ENGINEERING SURVEYS

Geometric Design
of Roads and Highways
Part 1
HORIZONTAL CURVE
Prepared by:
Engr. Arnolfo G. arcibal
CE - Faculty
H O R I Z O N TA L C U RV E

SIMPLE CURVE
A simple curve is a circular arc extending
from one tangent to the next. The point
where the curve leaves the first tangent is
called the point of curvature and the
point where the curve joins the second
tangent is called the point of tangency.
 S I M P L E C U RV E
Formulas for a Simple Curve:
Elements of a Simple Curve:
1145.916
PC - Point of Curvature 1. R = (arc basis)
D
PT - Point of Tangency
10
2. R = D (chord basis)
PI - Point of Intersection sin
2

R - Radius of the Curve 3. T = R tan

I
2
D- Degree of the Curve
I
4. E = R sec −1
T - Tangent Distance 2

I - Intersection Angle 5. M = R 1 − cos

I
2
E - External Distance I
6. C = 2R sin
M- Middle Ordinate 2

20I
LC - Length of Curve 7. LC = D
Note: For D
C - Long Chord π(R)(I) Metric System = 20m
8. LC =
180 English System = 100ft
Problem 1
V
Determine the elements of a simple curve and I
the stations of the important points of the
simple curve. The said curve has a degree of E
curvature of 6°, the angle of intersection of 21°
LC
and the stationing of the point of curvature is M PT
80+200. Use arc basis. C
PC
Sta 80+200

O
 Problem 1
• External distance (E)
Solution: • Length of curve (LC)
Using arc basis: I
E = R sec − 1 20I
Given: 2 LC =
D
Degree of Curve (D) = 6° 21 20 21
E = 190.986 sec − 1 LC =
Angle of Intersection (I) = 21 2 6
Required: E = 3.253 meters LC = 70 meters
Element of Simple Curve
• Radius of the curve (R) • Middle ordinate (M)
1145.916 I
R= M = R 1 − cos
D 2
1145.916 21
R= M = 190.986 1 − cos
6° 2
R = 190.986 meters
M = 3.198 meters
• Tangent of the curve (T)
• Long chord (C)
I I
T = R tan C = 2R sin
2 2
21 21
T = 190.986 tan C = 2 190.986 sin
2 2
T = 35.397 meters C = 69.609 meters
Problem 1
V
Station of PC, PT and V:
I
Sta. @ PC = 80+200
Sta. @ V = Sta. of PC + T
Sta. @ V = (80+200) + 35.397 E
Sta. @ V = 80+235.397
LC
Sta. @ PT = Sta. of PC + LC M PT
Sta. @ PT = Sta. of PC + 2T C
Sta. @ PT = Sta. of PC + C PC
Sta 80+200
Sta. @ PT = (80+200) + 70
Sta. @ PT = 80+270
R

O
Problem 2

A simple curve with tangents AV and VE has azimuth from south of 260°48’ and 285°40’
respectively. A certain point “B” is taken along the line AV and point “C” along the line VE. The
azimuth and the distance of BC are 272°16’ and 61.22m respectively. If degree of curvature is 5°
and stationing of point “B” is 8+125, determine the stationing at point of tangency.

V
285°40’

B
272°16’ C
8+125

A
260°48’
E
 Problem 2
Solution V
➢ Angle of intersection (I)
Given: 285°40’
I = Azim VE − Azim AV
Azim AV = 260°48’
I = 285°40′ − 260°48′ B
Azim VE = 285°40’
Azim BC = 272°16’ I = 24°52’ 272°16’ C
Dist. BC = 61.22m 8+125
D = 5°
Sta @ B = 8+125 A
260°48’
E
Required:
Sta @ PT = ?
Sta @ PT = Sta @ PC + LC ➢ Radius of the curve (R) ➢ Tangent distance (T)
Sta @ PC = Sta @ B – ( T – BV ) 1145.916 I
I R= T = R tan
D 2
T = R tan
2 1145.916
R= 24°52′
5° T = 229.183 tan
2
R = 229.183 meters
T = 50.529 meters
 Problem 2
• Consider ΔBVC V
Using sine law: 285°40’

sin V sin C
BC
=
BV B
sin 155°08′ sin 13°24′ 272°16’ C
= 8+125
61.22 BV
BV = 33.739 meters
A
Sta @ PC = Sta @ B – ( T – BV )
260°48’
E
Sta @ PC = (8+125) – ( 50.529 – 33.739)
Sta @ PC = 8+108.21

