fw6 Ce121

Laying of a symmetrical parabolic CURVE USING TRANSIT AND TAPE
Table of contents
Introduction
--------------------------------------------------------------2
Objectives and instruments ---------------------------------------------- 3

Procedure and Computation --------------------------------------------4
Preliminary data sheet ----------------------------------------------------5
Sample Computations -----------------------------------------------------6
Sketch -------------------------------------------------------------------------7
Final data sheet -------------------------------------------------------------8
Pictures -----------------------------------------------------------------------9
Research and discussions ------------------------------------------------10
Conclusion -------------------------------------------------------------------12
Introduction
A parabola is a conic section. It's the curve that can be obtained by a plane
intersecting a right circular cone parallel to the side elements of the cone.
Surveyors and engineers have traditionally used the term vertical curve to
describe the use of parabolic curves in design work. They are used for
transitions from one straight grade to another in designing crowns for
pavements, routes such as highways and railways, as well as dam spillways,
landscape design and of course roller coasters.
Vertical curves are used to provide gradual change between two adjacent
vertical grade lines. The curve used to connect the two adjacent grades is
parabola. Parabola offers smooth transition because its second derivative is
constant. Most often vertical curves are used to improve the comfort, safety
and appearance of routes. They are just as crucial to good work as horizontal
curves.
Objectives:
2
1. To familiarize oneself with the elements of horizontal and vertical

parabolic curve.
2. To lay a horizontal parabolic curve by using tangent offset method.
3. To master the skill in leveling, orienting and using the transit/
theodolite effectively.
4. To work harmoniously with ones group mates and efficiently perform
the required task.
Instruments:
Tape
Used to measure horizontal
distances as well as slopes. Usually
in 30m, 50m or 100m in length.
A theodolite is a precision
instrument used for
measuring angles both
horizontally and vertically.
Theodolites can rotate along
their horizontal axis as well
as their vertical axis.
Marking pins
2 range poles
Straight round stalks, 3 to 4 cm thick
and about 2 m long. They are made
of wood or metal. They are used to
mark areas and to set out straight lines
on the field. They are also used to mark
points which must be seen from a
distance, in which case a flag may be
attached to improve the visibility.
Procedures:
1. The professor gives the following data:
Length of the Parabolic Curve =
Full Station =
Sta of PVI (Point of Vertical Intersection) =
Preferably not in full station
g1 =
g2 =
Elev PVI =
2. Compute the elements of the parabolic curve given the data above.
Note that the nomenclature of the parabolic curve adopts that of a
simple curve with the additional V for vertical on the middle of the
abbreviations or on a subscript.
Solve for:
Set the reference point at PVC, which must have a (0,0,0) coordinate.
L
Elev PVC =Elev PVI g1
2
The distances of each intermediate point must be based on PVC using the
figure I. if you are using the second figure the distance of each intermediate
point is based on either PVC or PVT. Just indicate the different % of grade you
are using.
y
H
=
2
2
x
L
2
3. Set and level the transit at PVC (Point
of Vertical Curvature). Level the
telescope and set the horizontal and vertical vernier to zero.
4. Assign a datum line. Sight the location of vertex PVI following the given
value of g1 and mark the location on the ground assuming PVC is at
(0,0,0) origin. The horizontal angle on the transit is computed as:
()
()
g1
100
Position the PVI at half the length of the parabolic curve.
Locate the intermediate points at full stations on the datum line
(coplanar with PVC). Note: in most cases, there will be equal numbers
of intermediate stations on both sides of PVI.
Mark using marking pins/chalk on the ground, the individual tangent
offset of each intermediate points from the back and forward tangents.
(OPTIONAL- TO SEE HOW A VERTICAL PARABOLIC CURVE MAY LOOK
LIKE) After laying the parabolic curve on the ground, use nylon ropes
with lengths equal to tangent offsets and trace each points by tying
each marking pins or any stone on the assigned tangent line to the
back and forward tangents.
Drop the entire assembly on a vertical wall (e.g. Intramuros Wall)
holding only the point on the tangent line coinciding with the PVI. Tie
both ends of the tangent line (PVC and PVT) at two points having
different elevations (as assigned) to verify the accuracy of the
parabolic curve that has been traced and transformed from a
horizontal parabolic curve into a vertical parabolic curve.
=tan 1
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Preliminary Data Sheet:
Sample Computations:
Sketch:
Final Data Sheet
Field Work 6
Laying of a Parabolic Curve using

