Transportation Engineering – I

Unit 3: Geometric design

Bachelor of Civil Engineering

Pokhara University, School of Engineering

Lecturer: Sundar Adhikari

MSc in Infrastructure Engineering & Management
1
 Chapter 3: Geometric Design
Definition: Highway geometric design
refers to the calculations and analysis
made by designers to fit the highway to
the topography of the site while meeting
the safety, service and performance
standards. Elements of the highways that
are visible to the drivers and road-users.
However, the engineer must also take into
consideration the social and
environmental impacts of the highway
geometry on the surrounding facilities.
2
 Objectives:
Ø Determine, within the allowance permitted by the
design standard and right-of-way, the routing of
proposed highway.
Ø Incorporate, within the design standard, various
physical features of the road alignment to ensure
that drivers have sufficient view of the road (and
obstacles) ahead for them to adjust their speed of
travel to maintain safety and ride quality.
Ø Provide a basis for the highway engineers to
evaluate and plan for the construction of a section
of the proposed highway.
3
 Elements:
Geometric Design of Highways deals
with the following elements:
ØCross section elements
ØSight distance considerations
ØHorizontal alignment details
ØVertical alignment details
ØIntersection elements
4
 Design control and criteria:
Major factors which control the Geometric
elements are :
ØTopography
ØDesign vehicle
ØDesign speed
ØTraffic factors
ØDriver & road user behavior
ØEnvironmental factors
ØEconomical factors
5
 Terrain Classification:

Class Terrain type Percent Cross-slope

1 Plain 0 to 10

2 Rolling >10 to 25

3 Hilly/Mountainous >25 to 60

4 Steep >60

6
Terrain Classification:

a in
e rr

6m
p T
e
Ste Mountainous terrain

2.5 m
e g.
31d
Rolling Terrain
.
14 deg

1m
.
5.7 deg Plain Terrain

10 m

7
 Design Vehicles:
The vehicle characteristics affecting the road design
are as:
Ø Width of the vehicle: width of traffic lane, width of
shoulder, width of parking space;
Ø The height of vehicle: clearance to be provided to
overhead structures ;
Ø Overall length of vehicle: design of horizontal
curves, valley curves, safety regulations;
Ø Vehicle loads: bridge design, pavement thickness,
design of ruling gradients
Ø Vehicle speed: superelevation, limiting radius, sight
distances, width of pavement on straights and curves,
width of shoulder, intersection design, traffic capacity
of a lane.
8
 Design Vehicles:
Dimensions Vehicle type Maximum dimensions, m
Width All 2.5
Height Single decked vehicle 3.8 – 4.2
Double decked vehicle 4.75
Length Single unit with two axle 11.00
Single unit with more than 12.00
two axle
Tractor semi-trailer 16.00
combination
Tractor Trailer 18.00
combination

9
Design Vehicles:

10
 Weight of the vehicles:
IRC suggests that single axle load should not
exceed 10.2 tonnes (102 kN) and for tandem
axle 18 tonnes (180 kN). The gross load of any
vehicle or combination of vehicles should not
exceed the weight worked out by the following
formula:
W = 1525( L + 7.3) - 14.7 L2
Where, W is the gross weight of the vehicle in
kg, L is the distance between the extreme axles
in m.

11
Minimum turning Paths (at 15 Kmph):
The principal dimensions affecting design are
the minimum centerline turning radius (CTR),
the out-to-out track width, the wheelbase, and
the path of the inner rear tire. Turning template
of a typical passenger car is shown in the figure
below. Minimum=10.82m

12
 Design speed:
Highway type Terrain Design speed,
Km/h
National highway Level 120
Rolling 80
Mountainous 50
Steep 40
Feeder Road Level 100
Rolling 60
Mountainous 40
Steep 30 13
 Design Volume
Design Capacity in both direction
S/N Highway Category
Veh./hr Veh/day (PCU/day)
1 Single lane black-topped
Plain terrain 100 1000 2000
Rolling terrain 90 900 1800
Mountainous terrain 90 900 1800
Steep terrain 70 700 1400
2 Single lane water bound
Plain terrain 90 900 1800
Rolling terrain 80 800 1600
Mountainous terrain 75 750 1500
Steep terrain 40 400 800
3 Intermediate lane black-topped (carriageway 5 to 6 m)
Plain terrain 300 3000 6000
Rolling terrain 285 2850 5700
Mountainous terrain 260 2600 5200
Steep terrain 225 2250 4500
4 Two lane black topped
Plain terrain 750 7500 15000
Rolling terrain 500 5000 10000
Mountainous terrain 350 3500 7000
Steep terrain 250 2500 5000
5 Four lane divided carriageway
Plain terrain 5000 50000 100,000
Rolling terrain 4000 40000 80,000
14
Environmental considerations :
It is essential that the highway be
considered as an element of the total
environment. The term “environment,” as
used here refers to the totality of
humankind’s surroundings: social,
physical, natural, and aesthetic. It includes
the human, animal, and plant communities
and the forces that act on all three.

15
 Traffic Factors:
Pedestrian considerations
ØWalking speed
ØWalkway capacities
ØLevel of Service of pedestrian
walkways
ØPedestrian at intersections
ØConsideration of disabled persons
16
 Traffic Factors:
Bicycle Facility
ØSafety for bicycle users,
ØTypes of carriageway for bicycle-way,
ØBicycle-safe drainage grades
ØAdjusting manhole covers to the grade
ØMaintaining a smooth, clean riding
surface
17
Economic considerations:
Highway economics is concerned
with the cost of a proposed
improvement and the benefits
resulting from it. Final design
decisions on the proposed projects
are supported by the economic
analysis.
18
 Elements of Geometric Design :
1. Elements of cross section
• Pavement surface & characteristics
• Traffic lane, carriageway, shoulder
• Camber
• Extra widening of pavement
• Super elevation
• Sight distance across the road
2.Elements of horizontal alignment
• Review of turning angle
• Horizontal curvature
• Transition curve
• Sight distance along the road plan
3. Element of vertical alignment
• Gradient
• Vertical curves
• Sight distance along the road profile 19
 Elements of cross section
CL

