P.E.

Civil Exam Review:

Geometric Design

J.P. Mohsen
Email: jpm@louisville.edu
jp @
Horizontal Curves

Slide 2
Back tangent
Forward tangent

T T

Slide 3
 Back tangent
Forward tangent

T T

P.C. or T.C. P.T.

Slide 4
 P.I. I = intersection angle
Back tangent
Forward tangent

E E

T L = curve length T

M M

P.C. or T.C. P.T.

LC = long chord

R R

Slide 5
Horizontal Curves:
EQUATIONS

Slide 6
 P.I. I = intersection angle
Back tangent
Forward tangent

E E

T L = curve length T

M M

P.C. or T.C. P.T.

LC = long chord

R R

Degree of curvature (D), chord basis:

50
R
1 
sin  D 
2 
Slide 7
 P.I. I = intersection angle
Back tangent
Forward tangent

E E

T L = curve length T

M M

P.C. or T.C. P.T.

LC = long chord

R R

Curve Equations: arc basis

5729.58
R
D
Slide 8
 P.I. I = intersection angle
Back tangent
Forward tangent

E E

T L = curve length T

M M

P.C. or T.C. P.T.

LC = long chord

R R

Degree of curvature (D), arc basis:

 360   360  100 

100 
5729.58
2R   → R   → R
 D   D  2  D
Slide 9
 P.I. I = intersection angle
Back tangent
Forward tangent

E E

T L = curve length T

M M

P.C. or T.C. P.T.

LC = long chord

R R

Curve Equations:

1 
T  R tan
t  I
2 
Slide 10
 P.I. I = intersection angle
Back tangent
Forward tangent

E E

T L = curve length T

M M

P.C. or T.C. P.T.

LC = long chord

R R

Curve Equations:

1 
LC  2 R sin
i  I
2 
Slide 11
 P.I. I = intersection angle
Back tangent
Forward tangent

E E

T L = curve length T

M M

P.C. or T.C. P.T.

LC = long chord

R R

Curve Equations:
 
 1 
I  I  ER  1
E  T  tan   E  R sec   1 I
4  2   cos 
 2  Slide 12
 P.I. I = intersection angle
Back tangent
Forward tangent

E E

T L = curve length T

M M

P.C. or T.C. P.T.

LC = long chord

R R

Curve Equations:

  I 
M  R 1  cos 
  2 
Slide 13
 P.I. I = intersection angle
Back tangent
Forward tangent

E E

T L = curve length T

M M

P.C. or T.C. P.T.

LC = long chord

R R

Curve Equations:

100 I
L
D
Slide 14
 Horizontal Curves Equations
5729.58 100 I
R L
D D

50
R 1 
1  LC  2 R sin  I 
sin  D  2 
2 

I
E  T  tan  
  I  4
M  R 1  cos 
  2 
 
 1 
1  ER  1
T  R tan I  I
2   cos 
 2 
Slide 15
Degree of curvature
curvature, chord basis
basis. The degree of curvature is defined as the
central angle subtended by a chord of 100 ft.

100 ft
50 ft 50 ft

R D
R

D/2 D/2

R = 50 / sin(1/2
( D))

Slide 16
Degree of curvature
curvature, arc basis
basis. The degree of curvature is defined as the
central angle of a circle which will subtend an arc of 100 ft.

100 ft

R D
R

R = ((360/D)(100/2π)
)( ) = 5729.8 / D

Slide 17
Example of a sharp curve vs
vs. a flat curve
curve.

100 ft

100 ft

D
R R D
R R

A sharp curve has a small D A flat curve has a large D and

and a large R. a small R.

Slide 18
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1:
The bearings of two tangents connected by a horizontal
circular curve are N50°E and S35°E, respectively. The
tangents
g intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is
800 ft.

Slide 19
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.

50°

W E

S Slide 20
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.

50°

W E

35°
S

50° W E

35°
35
S

Slide 21
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.

35° 50°

I = 95°

P.I.

50°

35°
35

Slide 22
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.
(a) What is the length of the curve?

(b) What is the station of the PC?

(c) What is the station of the PT?

(d) What is the interior angle at the PI?

(e) What is the tangent distance from the PI to the PC?

(f) What is the long chord distance?

(g) What is the external distance?

(h) What is the degree of the curve (arc basis)?