Sta @ PT = Sta @ PC + LC ➢ Length of curve (LC) Sta @ PT = Sta @ PC + LC

20I Sta @ PT = (8+108.21) + 99.467
LC =
D
Sta @ PT = 8+207.677
20 (24°52′ )
LC =
5°
LC = 99.467 meters
Problem 3
The tangent distance of a 3° simple curve is only half
of its radius. Determine the following:

a) Angle of intersection of the simple curve.

Area of fillet of
b) Length of curve. curve

c) Area of the fillet of the curve.

Problem 3
Solution
Given: b. Length of curve, LC:
Degree of curvature, D = 3°
20I
LC =
D
a. Angle of intersection, I:
20(53°07′ )
note : Tangent distance, T = ½ R LC =
3°

I LC = 354.111 meters
T = R tan
2

1 I
R = R tan
2 2

1 I
= tan
2 2
I = 53°07’
 Problem 3
c. Area of fillet of curve: πR2 I
AC =
AF = AT − Ac 360 Area of fillet of
2
AT = Area total (Area bounded π
1145.916
I
curve
by the tangents and radius) D
AC =
360
AC = Area of the curve
1145.916 2
AT = TR π 3° 53°07′
AT = ½ R(R) AC =
360
1 1145.916
2 AC = 67,630.289 sq.m.
AT =
2 D
2 AF = AT − Ac
1 1145.916
AT = AF = 5, 321.015 sq.m.
2 3°
AT = 72,951.304 sq.m.
H O R I Z O N TA L C U RV E
COMPOUND CURVE
A compound curve consists of two or
more consecutive simple curves having
different radius, but whose centers lie
on the same side of the curve, likewise
any two consecutive curves must have a
common tangent at their meeting point.
In a compound curve, the point of the
common tangent where the two curves
join is called the point of compound
curvature (PCC).

Where:
dist. AB = common tangent
dist. AB = T1 + T2
 Problem 1
Problem no.1
Two tangents intersect at sta. 25+050. A compound (25+050) V
curve laid on their tangents has the following data:
I1 = 31° , I2 = 36°, D1 = 3°, D2 = 5°.
a) Determine the stationing of PC, PCC and PT.
b) If tangent on the side of the PT is moved 10 meters B
A 31° 36°
out. Compute the stationing of new PT with PCC at
same point. PCC

PT
PC

I2

I1
 Problem 1
Solution: For the value of AV: AV 180.396
=
a) Sta @ PC = ? Consider ΔVAB sin 36° sin 113°
Sta @ PC = Sta @ V – AV – T1 using sine law 𝐀𝐕 = 𝟏𝟏𝟓. 𝟏𝟗𝟏 𝐦
For the value of T1: AV AB
=
I1 sin I2 sin 113°
T1 = R1 tan AB = common tangent
2
AB = T1 + T2
1145.916
R1 =
D1 I2
T2 = R 2 tan
1145.916 2
R1 =
3 1145.916 I2
R1 = 381.972 m T2 = tan
D2 2
31 1145.916 36°
T1 = 381.972 tan T2 = tan
2 5° 2
𝐓𝟏 = 𝟏𝟎𝟓. 𝟗𝟑𝟎 𝐦 T2 = 74.466 m
AB = 105.930 + 74.466
AB = 180.396
Problem 1

Sta @ PC = Sta @ V – AV – T1
Sta @ PC = (25+050) – 115.191 – 105.930
Sta @ PC = 24 + 828.879