Road way

Shoulder Shoulder
Carriage way
Camber

1: p Side slope
Formation Width

Bed Width

Side drain

CL

Road boundary
Road way

Building line
Control line
Road boundary
Building line
Control line

e r
Shoulder
Carriage way Should

1:p Side slope

Formation Width

Bed Width
Side drain

Right of Way
20
 CL

Road way

Shoulder Shoulder
Carriage way
1:n
Camber 1:m

Side drain

Street lighting

Road side
CL
plantation

Foot path
15cm Carriage way
Side drain
21
Kerb stone
 Cross Section Elements:
Pavement Surface & Characteristics:
Important surface characteristics of pavements
are friction, unevenness, light reflecting
characteristics and drainage of surface.
Friction: Friction between vehicle tyre and
pavement surface affect of the operating speed
and distance required in stopping and
accelerating the vehicle. When a vehicle
negotiates the horizontal curve, the lateral
friction developed counteracts the centrifugal
force and thus governs the safe operating speed.
22
For the calculation of stopping sight
distances, NRS recommends coefficient
of friction as: 0.42 at the speed of 20
km/h and 0.28 at the speed of 120
km/h. Coefficient of side friction for the
superelevation is taken as 0.17 and 0.12
for the speed of 30 km/h and 120 km/h
respectively. The ranges of coefficients
are distributed uniformly for other values
of speed. 23
 Pavement unevenness:
Pavement unevenness affects vehicle operation
cost, comfort, safety and wear and tear of tyres
and other moving parts.
Pavement unevenness is measured in terms of
unevenness index, which is cumulative
measure of vertical undulations of the
pavement surface recorded per unit horizontal
length (mm/km). An unevenness index value less
than 1500 mm/km is considered as good, a value
less than 2500 mm/km is satisfactory up to speed
of 100 kmph and values greater than 3200 mm/km
is considered as uncomfortable even for 55 Kmph.24
 Light reflecting characteristics:
Light reflecting characteristics of the pavement
surface increase the night visibility. The glare
caused by the reflection of head light
considerably high on wet pavement surface
than dry surface.
ØWhite roads have good visibility at night, but
caused glare during day time
ØBlack roads has no glare during day, but has poor
visibility at night
ØConcrete roads has better visibility and less glare
25
Carriage way width and number of lane:
Width of the carriage way or the width of the pavement
depends on the width of the traffic lane and number of
lanes. Width of a traffic lane depends on the width of the
vehicle and the clearance. Side clearance improves
operating speed and safety. The maximum permissible
width of a vehicle is 2.44m and the desirable side
clearance for single lane traffic is 0.68 m. This requires
minimum of lane width of 3.75 m for a single lane road.
However, the side clearance required is about 0.53 m, on
both side and 1.06 m in the center. Therefore, a two lane
road requires minimum of 3.5 meter for each lane.

26
 According to NRS:

Width of carriage way ,m

Single lane Intermediate Two Multilane
lane lanes carriage
way
(width
per lane)
3.8/3.5 5.5
(5.0-6.0) 7.0 3.5

27
28
 Number of Lane:
Number of traffic lane is the function of
Design hourly volume and the capacity of the
traffic lane. Number of traffic lane can be
found by using the formula below:

N
n = ......................................(I )
C
1000V
C= ...............................( II )
S
29
Where, N is the design hourly traffic volume,
veh/hr; C is the traffic capacity of a single
lane; V is design speed Kmph; S is the average
spacing of vehicles in m (s=V*tr+6.1)m.
Similarly, carriage way width can be
calculated by using the following relationship.
It is that strip of road which is considered for
the movement of vehicular traffic.
Cw = Tw n......................................(III )

Where, Tw is width of traffic lane; n is the

number of traffic lane.
30
 Road Margin:
Shoulder: Shoulder is the portion of
road way on either side of the
carriage way which is periodically
used for overtaking, parking or
repairing vehicles, fixing traffic
sign and signal, stacking
construction material. Well
maintained shoulder increases the life
time of pavement.
31
 Type of carriage way Total shoulder width; m
(both side included)
Two and four lanes 4.0 to 6.0
(black topped)

Single lane (surface 4.0 to 5.0

dressed)

Single lane (gravelled 3.0 to 5.0

surface)

Note: Lateral slops on shoulder 5% for gravel and 8% for turf.

32
Median Strip: It is the grassy or paved area
that divides a highway so that traffic going in
one direction is kept separate from traffic going
in the opposite direction. The glare from the
opposing vehicle can also be prevented from the
median strip. Width=0.5m-2.5m

33
Cycle tracks: Cycle tracks are provided in urban
areas when the volume of cycle traffic on the road is
very high. Minimum width for cycle track should be
kept 2 m and it may be increased by 1 m for each
additional cycle lane.
Footpaths or sidewalks: These are exclusive
"Right of Way" to pedestrians, especially in urban
areas. They are provided for the safety of the
pedestrians when both the pedestrian traffic and
vehicular traffic is high. Minimum width is 1.5 meter
and may be increased based on the traffic. The
footpath should be either as smooth as the pavement
or smoother than that to induce the pedestrian to use
the footpath. 34
NRS recommendation for sidewalk: In urban
areas, the sidewalk should be provided as per the
number of pedestrians estimated for future.
Usually a 60 cm width should be provided for a
pedestrian density of 30 pedestrian /min,
subject to a minimum sidewalk of 2.5 m on
each side of carriageway.
Guard rails: Provided at the edge of the
shoulder when the road is constructed on a
fill so that the vehicles are prevented from
running off the embankment, especially
when the height of the fill exceeds 3 m. 35
Embankment slopes: It should be as flat
as possible for the purpose of safe traffic
movement and also for aesthetic reasons.
However, from the slope stability point of
view a steeper slope may be possible, it may
be kept as flat as permitted by economic
considerations.
Drainage: The pavement surface should
be absolutely impermeable to prevent
seepage of water into the pavement layers.
Minimum 0.5% slope should be adopted.
36
Right of way: Right of way (ROW) or
land width is the width of land acquired for the
road, along its alignment. It should be
adequate to accommodate all the cross-
sectional elements of the highway and may
reasonably provide for future development.
The right of way width is governed by:
Width of formation: It depends on the
category of the highway and width of roadway
and road margins.

37
Height of embankment or depth of cutting:
It is governed by the topography and the
vertical alignment.
Side slopes of embankment or cutting: It
depends on the height of the slope, soil type
etc.
Drainage system and their size which depends
on rainfall, topography etc.
Sight distance considerations: On curves
there is restriction to the visibility on the inner
side of the curve due to the presence of some
obstructions like building structures etc.
38
NRS recommends the minimum width of
Right of way as in the table below.
Type of Road Minimum Right of way, Building line,
m m

National Highway 50 (25m on either side 62

of the road center line)

Feeder Road 30 (15m on either side 42

of the road center line)

District Road 20 (10m on either side 32

of the road center line)

39
 Kerbs:
Kerbs indicate the boundary between the
carriage way and the shoulder or islands or
footpaths. Different types of kerbs are shown
in the figure below (IRC recommendation).

40
 Camber: Camber or cant is the cross
slope provided to raise middle of the road
surface in the transverse direction to drain
off rain water from road surface. The
objectives of providing camber are:
ØSurface protection especially for gravel and
bituminous roads
ØSub-grade protection by proper drainage
ØQuick drying of pavement which in turn
increases safety
41
 Too steep slope is undesirable for road will erode the
surface. Camber is measured in 1 in n or n% (eg. 1 in 50
or 2%). Amount of camber mainly depend upon amount
of rainfall in the area and type of road surface.
Disadvantages of steep camber
Ø Transverse tilt of vehicles
Ø Uncomfortable
Ø Unequal wear of tyres
Ø Discomfort when crossing the crown during overtaking
operation
Ø Formation of cross ruts due to rapid flow of water
Ø Tendency of most of the vehicles to travel along the
center line.
42
Type of road surface Camber, percent
Earthen 5

Gravel 4

Bitumen 2.5

Cement Concrete 1.5-2

NRS recommendation for the values of camber

43
 x
y n
R
Q

W/2

Figure : Straight line camber

R 2R
n = tan q = =
W /2 W
2R y
=
W x
y = nx............................( IV )
44
 n
R

W/2

Figure : Parabolic type of camber

y = x2
y R 2R 2
2
= 2
= *
x (W / 2) W W
2R
n=
W
2x2 2nx 2
y=n = ....................................(V )
W W
45
 n
m R

