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Geometric Design of Highways Outline: E X G RX y

This document discusses the geometric design of highways, specifically focusing on vertical curves. It defines vertical curves as gradual transitions between two sloped roadways that allow vehicles to change elevation slowly rather than sharply. The design of vertical curves depends on factors like design speed, drainage, slope, and sight distance. It presents the general equation for vertical curves involving length, gradients, and elevations. An example calculation is provided to determine the station and elevation of the highest point on a crest vertical curve. Sight distances, like stopping and passing sight distances, are also important factors in the required length of vertical curves.

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Babylyn Calingasan
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46 views4 pages

Geometric Design of Highways Outline: E X G RX y

This document discusses the geometric design of highways, specifically focusing on vertical curves. It defines vertical curves as gradual transitions between two sloped roadways that allow vehicles to change elevation slowly rather than sharply. The design of vertical curves depends on factors like design speed, drainage, slope, and sight distance. It presents the general equation for vertical curves involving length, gradients, and elevations. An example calculation is provided to determine the station and elevation of the highest point on a crest vertical curve. Sight distances, like stopping and passing sight distances, are also important factors in the required length of vertical curves.

Uploaded by

Babylyn Calingasan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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GEOMETRIC DESIGN OF HIGHWAYS

OUTLINE

1. General Equation of Vertical Curves

2. Sight Distance of Vertical Curves

Design of highways basically covers the geometry of the horizontal and vertical
alignments, geotechnical aspects, pavement design, provision of drainage facilities and other
civil structures, but the traffic engineers’ main concern is the safety aspect of he design. Several
factors must be considered when designing a highway that is safe and pleasant to drive on.One
of the factors to be considered in designing is the sight distance. Sight distance is the length of
roadway visible to a driver. The driver must be able to see ahead in order to brake safely before
hitting an object on its path.The vertical and horizontal curves so as not to cause undue
reduction of speed of vehicles.

One important factor or element in designing a highway is the vertical curves. A vertical
curve provides a transition between two sloped roadways, allowing a vehicle to negotiate the
elevation rate change at a gradual rate rather than a sharp cut. The design of the curve is
dependent on the intended design speed for the roadway, as well as other factors including
drainage, slope, acceptable rate of change, and friction. These curves are parabolic and are
assigned stationing based on a horizontal axis.

General Equation of Vertical Curves

Consider the vertical curve of length L with gradients of G 1 and G2. the beginning and
end of the curve are denoted by BVC and EVC, respectively. The Point of intersection of the two
gradient lines is denoted by VPI. If the coordinates x and y are chosen arbitrarily as shown, then
EBVC is the elevation of Sta. BVC.
The equation will then be:
1 2
y rx  G1 x  EBVC
2
where :
(G2  G1 )
r
L
Example 6.7
Given: Sta. VPI = 200 + 265.000
Elev. VPI = 40m above sea level
G1 = 4.5%
G2 = -3.5%
L= 250 m
Compute the station and elevation of the highest point on the crest vertical curve.

Solution:
Using equation 6.31
1 2
y rx  G1 x  E BVC
2
(G2  G1 )  0.038  0.045  0.083
r  
L 250 250
L
 G1 x
Elev.BVC = Elev. VPI 2
250
40  0.045 x  34.375
Elev.BVC = 2
Substituting in equation 6.31
1   0.083  2
y   x  0.045 x  34.375
2  250 
Taking the first derivative and equating to 0 to get maxima:
dy  0.083
0 x  0.045
dx 250
x  135.542
L

Sta. BVC = Sta. VPI 2

 250   250 
20   265   20   265  
Sta. BVC=  2   2 
Sta. BVC= 20  140

Station Of Highest point = 20  (140  135.542)

Station Of Highest point = 20  (140  275.542)

Elevation of Highest Point:


1   0.083 
yhighest   (135.542)  0.045(135.542)  34.375
2

2  250 
yhighest  37.425
m
Sight Distances at Vertical Curves
Two sight distances have been discussed in connection with horizontal alignments: the
stopping sight distance and the passing sight distance. Similarly, these two sight distances are
the major factors in determining the required length of vertical curves.
In measuring sight distances, the following heights are assumed in the development of
standards:
A. For SSD, h1 pertains to the driver’s eye height and h2 is the height of the object
(hazard) seen along the path of the vehicle.

B. For PSD, h2 is taken as the height of the roof of the vehicle coming in the opposite
direction when the first vehicle initiates its overtaking maneuver

REFERENCES

 Sigua, R.G. (2008). Fundamentals of Traffic Engineering

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