Sta @ PCC = ?
Sta @ PCC = Sta @ PC + LC1
20(31°)
Sta @ PCC = 24 + 828.879 +
3°
Sta @ PCC = 25 + 035.546

Sta @ PT = ?
Sta @ PT = Sta @ PCC + LC2
20(36°)
Sta @ PT = 25 + 035.546 +
5°
Sta @ PT = 25 + 179.546
 Problem 1 (25+050) V
b)Sta @ new PT = ?
Sta @ PT ′ = sta @ Pcc + LC2 ′
πR 2 ′I2
LC2 ′ =
180 A 31° 36° B B’
I2 PCC
T2 ′ = R 2 ′ tan
2
T2′ = T2 + BB′ P T’
For the value of BB’ PT
10
PC
sin 36° =
BB′
BB′ = 17.013 m
T2′ = 74.466 + 17.013
T2 ′ = 91.479 m I1
36
91.479 = R 2 ′ tan
2 I2
R 2 ′ = 281.543 m
π 281.543 (36)
LC2 ′ = Sta @ PT ′ = (25 + 035.546) + 176.899
180
LC2 ′ = 176.899 m 𝐒𝐭𝐚 @ 𝐏𝐓 ′ = 𝟐𝟓 + 𝟐𝟏𝟐. 𝟒𝟒𝟓
 Problem 2

On a railroad line, two tangents that intersect at (10+240) V

station 10+240 so as to form an angle of 36°28’ are 36° 28’
to be connected by a compound curve consisting of
two simple curve. The simple curve beginning at
A 17° B
the PC which at sta. 10+160 is to be a 4° curve and
is to have a central angle of 17°. PCC

PT
PC D1 = 4°
(10+160)

a) What should be the radius of other simple curve

that ends at PT?
I1
b) Determine the stationing of the PCC.
c) What is the length of the tangent from the point
of intersection to the PT of the compound
curve?
Problem 2
a) R2 = ? For the value of AB: AB = T1 + T2
I2 use ΔVAB 66. 304 = 42.823 + T2
T2 = R 2 tan
2
AV AB T2 = 23.481 m
I2 = 36° 28’ - 17° =
sin I2 sin 143°32′ 19°28′
I2 = 19° 28’ 23.481 = R 2 tan 2
For the value of T2: AV = PC V − T1
𝐑 𝟐 = 𝟏𝟑𝟔. 𝟖𝟗𝟎 𝐦
AB = T1 + T2 PC V = 10 + 240 − 10 + 160
PC V = 80 m
I1
T1 = R1 tan
2 AV = 80 − 42.823
AV = 37.177 m
10 17°
T1 = tan
D1 2 37.177 AB
sin
2 =
sin 19°28′ sin 143°32′
10 17° AB = 66.304 m
T1 = tan
4 2
sin 2
T1 = 42.823m
Problem 2

b.) sta @ PCC = ? c.) dist VPT = ?

sta @ PCC = sta @ PC + Lc1 VPT = VB + T2

π 286.537 17°
sta @ PCC = (10 + 160) +
180 For the value of VB:
𝐬𝐭𝐚 @ 𝐏𝐂𝐂 = 𝟏𝟎 + 𝟐𝟒𝟓.017 use ΔVAB