W/4 W/2

Figure :Composite type of camber

46
Tutorials:
1. In a region of heavy rainfall, a major district road of WBM pavement
is to be constructed. If the width of road is 3.75m, find the height of the
crown with respect to the edges. What would be the height of crown
with respect to the edges if 7.5m wide bituminous concrete pavement is
to be constructed.
2.The width of the pavement is 7.0m. If the centre line of the road has
an elevation 0f 412.23m., find the elevation of the road at the edges of
the pavement and at the centre of the lane for
a) Straight line camber is provided
b) Parabolic camber is provided
Assignment No:1
3. The centre line of double lane road has an elevation of 320m as
recorded from longitudinal profile. The camber is 2.5% and cross-fall of
shoulder is 5%. Calculate the elevation of road surface at centre of line
edges of the pavement and road edge if shoulder is 1.5m wide if a)
Straight line camber is provided. Take lane width equal to 3.5m 47
 Sight Distance:
For operating a motor vehicle safely
and efficiently, it is of utmost
importance that drivers have the
capability of seeing clearly ahead.
Therefore, sight distance of
sufficient length must be provided
so that the drivers can operate and
control their vehicles safely.
48
Sight distance available from a point is
the actual distance along the road
surface, which a driver from a specified
height above the carriageway has
visibility of stationary or moving
objects. Restriction to sight distance
may be caused at horizontal curves, by
objects obstructing vision at the inner
side of the road or at vertical summit
curves or at intersections.
49
 Sight Distance

Line of Sight

Sight Distance at Horizontal Curve

S ight Object height = 0.1 m

.0 m Line of
l = 1
le ve
Eye
h t D i stance
Stoppi n g Si g

Sight Distance at vertical summmit curve

50
 Sight Distance
Sight line

Sight Distance

Sight Distance at Intersection

51
 The standards for sight distance should satisfy the
following three conditions:
Ø Driver traveling at the design speed has sufficient sight
distance or length of road visible ahead to stop the
vehicle, in case of any obstruction on the road ahead,
without collision.
Ø Driver traveling at the design speed should be able to
safely overtake, at reasonable intervals, the slower
vehicle without causing obstruction or hazard to traffic
of opposite direction.
Ø Driver entering an uncontrolled intersection (particularly
unsignalized Intersection) has sufficient visibility to
enable to take control the vehicle and to avoid collision
with another vehicle. 52
 Apart from the three situations mentioned above,
the following sight distances are considered by
the IRC in highway design:
ØIntermediate sight distance: This is defined as
twice the stopping sight distance. When
overtaking sight distance cannot be provided,
intermediate sight distance is provided to give
limited overtaking opportunities to fast vehicles.
ØHead light sight distance: This is the distance
visible to a driver during night driving under the
illumination of the vehicle head lights. This sight
distance is critical at up-gradients and at the
ascending stretch of the valley curves. 53
 Stopping Sight Distance (SSD): The minimum
sight distance available on a highway at any spot should
be of sufficient length to stop a vehicle traveling at
design speed, safely without collision with any other
obstruction. The absolute minimum sight distance is
therefore equal to the stopping sight distance, which is
also sometimes called non-passing sight distance.
The sight distance available on a road to a driver
at any instance depends on
ØFeatures of the road ahead,
ØHeight of the drivers eye above the road surface.
ØHeight of the object above the road surface.
54
ØNRS has suggested the height of eye
level of drivers as 1.0 (1.2m) m and the
height of the object as 0.15 m above the
road surface.
ØIRC recommendation: stopping distance
available at a summit curve is that
distance measured along the road surface
at which an object of height 0.15 m can
be seen by a driver where eye is at a
height of 1.2 m above the road surface.
55
 The distance within which a motor
vehicle can be stopped depends upon
the factors listed below :
ØTotal reaction time of the driver
ØSpeed of vehicle
ØEfficiency of brakes
ØFrictional resistance between the road
and the tyres
ØGradient of the road
56
 Brain

I-E
P- Perception
I - Intellection
E - Emotion

Spinal Cord
V - Volition
V
P

Stimulus Response
Reflex action

Reaction time & PIEV Process

For the calculation of stopping sight distances, NRS
recommends coefficient of friction as: 0.42 at the
speed of 20 km/h and 0.28 at the speed of 120 km/h.
57
 Analysis of stopping distance:
The stopping distance of a vehicle is the
sum of:
ØThe distance traveled by the vehicle during
the total reaction time know as lag distance
ØThe distance traveled by the vehicle after
the application of the brakes, to a dead stop
position which is known as the braking
distance.

58
Lag distance: During the total reaction
time or PIEV time the vehicle may be
assumed to proceed forward with a
uniform speed at which the vehicle has
been moving and this speed may be taken
as the design speed. If ‘v’ is the design
speed in m/sec and ‘t’ is the total reaction
time of the driver in seconds, then the lag
distance will be ‘v.t’ metres. The NRS has
recommended the total reaction time 2.5
secs. 59
Braking distance: Assuming a level
road, the braking distance may be obtained
by equating the work done in stopping the
vehicle and the kinetic energy developed.
If F is the maximum frictional force
developed and the braking distance is
l, then work done against friction
force in stopping the vehicle is F x l =
f W l, where W is the total weight of
the vehicle.
60
The kinetic energy at the design speed of v
m/sec will be
1 Wv 2
mv 2 =
2 2g
Wv 2
fWl =
2g
v2
or , l =
2 gf
Stopping Distance = lag distance + braking distance
v2
SD, m = vt + .................................(VI )
2 gf

Here, l = Braking distance; v = speed of vehicle, m/sec; f = Design coefficient

of friction; g = acceleration due to gravity, 9.8 m/sec2.
61
Stopping distance at slopes:
v2
SD, m = vt + ...........................................(VII )
n
2g( f ± )
100
SD=SSD
Object

SD=SSD

SD=SSD
a) Single lane road with one-way traffic b) Two lane lane road

SD SD

SSD = 2SD
c) Single lane road with two-way traffic
62
The safe stopping distance values calculated in
the similar manner for various design speeds and
recommended by NRS are given in Table below.
Design speed, km/h Minimum stopping sight distance,
m
120 200
100 145
80 110
60 85
50 65
40 45
30 30
Q. Calculate the safe stopping sight distance on a national
20 terrain at an ascending 20
highway in rolling gradient of 3% and
brake efficiency of 80%. Assume relevant data as per NRS
recommendation. 63
Overtaking Sight Distance (OSD):
The minimum distance open to the vision of the
driver of a vehicle intending to overtake slow
vehicle ahead with safety against the traffic of
opposite direction is known as the minimum
overtaking sight distance (OSD) or the safe
passing sight distance available. The overtaking
sight distance (OSD) is the distance measured
along the centre of the road which a driver with
eye level 1.2 m above the road surface can see the
top of an object 1.2 m above the road surface.
64
A1 A2 B1 B2 A3

