CURVE RANGING

6.1 INTRODUCTION

6.1.1 Curve ranging is a method of creating a connection or relationship between two

different directions of straight road or between a straight road with another curve,
whether horizontal or vertical
6.1.2 In highways, railways, or canals the curve are provided for smooth or gradual
change in direction due the nature of terrain, cultural features, or other
unavoidable reasons.
6.1.3 In highway practice, it is recommended to provide curves deliberately on straight
route to break the monotony in driving on long straight route to avoid accidents.

Fig 1.1 : Curve

6.2 PURPOSE

6.2.1 The main purpose of curve ranging is designed to connect a straight line through
the point of intersection (θ) that located between two straight lines to allow the
movement to change direction slowly in the horizontal or vertical.
6.2.2 Reasons for change in ranging:
i. The physical conditions of hilly land, swampy and so forth.
ii. Connection of exit or entry, such as the exit road toll plazas and the like.
iii. Avoiding permanent details as the building of mosques, temple, cemeteries
and others.
iv. Safety of road users to travel more comfortable and safe.

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6.3 TYPES OF CURVE

6.3.1 Curve divided into two types :

i. Horizontal Curve
ii. Vertical Curve
6.3.2 Horizontal curves are known as those curves that change the alignment or
direction.

Fig 1.2 : Line of Sight

6.3.3 There are four types of horizontal curves. They are described as follows:
i. SIMPLE. The simple curve is an arc of a circle. The radius of the circle
determines the sharpness or flatness of the curve.

Fig 1.3 : Simple Curve

ii. COMPOUND. Frequently, the terrain will require the use of the compound
curve. This curve normally consists of two simple curves joined together and
curving in the same direction

Fig 1.4 : Compound Curve

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 iii. REVERSE. A reverse curve consists of two simple curves joined together, but
curving in opposite direction. For safety reasons, the use of this curve should
be avoided when possible.

Fig 1.5 : Reverse Curve

iv. SPIRAL. The spiral is a curve that has a varying radius. It is used on railroads
and most modem highways. Its purpose is to provide a transition from the
tangent to a simple curve or between simple curves in a compound curve.

Fig 1.6 : Reverse Curve

6.3.4 Vertical curves are known as those that change the slope are vertical curves.

Fig 1.7 : Sight Distance

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6.4 HORIZONTAL CURVE TERMINOLOGY

6.4.1 The elements of a circular curve are is designated and explained as follows:

i. POINT OF INTERSECTION (IP) : The point of intersection is the point where

the back and forward tangents intersect. Sometimes, the point of intersection
is designated as V (vertex).

ii. INTERSECTING ANGLE (I) : The intersecting angle is the deflection angle at
the PI. Its value is either computed from the preliminary traverse angles or
measured in the field.

iii. CENTRAL ANGLE (O) : The central angle is the angle formed by two radii
drawn from the center of the circle (O) to the PC and PT. The value of the
central angle is equal to the I angle. Some authorities call both the intersecting
angle and central angle either I or A.

iv. RADIUS (R) : The radius of the circle of which the curve is an arc, or segment.
The radius is always perpendicular to back and forward tangents.

Fig 1.7 : Radius of Curve

v. POINT OF CURVATURE. The point of curvature is the point on the back

tangent where the circular curve begins. It is sometimes designated as BC
(beginning of curve) or TC (tangent to curve).

vi. POINT OF TANGENCY : The point of tangency is the point on the forward
tangent where the curve ends. It is sometimes designated as EC (end of
curve) or CT (curve to tangent).

vii. POINT OF CURVE : The point of curve is any point along the curve.

viii. LENGTH OF CURVE : The length of curve is the distance from the PC to the
PT, measured along the curve.

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ix. TANGENT DISTANCE : The tangent distance is the distance along the
tangents from the PI to the PC or the PT. These distances are equal on a
simple curve.

x. LONG CHORD : The long chord is the straight-line distance from the PC to
the PT. Other types of chords are designated as follows:
a. C The full-chord distance between adjacent stations (full, half, quarter,
or one tenth stations) along a curve.
b. C2 The subchord distance between the PC and the first station on the
curve.
c. C1 The subchord distance between the last station on the curve and
the PT.

xi. EXTERNAL DISTANCE. The external distance (also called the external
secant) is the distance from the PI to the midpoint of the curve. The external
distance bisects the interior angle at the PI.

xii. MIDDLE ORDINATE. The middle ordinate is the distance from the midpoint of
the curve to the midpoint of the long chord. The extension of the middle
ordinate bisects the central angle.

xiii. DEGREE OF CURVE. The degree of curve defines the sharpness or flatness
of the curve.