VB 37.177
=
sin 17° sin 19°28′
VB = 32.616 m

VPT = 32.616 + 23.829

𝐕𝐏𝐓 = 𝟓𝟔. 𝟒𝟒𝟓 𝐦
Problem 3
V
Given the following compound curve with the
vertex V, inaccessible. Angles VAD and VDA are
equal to 16°20’ and 13°30’ respectively, Stationing
of A is 1+120, degree of curve are 3°30’ for the A 16°20’ D
(1+120) 13°30’
first curve and 4° for the second curve.
PCC
a) It is desired to substitute the compound curve
with a simple curve that shall end with the
same PT, determine the total length of the
PT
simple curve. PC D2 = 4°
D1 = 3°30’
b) It is desired to substitute the compound curve
with a simple curve that shall be tangent to the
two tangent lines as well as the common
tangent. What is the radius of the simple
curve?
c) What is the stationing of the new PC?
 Problem 3
a.) Required:
Lc’ of the new simple curve
πR′I′
LC ′ =
180 1145.916 16°20′ 1145.916 13°30′
AD = tan + tan
I′ 3°30′ 2 4° 2
T′ = R′ tan
2
AD = 80.892 m
I’ = I1 + I2
Note:
VD + T2 = T′ VD 80.892
=
Where T’ – Tangent of sin 16°20′ sin 150°10′
new curve VD = 45.728 m

For the value of VD:

1145.916 13°30′
Using ΔVAD T′ = 45.728 + tan
4° 2
VD AD T’ = 79.635 m
=
sin 16°20′ sin 150°10′ 29°50′
AD = T1 + T2 79.635 = R′ tan
2 π 298.940 29°50′
R’ = 298.940 m L′C =
I1 I2 180
AD = R1 tan + R 2 tan 𝐋′𝐂 = 𝟏𝟓𝟓. 𝟔𝟓𝟓 𝐦
2 2
 Problem 3
b.) Required:
R” = radius of the new curve
Note:
AD = T1 + T2
AD = 80.892 m (from previous)

I1 I2
AD = R1 tan + R 2 tan
2 2

16°20′ 13°30′
80.892 = R′′ tan + R′′ tan
2 2

𝐑" = 𝟑𝟎𝟖. 𝟗𝟎𝟔 𝐦

c.) Required:
Sta @ Pc” = ?
sta @ PC = Sta @ A − T"
I1
T" = R" tan
2
16°20′
T" = (308.906) tan sta @ PC = (1 + 120) − 44.331
2
T” = 44.331 m sta @ PC = 1+075.669
 H O R I Z O N TA L C U RV E
REVERSED CURVE
A reversed curve is formed by two circular simple curves having
a common tangent but their centers lies on opposite sides. At the
point where the curve reversed in its direction is called the point of
reversed curvature (PRC).

Four Types of Reversed Curve

a) Reversed curve with equal radii and parallel tangents
b) Reversed curve with unequal radii and parallel tangents
c) Reversed curve with equal radii and converging tangents
d) Reversed curve with unequal radii and converging tangents
 Problem 1
Two parallel tangents 20 meters apart
are to be connected by a reversed curve O2
with equal radii at the PC and PT. The
total length of chord from the PC to the PT
is 150m and the stationing of PC is
10+200. 10 + 200
PC A R2
a) Find the radius of the reversed curve.
I1
b) Find the length of the chord from PC PRC

20m
to PRC.
c) Find the stationing of the PT.
I2
R1
B PT

O1
 Problem 1
c) Sta @ PT = ?
Note: I1
This is Type A reversed curve. C1 = 2R1 sin Sta @ PT = sta @ Pc + Lc1 + Lc2
2
• Reversed curve with equal radii For the value of I1: π 281.259 15.324
and parallel tangents Sta @ PT = (10 + 200) + 2
Consider ΔPCCPT 180
Properties of Type A.
I1 20 Sta @ PT = 10 + 350.448
I1 = I2 sin =
R1 = R2 2 150

*all elements of curve are equal. I1 = 15.324°

15.324
Solution: 75 = 2R1 sin
2
Given: R1 = 281.259 m
y = 20m
C1 + C2 = 150m
b) length of chord from PC to
Sta @ PC = 10 + 200
PRC =?
Required:
C1 = ?
a) R = ?
C1 = 75 m
R = R1 = R2
C1 = C2 = 75 m
 Problem 2

In a railroad layout, the centerline of two O2

parallel tracks are connected with a reversed

R2 = 290 m
curve of unequal radii. The central angle of
the first curve is 16° and the distance
15 + 420
between parallel tracks is 27.5 meters, sta. @ A
PC C
PC is 15+420 and radius of the second curve is
16°
290 meters. PRC

27.5 m
a) Find the length of long chord from PC and
PT. I2
R1
b) Find the radius of the first curve.
B PT
c) Find the stationing of PT.

