Curve Introduction
Curve Introduction
Curve Introduction
Introduction
Arc of finite radius
Introduced when two straight lines (with
different direction) need to be
joined/connected.
Applied in the highway/railway (Routes).
Make vehicle to move comfortably and
safely, avoiding the sudden change in the
route.
…Introduction
…Introduction
Types:
Horizontal
-Applied in the horizontal plane
Vertical
-Applied in the vertical plane
Horizontal:
Simple Circular Curve
Compound Curve
Reverse Curve
Transition Curve
Combined Curve
Broken Back Curve
…Introduction
Simple Circular Curves
• Connects two intersection straight lines
• Consists of a single arc of a circle
i.e. the curve has constant radius
• The curve is tangential to the connected
straight lines at the joining points
R
R R
…Introduction
Compound Curve
• Combination of two or more simple
circular curves in the same direction with
different radii
R1
R2
…Introduction
Reverse Curve
• Combination of two or more simple
circular curves in the opposite direction
with same or different radii
• Also known as serpentine curve
O2
R2
R1
O1
…Introduction
Transition Curve
• Introduced between simple circular curve and
straight line or between two simple circular
curves
• With varying radius
• Provides a gradual change from straight line to
the circular curve and vice versa
• Also known as easement curve R
R
R
Transition Curve
…Introduction
Combined Curve
• Combination of simple circular curves and
transition curve
Broken back curve
• Two circular curves, having centers in the
same side, connected with a tangent
Tangent
R2
R1
Simple Circular Curves
I’
I
Δ
T1 T2
D
A B
Δ/2
Δ
O
…Simple Circular Curves
Basic Definitions
i. Point of Intersection (I): The point where the
two straight lines meet, also known as vertex
ii. Back Tangent: The tangent line before the
beginning of the curve (AT1)
iii. Forward Tangent: The tangent line after the end
of the curve (T2B)
iv. Deflection Angle(Δ): The external angle between
two straight lines (∟I’IT2)
v. Angle of Intersection(θ): The internal angle
between two straight lines (∟T1IT2)
The sum of Δ and θ is 180º.
…Simple Circular Curves
vi. Point of Curvature: Point on the back tangent at
the beginning of the curve, also known as tangent-
curve point (T1)
vii. Point of Tangency: Point on the forward tangent at
the end of the curve, also known as curve-tangent
point (T2)
viii. Tangent Length: Distance between the point of
curvature to the point of intersection; also the
distance between the point of intersection to the
point of tangency (T1I, IT2)
ix. Length of the Curve: Total length of the curve
between point of curvature and point of tangency
(T1CT2)
…Simple Circular Curves
i. Apex of the Curve: The mid point of the curve,
also known as the summit of the curve (C)
ii. Long Chord: Chord of the circular curve joining
the point of curvature(T1) and point of
tangency(T2) (T1DT2)
xii. Mid Ordinate: The distance between the apex of
the curve (C) and mid point (D) of the long
chord, also known as versine of the curve; (DC)
xiii. External Distance: Distance between the point
of Intersection (I) and apex of the curve (C), also
known as apex distance; (IC)
Designation of a Curve
Designated by two ways:
By radius (R)
By degree of curvature (D)
Degree of curvature is the angle subtended at the
center by an arc or chord of specified length(l).
According to arc definition, the degree of curve is
defined as the central angle subtended by an arc of
20m or 30m length.
According to the chord definition, the degree of
curve is defined as the central angle subtended by a
chord of 20m or 30m length.
…Designation of a Curve
Relation between Degree and Radius of Curve
Arc Definition:
30 = RXD (θ = l/r) D in radian
30 = RXDX(π /1800) D in Degree
D = 1718.87/R D
Chord Definition:
Sin(D/2) = 15/R
D/2 X π /1800 = 15/R (For small angle Sin(D/2) =
D/2radians)
D = 1718.87/R
Elements
Length of Curve (l):
T1CT2(l)
; Δ is in radian
R
l R l
R ; Δ is in degree
180
Tangent Length (T): tan(Δ/2) = T/R T = R tan(Δ/2)