Fig 1.8 : Horizontal Curve

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6.5 CIRCULAR CURVE
6.5.1 There are TWO method that use in circular curve setting out
i. Offset Method
a. Offset from tangent line
 Step 1 : Data
• Obtain the initial data such as Intersection angle, radius & chainage
on point I
• Eg.
- Θ = 15º 30’ 20’’
- R = 500 m
- Chainage I = 968.07
 Step 2 : Sketch
• Sketch the type of circular curve
• Eg.

 Step 3 : Calculation
• Calculate with formula below for ( Lets try the following calculation)

- Tangent Length, IT = R tan θ/2

= 500 tan 15º 30’ 20’’/2
= ……………. M

- Curve Length , LB =θπR

180º
= 15º 30’ 20’’ x π x 500
180º
= ……………. m
- Chainage T1 = Chainage I – IT
= ………………………………

- Chainage T2 = Chainage T1 + LB
= ………………………………

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 Step 4 : Table
• Prepared ranging table
• Used formula = R - √( R² - X² )
Interval, x Offset
10 e.g. 0.1
20
30
40
50
60
68.7

 Step 5 : Procudere
• Make a straight line from I to the T1
• Set up theodolit on I and turn telescope to T1, then press O set at
theodolite screen.
• Transit the telescope then open θ angle and created line I to T2
• Mark with a suitable interval in line I to T1
• Set up theodolit at interval 68.07 and turn telescope to T1, then
press O set at theodolite screen.
• Open angle of 90º and indicate its offset
• Repeated these steps for other interval
• Repeat all the steps for line I to T2
• Finally, connect all the offset points to form curve

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b. Offset from the chord produced ( main chord )
 Step 1 : Data
• Obtain the initial data such as Intersection angle, radius & chainage
on point I
• Eg.
- Θ = 22º 00’ 00’’
- R = 300 m
- Chainage I = 658.31
 Step 2 : Sketch
• Sketch the type of circular curve
• Eg.

 Step 3 : Calculation
• Calculate with earlier formula . ( Lets try the following calculation)
- Tangent Length, IT =

- Curve Length , LB =

- Chainage T1 =

- Chainage T2 =

- Main Chord (new) = 2R sin θ/2

= 2(300) sin 22º 00’ 00’’ / 2
= ……………… m

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 Step 4 : Table
• Since the curve is symmetrical, so the length of the chord divided
into two.
Main Chord =
2

• Prepared ranging table

Interval, x A =√(R² - X²) B=√(R² - (LB/2)²) Offset

0 e.g. 300.00 e.g. 294.5 e.g. 5.50

10
20
30
40
50
57.25
Offset = A – B e.g. 300 – 294.5 = 5.50

 Step 5 : Procudere
• Make a straight line from I to the T1
• Set up theodolite on I and turn telescope to T1, then press O set at
theodolite screen.
• Transit the telescope then open θ angle and created line I to T2
• Male a straight line called main chord between T1 to T2
• Mark with a suitable interval in main chord between T1 to Mid to T2
• Set up theodolite in M and turn telescope to T1 then press O set
• Open telescope over 90º and peg the offset length
• Repeat two step above to all pegs
• Finally, connect all the offset points to form curve

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c. Offset from the long chord (chord produced)
 Step 1 : Data
• Obtain the initial data such as Intersection angle, radius & chainage
on point I
• Eg.
- Θ = 10º 10’ 10’’
- R = 350 m
- Chainage I = 831.14
 Step 2 : Sketch
• Sketch the type of circular curve
• Eg.