O1
 Problem 2
Note: I1 = I2 For the value of AB: c) Sta @ PT = ?
use ΔADB sta @ PT = sta @ PC + Lc1 + Lc2
a) Long chord, C = ?
27.5 πR1 I1 πR 2 I2
consider Δ PCCPT sin I1 = sta @ PT = sta @ PC + +
AB 180 180
PC PT = C π(419.892)(16) π(290)(16)
27.5 sta @ PT = (15 + 420) + +
sin 16° = 180 180
I1 27.5 AB
sin =
2 C 𝐬𝐭𝐚 @ 𝐏𝐓 = 𝟏𝟓 + 𝟔𝟏𝟖. 𝟐𝟑𝟗
AB = 99.769 m
16° 27.5
sin =
2 C
AB = T1 + T2
C = 197.596 m
99.769 = T1 + 40.757
b) R1 = ? T1 = 59.012 m
I1
T1 = R1 tan
2 I1
AB – common tangent T1 = R1 tan
2
AB = T1 + T2 16°
I2 59.012 = R1 tan
T2 = R 2 tan 2
2 R1 = 419.892 m
16°
T2 = 290 tan
2
T2 = 40.757 m
 Problem 3
Note: common radius,
Two tangents converge at an 30° and direction of the
R1 = R2
second tangent is due east. The distance of the PC from the a) I1 = ?
second tangent is 116.50 meters. The bearing of the I2 = I1 + θ
common tangent is S 40° E. If a reversed curve is to connect 50 = I1 + 30

these two tangents: I1 = 20°

a) Determine the central angle of first curve.

b) Determine the radius of the curve.

c) Determine the stationing at PT, if the PC is

at 10+600.
 Problem 3
b) R=?
R = R1 = R2
From the figure:
a + b = 116.50 m
For the value of b:
Consider ΔDPRC02

R2 − b
cos I2 =
R2
b = R 2 (1 − cos I2 ) (1)

For the value of a:

Consider ΔCPRCO1 Consider ΔEPCO1 a + b = 116.50 m
c c+a R1 cos θ − cos I2 + R 2 (1 − cos I2 ) = 116.50
cos I2 = cos θ =
R1 R1
Since R1 = R2
c = R1 cos I2
a = R1 cos θ − c
R cos 30° − cos 50° + R(1 − cos 50°) = 116.50
a = R1 cos θ − R1 cos I2
R = 200.706 m
a = R1 cos θ − cos I2 (2)
 Problem 3

c) sta @ Pc = 10 + 600
sta @ PT = ?
sta @ PT = sta @ Pc + Lc1 + Lc2

π(200.706)(20) π(200.706)(50)
sta @ PT = 10 + 600 + +
180 180
sta @ PT = 10 + 845.209
 Problem 4
A reversed curve connects two converging O2
tangents intersecting at an angle of 30°.
The horizontal distance of this intersection I2
PC 4 + 450
from the point of intersection of the second A R2
curve is 150 meters. The azimuth from D2 = 6°
I1
south of the common tangent is 320° and D
PRC
the degree of the second curve is 6° and the
stationing of the point of intersection of the I2 30°
first curve is 4+450. B V
PT
a) Determine the radius of the first curve. 40°

b) Determine the stationing of the PRC. 150 m

c) Determine the stationing of the PT.

