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CURVES

Introduction

Curves are generally used on highways and railways where it is necessary to change the
alignment. When two straights of a highway or railway are at same angle each other, a curve is
introduced between them to avoid an abrupt change in direction and to make the vehicle move
safely, smoothly and comfortably. A curve is provided at the intersection of the two straights to
effect a gradual change in the direction. This change in direction of the straights may be in a
horizontal or a vertical plane, resulting in the provision of a horizontal or a vertical curve,
respectively.

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A horizontal curve is provided at the point where the two straight lines intersect in the
horizontal plane. When the curve is provided in the horizontal plane, it is known as a
horizontal curve. The horizontal curves are further classified as simple circular, compound,
reverse, transition and combined curves.

A vertical curve is provided at the point where the two straight lines at different gradients
intersect in the vertical plane. In such a case, a parabolic curved path is provided in the
vertical plane in order to connect the gradients for easy movement of the vehicles. Vertical
curves are usually parabolic and are classified as summit and sag vertical curve.

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Different Forms of Curves

Curve

Horizontal Vertical
Curve Curve

Simple Compound Reverse Transition Combined Summit

Sag Curve
Curve Curve Curve Curve Curve Curve

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Typesof Circular Curve

Typesof Circular Curve

Combination of two or more simple circular curves of different radius having their
curvature in the same direction

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Typesof Circular Curve

A reverse curve consists of two circular arcs of same or different radii having their centres on the
opposite sides of the common tangent at the point of reverse curvature. The reverse curve is also
tangent at the point of reverse curvature.

Reverse curves are generally used to connect two parallel roads or railways lines, or when two lines
intersect at a very small angle. These are used in hilly terrains and in railways siding as crossovers.
These are also used on highways and railways designed for low speed. As far as possible, they should
not be used on main highways and railways designed for high speed.

Definition and Notation of Simple Curve

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Elements of a simple circular curve

1. Back tangent : The tangent line before the beginning of the curve is called the
back tangent or the rear tangent. The line AT1 is the back tangent.

2. Forward tangent : The tangent line after the end of the curve is called the
forward tangent. The line T2B is the forward tangent.

3. Point of Intersection (PI) : The point I where the back tangent when produce
forward and forward tangent when produced backward meet, is called the point
of intersection.

4. Intersection angle (I) : The angle  between the back tangent AT1 and the
forward tangent T2B at I is called the intersection angle.

5. External distance (E) : It is the distance between the point of intersection and
the middle point of the curve.

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Elements of a simple circular curve (Conti.)

6. Angle of Deflection (Δ) : The angle Δ through which the forward tangent deflects is
called deflection angle of the curve. It may be either to the left or the right.

7. Point of curvature (P.C.) : It is the point on the back tangent at the beginning of
the curve, where the alignment changes from a tangent to a curve. The point of
curvature is also called the point of curve. (T1)

8. Point of Tangency (P.T.) : It is the point on the forward tangent at the end of the
curve where the alignment changes from a curve to a tangent. (T2)

9. Tangent distance (T) : It is the distance between the point of curvature (T1) and
the point of inter

10. Length of the curve (l) : The total length of the curve from the point of curvature
(T1) to the point of tangency (T2), is called length of curve.

Elements of a simple circular curve (Conti.)

11. Long chord (L) : The chord joining the point of the curvature (T1) and the point of
tangency (T2), is called a long chord.

12. Normal chord : A chord between two successive regular pegs on the curve, is called
a normal chord.

13. Sub-chord : When a chord is shorter than the normal chord, it is called a sub-chord.

14. Mid-ordinate (M) : it is the distance between the middle point (C) of the curve and
the middle point (D) of the long chord.

15. Right-hand curve : If the curve deflects to the right of the direction of the progress
of survey, it is called the right-hand curve.

16. Left-hand curve : If the curve deflects to the left of the direction of the progress
of survey, it is called the left-hand curve.

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DESIGNATION OF CURVES.

In English practice , a curve is defined by the radius of the

curve in terms of chains, such as a six chain curve means a
curve having radius equal to six full chains, chain being 30
metres unless otherwise specified.
In America,Canada,India and some other countries a curve is
designated by the degree of the curve

RELATION between the Radius of curve and

Degree of Curve.
The relation between the radius and the M P N
degree of the curve may be determined as
follows:-
D
R R
Let R = the radius of the curve in metres. D/2
D= the degree of the curve.
MN = the chord, 30m long.
P= the mid-point of the chord. O
Degree of Curve
In OMP,OM=R,
MP= ½ MN =15m
MOP=D/2
Then, sin D/2=MP/OM= 15/R

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RELATION between the Radius of curve and

Degree of Curve.
Then,sin D/2=MP/OM= 15/R M P N
Or R = 15 (Exact)
sin D/2
But when D is small, sin D/2 may be assumed D
R R
approximately equal to
D/2
D/2 in radians. Therefore:
R = 15 X 360
πD O
= 1718.87 Degree of Curve

D
Or say , R = 1719
D
(Approximate)

ELEMENTS of a Simple Circular Curve

(i) Angle of intersection +Deflection angle = 1800.

or I + φ = 1800

(ii) └ T1OT2 = 1800 - I= φ

i.e the central angle = deflection angle.