 Step 3 : Calculation
• Calculate with earlier formula. ( Lets try the following calculation)
- Tangent Length, IT =

- Curve Length , LB =

- Chainage T1 =

- Chainage T2 =

 Step 4 : Table
• Prepared ranging table
Station Interval, x Offset Formula
A 10 e.g. 0.14 X² / 2R
B 10 X / 2R ( X + X1)
C 10
D 10
X² / 2R
E 10
F 10
G 2.12 (Xn / 2R)(Xn+Xn-1)

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  Step 5 : Procudere
• Make a straight line from I to the T1
• Set up theodolite on I and turn telescope to T1, then press O set at
theodolite screen.
• Transit the telescope then open θ angle and created line I to T2
• Pull interval distance so that A is in the tangent line IT. Pull the
offset distance from A with 90º and mark with arrow.
• Repeat the step above for other offset
• Finally, connect all the offset points to form curve

ii. Angle Method

a. Deflection angle
 Step 1 : Data
• Obtain the initial data such as Intersection angle, radius & chainage
on point I
• Eg.
- Θ = 30º 00’ 40’’ - R = 125 m - Chainage I = 1033.51
 Step 2 : Sketch
• Sketch the type of circular curve
• Eg.

 Step 3 : Calculation
• Calculate with earlier formula . ( Lets try the following calculation)
- Tangent Length, IT =

- Curve Length , LB =

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 - Chainage T1 =

- Chainage T2 =

 Step 4 : Table
• Prepared ranging table

Interval, c δ: [1718.9c / R] / 60
0 e.g. 00º 00’ 00’’
10
20
30
40
50
60
65.47

 Step 5 : Procudere
• Make a straight line from I to the T1
• Set up theodolite on I and turn telescope to T1, then press O set at
theodolite screen.
• Transit the telescope then open θ angle and created line I to T2
• Set up theodolite in T1 and turn telescope to I then press O set
• Open the first deflection angle and mark first interval with arrow
• Repeat the step above and mark others interval points
• Finally, connect all the offset points to form curve

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6.6 COMBINED CURVE

6.6.1 A compound circular curves are curves formed when of two (usually) or more
circular arcs between two main tangents turn in the same direction and join at
common tangent points
6.6.2 Setting out of combined curve :
 Step 1 : Data
• Obtain the initial data such as Intersection angle (θ), radius (R), change of
radial acceleration rate (α), velocity (v) & chainage on point I
• Eg.
- θ = 28º 20’ 20’’
- R = 500 m
- α = 0.3 m³/s
- v = 100 km/h
- Chainage I = 1010.00
 Step 2 : Sketch
• Sketch the type of
circular curve
• Eg.

 Step 3 : Calculation
• Calculate with formula below . ( Lets try the following calculation)
- Transition Length, LT = . v³ .
3.6³αR
= 1003 / ( 3.63x0.3x500)
= 142.89 m

- Shifts, S = LT²/24 R
= 142.89 2 / (24 x 500) = 1.7m

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 - Tangent Line, IT = (R + S) tan /2 + LT/2
= 501.7 tan (28º 20’ 20’’/2) + 142.89/2
= 198.11 m

- Chainage T1 = Chainage I – Tangent Line

= 1010.00 – 198.11 = 811.89

- Chainage T2 = Chainage T1 + Transition Length

= 811.89 + 142.89 = 954.78

- Spiral Angle,ǿ = LT/2R (180/)

= [142.89 / 2(500)]x (180/)

= 8º 11’13’’

- LC Intersect Angle,θ’ = θ - 2ǿ
= 28º 20’ 20’’ – 2(8º 11’13’’)
= 11º 57’54’’

- Curve Length, LC = θ’ π R
180º
= 104.41m

- ST Length = Sin ǿ x LT
3 Sin ǿ

= Sin 8º 11’13’’ x 142.89

3 Sin 8º 11’13’’
= 47.77m

- T1T1’ Length = Sin 2ǿ x LT

3 Sin ǿ
= 95.44

- Chainage T3 = Chainage T2 + LC
= 1059.19
- Chainage T4 = Chainage T3 + LT
‘ = 1202.08

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 Step 4 : Table
• Prepared ranging table
- Data ranging left transition curve ( T1 – T2 )

Station Interval, C δ : (573C²/ RLT)

60
T1 0 e..g 00º 00’ 00’’
A1 20 e.g. 00º 03’ 13’’
A2 40
A3 60
A4 80
A5 100
A6 120
T2 142.89

- Data ranging circular curve ( T2 – T3 )