I1

O1
Problem 4

a) R1 = ?
I1
T1 = R1 tan
2
For the value of I1: For the value of AB:
I2 = 50° Consider ΔABV
Consider ΔABV
AB 150
I1 = 180 – 30 – 130 =
sin 30 sin I1
I1 = 20°
AB = 219.285 m
AB = T1 + T2
For the value of T1:
AB – common tangent 219.285 = T1 + 89.058

AB = T1 + T2 T1 = 130.227 m
I2 I1
T2 = R 2 tan T1 = R1 tan
2 2
1145.916 50 20
T2 = tan 130.227 = R1 tan
6 2 2
T2 = 89.058 m R1 = 738.554 m
Problem 4
b) Sta @ PRC = ?
Sta @ PRC = sta @ PC + Lc1
sta @ PC = sta @ A – T1
sta @ PC = (4 + 450) – 130.227
sta @ PC = 4 + 319.773
π(738.554)(20)
sta @ PRC = (4 + 319.773) +
180
sta @ PRC = 4 + 577.577

c) sta @ PT =?
sta @ PT = sta @ PRC + Lc2

1145.916
π (50)
6
sta @ PT = (4 + 577.577) +
180
sta @ PT = 4 + 744.244
 H O R I Z O N TA L C U RV E
SPIRAL CURVE

Spiral curve is a transitional curve that should be placed

between tangents and each end of a simple curve. A spiral
curve increases in curvature gradually, thus avoiding an
abrupt change in the rate of lateral displacement of cars. It
also provides a mean of gradually elevating the far end of the
road in proper relation to the degree of curvature.
SPIRAL CURVE
Elements of a spiral curve:
SC – Spiral to Curve
CS – Curve to Spiral
ST – Spiral to Tangent
TS – Tangent to Spiral
I – Angle of intersection of spiral easement curve
IC – Angle of intersection of a simple curve.
RC – Radius of a simple curve.
DC – Degree of simple curve.
LT – Distance of Long Tangent
ST – Distance of Short Tangent
ES – External Distance of Spiral Curve
LC – Long Chord of Spiral Curve
XC – Offset from tangent at SC
SPIRAL CURVE
Elements of a spiral curve:
TS – Tangent distance of the Spiral Curve
YC – Distance along the tangent from TS
to XC
X – Offset from the tangent at any point
on the spiral
Y – Distance along the tangent at any
point on the spiral
SC – Spiral Angle at SC (θs)
LS – Length of the spiral curve
L – length of the spiral curve from TS to
any point along the spiral
i – deflection angle at any point on the
spiral.
P – length of throw
SPIRAL CURVE
Formulas for spiral curve: LS XC I (tangent distance)
9. TS = + RC + tan
2 4 2
L2 180 (spiral angle at any
1) S= x point on the spiral)
2R c LS π XC I
10. ES = R C + sec − R C (external distance)
DC LS (spiral angle at SC, arc 4 2
2) SC =
40 basis)
11. IC = I − 2SC (angle of intersection of
simple curve)
LS 180
3) SC = x (spiral angle at SC) XC
2R C π 12. P = (length of throw)
4
Ls 2 0.0079K 2
4) XC = (offset distance from (superelevation)
6R c 13. e =
tangent at SC) RC
X c L3 0.004K 2 (considering 75% of K to
5) X = 14. e =
LS 3 RC counteract superelevation)
SC
6) iC = (deflection angle at SC) 0.036K 3
3 15. LS = (desirable length of spiral)
RC
L5 (distance along the
7) Y = L − tangent at any point in i L2
40R c 2 LS 2 (deflection angle varies as the
spiral) 16. =
ic LS 2 square of the length from TS)
LS 3 (distance along the
8) YC = LS − D L (degree of curve varies directly
40R c 2 tangent at SC from TS) 17. =
Dc LS with the length from TS)
 Problem 1