C2 C1
s b s
d1 d3
d2

Overtaking Manoeuvre
65
Analysis of Overtaking Sight Distance :
Figure shows the overtaking manoeuvre
of vehicle A traveling at design speed,
and another slow vehicle B on a two-lane
road with two-way traffic. Third vehicle
C comes from the opposite direction. The
overtaking manoeuvre may be split up
into three operations, thus dividing the
overtaking sight distance into three parts,
d1, d2 and d3.
66
Ød1 is the distance travelled by overtaking
vehicle A during the reaction time t sec of
the driver from position A1 to A2.
Ød2 is the distance travelled by the vehicle
A from A2 to A3 during the actual
overtaking operation, in time T sec.
Ød3 is the distance travelled by on-coming
vehicle C from C1 to C2 during the
overtaking operation of A, i.e. T secs.
67
Certain assumptions are made in order
to calculate the values of d1, d2 and
d3.
In Figure A is the overtaking vehicle
originally traveling at design speed
vm/sec; B is the overtaken or slow
moving vehicle moving with uniform
speed vb m/sec; C is a vehicle coming
from opposite direction at the design
speed vm/sec. 68
1. It may be assumed that the vehicle A is
forced to reduce its speed to the speed vb of
the slow vehicle B and moves behind it
allowing a space s, till there is an
opportunity for safe overtaking operation.
The distance traveled by the vehicle A
during this reaction time is d1 and is
between the positions A1 and A2. This
distance will be equal to v x t meter, where t
b

is the reaction time of the driver in second.

d1 = vb t m
69
2. From position A2 , the vehicle A starts
accelerating, shifts to the adjoining lane,
overtakes the vehicle B and shifts back to its
original lane ahead of B in position A3 in time T
sec. The straight distance between the position
A2 and A3 is taken as d2. The minimum distance
between position A2 and B1 may be taken as the
minimum spacing s of the two vehicles while
moving with the speed v b m/sec. The minimum
spacing between vehicles depends on their speed
and is given by empirical formula.
s = (0.7vb + 6.1) m vb in m/sec
70
The minimum distance between B2 and
A3 may also be assumed equal to s as
mentioned above. If the taken by
vehicle A for the overtaking operation
from position A2 to A3 is T second, the
distance covered by the slow vehicle B
from position B1 to B2 traveling at a
speed of vb m/sec.
b = vbT m d 2 = (b + 2s), m
71
 1 2
d 2 = (b + 2 s ) = vb T + aT
2
1
b = vbT , 2 s = aT 2

2
4s
T=
a
d 2 = (vbT + 2 s ) m
72
 3. The distance traveled by vehicle C
moving at design speed v m/sec during the
overtaking operation of vehicle A i.e.
during time T is the distance d2 between
positions C1 to C2 .
d 3 = vT , m
Thus,
OSD = d1 + d 2 + d 3 = vbt + vbT + 2s + vT , m...........................................(VIII )
Note: In case the speed of overtaken vehicle vb is not
given, the same may be assumed as vb = (v – 4.5)
m/sec and v is the design speed in m/sec.
73
Speed; Speed; Max. overtaken
km/hr m/sec acceleration (a);
m/sec2
25 6.93 1.41
30 8.34 1.30
40 11.10 1.24
50 13.86 1.11
65 18.00 0.92
80 22.20 0.72
100 27.80 0.53 74
Note:
1. At overtaking sections, the
minimum overtaking distance should
be (d1 + d2 + d3 ) when two-way
traffic exists.
2. On divided highways and on roads
with one way traffic regulation, the
overtaking distance should be
(d1 +d2) as no vehicle is expected
from the opposite direction. 75
 Overtaking Zone:
1. Minimum Length of Overtaking Zone= 3* OSD
2 . Desirable Length of Overtaking Zone= 5* OSD
Zo ne
rta king SP2
Ove 3xOSD
L=

OSD
SP2 OSD
SP1
OSD
SP1

OSD OSD = Overtaking Sight Distance

= (d1+d2) for one-way traffic
= (d1+d2+d3) for two-way traffic
SP1 = Sign Post ‘Overtaking Zone Ahead’
SP2 = Sign Post ‘End of Overtaking Zone’
76
Tutorials:
1. A vehicle is moving at a speed of 90 Kmph decided to overtake
another slow moving vehicle. Calculate the safe overtaking sight
distance. Considering the following:
a. Two Lane road with two way traffic.
b. One lane road with one way traffic. Assume all necessary data.
Take a=3.6 Kmph/sec.
2. The speed of the overtaking and overtaken vehicles are
60Kmph and 30 Kmph respectively on a two way traffic road. If
the acceleration of overtaking vehicle is 1m/sec2. Calculate the
following:
a. Safe overtaking sight distance
b. Minimum and desirable length of overtaking zone

77
Horizontal Curves:
A horizontal curve in a highway is the curve in plan to
provide change in direction to the central line of a road.
When a vehicle traverses a horizontal curve, the
centrifugal force acts horizontally outwards through the
centre of gravity of the vehicle.
The centrifugal force developed depends on the radius
of the horizontal curves and the speed of the vehicle
negotiating the curve. This centrifugal force is
counteracted by the transverse frictional resistance
developed between the tire and the pavement surface.
Centrifugal force P is given by the equation:
Wv 2
P=
gR 78
 The ratio of the centrifugal force to the weight of the
vehicle, P/W is known as the centrifugal ratio or the
impact factor. The centrifuge ratio is thus equal to
v2/gR.
The centrifugal force acting on a vehicle negotiating
a horizontal curve has two effects;
Ø Tendency to overturn the vehicle outwards about
the outer wheels
Ø Tendency to skid the vehicle laterally, outwards
The analysis of stability of those two conditions
against overturning and transverse skidding of the
vehicles negotiating horizontal curves without Super-
elevation are given below:
79
1. Overturning effect:
The centrifugal force that tends the vehicle to
overturn about the outer wheels B on
horizontal curve without super-elevation is
illustrated in figure below.
Inner side of curve Outer side of curve

C.G.
P

A B
b/2 b/2
W
80
The overturning moment due to centrifugal
force P is P. h; this is resisted by the
restoring moment due to weight of the
vehicle W and is equal to W.b/2, where h is
the height of the centre of the gravity of the
vehicle above the road surface and b is the
width of the wheel base or the wheel track of
the vehicle.
The equilibrium condition for overturning
will occur when P.h = W.b/2, or when P/W =
b/2h. This means that there is danger of
overturning when the centrifugal ratio
P/W or v2 /gR attains a values of b/2h. 81
2. Transverse skidding effect:
The centrifugal force developed has
also the tendency to push the
vehicle outwards in the transverse
direction. If the centrifugal force P
developed exceeds the maximum
possible transverse skid resistance
due to the friction, the vehicle will
start skidding in the transverse
direction. 82
Inner side of curve Outer side of curve

C.G.
P

FA= f.RA FB= f.RB

A B
W

RA
RB
Shaded areas show the pressure
under wheels

The equilibrium condition for the transverse

skid resistance developed is given by:
P = FA + FB = f ( RA + RB ) = fW 83
Since P = f W, the centrifugal ratio
P/W is equal to ‘f ‘. In other words
when the centrifugal ratio attains a
value equal to the coefficient of
lateral friction (f) there is a danger
of lateral skidding.
Thus to avoid overturning and lateral
skidding on a horizontal curve, the
centrifugal ratio should always be
less than b/2h and also ‘f’.
84
If the pavement is kept horizontal across
the alignment, the pressure on the outer
wheels will be higher due to the
centrifugal force acting outwards and
hence the reaction RB at the outer wheel
would be higher. When the limiting
equilibrium condition for overturning
occurs the pressure at the inner wheels
becomes equal to zero. At that condition
the vehicle will overturn and skid.

