Vertical Curves

Submitted by:

JOHN MARK C. BALATUCAN

3BSCE- 3A

Submitted to:

ENGR. RALPH RESOCO

INTRODUCTION

For safe and comfortable gradient transitions, vertical curves are essential in transportation design.
Symmetric parabolic curves are easy to create and perfect for uniform terrains because they have a middle
vertex and equal but opposite gradients. These curves are extensively used in typical road and rail projects
because they guarantee balanced geometry, sufficient sight distances, and smooth vehicle dynamics.

With its uneven grades and off-center vertex, unsymmetric parabolic curves handle more complicated
situations like uneven terrain or particular design limitations. They provide the versatility required for
difficult terrains, despite having a more complex design. When combined, these curve types give engineers
the ability to design safe, flexible, and effective infrastructure solutions.

WHAT IS VERTICAL CURVE?

To keep a highway's vertical profile smooth, vertical curves are used to connect two distinct grades. These
curves avoid jolts and improve driver visibility by allowing the road to transition from an ascending grade
to a descending grade or vice versa without experiencing sudden elevation shifts. In order to reduce
accidents and improve the overall driving experience on roadways, vertical bends must be properly
designed.

Figure 1. Vertical Curve

 Figure 2. Vertical Curve Real-life Situation

Elements of Vertical Curve

• PC = point of curvature, also known as BVC (beginning of vertical curve)

• PT = point of tangency, also known as EVC (end of vertical curve)

• PI = point of intersection of the tangents, also called PVI (point of vertical intersection)

• L = length of parabolic curve, it is the projection of the curve onto a horizontal surface which
corresponds to the plan distance.

• S1 = horizontal distance from PC to the highest (lowest) point of the summit (sag) curve

• S2 = horizontal distance from PT to the highest (lowest) point of the summit (sag) curve

• h1 = vertical distance between PC and the highest (lowest) point of the summit (sag) curve

• h2 = vertical distance between PT and the highest (lowest) point of the summit (sag) curve

• g1 = grade (in percent) of back tangent (tangent through PC)

• g2 = grade (in percent) of forward tangent (tangent through PT)

• A = change in grade from PC to PT

• a = vertical distance between PC and PI

• b = vertical distance between PT and PI

• H = vertical distance between PI and the curve

TYPES OF VERTICAL CURVE

Symmetric parabolic curves are characterized by equal but opposite tangential grades (𝐺1 and − 𝐺1 ) on
either side of the curve, resulting in a vertex located at the midpoint. The parabolic shape ensures a
uniform rate of change in grade, making these curves straightforward to design and implement.

Features of Symmetric Parabolic Curves:

• Parabolic Shape, ensuring a constant rate of change of grade (uniform acceleration or deceleration
of elevation).

• The initial (𝐺1 ) and final (𝐺2 ) grades are equal in magnitude but opposite in direction (e.g., +4%
and -4%).

• Simplified design due to symmetry, particularly in determining elevations and curve lengths.

Figure 3. Parabolic Vertical Curve (Symmetrical Equation)

For visibility, use Crest Curves (Upward Convex Curves), where a road or railroad changes from an uphill
gradient to a lower grade, crest curves—also called upward convex curves—are used. In order for a driver
to have enough sight distance—the distance they can see ahead of them on the road to recognize and
respond to obstacles—these bends are essential. Safety requires a sufficient visual distance, especially
when stopping and passing.
 Figure 4. Crest Curves

When creating crest curves, important factors to take into account are:

Making sure the curve length is adequate for a car to stop safely in the event of an obstruction is known
as stopping sight distance, or SSD. Vehicle speed, reaction time, and braking power all affect this.
Passing Sight Distance (PSD): Longer curves on highways could be necessary to safely pass slower cars,
especially on rural roads. Driver Perception: By minimizing sudden slope changes, gradual transitions help
drivers avoid discomfort or confusion. Crest bends, which are typical in undulating terrain, are crucial for
lowering the chance of accidents brought on by inadequate vision over a hill's crest.

Downward Convex Curves, or Sag Curves, for Comfort and Lighting Where the road changes from a
descending gradient to an uphill grade, sag curves, also known as downward convex curves, appear. By
avoiding sudden slope changes that could cause pain or vehicle instability, these curves are intended to
improve driver and passenger comfort.

Important factors for sag curves are as follows:

Comfort in Transitions: Especially at higher speeds, abrupt vertical acceleration forces can be
uncomfortable or impair vehicle control. A smooth curve helps avoid these situations.
Headlight Sight Distance: The curve must let enough light from the headlights of the cars to illuminate the
road ahead at night. In order to guarantee that the lit distance and the stopping sight distance match, the
curve length is specified. Drainage: In order to avoid water pooling, which can cause hydroplaning and
other safety issues, proper grading is essential in sag curves. Aesthetics and Integration: Sag curves in
urban environments need to fit in with the surroundings while preserving useful lighting levels.
Unsymmetric parabolic curve characterized as uneven tangential grades on either side, which is
asymmetrical. When symmetry is impractical because of topographical limitations or particular design
requirements, these curves are employed.