A spiral curve was laid out in a certain

portion of a highway. It has a length of
80m and an angle of intersection of
42°. If the degree of curvature is 6°,
determine the following:

a. Length of long tangent

b. Length of throw

c. External distance

d. Allowable speed for the

length of the spiral.
SPIRAL CURVE
Formulas for spiral curve: LS XC I (tangent distance)
9. TS = + RC + tan
2 4 2
L2 180 (spiral angle at any
1) S= x point on the spiral)
2R c LS π XC I
10. ES = R C + sec − R C (external distance)
DC LS (spiral angle at SC, arc 4 2
2) SC =
40 basis)
11. IC = I − 2SC (angle of intersection of
simple curve)
LS 180
3) SC = x (spiral angle at SC) XC
2R C π 12. P = (length of throw)
4
Ls 2 0.0079K 2
4) XC = (offset distance from (superelevation)
6R c 13. e =
tangent at SC) RC
X c L3 0.004K 2 (considering 75% of K to
5) X = 14. e =
LS 3 RC counteract superelevation)
SC
6) iC = (deflection angle at SC) 0.036K 3
3 15. LS = (desirable length of spiral)
RC
L5 (distance along the
7) Y = L − tangent at any point in i L2
40R c 2 LS 2 (deflection angle varies as the
spiral) 16. =
ic LS 2 square of the length from TS)
LS 3 (distance along the
8) YC = LS − D L (degree of curve varies directly
40R c 2 tangent at SC from TS) 17. =
Dc LS with the length from TS)
Problem 1
a) LT = ? Ls 2
XC =
6R c
from the figure:
LT = YC – h (80)2
XC =
LS 3 6
1145.916
YC = LS − 6
40R c 2
X C = 5.585 m
803
YC = 80 − 2
1145.916 XC
40 tan SC =
6 h
YC = 79.649 m 5.585
tan 12 =
h
For the value of h: h = 26.275 m
Use ΔABSC
LT = YC – h
XC
tan SC = LT = 79.649 – 26.275
h
Ls 180 LT = 53.374 m
SC = x
2R c π b) length of throw, P = ?
Given: XC
LS = 80 m 80 180 P=
SC = 4
I = 42° 1145.916 π 5.585
2 P=
6
DC = 6° 4
SC = 12° P = 1.396 m
Problem 1

c) external distance, ES = ?

XC I
ES = R C + sec − RC
4 2

1145.916 5.585 42 1145.916

ES = + sec −
6 4 2 6
𝐄𝐒 = 𝟏𝟓. 𝟎𝟖𝟑 𝐦

d) allowable speed, K = ?

0.036K 3
LS =
RC

0.036K 3
80 =
1145.916
6
K = 75.150 kph
 Problem 2

Two tangents having an azimuth of 240° and 282° are

connected by an 80 meter spiral curve with 5° circular
curve. The width of the roadway is 10 meters. If the
design speed is 60 kph, determine the following:

a) Superelevation at quarter points

b) Deflection angle at endpoints

c) Tangent distance of spiral

e3/4
Solution:

e1/2

e1/4
Given:
I = 42°
LS = 80 m
DC = 5°
K = 60 kph
W = 10 m
SPIRAL CURVE
Formulas for spiral curve: LS XC I (tangent distance)
9. TS = + RC + tan
2 4 2
L2 180 (spiral angle at any
1) S= x point on the spiral)
2R c LS π XC I
10. ES = R C + sec − R C (external distance)
DC LS (spiral angle at SC, arc 4 2
2) SC =
40 basis)
11. IC = I − 2SC (angle of intersection of
simple curve)
LS 180
3) SC = x (spiral angle at SC) XC
2R C π 12. P = (length of throw)
4
Ls 2 0.0079K 2
4) XC = (offset distance from (superelevation)
6R c 13. e =
tangent at SC) RC
X c L3 0.004K 2 (considering 75% of K to
5) X = 14. e =
LS 3 RC counteract superelevation)
SC
6) iC = (deflection angle at SC) 0.036K 3
3 15. LS = (desirable length of spiral)
RC
L5 (distance along the
7) Y = L − tangent at any point in i L2
40R c 2 LS 2 (deflection angle varies as the
spiral) 16. =
ic LS 2 square of the length from TS)
LS 3 (distance along the
8) YC = LS − D L (degree of curve varies directly
40R c 2 tangent at SC from TS) 17. =
Dc LS with the length from TS)
Problem 2

a) superelevation, e = ?