85
Super-elevation: In order to counteract
the effect of centrifugal force and to reduce
the tendency of the vehicle to overturn or
skid, the outer edge of the pavement is
raised with respect to the inner edge, thus
providing a transverse slope throughout the
length of the horizontal curve, this
transverse inclination to the pavement
surface is known as Super-elevation or cant
or banking. The Super-elevation ‘e’ is
expressed as the ratio of the height of outer
edge with respect to the horizontal width. 86
 P Cosq

W Sinq
C.G. q P
Inner side of

q
curve Outer side of
curve

N
B FB
E
P Sinq

M q RB
F
A W Cosq L
RA W
87
 NL
e = = tan q
ML
In practice the inclination Ө with the horizontal
is very small and the value of tanӨ seldom
exceeds 0.07. Therefore the value of than Ө is
practically equal to sinӨ. Hence, e = tan Ө =
sin Ө = E/B which is measured as the ratio of
the relative elevation of the outer edge, E to
width of pavement, B.
If e is the Super-elevation rate and E is the total
super elevated height of outer edge, the total
rise in outer edge of the pavement with respect
to the inner edge = NL = E = eB.
88
 Analysis of Super-elevation:
The force acting on the vehicle while moving
on a circular curve of radius R meters, and at
speed of v m/sec are:
ØThe centrifugal force P = Wv2/gR acting
horizontal outwards through the centre of
gravity
ØThe weight W of the vehicle acting vertically
downloads through the CG
ØThe frictional force developed between the
wheels and the pavement surface counteracts
transversely along the pavement surface 89
 The centrifugal force is thus opposed
by corresponding value of the friction
developed and by a component of the
force of gravity due to the Super-
elevation provided.
For equilibrium condition,
PCosq = WSinq + FA + FB
PCosq = WSinq + f ( RA+ RB ) = WSinq + f (WCosq + PSinq )
P(Cosq - fSinq ) = WSinq + fWCosq

90
Dividing by W cosӨ,
P
(1 - f tan q ) = tan q + f
W
P tan q + f
=
W 1 - f tan q
The value of coefficient of lateral friction, ‘f’ is
taken as 0.15 for design purposes. The value of
tan Ө or transverse slope due to Super-elevation
seldom exceeds 0.07 or about 1/15. Hence the
value of f tan Ө is about 0.01. Thus the value of
(1- f tan Ө) in the above equation is equal to 0.99
and may be approximate to 1.0. 91
 P
» tan q + f = e + f
W
2
P v
=
W gR
2
v
e + f = ................................................( IX )
gR
Where,
e = rate of Super-elevation = tan Ө
f = design value of lateral friction coefficient = 0.15
v = speed of the vehicle, m/sec
R = radius of the horizontal curve, m
g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/sec2
92
1. If f=0, e=v2/gR, the pressures on the
outer and inner wheels will be equal; but
this will result in a very high value of
Super-elevation. (equilibrium Super-
elevation)
2. If e=0, f=v2/gR, the frictional force
has to fully counteract the centrifugal
ratio.

93
Numerical Example :
1. The radius of a horizontal circular curve
is 100 m. The design speed is 50 Kmph
and the design coefficient of lateral friction
is 0.15.
a. Calculate the super-elevation required if
full lateral friction is assumed to develop
b. Calculate the coefficient of friction
needed if no super-elevation is provided
c. Calculate the equilibrium super-elevation
94
Maximum super-elevation:
Super-elevation. IRC recommends the
maximum values of super-elevation as:
1. emax = 7% in plain and rolling terrain
and in snowbound areas
2. emax = 10% on hill roads not bound by
snow
3. emax =4% on urban roads

95
Minimum super-elevation:
Design Radius (meter) of horizontal curve for camber of :
speed 4% 3%. 2.5% 2% 1.7%
(Kmph)
20 50 60 70 90 100
25 70 90 110 140 150
30 100 130 160 200 240
35 140 180 220 270 320
40 180 240 280 350 420
50 280 370 450 550 650
60 470 620 750 950 1100
80 700 950 1100 1400 1700
100 1100 1500 1800 2200 260096
Super-elevation design:
Steps for super-elevation design:
Step 1: The super-elevation for 75% of
design speed is calculated neglecting
friction

Step 2. If the calculated value of “e” is less

than 7% or 0.07 the value so obtained is
o.k. If the value of “e” exceeds 0.07 then
provide the maximum super-elevation =
0.07 and proceed with steps 3 or 4. 97
Step 3: Check the “f" for the maximum
value of e= 0.07.
If the value of “f” thus calculated is less
than 0.15 the super-elevation is (e=0.07) safe
for the design speed. If not follow the step 4.
Step 4: The allowable speed (va m/sec) at
the curve is calculated by considering the
design coefficient of lateral friction and the
maximum super-elevation,

98
Numerical Example:
1. A two lane road with design speed 80 Kmph has
horizontal curve of radius 480m. Design the rate of
super-elevation for mixed traffic. By how much should
the outer edge of the pavement be raises with respect to
the centerline. Assume the width of the pavement at the
horizontal curve is 7.5m.
2. The design speed of a highway is 80Kmph. There is
a horizontal curve of radius 200m. Calculate the super-
elevation needed to maintain this speed. If the
maximum super-elevation of 0.07 is not to be exceeded,
calculate the maximum allowable speed on this
horizontal curve. Safe limit of coefficient of friction is
99
0.15.
Methods of introducing (building) super-elevation:
1.Elimination of crown of the camber: This may be done by two
methods. In the first method, the outer half of the cross slope is
rotated about the crown at a desired rate such that the surface falls
on the same plane as the inner half and the elevation of the centre
line is not altered.

Levels of outer Positions of crown

edge Center Line Center Line

Outer edge Outer edge

Method II: Shifting crown outwards (diagonal
Method I: Rotating outer edge about the crown
crown method) 100
2. Super-elevation is gradually attained to
its full value at the start of the circular
curve: When the crown of the camber is
eliminated, the Super-elevation available at
this section is equal to the camber. But the
Super-elevation to be provided at the
beginning of circular curve may be greater
than the camber (in many cases when the
design Super-elevation is more than the
minimum). Hence the pavement section will
have to be rotated further till the desired
super-elevation is obtained. 101
a. Center line rotation: By rotating the
pavement cross section about the centre line,
depressing the inner edge and raising the outer
edge each by half the total amount of Super-
elevation, i.e. by E/2 with respect to the centre.
b. Inner edge rotation: By rotating the
pavement cross section about the inner edge of
the pavement section raising both the centre as
well as the outer edge of the pavement such that
the outer edge is raised by the full amount of
super-elevation, E with respect to the inner
edge. 102
 Center Line Center Line Outer Edge
Outer edge
E/2 E
E/2
Inner edge
Inner edge

Rotating about center line Rotating about inner egde

Tangent
runout

Length of
Normal Crown run off Fully superelevated curve
Outside edge of pavement

eW/2
CL Profile
-eW/2
-nW/2
Inside edge of pavement
A B C D E

CL Profile
center line
level
A B C D E

Crowned Pavement revolved about Centerline 103

c. Outer edge rotation: It consists of
progressively revolving the straight line
slope about the outer edge thereby
depressing the center line and inner
edge gradually.