(i) What is the degree of the curve (chord basis)?

(j) What is the chord length of a 100-ft arc (arc basis)?

Slide 23
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.

35° 50° 5729.58

R →
I = 95° D
P.I. 5729.58
D →
800

D  7.162

50°

35°
35

Slide 24
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.
(a) What is the length of the curve?

100 I 10095
L → L → L  1326.44 ft
D 7.162

(b) What is the station of the PC?

I
T  R tan  T  800 tan 47.5 T  873.05 ft
f
2

PC  37  00  8  73.05 → PC  28  27 station

Slide 25
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.
(c) What is the station of the PT?

PC  28  27 station
L  1326.44 ft

PT  28  27   13  26.44 → PT  41  53.44 station

Slide 26
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.

(d) What is the interior angle at the PI?

35° 50°
180  95  85
I = 95°

P.I.

50°

35°
35

Slide 27
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.
(e) What is the tangent distance from the PI to the PC?

I
T  R tan  → T  873.05 ft
2

(f) What is the long chord distance?

I  95 
LC  2 R sin   2(800) sin  → LC  1179 ft
2  2 

Slide 28
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.
(g) What is the external distance?

 I    95   → E  384 ft

LC  R sec   1  800sec   1
 2    2  

I
E  T  tan    384 fft
4

 
 1 
ER  1  384 ft
I
 cos 
 2 

Slide 29
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.
(h) What is the degree of the curve (arc basis)?

5729.58 5729.58
D  → D  7.16
R 800

(i) What is the degree of the curve (chord basis)?

50
R  1  50
1  sin  D   D  2 sin 1 0.06
sin  D   2  800
2 

D  7.16

Slide 30
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 1:
The bearings
Th b i off ttwo ttangents
t connected
t dbby a h
horizontal
i t l circular
i l curve are N50°E and d S35°E,
S35°E
respectively. The tangents intersect at station 37+00. The curve radius is 800 ft.
(j) What is the chord length of a 100-ft arc (arc basis)?

D  7.16 
chord length  2 R sin   2800sin   → chord length  100 ft
2  2 

Slide 31
 Example Problem 2

• Convert the following angle to degrees

39deg 41min 54sec

Solving:
g
54/60 = 0.9 min

41 9/60 0 69 d
41.9/60=0.69 deg

g
Answer = 39.69 degrees

Slide 32
 Example Problem 3

• Express the following angle in terms of

degrees, minutes, and seconds

91.74 degrees
S l i
Solving;
0.74 (60) = 44.4 minutes
0.4 (60) = 24.0 seconds
Answer: 91deg 44min 24sec

Slide 33
EXAMPLE PROBLEM 4:
The two tangents shown intersect 2000 ft beyond Station 10+00.
10+00 The
back tangent has a bearing of N 45°00’00” W and the forward tangent
has a bearing of N15°00’00” E. The decision has been made to design a
3000 ft radius horizontal curve between the two tangents.

(a)What is the central angle of the curve?

(b)Compute the tangent distance and length of curve.
(c) What is the station of the PC?
(d)What is the station of the PT?
(e)What is the degree of curvature of this curve using the arc definition?

Slide 34
 P.T.

PI
P.I.
R=3000’

P.C.

Slide 35
EXAMPLE PROBLEM 4:
1. What is the central angle for this curve?
(a) 32 degrees
(b) 65 degrees
(c) 45 degrees
(d) 60 degrees
(e) 15 degrees

2. What is the tangent distance for this curve?

a) 1551.70 ft
b) 1732.05 ft
c) 1673.29 ft
d) 2000.00 ft
e) 3000 00 ft
3000.00

Slide 36
EXAMPLE PROBLEM 2:
3) What is the length of this curve?
(a) 3000.00 ft
(b) 3190.60 ft
(c) 3141.60 ft
(d) 2000.00
2000 00 ft
(e) 1047.20 ft

4) What is the station of the PC?

a) 30 +00.00
b) 20+00.00
c) 17+32.05
d) 19+32.05
e) 12+67.95
Slide 37
EXAMPLE PROBLEM 4:

5) What is the station of the PT?