Uneven Terrain

When the gradients on either side of the curve fluctuate greatly, asymmetric parabolic curves work
especially well for adjusting to uneven or irregular terrain. These types of terrains are typical in
mountainous or hilly areas where different slopes are determined by the natural topography. Engineers
may create transitions that accommodate these variances while preserving usefulness and safety thanks
to these curves. For instance, an unsymmetric parabolic curve guarantees a safe and easy transition
between grades in a situation where a road rises gradually on one side and falls precipitously into a valley
on the other. By maximizing the rate of elevation change, the curve balances vehicle dynamics and reduces
the possibility of sudden slope changes that could be uncomfortable or dangerous.

Features of Unsymmetric Parabolic Curves:

• Still parabolic shape, but the vertex is not at the midpoint of the curve.

• The initial and final grades (𝐺1 ) and (𝐺2 ) differ in magnitude and/or direction.

• More complex design than symmetric curves due to the asymmetry.

Figure 5. Parabolic Vertical Curve (Unsymmetrical Equation)

Constrained Design Situations

Unsymmetric parabolic curves are used in numerous projects due to particular design limitations. The
necessity to integrate the road or railway with the current infrastructure, space constraints, or
environmental concerns are a few examples of these limitations.

Space Restrictions: It might not be feasible to achieve similar slopes on both sides of the curve in
metropolitan regions or restricted development zones. Designers can take these limitations into
consideration while maintaining functional transitions by using asymmetrical curves.
Functional Requirements: In certain situations, one side of the curve may have to adhere to a grade
requirement, like joining a bridge or tunnel, while the other side takes into account the terrain's inherent
slope.

Figure 6. Comparison Table

Realistic Aspects

Sight Distance - Depending on the type of road, the curve's length must account for either the passing
sight distance (PSD) or the stopping sight distance (SSD).

Safety and Comfort - Abrupt gradient changes that might affect vehicle dynamics are avoided with
smooth transitions.

Adaptation to Terrain - Unsymmetrical curves can adapt better to difficult terrain.

Lighting - In metropolitan environments, sag curves should guarantee appropriate lighting design.
PROBLEM SET
a. A descending grade of 6% and an ascending grade of 2% intersect at Sta 12 + 200 km
whose elevation is at 14.375 m. The two grades are to be connected by a parabolic
curve, 160 m long. Find the elevation of the first quarter point on the curve.

Figure 6. Situation 1 Grade Diagram

b. A grade of -4.2% grade intersects a grade of +3.0% at Station 11 + 488.00 of elevations
20.80 meters. These two center grade lines are to be connected by a 260 meters vertical
parabolic curve.

1. At what station is the cross-drainage pipes be situated?

2. If the overall outside dimensions of the reinforced concrete pipe to be installed is 95 cm,
and the top of the culvert is 30 cm below the subgrade, what will be the invert elevation
at the center?

Figure 7. Situation 2 Grade Diagram

c.

d.

e.
CONCLUSION

In order to provide safe, comfortable, and effective travel, vertical curves are essential components in the
design of transportation infrastructure. Because of its balanced geometry and simplicity, symmetric
parabolic curves work well in terrains with consistent slope and known design requirements. For many
common highway and railroad projects, they are the preferred option because to their simplicity in
computation and implementation.

Conversely, unsymmetric parabolic curves provide more adaptability, taking into account different grades
and topographical limitations. Despite having a more complicated design, they are essential when
symmetry is unfeasible because they allow engineers to accommodate difficult topography and special
project needs.

Ultimately, the selection and implementation of symmetric or unsymmetric curves depend on the specific
needs of the project, including sight distance, safety, and functional requirements. Both curve types play
a crucial role in modern infrastructure, contributing to the development of efficient, adaptable, and safe
transportation networks.

REFERENCE

Guest. (2023). Module 18 - Symmetrical and Unsymmetrical Parabolic Curves - PDFCOFFEE.COM. Pdfcoffee.com;
PDFCOFFEE.COM. https://pdfcoffee.com/module-18-symmetrical-and-unsymmetrical-parabolic-curves-pdf-
free.html

Mannering, F. L., Jr., & Washburn, S. S. (2012). Principles of Highway Engineering and Traffic Analysis (Fifth). John
Wiley & Sons, Inc. https://dl.icdst.org/pdfs/files4/320eeb4c1742254c601689cbcc3ee562.pdf

Parabolic Curve | Surveying and Transportation Engineering Review at MATHalino. (n.d.). Mathalino.com.
https://mathalino.com/reviewer/surveying-and-transportation-engineering/parabolic-curve

Pardon Our Interruption. (2024). Coursesidekick.com. https://www.coursesidekick.com/mathematics/300782

Vertical Curves: Learn Definition, Types, Steps For Setting Them. (n.d.). Testbook. https://testbook.com/civil-
engineering/vertical-curves

Vertical Curve | MATHalino reviewer about Vertical Curve. (2024). Mathalino.com.

https://mathalino.com/tag/reviewer/vertical-curve