LECTURE MODULE

ROUTE SURVEYING

Route Surveying Length of Curve – total length of arc subtended by a

certain angle of intersection.

Horizontal Curves

Simple Curves:

𝑆 = 𝐼𝑅; (𝐼, 𝑖𝑛 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑛𝑠)

Where:
S – length of curve
Degree of Curve – is the angle subtended by a 20-
meter distance on a curve.

Type of Degree of Curve:

1. Arc Basis – degree of curve based on a 20-meter
long subtended arc

From the Blue Triangle:

𝐼 𝑇
sin =
2 𝑅+𝐸
𝐼 𝑅
cos =
2 𝑅+𝐸
𝐼 𝑇
tan =
2 𝑅
20 2𝜋𝑅
=
𝐷 360°
From the Red Triangle: 360°
𝐿 𝑅 = 20 ∙
𝐼 2𝜋𝐷
sin = 2
2 𝑅 2. Chord Basis – degree of curve based on a 20-meter
𝐼 𝑅−𝑀
cos = subtended chord
2 𝑅
𝐿
𝐼
tan = 2
2 𝑅−𝑀
Where:
T – tangent distance
E – external distance
M – middle ordinate
L – Long chord
I – Angle of Intersection
R – radius of the curve

𝐷 20
sin =
2 2𝑅
Using Cosine Law:
202 = 2𝑅2 − 2𝑅2 cos 𝐷
202
𝑅= √
2(1 − cos 𝐷 )
 LECTURE MODULE
ROUTE SURVEYING

Compound Curves: Stationing of P.R.C:

Compound Curves – combination of one or more 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑷.𝑹.𝑪. = 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑷.𝑪. + 𝑳𝑪𝟏
simple curve connected by a continuous arc in the Where:
same direction. 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑷.𝑹.𝑪. – Stationing of P.C.C.
𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑷.𝑪. – Stationing of P.C.
𝑳𝑪𝟏 – Length of the first Curve

To get the elements of the reverse curve, simply

examine the simple curves connected.

Vertical Parabolic Curves:

Symmetrical Curves:

Where:
P.C.C. – Point of Compound Curvature
𝐿𝐵
Stationing of P.C.C: 𝐻=
8
𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑷.𝑪.𝑪. = 𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑷.𝑪. + 𝑳𝑪𝟏
Where: 𝑔1 𝐿 𝑔2 𝐿
𝑥𝑚1 = 𝑥𝑚2 =
𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑷.𝑪.𝑪. – Stationing of P.C.C. 𝐵 𝐵
𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑷.𝑪. – Stationing of P.C. Where:
𝑳𝑪𝟏 – Length of the first Curve 𝐵 = |𝑔1 − 𝑔2 |
To get the elements of the compound curve, simply By Square Property of Parabola:
examine the simple curves connected and use 𝐿 2
trigonometric formulas on principles on the triangle 2
𝑥1 𝑥2 (2 )
formed by the common tangent and the extension of = = 2
𝑦1 𝑦2 𝐻
tangents at the point of intersection of tangent.
Unsymmetrical Curves:
Reversed Curves:
Reversed Curves – combination of one or more
simple curve connected by a continuous arc with the
connected one in opposite direction (reverse).

𝐿1 𝐿2 𝐵
𝐻=
Where: 2𝐿1 + 2𝐿2
P.R.C. – Point of Reverse Curvature
𝑔1 𝐿1 2
𝑥𝑚1 =
2𝐻
 LECTURE MODULE
ROUTE SURVEYING

Spiral Curve 8. Ic - angle of intersection of simple curve

Spiral Curves – also known as transition curve is a 9. i - deflection angle from TS to any point on the
curve of constantly changing radius introduced spiral, it is proportional to the square of its
between a straight and a circular curve or between two distance
circular curves to facilitate change over from straight 10. D - degree of curve at any point of spiral
to curve or from one curve to another. A spiral increase 11. Dc - degree of simple curve
in curvature gradually, thus avoiding an abrupt change 12. Rc - radius of simple curve
in the rate of lateral displacement of cars or vehicle. As 13. X - offset distance from tangent at any point on
soon as a vehicle or a train enters a curve, it experiences spiral
a centrifugal force which tends to cause derailment, 14. Xc - offset distance from tangent to SC
overturning or side slipping of vehicles. To avoid this 15. Y - distance along tangent at any point on the spiral
super elevation is provided which means raising the 16. Yc - distance along tangent from the TS to SC
outer edge of a curve over the inner one. Transition 17. Ts - tangent distance of the spiral curve
curve helps in (i) providing super elevation. (ii) increase 18. Es - external distance of the spiral curve
or decrease in curvature gradually. 19. LT - long tangent
20. ST - short tangent
21. L - length of spiral from TS to any point along the
spiral
22. Lc - length of spiral

