GEOMETRIC DESIGN

Engr. A. Lasaca
Instructor

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GEOMETRIC DESIGN

Course Outcome
Define concepts of transportation systems analysis and planning.
Learning Outcome
Solve problems in the geometric design of transportation facilities to
minimize cost

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GEOMETRIC DESIGN

Geometric design for transportation facilities includes the design of geometric

cross sections, horizontal alignment, and vertical alignment. These elements
are common to facilities such as roadways, railways, airport runways and
taxiways.

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GEOMETRIC DESIGN

Geometric Cross Section

Highway cross sections consist of traveled way, shoulders ( parking lanes ) and
drainage channels. Shoulders are intended as a safety feature. They provide
for accommodation of stopped vehicles, emergency use and lateral support
of the pavement. Shoulders may be paved or unpaved. Drainage channels
may consist of ditches or of paved shoulders with curbs and gutters.

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Geometric Cross Sections

Two-lane highway cross section

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Geometric Cross Sections

Highway cross section in embankment

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Geometric Cross Sections

Highway Cross sections in rural area and built up area

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 Highway Cross Section
Standard lane widths are normally 3.6 m ( 12 ft ).
Shoulders or parking lanes are normally 2.4 to 3.6 m (8
to 12 ft ).
Runway and taxiway cross sections are similar to those
for highways, except that cross slopes are limited to 1
%.

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 VERTICAL CURVES

Vertical tangents differ with different grades are joined by vertical curves.

Symmetrical Crest Vertical Curve

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VERTICAL CURVES

Symmetrical Sag Vertical Curve

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VERTICAL CURVES
Vertical curves are normally parabolas centered about the point of intersection ( P.I. )
of the vertical tangents they join. Vertical curves are of the form

𝑟𝑥 2
𝑦 = 𝑦0 + 𝑔1 𝑥 +
2
Where: y = elevation of a point on the curve
yo = elevation of the beginning of the vertical curve (BVC)
g1 = grade just prior to the curve
x = horizontal distance from the BVC to the point on the curve
r = rate of change of grade

The rate of change of grade is given by

𝑔2 − 𝑔1
𝑟=
𝐿
Where: g2 = grade just beyond the end of the vertical curve (EVC)
L = length of the curve
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VERTICAL CURVES

Sometimes vertical curves are described by K, the reciprocal of r. K is the distance

in meters required to achieve a 1% change in grade.

Vertical curves are classified as sags where g2 > g1 and crest otherwise.
𝑟𝑥 2
Note that r and the term will be positive for sags and negative for crests.
2
𝑟𝑥 2
The quantity is the distance from the tangent to the curve and is known as
2 𝑟𝑥 2
offset. If x is always measured from the BVC, the offset given by will be
2
measured from the g1 tangent. To determine offsets from the g2 tangent, x should
be measured backward from the EVC.

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COMPUTATION OF LOW OR HIGH POINT
ON CURVE
The locations of curve high and low points are important for drainage and
bridge considerations. For example, on curbed streets catch basins must be
installed precisely at the drainage low point.

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 VERTICAL CURVES

The figure shows a sag vertical curve with

a tangent drawn through the low point; it
is obvious that the tangent line is horizontal
with a slope of zero; that is,

At low point, g = 0 g = g1 + rx = 0
−𝑔1
Or 𝑥=
𝑟
𝑔2 −𝑔1
And, 𝑟=
𝐿

where x is the distance from the BVC to

the high or low point.

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 Illustrative Problem

A 300 m sag vertical curve between a + 1.0 % and a + 6.0 %. The point of
intersection (PI) is located at station 101 + 50 at an elevation of 151.50 In
tabular form, determine the tangent elevation, offset and curve/profile
elevations at every 25 m interval. Also, determine the elevation of the BVC
and EVC.

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Solution
Tabular form for profile calculations of the given vertical curve

STATION Grade Tangent Offset Curve

Elevation Elevation
99 + 75 +1% 149.75 149.75
100 + 00 BVC 150.00 0 150.00
100 + 25 150.25 + 0.05 150.30
100 + 50 150.50 + 0.21 150.71
100 + 75 150.75 + 0.47 151.22
101 + 00 151.00 + 0.83 151.83
101 + 25 151.25 + 1.30 152.55
101 + 50 P.I. 151.50 + 1.88 153.38
101 + 75 153.00 + 1.30 154.30
102 + 00 154.50 + 0.83 155.33
102 + 25 156.00 + 0.47 156.47
102 + 50 157.50 + 0.21 157.71
102 + 75 159.00 +0.05 159.05
103PROPERTY
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EVC 160.50 0 160.50 7 December
2020
103 + 25 +6% 162.00 162.00
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Illustrative Problem

A – 2.5 % grade is connected to a + 1.0 %

grade by means of a 180 m vertical curve.
The P.I. station is 100 + 00 and the P.I.
elevation is 100.0 m above sea level. What
are the station and elevation of the lowest
point on the vertical curve ?

