radial


acceleration:

L = v3 / αR
CLOTHOID OR GLOVER’S SPIRAL
“A Clothoid or Glover’s spiral is a transition curve whose
length is inversely proportional to its radius of curvature.”
EQUATIONS FOR TRANSITION CURVE
1. Intrinsic Equation of ideal
transition curve:
φ = l2 / 2RL
Or, Spiral angle = δ = L/2R

2. Equation for any point P on


transition curve:
y = x3 / 6RL

3. Deflected angle at P :
α = [l2 / 2RL] radian
Prepared by:
Prasad Mukherjee

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