Definition and Background of Spiral Curves
Spirals are curves used to transition between a circular curve with a specific radius and
degree of curvature and a straight tangent (whose radius is infinity). The term spiral is
interchangeable with easement or transition curve. The radius and sharpness of a spiral
curve increase uniformly along its length. The length and degree of curvature of a spiral
curve are based on the anticipated speed of traffic and the sharpness of the circular
curve that the spiral must meet.
The principal advantages of transition curves in horizontal alignment are the following:
1. A properly designed transition curve provides a natural, easy-to-follow path for
drivers, such that the centrifugal force increases or decreases gradually as a vehicle
enters or leaves a circular curve. . . .
2. The transition curve length provides a convenient desirable arrangement for
superelevation runoff. . . .
3. The spiral facilitates the transition in width where the traveled way section is to be
widened around a circular curve. . . .
4. The appearance of the highway or street is enhanced by the application of spirals. .
..
One disadvantage of the use of spirals is that it increases the amount of space required for
each curve. Spirals effectively lengthen the curve.
Spiral Curve
Spirals are used to overcome the abrupt change in curvature and superelevation that
occurs between tangent and circular curve. The spiral curve is used to gradually change
the curvature and superelevation of the road, thus called transition curve.
Elements of Spiral Curve
TS = Tangent to spiral
SC = Spiral to curve
CS = Curve to spiral
ST = Spiral to tangent
LT = Long tangent
ST = Short tangent
R = Radius of simple curve
Ts = Spiral tangent distance
Tc = Circular curve tangent
L = Length of spiral from TS to any point along the spiral
Ls = Length of spiral
PI = Point of intersection
I = Angle of intersection
Ic = Angle of intersection of the simple curve
p = Length of throw or the distance from tangent that the circular curve has been
offset
X = Offset distance (right angle distance) from tangent to any point on the spiral
Xc = Offset distance (right angle distance) from tangent to SC
Y = Distance along tangent to any point on the spiral
Yc = Distance along tangent from TS to point at right angle to SC
Es = External distance of the simple curve
θ = Spiral angle from tangent to any point on the spiral
θs = Spiral angle from tangent to SC
i = Deflection angle from TS to any point on the spiral, it is proportional to the square of
its distance
is = Deflection angle from TS to SC
D = Degree of spiral curve at any point
Dc = Degree of simple curve
Formulas for Spiral Curves
Distance along tangent to any point on the spiral:
Y=L−L540R2Ls2Y=L−L540R2Ls2
At L = Ls, Y = Yc, thus,
Yc=Ls−Ls340R2Yc=Ls−Ls340R2
Offset distance from tangent to any point on the spiral:
X=L36RLsX=L36RLs
At L = Ls, X = Xc, thus,
Xc=Ls26RXc=Ls26R
Length of throw:
p=14Xc=Ls224Rp=14Xc=Ls224R
Spiral angle from tangent to any point on the spiral (in radian):
θ=L22RLsθ=L22RLs
At L = Ls, θ = θs, thus,
θs=Ls2Rθs=Ls2R
Deflection angle from TS to any point on the spiral:
i=13θ=L26RLsi=13θ=L26RLs
At L = Ls, i = is, thus,
i=13θs=Ls6Ri=13θs=Ls6R
This angle is proportional to the square of its distance
iis=L2Ls2iis=L2Ls2
Tangent distance:
Ts=Ls2+(R+P)tanI2Ts=Ls2+(R+P)tanI2
Angle of intersection of simple curve:
Ic=I−2θsIc=I−2θs
External distance:
Es=R+PcosI2−REs=R+PcosI2−R
Degree of spiral curve:
DDC=LLs
