Fieldwork No.

12 & 13
LAYING-OUT A COMPOUND CURVE AND A REVERSE CURVE

Name : Weather :
Group No. : Place :
Designation : Time, Start :
Instructor : End :
Schedule :

I. Objectives

 To lay out a compound curve consisting of two simple curves with different radii by deflection
angles method
 To lay out a reverse curve using the method of deflection angles

II. Instruments

1 unit - Theodolite 1 pc - 50-meter tape

1 roll - String
15 pcs - marking pins

III. Theory
A. Compound Curve

A compound curve consists of two or more simple curves connected one after the other. The point
where the curves are connected is called PCC which stands for point of compound curve. At that point the
curves have the same tangent thus the term common tangent of the compound curve. The length of the
common tangent is equal to the sum of the length of the tangent of the first curve, T1, and the length of the
2nd tangent, T2. The point of intersection of the tangents of the first curve is called PI1 and the point of
intersection of the tangents of the 2nd curve is called PI2. Obviously the distance from PI1 to PI2 is the
common tangent of the compound curve. The deflection angle of the common tangent with respect to the
main backward tangent of the compound curve is equal to the central angle of the 1st curve and the
deflection angle of the common tangent with respect to the main forward tangent of the compound curve
is the same as the central angle of the 2nd curve.

The compound curve can be laid out using deflection angles. For the first curve the deflection
angles would be reckoned from to the main backward tangent and those of the second curve from the
common tangent.
 PI
I

PI1 I2
I1 PI2
PC

PT

I2

I1

B. Reverse Curve

A reverse curve consists of two simple curves turning in opposite directions and joining at a point on
a common tangent. The point where the curves joined is called the point of reverse curve or PRC. Reverse
curve is not recommended in highways and railways where the speeds are normally high because the
instantaneous change in direction at the PRC will not allow any space for smooth banking of the outer
side of the curve. In roadways where the velocities are relatively slow, reverse curves are used with great
success.

The figure shows a typical reverse curve with the different parameters:

PC=point of curvature
PRC=point of reverse curve
PT=point of tangency
R 1 and R 2 =radii of the curves
T1 and T2=tangent distances
PI1 =point of intersection of the first curve
PI 2 =point of ibtersection of the second curve
I1 =angle of intersection of the tangents of the first curve
I 2 = angle of intersection of the tangents of the second curve
 Back PC T1 PI1
tangent
I2 R2
PRC Forward tangent

PT
R1 T2
PI2

I1

IV. Procedure

Compound Curve
A. Preliminary Calculations

1. The following data will be used to layout the desired compound curve-centerline in the field.

Sta PI1 = ____________

Deflection angle at PI, I = ____________ ( central angle of curve)
Deflection angle, I1 = ____________ (the central angle of the first curve)
Degree of curve, D1 = ____________ (subtending a 20- meter arc length)
Degree of curve, D2 = ____________ (subtending a 20- meter arc length)

The data for all groups are:

Group 2 (F Morning Class 7:30am-1:30pm):

2. Compute the value of the following curve parameters:

 Deflection angle, I2 (the central angle of the second curve)

 Radius R1 and R2 of the first and second curves, respectively
 Length of Tangents,T1, T2, and Tc
 Stationing of the PC
 Length of Curves, L1 and L2
 Deflection angles from the back tangent about the PC of all even stations on the first curve
and the corresponding lengths of sub chords
 Deflection angles from the common tangent about the PCC of all even stations on second
curve and the corresponding lengths of sub chords.
 Length of the long chords, C1 and C2, for the first and second curve from P.C.C. to BC and
P.C.C. to EC respectively

3. Tabulate the computed deflection angles corresponding to every point on the curve and the
corresponding lengths of sub chord.

Points Deflection Length of sub Remarks

angles chord
6+ PC
6+ 1st even station

B. Laying out the curve

1. Set up and level the instrument at a point of intersection of the tangents of the first curve ( PI 1)
and, using the calculated tangent distances and angle of intersections, establish the beginning of
the curve (PC), the point of compound curve (PCC), the point of intersection of the tangents of
the 2nd curve (PI2), and the end of the curve PT.
2. Transfer the instrument to the PC and layout the first curve starting from the PC to the PCC
using the deflection angles and sub chord lengths (Refer to the procedure for Field Work 1).
3. Transfer the instrument at the PCC and layout the 2nd curve from the PCC to the PT using
deflection angles from the common tangent and sub chord distances.
4. For checking purposes measure the length of the long chords, C1 and C2, subtended by the first
and second curves that is from P.C.C. to BC and P.C.C. to E.C. and the distance from the PC to
the PT.
Reverse Curve
A) Calculations

1. The following given data (obtained from a preliminary survey) and assumed standards will be
used to layout the desired reversed curve-centerline in the field.

Radius of first curve, R1 = ___________________

Radius of second curve, R2 = ___________________
Stationing of P.C. = ___________________
Angle of intersection; I1 = ___________________
Angle of intersection; I2 = ___________________

2. Before laying out the curve in the field, first compute the value of the following curve
parameters:

Tangents, T1 and T2
Deflection angles for the 10-m full station points
Chord lengths per 10-m arc length

3. Tabulate the computed curve stations with their corresponding cumulative deflection angles and
chord lengths between stations.

Station Deflection Angles Chord Lengths

B) Laying out the curve

1. Establish the PC, PI1, PRC, PI2, and PT in the field.

2. Set up and level the instrument at PC, sight on point PI1 and set the horizontal angle to zero. The
telescope’s line of sight should now be aligned with the back tangent.
3. By using the deflection angle and chord lengths, locate and establish all points on the first curve
starting at the PC until the point of reverse curvature (PRC).
 4. Transfer and level the instrument at the laid-out point PRC. Backsight on PI1 with the telescope in
inverted position and then set the horizontal angle to zero.
5. Plunge the telescope, and by deflection angle method locate and establish all points on the second
curve until the PT.
6. Measure the chords BC – PRC and PRC – PT. Compare the measured and computed chord
lengths. Compute the discrepancy.

V. Findings
Tabulate all data and show sample computations.
Comment on the procedure of the fieldwork. Propose any improvement.
VI. Conclusion

 Under what certain field conditions does the use of a compound curve will be found
appropriate. Discuss thoroughly.
 In highways and railways designed for very high speed, is suitable to employ a reversed
curve? Explain why?
VII. Sketch
VIII. Documentations