(a) 47+32.05
(b) 44+09.55
(c) 43+32.05
(d) 46+32.05
46+32 05
(e) 42+09.55

6) What is the degree of curvature of this curve using the arc definition?
a) 60 degrees
b) 3.5 degrees
c) 2.9 degrees
d) 1.9 degrees
e) 3.9 degrees Slide 38
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 5:
The long chord of a circular curve is 600 feet, the
intersection angle is 110°. Find the radius. The forward
tangent of this curve needs to be moved in 5 feet due to a right
of way dispute. What radius curve would you specify to hold
the B.C. at the same location as in the original curve?

Slide 39
 T
Stations → T’
P.C.
I = 110°

600’
C

110°
R=?

P.T.

5’

Slide 40
EXAMPLE PROBLEM 5:
The long chord of a circular curve is 600 feet. The intersection angle is
110 degrees. What is the radius of this curve? The forward tangent of
this curve needs to be moved in 5 feet due to a right of way dispute.
dispute
What radius curve would you specify to hold the PC at the same
location as in original first curve.

I
We know: L.C. = 600 ft LC  2 R sin
2

600
Then R  366.23 ft
 
2 sin 550

T  R tan
I
2
 
 366.23 tan 550  523.03 ft

Slide 41
EXAMPLE PROBLEM 5:
5
X
x sin 700
70
110
5’
X  5.32

Tnew  523 .03  5 .32  517 .71 ft

Tnew 517 .71
Rnew curve  o
  362 .50 ft
tan 55 1 .428
Please note that the answer is NOT  366 .23  5 

Slide 42
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 5:

The alignment of a proposed highway was adjusted in order to avoid a critical

obstacle. This was accomplished by moving the forward tangent 120 ft forward.

You are asked to find the radius of the new curve if it begins at the same
location as the PC of the initial curve
curve.

You need to also determine the stations for PC and PT for the new curve
alignment.

Slide 43
 P.I. Sta. 85+71.92

P.C.
120’ I = 65°

6° Curve Tangent moved

forward
Initial Curve

Original Tangent

New P.T.

120’

Slide 44
 P.I. Sta. 85+71.92

P.C.
120’ I = 65°
Proposed new
6° Curve
tangent
Initial Curve

Original Tangent

New P.T.

120’

Slide 45
 x=?

65° 65°
120’

Slide 46
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 5:

For the original

g curve, ffind R and T :

5729.58 5729.58
R   954.93 fft
D 6
T  R tan   954.93 0.637  608.36 ft
I
2

PC station for the original curve is:

(85 + 71.92) – ( 6 + 8.36) = 79 + 63.56

Slide 47
 x=?

65° 65°
120’

120
X 0
 132.40 ft
f
sin 65

Slide 48
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 5:
T new = 608.36 + 132.40 = 740.76 ft

Tnew 740.76
   1162.76 ft
R newcurve

tan 650 / 2  0.637

5729.58
Dnew   4.930
1162.76

L 
100 I 100 650

 
 1319.10 ft
new curve 0
Dnew 4.93

PT Station = Station PC + L

New PT Station = (79 + 63.56) + ( 13 + 19.10) = 92 + 82.66

Slide 49
Vertical Curves

Slide 50
 P.V.I.

Back tangent
Forward tangent

Slide 51
 P.V.I.

Back tangent
Forward tangent

P.V.C. P.V.T.
LC = llong chord
h d

Slide 52
T
Tangent
t offsets
ff t
P.V.I.

Back tangent
Forward tangent
B

P.V.C. C P.V.T.
LC = llong chord
h d

Slide 53
 PROPERTIES OF A PARABOLA:
Applied to Vertical Curve Analysis

Slide 54
 PROPERTIES OF A PARABOLA:
1. The curve elevation at its midpoint is halfway from the elevation at the P.V.I. to the
elevation at the midpoint of the long chord.

1 PVC elevation  PVT elevation 

E   PVI elevation  
2 2 

The curve lies midway between the point of intersection of the grade lines and the middle point
of the chord joining the BVC (beginning of vertical curve) and the EVC (end of vertical curve).

2 The tangent offsets vary as the square of the distance from the point of tangency
2.

Y E
2
 2
x T

Slide 55
 PROPERTIES OF A PARABOLA:

g1  g 2 L r
g 2  g1
 rate of grade change
E
8 L

y E
T in sta. 2
 2
x T
X in sta. E
y
g2

g1 P.V.C.