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Solution
Rate of change of grade
𝑔2 − 𝑔1 1.0% − −2.5 %
𝑟= = = 1.944%/𝑠𝑡𝑎
𝐿 1.8 𝑠𝑡𝑎
Station of the low point:
At low point, g = 0 g = g1 + rx = 0
−𝑔1 −2.5
Or 𝑥= =− = 1.29 = 1 + 29 𝑠𝑡𝑎
𝑟 1.944
Station of BVC = ( 100 + 00 ) – ( 0 + 90 ) = 99 + 10
Station of low point = ( 99 + 10 ) + ( 1 + 29 ) = 100 + 39
Elevation of BVC: y0 = 100 + ( - 0.9 sta ) ( - 2.5 % ) = 102.25 m
𝑟𝑥 2
Elevation of low point:𝑦 = 𝑦0 + 𝑔1 𝑥 +
2
1.944%/𝑠𝑡𝑎 1.29 𝑠𝑡𝑎 2
= 102.25 + ( - 2.5 % ) ( 1.29 sta ) +
2
= 100.64 m

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Practice Exercise

 A 400 m vertical curve connects a -2.00 % grade to a +

4.00 % grade. The PI is located at station 150 + 00 and
elevation 60.00 m above sea level. A pipe is to be
located at the low point on the vertical curve. If the
lowest point on the surface of the roadway must clear
the pipe by 0.75 m,
 A. what is the station of the pipe?
 B. What is the maximum elevation of the pipe?

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 7 December
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DESIGN OF THE VERTICAL ALIGNMENT

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Types of Vertical curves

The vertical alignment of a roadway, runway or railroad consists of straight

sections known as grades or tangents connected by vertical curves.

Types of Vertical curves:

crest vertical curve and sag vertical curve.
Length of vertical curves may be based on sight distance, on comfort
standards or appearance criteria.
For crest vertical curves, the minimum length depends on the sight distance,
the height of the driver’s eye and the height of the object to be seen over the
crest of the curve

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Sight Distance diagram for crest vertical curve

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Length of Vertical Curve
The minimum length is given by the formula:
𝐴𝑆 2
𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 2 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑆 ≤ 𝐿
200 ℎ1 + ℎ2
2
200 ℎ1 + ℎ2
𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 2𝑆 − 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑆 ≥ 𝐿
𝐴
Where: S = sight distance
L = vertical curve length
A = absolute value of the algebraic difference in grades, in %
𝑔1 − 𝑔2
h1 = height of the driver’s eye
h2 = height of the object

Note: For stopping sight distance, the height of object is normally taken to
be 0.150 m. For passing sight distance, the height of object is 1.300 m.
Height of eye is assumed to be 1.070 m
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Length of Vertical Curve

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 Sag Vertical Curve
For sag vertical curves,
stopping sight distance is
based on the distance
illuminated by the headlights
at night. Assumed headlight
height is 0.600 m and an
upward divergence of the
headlight beam of 10.

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Sag Vertical Curve

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Sag vertical curve

For sag vertical curves, the formula is

𝐴𝑆 2
𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
200 0.6 + 𝑆 tan 10
𝐴𝑆 2
𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑆 ≤ 𝐿
120 + 3.5𝑆

200 0.6 + 𝑆 tan 10

𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 2𝑆 −
𝐴
120 + 3.5𝑆
𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 2𝑆 − 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑆 ≥ 𝐿
𝐴

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Sag vertical curve
Comfort criterion
𝑎
𝑟≤ 2
𝑉
Where: r = rate of change of grade
a = maximum radial acceleration permitted ( AASHTO suggests a value of 0.3 m/s)
V = speed
𝐴𝑉 2
𝐿≥
395
Where: L = length of the vertical curve
A = g2 – g1; percent
V = design speed, kph

Appearance criterion

Minimum vertical curve length = 60 m where grade breaks are less than 2 % or
design speed are less than 60 km/h.
Where the grade break is greater than 2 % and the design speed is greater than
60 km/h, the minimum vertical curve is given by L = 2V, where L is the vertical curve
length in meters and V is the design speed in km/h.

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 Illustrative Problem

Determine the minimum length of a crest vertical curve between a + 0.5 %

and a -1.0 % grade for a road with a 100 km/h design speed. The vertical
curve must provide 190 m stopping sight distance and meet appearance
criterion.