104
Widening of Pavement on
Horizontal Curves: Extra
widening refers to the additional
width of carriageway that is
required on a curved section of a
road than required width on a
straight alignment. This widening
is done due to the following
reasons: 105
1. An automobile has a rigid wheelbase and
only front wheels can be turned; when this
vehicle takes a turn to negotiate a curve, the
rear wheel do not follow the same path as
that of front wheels. This phenomenon is
called as off tracking. Normally, the rear
wheels follow the inner path of the curve as
compared with those of corresponding front
wheels. The off tracking depends upon the
length of wheelbase and turning angle or the
radius of the curve negotiated.
106
 B R2
l

C O
A
R1
Wm

2. In the case of higher speeds when super elevation

and lateral friction developed are fully able to
counteract the outward thrust due to the centrifugal
force, some transverse skid may occur and the rear
wheel may take paths on the outside of those traced
by the front wheels on the horizontal curves.
107
3. The paths traced by the wheels of
trailers is also likely to be either side of
the central path, depending on the
speed, rigidity of the universal joints
and pavement roughness.
4. Psychological tendency of the driver
is such that in curves (especially in
cutting or in the areas with obstruction
inside) they prefer to take the outer lane
for greater visibility.
108
 5.While two vehicles cross or overtake at
horizontal curve there is a psychological tendency
to maintain greater clearance between the
vehicles, than on straights to increase speed.
The Extra widening on the horizontal curve (We)
depends on the following factors:
Ø Length of wheel base
Ø Radius of the curve
Ø Psychological factor which is the function of
speed and radius of the curve.
Generally, extra widening on the horizontal is
provided on the horizontal curves when the
radius is less than about 300 m. 109
Analysis of extra widening: Extra
widening on horizontal curve is divided into two
parts: mechanical and psychological widening.
1. Mechanical Widening: Mechanical widening
(Wm) is provided to account the off tracking due
to the rigidity of wheels.

B R2
l

C O
A
R1
Wm
110
 Where,
ØR1 – Radius of the path traversed by the outer
rear wheel, m
ØR2 - Radius of the path traversed by the outer
front wheel, m
ØWm – Mechanical widening, m
Øl – Length of the wheelbase, m

111
Wm=OC-OA=OB-OA=R2-R1
ΔOAB, OA2=OB2-BA2
R12=R22-l2
R1=R2-Wm
(R2-Wm)2=R22-l2
l2=W m (2R 2 -W m )
Wm=l2/(2R2-Wm)
Wm=l2/2R
112
Here, R is the mean radius of the
curve. Mechanical widening
calculated above is required for one
vehicle negotiating a horizontal
curve having n traffic lanes. The
total mechanical widening required
is given by:
nl 2
Wm = ...............................................................................( xiii)
2R
113
2. Psychological widening: Extra width
of pavement is also provided for psychological
reasons such as to provide greater
maneuverability of steering at high speeds, to
allow for the extra space requirements for the
overhangs of vehicles and to provide greater
clearance for crossing and overtaking vehicles on
the curve. An empirical formula has been
recommended by the IRC for finding the
additional psychological widening Wps which is
dependent on the design speed and the radius of
the curve.
114
 V
W ps = ...............................................................................( xiv)
9.5 R
where, V is the design speed in Kmph and
R is the radius of the curve in m.
Hence the total widening We required on
horizontal curve is given by:
nl 2 V
We = + ............................................................................( xv)
2 R 9.5 R

115
Methods on introducing extra widening:
The widening is gradually introduced staring from the
beginning of the transition curve or the tangent point
and progressively increased at uniform rate, till the
full value of designed widening 'We' is reached at the
end of transition curve where full values of super
elevation is also provided. The full value of extra
width (We) is continued throughout the length of the
circular curve and then decreased gradually along the
length of the transition curve. Usually We is equally
distributed i.e We/2 on inner and outer sides of the
curve. But the sharp curves on the hill roads the
extra widening We may be provided in full on inside
of the curve. 116
 We/2
Circular Curve

Tr
rv
We/2

an
Cu

sit
n

io
itio

n
ns

Cu
a

rv
Tr

Str
ht

aig
aig
Str

ht
Extra widening of carriageway on horizontal curve

Circula
r Curve
rv n
Cu sitio
e

Tr Cu
an

an rve
Tr

si
tio
We

n
t
gh

St
ra i

ra i
St

gh
t
Widening pavement on sharp curve 117
Numerical Examples:
1. Calculate the amount of extra width required
on a horizontal curve of radius 300m on a two
lane highway. The design speed is 80 Kmph.
Assume the length of wheel base is 6.2m.
2. Find the total width of the pavement on a
horizontal curve for a new national highway
along a rolling terrain with a ruling minimum
radius. Assume suitable data.

118
Design of Horizontal transition curve:
Transition curve is provided to change
the horizontal alignment from straight
to circular curve gradually and has a
radius which decreases from infinity at
the straight end (tangent point) to the
desired radius of the circular curve at
the other end (curve point).It is
provided if R<1000m.
119
 Objectives:
ØTo introduce gradually the centrifugal force
between the tangent point and the beginning of
the circular curve, avoiding sudden jerk on the
vehicle to provide the comfort to the passengers.
ØTo enable the driver turn the steering gradually
for his own comfort and security.
ØTo provide gradual introduction of super
elevation
ØTo provide gradual introduction of extra
widening.
ØTo enhance the aesthetic appearance of the road.
120
 is
ax
or
aj
M
Cubic parabola

Bernoulli's Lemniscate

Spiral

Types of Transition Curves

121
 Length of transition curve:
The length of the transition curve
should be determined as the maximum
of the following three criteria:
ØRate of change of centrifugal
acceleration
ØRate of introduction of designed
super-elevation
ØMinimum length by IRC empirical
formula 122
1. Rate of change of centrifugal acceleration:
At the tangent point, radius is infinity and hence
centrifugal acceleration (v2/R) is zero as the
radius is infinity. At the end of the transition, the
radius has minimum value Rmin. Hence the
centrifugal acceleration is distributed over the
length of transition curve (Ls). The centrifugal
acceleration should be developed such that it will
not cause discomfort to the passengers of a
vehicle travelling at the design speed. It is
obvious that larger the length of transition, lower
will be the rate at which the centrifugal
acceleration is introduced. 123
Let the length of transition curve be Ls. If t
=Ls/v is the time taken in second to traverse
this transition length at uniform design speed of
v m/sec. The maximum centrifugal acceleration
of v2/R is introduce in time t through the
transition length Ls and hence the rate of
change of centrifugal acceleration C is given by:

124
The maximum allowable value of the
rate of change of centrifugal
acceleration without causing
discomfort is depend on the speed and
varies inversely with the radius. IRC
recommendation for the value of C for
the design speed V kmph.

[0.5<C<0.8]-NRS

125
2. Rate of introduction of super-
elevation: In the open areas with
sufficient space for roadway clearance
is not desirable to raise the outer edge
of road at a larger rate than 1 in 150.
In case of built up and hilly areas, rate
of rise of outer edge may be taken as 1
in 100 and 1 in 60 respectively.

126
Let W be the normal width of the
carriageway and We extra widening at the
circular curve. Hence, the total width of
carriageway at the circular curve is (W+We).
If the e is the rate of super-elevation based on
75 % of design speed, then the total rise of
outer edge with respect to inner edge is equal
to E = e(W+We). If the pavement is rotated
about the center line after neutralizing the
camber then the maximum amount by which
the outer edge is raised at a circular curve
with respect to center is E/2. 127
 (W+We).