Slide 56
The Algebraic Signs of “r”

Slide 57
Example Problem 7
Station at PVI 65
GIVEN :

264.20
Elevation at PVI

2
P.V.I.

g1=+4% g2=-3%

Curve Length 800 ft

Slide 58
Stations 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

P.V.I.

g1=+4% g2=-3%

Slide 59
 Stations 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

264.20
Elevations on
grade lines

P.V.I.

7.00’
g1=+4% g2=-3%

Slide 60
 Stations 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

248.20

252.20

256.20

260.20

264.20

261.20

258.20

255.20

252.20
Elevations on
grade lines

P.V.I.

g1=+4%
g2=-3%

Slide 61
Calculations for example 7:

Elevation of PVI = 264.20 ft

Elevation of C = ½( 248
248.20+252.20)
20+252 20) = 250
250.2
2 ft

Elevation of B = ½ ( 264.20+250.20) = 257.20 ft

E
g1  g 2L  4   38  7
8 8

r
 g 2  g1  3  4
 
7 rate of grade change
L 8 8

Slide 62
T
Tangent
t offsets
ff t
P.V.I.

Back tangent
Forward tangent
B

P.V.C. C P.V.T.
LC = llong chord
h d

Slide 63
The tangent offsets vary as the square of the distance from the point of tangency.

y E
2
 2
x T
T in sta.

X in sta. E
y
g2

g1 P.V.C.

Slide 64
 Stations 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

248.20

252.20

256.20

260.20

264.20

261.20

258.20

255.20

252.20
Elevations on
grade lines

P.V.I.
y E


3.94’
x2 T 2 g2=-3%
3%

7.00’
y 7

32 4 2 B

y  32  
7
42 C

y = 3.94 tangent offset at station 64+00

Slide 65
 Stations 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

248.20

252.20

256.20

260.20

264.20

261.20

258.20

255.20

252.20
Elevations on
grade lines

P.V.I.
y  22    1.75
7

3.94’
42 g2=-3%
3%

7.00’
1.75’
B

Slide 66
 Stations 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

248.20

252.20

256.20

260.20

264.20

261.20

258.20

255.20

252.20
Elevations on
grade lines

P.V.I.
Tangent offset at station 62+00

3.94’
y  12    0.44
7

7.00’
1.75’
42
0.44’

B
0

Slide 67
 Stations 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69

248.20

252.20

256.20

260.20

264.20

261.20

258.20

255.20

252.20
Elevations on
grade lines

P.V.I.

3.94’
g1=+4% g2=-3%

7.00’
1.75’
0.44’

B
0

Slide 68
 grade lines
Stations

Elevations on
61

248.20
62

0.44’
0 252.20
g1=+4%
63

1.75’ 256.20
64

3.94’ 260.20

7.00’
65

264.20
P.V.I.

C
B
66

3.94’ 261.20

1.75’
67

258.20
g2=-3%
68

0.44’
0 255.20
69

252.20
Slide 69
 curve
grade lines
Stations

Elevations on
Elevations on
61

248.20 248.20
62

251.76 0.44’
0 252.20
g1=+4%
63

254.45 1.75’ 256.20

64

256.26 3.94’ 260.20

7.00’
65

257.20 264.20
P.V.I.

C
B
66

257.26 3.94’ 261.20

1.75’
67

256.45 258.20
g2=-3%
68

254.76 0.44’
0 255.20
69

252.20 252.20
Slide 70
Highest
g and Lowest Points on Vertical Curves:

X is the distance between PVC and station of high or Low point

 g1
X
r
F the
For h vertical
i l curve iin example
l problem
bl 5:
g 2  g1  3  4 7
r  
L 8 8
 g1 4
X    4.57 Stations from PVC
r 7
8
Elevation at highest point Station 65+57 is equal to:

264.20  0.03 57  

3.43
2
7.00  257.34 ft
42

Slide 71
Calculations for the Elevation at highest point on
the vertical curve which is at station 65+57:

Elevation of tangent line at station 65+57 is,

264.20-(.03)(57)= 264.20-1.7 = 262.49 ft

• Offset at station 65+57 is calculated by 7 / [(4)(4)] = y / [(3.43)(3.43)]