Station Interval, C δ : (1718.9C/R)

60
T2 0 e.g. 00º 00’ 00’’
B1 20 e.g. 01º 08’ 45’’
B2 40
B3 60
B4 80
B5 100
T3 104.41

- Data ranging right transition curve ( T3 – T4 )

Station Interval, C δ : (573C²/ RLT)

60
T3 0 e.g. 00º 00’ 00’’
C1 20 e.g. 00º 03’ 13’’
C2 40
C3 60
C4 80
C5 100
C6 120
T4 142.89

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 Step 5 : Procedure
i. Setting out of the transition curve :
• Locate the tangent point T, by measuring back the total tangent
length (IT) along the back tangent, from the point of intersection I.
Measuring along the forward tangent the distance IT from I.
• Set a theodolite over the point T1. Set 0 & telescope focusing to I,
and clamp the horizontal plate.
• Release the horizontal plate. Set the reading to the first deflection
angle (A1).
• The line of sight now points towards the first peg on the transition
curve.
• With the zero of the tape pinned at T1 and an arrow kept at the
mark corresponding to the first length of the chord, the assistant
will swing the tape till the arrow is bisected by the line of sight.
• Fix the first peg at the arrow point.
• Set the theodolite reading on the second deflection angle (A2) to
direct the line of sight to the second peg.
• With the zero of the tape pinned at T, and keeping an arrow at the
mark corresponding to the total length of the first and second
chords, the assistant will swing an arc till the arrow is bisected by
the line of sight.
• Fix the second peg at the arrow point. It should be remembered
that the distance is measured from the point T1 and not from the
preceeding point.
• Repeat steps (8) and (9) till the last point C on the transition curve
is reached

ii. Setting out of the circular curve :

• Get ST position from T1 which lie exactly on the main tangent line
• From ST produces a straight line touching the T2 with a length of
LC tangent line and mark as I’
• Set a theodolite over the point T2. Set 0 & telescope focusing to
I’, and clamp the horizontal plate.
• Set the theodolite reading to the first deflection angle B1, and
locate the first peg on the circular curve at a distance of interval
from T2.
• Likewise, locate the second peg on the circular curve at the
interval distance equal to the normal chord from the first peg with
the deflection angle B2
• Continue the above process till the junction point T3 is reached.
• Set out the transition curve T3 to T4 from T4 using the same
procedure as that for the transition curve T1-T2.

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6.7 TUTORIAL 4

6.7.1 Two straights AP and PB intersect with an angle of deflection of 12º 20' . They are
to be connected by a circular curve of radius 600 m. The chainage of the
intersection point is1273.16.
i. Calculate the setting-out data required to peg the curve by offset from the
tangent with suitable gap and draw a circular curve with suitable scale plan
stated with method
ii. With the same data above draw also another circular curve plan with methods
offset from the main chord
iii. With the same data above draw also another circular curve plan with methods
offset from the long chord
iv. With the same data above draw also another circular curve plan with methods
deflection angles
v. Compare all four plans. Whether all four stated plan have same curve? Give
your opinion?

6.7.2 The deflection angle between two intersecting straight is measured as 8° 16’42 ‘’
the straights are to be joined by a composite horizontal curve consisting of a
central circular arc and two cubic parabola transition curve of equal length. The
design speed of the rood is 100 kph and the radius of the circular curve is 1000m.
the rate of change of radial acceleration is to be 0.3 m/s³ and chainage at
intersection spot is 2173.94m. Prepare the setting out table for the three curve
with through chainage exact 20m

6.7.3 From the figures below, two intersecting curve are to be joined by a composite
horizontal curve consisting of a central circular arc and two cubic parabola
transition curve of equal length. The design speed of the road is 80 kph and the
radius of the circular curve is 870m. the rate of change of radial acceleration is to
be 0.3 m/s³ and chainage at intersection spot is 1650.14m. Calculate the
deflecting angle and prepare the setting out table for transition curve with 5m
chainage and circular curve with 50m chainage .
U
U
960 45’ 05’’
740 35’ 40’’ I 1140 00’ 45’’

T1 2590 14’ 00’’ T2

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