E = e(W+We)

N
in
1

+ W e)
e N(W
=
Ls

Cambe
r (n)

Rotation with respect to inner edge

128
If the rate of introducing the super-elevation
is 1 in N then the length of transition curve
is given by at centre line rotation:

Similarly, if the pavement is rotated about

the inner edge, the length of the transition
curve is given by:

129
3. Using empirical formula: According to the
IRC recommendation the length of transition
curve Ls should be not less than the value given
by the following equation for the terrain
classification.
a. For plain and rolling terrain:

V in Kmph
b. For hilly and steep terrain:

The length of transition curve should be higher of the

three above values mentioned above. 130
Numerical example:
1. A highway with 2 lanes, each 3.5m wide has
0.6m of extra-widening at a horizontal curve of
radius 150 m. Design the length of transition
curve if design speed is 65 Kmph. Desired rate
of introducing super-elevation is 1 in 80. Assume
pavement is rotated about the inner edge.
2. Design the transition curve for national
highway constructed in plain terrain of the
country. The radius of curve is 220m. Assume
suitable data if necessary.
131
Setback distance on horizontal curve:
In the design of horizontal alignment, the
sight distance along the inner side of the
curve should be considered. There may be
sight obstruction like buildings, cut slopes,
or trees on the inner side of the curve should
be removed to provide adequate sight
distance.
As mentioned above the absolute minimum
sight distance, i. e. safe stopping sight
distance should be available at every section
of the highway. 132
1. Case Lc > S: Lc is the length of curve which is
greater than the sight distance S. The angle subtended
by the arc of length S at the center is α. The sight
distance is measured along the center line of the road
and the angle subtended at the center is equal to S/R
radians. LC

R
a /2

133
Therefore half central angle is given by:
a S 180 S
= radians = deg rees
2 2R 2pR
The distance from the obstruction to the
a
centre is: RCos 2
Therefore the set-back distance in the case
of narrow (single lane roads) roads the
required m is given by:
a
m = R - RCos ..........................................( xxii)
2
134
In the case of wide roads (two or more lanes), if
the distance d is the distance between the
center line of the road and the center line of
the inside lane in meter, the sight distance is
measured along the middle of the inner side lane
and the set-back distance, m is given by:
a'
m' = R - ( R - d )Cos ................................................( xxiii)
2
a' 180S
= deg rees
2 2p ( R - d )

135
2. Case Lc < S: If the sight distance (S) required
is greater than the length of the curve (Lc), then the
angle subtended at the center is determined with
reference to the length of circular curve Lc and the set-
back distance is worked out in two parts as given below:
SD

LC
C
B G
D
A

a /2 F E

m = CG + GF

a /2
a

136
From the geometry of the figure, set-back
distance is: m = CG + GF
a' a'
CG = R - RCos CG = R - ( R - d )Cos
2 2
S - Lc a'
GF = Sin
2 2
a 180 Lc
= deg rees
2 2p ( R - d )
a ' ( S - Lc ) a '
m' = R - ( R - d )Cos + Sin .............................................( xxiv)
2 2 2

The clearance of obstruction up to the set-back

distance is important when there is cut slope on
the inner side of the horizontal curve.
137
Numerical example:
1. A national highway with design speed 80
Kmph has a horizontal curve of radius equal to
the minimum ruling radius. Design all the
geometric features of this curve, with suitable
data. Specify the minimum set-back distance
from the center line of the two lane highway on
the inner side of the curve up to which the
building should not be constructed for
considering intermediate sight distance. Assume
the length of the circular curve is greater than the
sight distance. (R, e,W,Ls,SSD,ISD,m)
138
Gradient: Gradient is the rate of rise or fall
along the length of the road with respect to the
horizontal. It is expressed as the ratio of 1 in x (1
vertical unit to x horizontal units). Some time it is
also expressed as a percentage. The ascending
gradients are given positive sign and are denoted
as +n and descending gradient are given negative
sign and are denoted as –n. The angle which
measures the change of direction at the
intersection of two grades is called deviation
angle N, which is equal to the algebraic
difference between the two grades.
139
 D

B
N= + n1 - (-n2) = n1+n2

+ n 1
- n2

A C
140
 Types of gradients:
Gradients are divided into following
categories:
ØMomentum gradient
ØRuling gradients
ØLimiting gradient
ØExceptional gradient
ØMinimum gradient
141
Momentum grade: Momentum
grades are those grades on which the
momentum gained by the vehicles at
the beginning of a steep climbing
section is used to overcome the road
resistance due to grade. In fact any
minor ascending grade may be referred
as momentum grade if the same is
overcome by vehicle with its initial
momentum. 142
Ruling gradient: It is the maximum
gradients within which the designer
attempts to design the vertical
profile of road. Gradients up to the
ruling are adopted as normal in
design of vertical alignment and
accordingly the quantities of cut and
fill are balanced. Hence, ruling
gradient is also called as “Design
gradients”.
143
Limiting gradient: In some
cases of unfavorable topography,
it is necessary to adopt steeper
gradients than ruling gradients,
which are known as limiting
gradients. Length of such
gradients should be limited.
144
Exceptional gradient: In some extra
ordinary situations, it is necessary to
provide exceptional gradients to
provide still steeper gradients at least
for short stretches and in such cases the
steeper gradient upto exceptional
gradient may be provided. However,
exceptional gradient is strictly limited
only for short distance not more than
100m.
145
 Design 20 30 40 60 80 100 120
Speed
(Kmph)

Maximum 12 10 9 7 6 5 4
Gradient %

146
NH Terrain type
Mountain Rolling Level
Max. average gradient 5% 4% 3%
Max. grade 8% 6% 5%
Max. length of grade in excess of av. grade 150m 210m 250m

FR
Max. average gradient 7% 6% 5%
Max. grade 10% 8% 7%
Max. length of grade in excess of av. grade 120m 180m 210m

DR
Max. average gradient 7% 6% 5%
Max. grade 12% 10% 7%
Max. length of grade in excess of av. grade 100m 120m 100m

147
Compensation of grades on Horizontal
Curve: When there is a horizontal curve in addition to
the gradient, there will be increased resistance to friction
due to both gradient and curve. It is necessary that in
such cases the total resistance due to grade and curve
should not normally exceed the resistance due to the
maximum value of the gradient specified. When sharp
horizontal curve is to be introduced on a road which has
already the maximum permissible gradient, then the
gradient should be decreased to compensate for the loss
of tractive effort due to the curve. This reduction in
gradient at the horizontal curve is called grade
compensation.
148
Grade compensation, percent
subject to a maximum value of
75/R, Where R-radius of the circular
curve; m
According to the IRC the grade
compensation is not necessary for gradient
flatter than 4%.
Example: 1. While aligning a hill road with a
ruling gradient of 6%, a horizontal curve of
radius 60 m is encountered. Find the
compensated gradient at the curve.
149
Vertical curves: Due to the change in grades in
the vertical alignment of highway, it is necessary to
introduce vertical curves at the intersection of
different grades to smoothen out the vertical profile.
Vertical curves should be simple in application and
should result in a design that is safe and comfortable
in operation, pleasing in appearance, and adequate
for drainage.
Summit curves: Summit curves with convexity
upwards are formed in any one of the case illustrated
in the figure below. The deviation angle between the
two interacting gradients is equal to the algebraic
difference between them. 150
 N
N n2=0
-n2 N = n1
+n
1