• Offset at station 65+57 is y=5

y=5.147
147 ft

• Elevation at station 65+57 on the vertical curve is 262.49 – 5.147 which is

equal to 257
257.34
34 ft

Slide 72
 Vertical Curve Problem #8
Elevation
574.97 BVC

a Elevation
A 566 97
566.97
b M
B c Elevation
O EVC 558.97
d e f
C
F
Elevation E
550.97
D
V

46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Slide 73
 Vertical Curve Problem #8
Elevation
574.97 BVC

a Elevation
A 566 97
566.97
b M
B c Elevation
O EVC 558.97
d e f
C F
Elevation E
550.97
D
V

46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Slide 74
 Vertical Curve Problem #8
S l i
Solutions
• Station of BVC = 50 – 4 = station 46
• Elevation of BVC = 550.97 + (4 x 6) =
574 97 ft
574.97

• Station of EVC = 50 + 4 = station 54

• Elevation of EVC = 550.97 + ((4 x 2)) =
558.97 ft

Slide 75
 Vertical Curve Problem #8
Solutions
• Elevation of middle point of chord =
= 566.97 ft

• Offset to curve at intersection =

= 8.00 ft

Slide 76
 Vertical Curve Problem #8
Solutions
• Offset at A and F = x8
8.00
00 =0
=0.50
50 ft

• Offset
Off t att B and
dE= x 8.00
8 00 = 2.00
2 00 ft

• Offset at C and D = x 8.00 = 4.50 ft

Slide 77
 Vertical Curve Problem #8
Solutions
• Elevation of A = 574.97 – 6.00 = 568.97 ft
• Elevation of B = 568.97 – 6.00 = 562.97 ft
• Elevation of C = 562
562.97
97 – 6.00
6 00 = 556.97
556 97 ft
• Elevation of V = 556.97 – 6.00 = 550.97 ft
• El
Elevation
ti off F = 558
558.97
97 – 2.00
2 00 = 556.97
556 97 ft
• Elevation of E = 556.97 – 2.00 = 554.97 ft
• Elevation of D = 554.97 – 2.00 = 552.97 ft
• Elevation of V = 552.97 – 2.00 = 550.97 ft*
– *checks!
Slide 78
 Vertical Curve Problem #8
Solutions
• Elevation of a = station 47=
47 568.97
568.97+ 0.50 = 569.47
Elevation of b = station 48 = 562.97 + 2.00 = 564.97
Elevation of c = station 49 = 556.97 + 4.50 = 561.47
Elevation of o = station 50 = 550.97 + 8.00 = 558.97
Elevation of d = station 51 = 552.97 + 4.50 = 557.47
El
Elevation
ti off e = station
t ti 52 = 554
554.97
97 + 2
2.00
00 = 556.97
556 97
Elevation of f = station 53 = 556.97 + 0.50 = 557.47

Slide 79
 Vertical Curve Problem #8
Solutions
OFFSET
TANGENT ELEVATION
STATION FROM
ELEVATION CURVE
TANGENT
BVC = 46 574.97 0 574.97
47 568.97 +0 50
+0.50 569.47
48 562.97 +2.00 564.97
49 556.97 +4.50 561.47
50 550.97 +8.00 558.97
51 552.97 +4.50 557.47
52 554.97 +2.00 556.97
53 556.97 +0.50 557.47
EVC = 54 558.97 0 558.97

Slide 80
 SIGHT DISTANCE:
Minimum sight distance (s),
(s) where sight distance is less than the curve length (L) in
stations and the height of driver’s eye (h) is 3.5 ft to 3.75 ft above pavement.

8 Lh
s 
2

g1  g 2

If the calculated sight distance (s) is greater than the curve length (L)
then use the following equation:

L 4h
s 
2 g1  g 2

Slide 81
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 9:
Si ht di
Sight distance
t calculations
l l ti ffor th
the vertical
ti l curve iin problem
bl 5
5:

L  800 ft g 1  4% g 2  3% h  3.75 ft

88.00 3.75
s  5.8554 stations s  585.54 ft
4   3 →

If the calculated sight distance (s) is greater than the curve length (L) then use the
following equation:

L 4h
s 
2 g1  g 2

Slide 82
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 10:

A proposed 2-lane highway has a vertical alignment that is

+3% grade intersecting a –2% 2% grade at station 26+00 at an
elevation of 228.00. The proposed alignment must bridge
over an existing railroad track which crosses the proposed
alignment at station 28+50
28+50. The elevation of the railroad
track at the point of intersection is 195.00. The proposed
highway alignment must have a vertical elevation difference
of 26.0 ft at the p
point of intersection of the two alignment
g in
order to satisfy vertical clearance requirements.