Formulas for Spiral Curve

1. Spiral angle from tangent to any point on the
spiral (in radian)
𝑳𝟐
𝜽=
𝟐𝑹𝒄 𝑳𝒄

At L = Lc, θ = θC , thus

𝑳𝒄 𝑫 𝒄 𝑳𝒄
𝜽𝑪 = =
𝟐𝑹𝒄 𝟒𝟎

2. Deflection angle at any point on the spiral

𝜽
𝒊=
𝟑
3. Angle of intersection of spiral easement curve
𝑰 = 𝑰𝒄 + 𝟐𝜽𝑪

4. Offset distance from tangent at any point on

spiral
𝑳𝟑
𝑿=
𝟔𝑹𝒄 𝑳𝒄

At L = Lc, X = Xc, thus

𝑳𝒄 𝟐
𝑿𝑪 =
𝟔𝑹𝒄

5. Distance along tangent at any point on the spiral

𝑳𝟓
𝒀 =𝑳−
𝟒𝟎𝑹𝒄 𝟐𝑳𝒄 𝟐

At L = Lc, Y = Yc, thus

Elements of Spiral Curve
1. TS - Tangent to Spiral 𝑳𝒄 𝟑
𝒀𝒄 = 𝑳 −
2. SC - Spiral to Curve 𝟒𝟎𝑹𝒄 𝟐
3. CS - Curve to Spiral
4. ST - Spiral to Tangent 6. Length of Throw
5. 𝜽 - spiral angle at any point on the spiral 𝑿𝑪
𝑷=
6. 𝜽𝑪 - spiral angle at SC 𝟒
7. I - angle of intersection of spiral easement curve
 LECTURE MODULE
ROUTE SURVEYING

7. Tangent distance of the spiral curve Sight Distance:

𝑳𝒄 𝑰
𝑻𝑺 = + (𝑹𝒄 + 𝑷) 𝐭𝐚𝐧
𝟐 𝟐 1. For Sag Curve:
8. External distance of the spiral curve When 𝑺 > 𝑳 :
𝑰
𝑬𝑺 = (𝑹𝒄 + 𝑷) 𝐬𝐞𝐜 − 𝑹𝒄
𝟐 122 + 3.5 ∙ 𝑆
𝐿 = 2∙𝑆− (𝑀𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑆𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚)
9. Deflection angles vary as the square of the 100 ∙ 𝐵
length from the TS 400 + 3.5 ∙ 𝑆
𝒊 𝑳𝟐 𝐿= 2∙𝑆− (𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑆𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚)
= 𝟐 100 ∙ 𝐵
𝒊𝒄 𝑳𝒄

10. Degree of curve varies directly with the length

from the TS When 𝑺 ≤ 𝑳 :
𝑫 𝑳
= 100 ∙ 𝐵 ∙ 𝑆 2
𝑫𝒄 𝑳𝒄
𝐿= (𝑀𝑒𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑐 𝑆𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚)
122 + 3.5 ∙ 𝑆
11. Super-elevation
𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟒𝑲𝟐 100 ∙ 𝐵 ∙ 𝑆 2
𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒊𝒎𝒖𝒎, 𝒄𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝟕𝟓% 𝒐𝒇 𝑲; 𝒆= 𝐿= (𝐸𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑆𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚)
𝑹 400 + 3.5 ∙ 𝑆
𝟎. 𝟎𝟎𝟕𝟗𝑲𝟐 𝑽𝟐
𝑰𝒅𝒆𝒂𝒍: 𝒆= =
𝑹 𝒈𝑹
2. For Summit Curve:
𝒆 = 𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝜽
When 𝑺 > 𝑳 :
Where: K in kph, V in m/s, R in meters
8ℎ
12. Desirable Length of Curve 𝐿 =2∙𝑆− (𝐴𝐴𝑆𝐻𝑂 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑠)
𝐵
𝟎. 𝟎𝟑𝟔𝑲𝟑
𝑳𝑪 = 2
𝑹 2(√ℎ1 + √ℎ2 )
𝐿 = 2∙𝑆− (𝐴𝐴𝑆𝐻𝑇𝑂 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑠)
13. Centrifugal Acceleration 𝐵
𝟖𝟎
𝑪=
𝟕𝟓 + 𝑲
Where: C in m/sec3, K in kph When 𝑺 ≤ 𝑳 :
14. Length of spiral curve to limit centripetal
acceleration 𝐵 ∙ 𝑆2
𝐿= (𝐴𝐴𝑆𝐻𝑂 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑠)
𝟎. 𝟎𝟐𝟏𝟓𝑲𝟑 8ℎ
𝑳𝑪 =
𝑪𝑹 𝐵 ∙ 𝑆2
𝐿= (𝐴𝐴𝑆𝐻𝑇𝑂 𝑆𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑠)
15. Lateral friction on the easement curve, f (√2ℎ1 + √2ℎ2 )
2
𝑲𝟐 𝑽𝟐
𝑹= 𝒆+𝒇 =
𝟏𝟐𝟕(𝒇 + 𝒆) 𝒈𝑹

Where: K in kph, V in m/s, R in meters

16. Rate of increase of centripetal acceleration, q

𝑽𝟑
𝒒=
𝑹𝑳𝒄
 LECTURE MODULE
ROUTE SURVEYING

Area of Irregular Boundaries:

1. By Trapezoidal Rule:
𝑑
𝐴= (ℎ + ℎ𝑛 + 2 ∑ ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑡𝑒 )
2 1
2. By Simpson’s 𝟏⁄𝟑 Rule:

𝑑
𝐴= (ℎ + ℎ𝑛 + 2 ∑ ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑑 + 4 ∑ ℎ𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 )
3 1

Earthworks:

1. Prismoidal Formula:

𝑳
𝑽𝑷 = ∙ (𝑨𝟏 + 𝟒𝑨𝒎 + 𝑨𝟐 )
𝟔

2. Prismoidal Correction Formula:

𝑽 = 𝑽𝒆 − 𝑪 𝑷
𝑨𝟏 + 𝑨𝟐
𝑽𝒆 = ( )∙𝑳
𝟐
𝑳
𝑪𝑷 = ∙ (𝑽𝟏 − 𝑽𝟐 ) ∙ (𝑯𝟏 − 𝑯𝟐 )
𝟏𝟐

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says

the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for
harm, to give you a future with hope”
Jeremiah 29:11