0.0079K 2 super-elevation at quarter

e=
R points:
1145.916 e4 = 0.124 (10) e2 = 1.24 (0.50)
R=
5 e4 = 1.24 m e2 = 0.62 m
R = 229.183 m e1 = 1.24 (0.25) e3 = 1.24 (0.75)
e1 = 0.31 m e3 = 0.93 m
0.0079K 2
e=
R
0.0079(60)2
e=
229.183
e = 0.124 m/m (width of road)
 Problem 2
b) deflection angle at endpoints, iC =?

SC
iC = and
3
DC LS
SC = so;
40

DC LS c) Tangent distance, TS = ?
iC = m Xm
(3)40
im LS XC I
(5)(80) TS = + RC + tan
iC = iC 2 4 2
(3)40
iC = 3.333°
Ls Ls 2 I
TS = + R C + tan
2 24R c 2

80 802 42
TS = + 229.183 + tan
2 (24)229.183 2

TS = 128.422 m
 Problem 3

A simple curve having a radius of 280 meters connects

two tangents intersecting at an angle of 50°. It is to be
replaced by another curve having 80 meters spiral at its
ends such that the point of tangency shall be the same.
a) Determine the radius of the new circular curve.
b) Determine the central angle of the new circular
curve.
c) Determine the deflection angle of the endpoint of the
spiral.
d) Determine the offset from tangent at the endpoint of
spiral.
e) Determine the distance along the tangent at the
midpoint of spiral.
SPIRAL CURVE
Formulas for spiral curve: LS XC I (tangent distance)
9. TS = + RC + tan
2 4 2
L2 180 (spiral angle at any
1) S= x point on the spiral)
2R c LS π XC I
10. ES = R C + sec − R C (external distance)
DC LS (spiral angle at SC, arc 4 2
2) SC =
40 basis)
11. IC = I − 2SC (angle of intersection of
simple curve)
LS 180
3) SC = x (spiral angle at SC) XC
2R C π 12. P = (length of throw)
4
Ls 2 0.0079K 2
4) XC = (offset distance from (superelevation)
6R c 13. e =
tangent at SC) RC
X c L3 0.004K 2 (considering 75% of K to
5) X = 14. e =
LS 3 RC counteract superelevation)
SC
6) iC = (deflection angle at SC) 0.036K 3
3 15. LS = (desirable length of spiral)
RC
L5 (distance along the
7) Y = L − tangent at any point in i L2
40R c 2 LS 2 (deflection angle varies as the
spiral) 16. =
ic LS 2 square of the length from TS)
LS 3 (distance along the
8) YC = LS − D L (degree of curve varies directly
40R c 2 tangent at SC from TS) 17. =
Dc LS with the length from TS)
 Problem 3
Solution:
Given:
Old simple curve:
R = 280 m
I = 50°
New spiral curve:
LS = 80 m
a) RC = ?
Note: Tangent of new spiral curve
is equal to the tangent distance of
the old simple curve.

Ts = T
I
T = R tan
2
50
T = 280 tan
2
T = 130.566 m
Problem 3
IC = 50 − 2(11.886)
LS XC I e) Y40 = ?
TS = + RC + tan 𝐈𝐂 = 𝟐𝟔. 𝟐𝟐𝟖°
2 4 2
L40 5
Y40 = L −
LS Ls 2 I 40R c 2 LS 2
TS = + RC + tan c) iC = ?
2 24R c 2
405
11.886 Y40 = 40 −
2 iC = 40(192.815)2 (80)2
80 80 50 3
130.556 = + RC + tan 𝐘𝟒𝟎 = 𝟑𝟗. 𝟗𝟖𝟗 𝐦
2 24R c 2 iC = 3.962°

RC = 192.815 m

b) IC = ?
d) XC = ?
IC = I − 2SC and;
Ls 2
Ls 180 XC =
SC = x 6R c
2R c π
802
80 180 XC =
SC = x 6(192.815)
2(192.815) π
𝐗 𝐂 = 𝟓. 𝟓𝟑𝟐 𝐦
SC = 11.886°