You are to determine the longest length of vertical curve,

rounded to the nearest 100 ft, that will fulfill these criteria.
Determine the station of the high point on the vertical curve.

Slide 83
 00
El. 228.0
26+00

8+50
28
El. 223

g1=+3%
g2=-2%
El. 221

clearance
requirement =
26.0 ft.

El. 195.00

Slide 84
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 10:

For vertical curve to go through a fixed point, use the following formula :

2offset   Aoffset   offset 

2

L  2  A    4   
 g1  g 2  g1  g 2  g1  g 2 

offset = 2 A = 2.5 g1-g2 = 5

L = 10.91 stations therefore use L= 1000 ft to maintain 26 ft minimum clearance

Station of high point

g1 3
x   6 Stations from PVC
r 23
10

Slide 85
EXAMPLE PRBLEM 10:
Using design curve length L=1000 ft

L
Location
i off hi
high
h point
i

g1 3
x   6 Stations from PVC
r  2  3
10

Station at PVC = ((26+00 )–

) ((5+00)) = 21+00

Station of high point = (21+00) + (6+00) = 27+00

Slide 86
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 11:
11
The proposed highway is to cross another highway at
right angles. The elevation of the proposed crossing has
been established and a minimum vertical clearance of
25 ft. will be required between the proposed highway
and the existingg highway.
g y
A. Determine the location and elevation of the low
point on the existing vertical curve.
B. Determine the minimum station at which the crossing
may be located.
C. Determine the maximum station at which the
crossing may be located.

Slide 87
 Existing Vert. Curve off Proposed
other highway Highway El. 777

25’
82+00

94+00
g1=-4%
g2=+3%
3%

El. 736
V.P.I.
88+00

Slide 88
 EXAMPLE PROBLEM 11 :

Calculate Low point on existing vertical curve

g1 4
x   6 .8571 Stations from PVC
r  3  (4)
12

Station at low point = (82+00) + (6+85.71) = 88+85.71

Elevation of low point is calculated to be 746.28 ft

Proposed highway has an elevation of 777 ft and required clearance
is 25 ft
ft, therefore,
therefore there exists two locations on the curve with
elevation of 777 – 25 = 752 ft

By trial and error, we need to find minimum and maximum station

where curve elevation is 752 ft

Slide 89
 Existing Vert. Curve Proposed
Highway El. 777

25’ 25’
P.V.C. 82+00

E.V..C. 94+00
g1=-4% Low point
g2=+3%
3%

El. 736
V.P.I.
P.I. 88+00
V.P

Slide 90
 Trial and error for maximum station:

St ti
Station Tangentt
T offset
ff t Curve
C
elevation elevation

93+00 751.00 0.29 751.29

94+00 754.00 0.00 754.00
93+30 751.90 0.14 752.04
93+29 751.87 0.15 752.02
93+28
93 28 751 84
751.84 0 15
0.15 751 99
751.99
93+28.5 751.855 0.15 752.00

Maximum Station turns out to be 93+28.5

Slide 91
 Trial and error for minimum station:

St ti
Station Tangentt
T offset
ff t Curve
C
elevation elevation

84+00 752.00 1.17 753.17

85+00 748.00 2.62 750.62
84+50 750.00 1.82 751.82
84+40 750.40 1.68 752.08
84+42
84 42 750 32
750.32 1 71
1.71 752 03
752.03
84+43 750.28 1.72 752.00

Minimum Station turns out to be 84+43

Slide 92
 P.V.C. 82+00

El. 760
E

Min. SSta.? 752

7

88+
+00 I 74
46.5

Sa
ag
74
46.28

Max. Sta
a.? 752
7

E.V..C. 94+00
El. 7
754
Slide 93
References:

MCCormack,
C k Jack,
J k Surveying
S i gFFundamentals,
d t l P Prentice
ti H Hall,
ll 1983

Brinker, Russell, Wolf, Paul, Elementary Surveying, Sixth Edition, Harper and
Row 1977
Row,

Slide 94
Thank You
You.

Any Questions?

Good Luck !

Slide 95