(iii)Tangent length = BT1 =BT2= OT1 tan φ/2

= R tan φ/2

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ELEMENTS of a Simple Circular Curve

(iv)Length of long chord =2T1E
=2R sin φ/2
(v)Length of curve = Length of arc T1FT2
= R X φ (in radians)
= πR φ/1800
(vi) Apex distance = BF = BO – OF

= R sec. φ/2 - R

= R (1 – cos φ/2 )=R

versine φ/2

Methods of setting out simple circular

curve
Based on the instruments used in setting out the curves
on the ground there are two methods:
1)Linear method
2)Angular method

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Linear Method
 In these methods only tape or chain is used for setting out
the curve . Angle measuring instrument are not used.
Main linear methods are
 By offsets from the long chord.
 By successive bisection of arcs.
 By offsets from the tangents.
 By offsets from chords produced.

By offsets from the long chord

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R = Radius of the curve 0o = Mid ordinate

0x = ordinate at distance x from the mid point of the chord

T1 and T2 = Tangent point

𝐿2
0o = R -- 𝑅 − (2 )
2

0x = (𝑅2 −𝑥2 ) –(R – 0o)

By successive bisection of arcs

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 Join the tangent points T1,T2 and bisect the long chord at
D.
 Erect perpendicular DC at D equal to the mid ordinate.
 Join T1C and T2C and bisect them at D1
and D2 respectively.
 D1 & D@ set out perpendicular offsets

C1D1=C2D2=(1-- cos ∆) and obtain

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points
C1 and C2 on the curve.

By offsets from the tangents

The offsets from the tangents can be of two types

1) Radial offsets
2) Perpendicular offsets

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1) Radial offsets

0X = 𝑅2 + 𝑥2 -- R

2) Perpendicular offsets

Ox = R -- 𝑅2 − 𝑥2

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By offsets from chords produced

2
01 = 𝐶1
2𝑅
2
02 = 𝐶1 (C1 + CL)
2𝑅
2 2
03 = 04 = 𝑂 𝑛− 1
= 𝐶𝑙 (2CL) = 𝐶𝐿
2𝑅 𝑅
′
0n = 𝐶 (CL + 𝐶′)
2𝑅

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Angular Method

 This methods are used when the length of curve is

large.
The Angular methods are:
1) Rankine method of tangential angles
2) Two theodolite method
3) Tacheometric method

Rankine method of tangential angles

 “A deflection angle to any point on the curve is the angle at
p.c. between the back tangent and the chord from p.c. to that
point.”

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 Set out 𝑇1 and 𝑇2.

 Set the theodolite 𝑇1.
 With both the plates clamped to zero, direct the
theodolite to bisect the point of intersection.
 Release the upper clamp screw and set angle ∆1 o the vernier.
 With zero end of the tape pointed at T1 and an narrow held at a distance
T1A=C1 swing the tape around T1 till the arrow is bisected by the cross
hairs.
 Release the upper plate and set the second deflection angle ∆2 on the
vernier so that the line of sight is directed along T1B.
 With the zero end of the tape pinned at Avand an arrow held at a distance
AB = C2 swing the tape around A till the narrow is bisected by the cross
hairs.
 Repeat the steps 6,7 till the last point T2 is reached.
 Join the points T1,A,B,C….T2

Two theodolite Method

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 In this method two theodolites are used one at P.C and the
other at P<T.
 In this method tape/chain is not required. This method
used when the ground is unsuitable for chaining.
 < V𝑇1 A = ∆1= Deflection angle for A.
 < A𝑇2T is the angle subtended by the chord T1A in the
opposite segment.
 (A𝑇2𝑇2 =<VT1A=∆1)
 <V𝑇1B = ∆2 = <𝑇1𝑇2 B

Tacheometric method

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 Set the tacheometer at 𝑇1 and sight the point of

intersection when the reading is zero.
 Set the deflection angle ∆1 on the vernier, thus directing
the line of sight along 𝑇1A.
 Direct the staff man to move in the direction
𝑇1A till the calculated staff intercept 𝑆1 is obtained. The staff
is generally held vertical. First point A is fixed.
 Set the deflection angle ∆2 directing the line of sight along
𝑇1B. Move the staff backward or forward untill the staff
intercept 𝑆2is obtained thus fixing the point B.
 Same other points are fixed.

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