1
+n
N=n1 + n2

N +n2 -n1
N
+n1 -n2
N = n1 - n2
N = -n1 + n2
151
The design of the summit curve is governed by
the consideration of sight distance, transition
curves are not necessary. The deviation angles in
vertical curves are very small a simple parabola
is nearly congruent with a circular arc, also a
parabola is very easy for arithmetic calculation
for computing ordinates. The use of simple
parabola as summit curve is found to give good
riding comfort too. Because of these reasons in
actual practice a simple parabolic curve is used as
summit curve instead of circular arc.
a. Length of summit curve for safe stopping
sight distance (SSD) 152
 N
i2
x
y

i1

L/2 L/2
L

H(1.2m) is height of driver's eye level and h(0.15m) height of

the object above road surface, then length of summit curve is
2 equal to When 1. L > SSD
NS
L= ......................................................( xxix)
( 2 H + 2h ) 2
153
2. L < SSD:
The general equation for the length of the
parabolic summit curve, when it is less than
the sight distance is given by: The general
equation for the length of the parabolic summit
curve, when it is less than the sight distance is
given by:

154
Length of summit curve for safe
overtaking sight distance (OSD) or
intermediate sight distance. (ISD=2
OSD):
i. The length of curve is greater than the
overtaking sight distance or intermediate
sight distance (L > S): H=h=1.2m

155
ii. When the length of the curve is
less than sight distance (L< S)

Design speed (Kmph) Maxm grade change Minimum length of

not requiring vertical curve (higher grade
Curve change value)
35 1.5 15
40 1.2 20
50 1.0 30
65 0.8 40
80 0.6 50
100 0.5 60 156
Numerical Example:
1. A vertical summit curve is formed at the intersection
of two gradients, +3.0% and -5.0%. Design the length of
summit curve to provide a stopping sight distance for a
design speed of 80 Kmph. Assume suitable data if
required.

157
 b. Valley curve : Valley curve or sag curves
are vertical curves with convexity downwards.
They are formed when two gradients meet as
illustrated in figure below:
ØWhen a descending gradient meets another
descending gradient,
ØWhen a descending gradient meets a flat
gradient,
ØWhen a descending gradient meets an ascending
gradient,
ØWhen an ascending gradient meets another
ascending gradient, 158
 +n 2
N= - n2 - n1 N= n1 - n2

-n2 n 1 N
+
N
+n1

-n
-n

N=-n1+n2 1 N= -n1
1

N
n2=0
N
-n2
159
Design consideration of Valley Curve:
There is no restriction to sight distance at valley
curves during day time. But visibility is reduced
during night. In the absence or inadequacy of
street light, the only source for visibility is with
the help of headlights. Hence valley curves are
designed taking into account of headlight
distance. In valley curves, the centrifugal force
will be acting downwards along with the weight
of the vehicle, and hence impact to the vehicle
will be more. This will result in jerking of the
vehicle and cause discomfort to the passengers.
160
 Thus the most important design factors
considered in valley curves are:
ØImpact-free movement of vehicles at design
speed and
ØAvailability of stopping sight distance
under headlight of vehicles for night
driving.

161
For gradually introducing and increasing the
centrifugal force acting downwards, the best
shape that could be given for a valley curve is a
transition curve. Cubic parabola is generally
preferred in vertical valley curves. During night,
under headlight driving condition, sight distance
reduces and availability of stopping sight
distance under head light is very important. The
head light sight distance should be at least equal
to the stopping sight distance. There is no
problem of overtaking sight distance at night
since the other vehicles with headlights could be
seen from a considerable distance. 162
 R

a t
ap r
h d
ta e
in
Driver’s Comfort O um
Il
P

G
Safety for night driving

163
 Length of Valley Curve: The valley curve is
made fully transitional by providing two similar
transition curves of equal length. The transition
curve is set out by a cubic parabola y = bx3 where
b = 2N/3L2. The length of the valley transition
curve is designed based on two criteria:
• Comfort criteria: The allowable rate of change
of centrifugal acceleration is limited to a
comfortable level of about 0.6 m/sec3.
• Safety criteria: The driver should have adequate
headlight sight distance at any part of the curve.
164
 L

L/2 L/2

x
BVC
EVC
n2
- n1

N
y PVI

165
Comfort criteria :The length of the valley
curve is based on the rate of change of
centrifugal acceleration that will ensure comfort.
Let c is the rate of change of acceleration, R the
minimum radius of the curve, v is the design
speed and t is the time, then c is given as:
v3
We know the length of transition curve: Ls =
CR
Minimum radius (R) at any point on the curve is:
Ls L æ Lö 3 3
R= = ; ç Ls = ÷ L = v = v N
N 2N è 2ø s CR CLs
3
Nv Nv 3
L2s = Total length of the Valley curve is L = 2 Ls = 2
C C
166
Safety criteria (head light sight distance):
Length of the valley curve for headlight distance
may be determined for following conditions:
Case 1: Length of valley curve greater than
stopping sight distance (L > S) :The total length
of valley curve L is greater than the stopping
sight distance SSD. The sight distance available
will be minimum when the vehicle is in the
lowest point in the valley. This is because the
beginning of the curve will have infinite radius
and the bottom of the curve will have minimum
radius which is a property of the transition curve.
167
 S

a Stan a
BVC
h EVC h

n2
- n1

N
PVI

Case I: L > S

168
Where N is the deviation angle in radians, h is
the height of headlight beam, is the head light
beam inclination in degrees and S is the sight
distance. The inclination is approximately 1
degree.
2
NS
L=
2h + 2 S tan a
If the average height of the headlight is
taken as h = 0.75 m and the beam angle is
one degree then the length of Valley curve
is given by:
2
NS
L =
1.5 + 0.035S 169
Case 2: Length of valley curve smaller than
stopping sight distance (L < S) : In this case the
minimum sight distance is from the beginning of
the curve. The important points are the beginning
of the curve and the bottom most part of the
curve. If the vehicle is at the bottom of the curve,
then its headlight beam will reach far beyond the
endpoint of the curve whereas, if the vehicle is at
the beginning of the curve, then the headlight
beam will hit just outside the curve. Therefore,
the length of the curve is derived by assuming the
vehicle at the beginning of the curve.
170
 S

h a
Stan a

N h

Case I: L < S

171
Where N is the deviation angle in radians, h is
the height of headlight beam, is the head light
beam inclination in degrees and S is the sight
distance. The inclination is approximately 1
degree.
2h + 2 S tan a
L = 2S -
N
If the average height of the headlight is
taken as h = 0.75 m and the beam angle is
one degree then the length of Valley curve
is given by: L = 2S - 1.5 + 0.035S
N 172
Numerical Example:
1. A valley curve is formed by a descending
grade of 1 in 25 meeting an ascending grade of 1
in 30. Design the length of valley curve to fulfill
both comfort condition and head light sight
distance requirements for a design speed of 80
Kmph. Assume allowable rate of change of
centrifugal acceleration is 0.6m/s3

173
 References

Ø C E G Justo, S K Khanna, Highway Engineerig, KhannaPublications , New

Delhi,India

Ø Hill Road Manual , IRC SP 48:1988,India Road Congress, NewDelhi,India

Ø Nepal road Standard 2070 , Department of Roads, Ministryof Physical

Infrastructure and Transport,Governmentof Nepal,2012

Ø Leactures Slides of Dr. PadmaBahadurShahi,Er. BuddhiRaj Joshi

174
END OF CHAPTER

THANK YOU
175