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Solution
Stopping sight distance criterion:

Assume S ≤ L
𝐴𝑆 2 0.5 − −1.0 1902
𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 2 = 2 = 134.0 𝑚
200 ℎ1 + ℎ2 200 1.070 + 0.150
134.0 m < 190 m, so S > L
2 2
200
ℎ1 + ℎ2 200 1.070 + 0.150
𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 2𝑆 − = 2 190 −
𝐴 0.5 − −1.0
= 110.5 𝑚 𝑜𝑘 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑆 ≥ 𝐿

Appearance criterion:
Design speed = 100 km/h > 60 km/h but grade break = 1.5 % < 2 %.
Use 60 m
Conclusion: sight distance criterion governs. Use 110.5 m vertical curve.

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Illustrative Problem

Determine the minimum length of a sag vertical curve between a – 0.7%

grade and a + 0.5 % grade for a road with a 110 kph design speed. The
vertical curve must provide a 220 m stopping sight distance and meet
appearance criteria and comfort standard.

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Solution
Stopping sight distance criterion
𝐴𝑆 2 0.5 − −0.7 2202
𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = = 65.3 𝑚 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑆 ≤ 𝐿
120 + 3.5𝑆 120 + 3.5 (220)

65.3 m < 220m, so S > L

120 + 3.5𝑆 120 + 3.5 220
𝐿𝑚𝑖𝑛 = 2𝑆 − = 2 220 − = −301.7 𝑚
𝐴 0.5 − −0.7
Since L < 0, no vertical curve is needed to provide stopping sight
distance.
Comfort criterion
𝐴𝑉 2 0.5 − −0.7 1102
𝐿= = = 36.8 𝑚
395 395
Appearance criterion
Design speed = 110 kph > 60 kph but grade break = 1.2% < 2%. Use 60 m
Conclusion: appearance criterion governs. Use 60 m vertical curve.

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Length of Vertical Curve

Vertical curves lengths may be limited by the need to provide clearances over
or under objects such as overpass or drainage structures.
In the case of sag vertical curves passing over objects or crest vertical curves
passing under them, the required clearances establish minimum lengths; In the
case of crest vertical curves passing over objects or sags passing under them,
the clearances establish maximum lengths. Where clearances limit vertical
curve lengths, adequate sight distance should still be provided.

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The equation of the offset is
𝑟𝑥 2
𝑦′ =
2
Where: r, as before, is
𝑔2 − 𝑔1 𝐴
𝑟= =
𝐿 𝐿
And,
𝐿
𝑥 = +𝑧
2
Substituting r and x in y’
2
𝐿
𝐴 +𝑧
𝑦′ = 2
2𝐿

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 Illustrative Problem
A vertical curve joins a
– 1.2% grade to a + 0.8 %
grade. The PI of the vertical
curve is at station 75+00 and
elevation 50.90 m above sea
level. The centerline of the
roadway must clear a pipe
located at station 75+40 by
0.80 m. The elevation of the
top of the pipe is 51.10 m
above sea level. What is the
minimum length of the
vertical curve that can be
used?

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Solution
Determine z:
𝑧 = 75 + 40 − 75 + 00 = 40 𝑚
Determine y’:
Elevation of tangent = 50.90 + ( -0.012)( 40) = 50.42 m

Elevation of the roadway = 51.10 + 0.80 m = 51.90 m

y' = 51.90 - 50.42 = 1.48 m
A = 𝑔2 − 𝑔1 = 0.008 − −0.012 = 0.02
𝐿 2
𝐴 2+𝑧
𝑦′ =
2𝐿
2
𝐿
0.02 + 40
1.48 = 2
2𝐿
Determine L: ( using quadratic equation)
𝐿2 − 432𝐿 + 6400 = 0
𝐿 = 416.64 𝑚
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Practice Exercise

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Solution
( courtesy of Asi)

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Practice Exercise

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Solution
courtesy of
Rey

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 References
R1: Garber, Nicholas J. and Hoel, Lester A, Traffic and Highway Engineering 5th Edition, Cengage Learning,
2015
R2: Hoel, Lester, Garber, Nicholas and Sadek, Adel, Transportation Infrastructure Engineering : A Multi
Modal Integration, Thomson Nelsen, 2008
R3: Banks, James, Introduction to Transportation Engineering, 2nd Edition, Mc Graw Hill, 2002
R4: Yang, Xiaoguang, Bai Yu, et.al. Traffic Design Katson Books, 2017
https://www.ugpti.org/dotsc/engcenter/downloads/2010-07_VerticalCurves.pdf
https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Fundamentals_of_Transportation/Vertical_Curves
https://www.slideshare.net/LATIFHYDERWadho/vertical-alignment-61082876
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPFd3J56jEA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsA5aB4eKmc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbO5Nj20irc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVQDBuD-tfk
https://mathalino.com/tag/reviewer/vertical-curve

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