Transit and Tape
Date: Nov. 10, 2015
Group No.: 4
Time: 12pm-4:30pm
Weather: Sunny
Location: Rizal Park
Professor: Engr. Ira Balmoris
Data Supplied:
Length of the Parabolic Curve = 22m
Full Station = 3m
Sta of PVI (Point of Vertical Intersection) =
0+013
Preferably not in full station
STATIO
N
PVC
1
2
3
4
MID
5
6
7
PVT
STATIO
N IN
METER
S
0+002
0+003
0+005
0+008
0+009
0+012
0+013
0+015
0+018
0+024
Elev PVI = 100m
DISTANC
E FROM
PC
PERCENTA
GE (%
GRADE)
TANGENT
ELEVATIO
N
TANGEN
T
OFFSET
ELEVATIO
N
0
1
4
7
10
11
13
16
19
22
1
1
1
1
1
1
-2
-2
-2
-2
89
90
93
96
99
100
102
105
108
111
0
0.068
1.09
3.34
6.82
8.25
11.52
17.45
24.61
33
89
89.932
91.91
92.66
92.18
91.75
90.48
87.55
83.39
78
Sample Computation:
2
1 ()
g1 = 1
g2 = -2
1
1
H= L ( g1g 2) = ( 22 )
8
8
L
22
Elev of PC =100 m =100 =89 m
2
2
1
=tan (1)=45
Tangent Offsets:
y
H
=
2
2
x
L
2
y 1 8.25
=
y 1=0.068 m
12 112
y 2 8.25
=
y 2 =1.09m
4 2 112
y 3 8.25
=
y 3 =3.34 m
7 2 112
Elevations:
()
Elevation=Tangent ElevationTangent Offset

Elev 1=900.068=89.932 m
Elev 2=931.09=91.91m
Elev 3=963.34=92.66 m
Pictures:
Setting the instrument.

and stations.
Establishing PVI
Measuring the vertical height of each stations.

curve.
Measuring L
The parabolic
Research and Discussions:

Symmetrical parabolic curve does not necessarily mean the curve is
symmetrical at L/2, it simply means that the curve is made up of single
vertical parabolic curve. Using two or more parabolic curves placed adjacent
to each other is called unsymmetrical parabolic curve. The figure shown
below is a vertical summit curve. Note that the same elements holds true for
vertical sag curve.
Elements of Vertical Curve
PC = point of curvature, also known as BVC (beginning of vertical

curve)
PT = point of
tangency,
also
known
as
EVC
(end
of
vertical
curve)
PI = point of intersection of the tangents, also called PVI (point of

vertical intersection)
L = length of parabolic curve, it is the projection of the curve onto a
horizontal surface which corresponds to the plan distance.
S1 = horizontal distance from PC to the highest (lowest) point of the
summit (sag) curve
S2 = horizontal distance from PT to the highest (lowest) point of the
summit (sag) curve
h1 = vertical distance between PC and the highest (lowest) point of
the summit (sag) curve
h2 = vertical distance between PT and the highest (lowest) point of the
summit (sag) curve
g1 = grade (in percent) of back tangent (tangent through PC)
g2 = grade (in percent) of
forward tangent (tangent
through PT)
A = change in grade from PC
to PT
a = vertical distance between
PC and PI
b
=
vertical
distance
between PT and PI
H
=
vertical
distance
between PI and the curve
Formulas for Symmetrical

Parabolic Curve
Properties of Parabolic Curve and its Grade Diagram
1. The length of parabolic curve L is the horizontal distance between PI
and PT.
2. PI is midway between PC and PT.
3. The curve is midway between PI and the midpoint of the chord from PC
to PT.
4. The vertical distance between any two points on the curve is equal to
area under the grade diagram. The vertical distance c = Area.
5. The grade of the curve at a specific point is equal to the offset distance
in the grade diagram under that point. The grade at point Q is equal to
gQ.
Note that the principles and formulas can be applied to both summit and sag
curves.
rise = run slope
1
a= g L
2
1
b= g
2
Neglecting the sign of g and g
S
L
=
g g + g
S =
gL
g + g
S
L
=
g g + g
S =
g L
g +g
vertical distance = area under the grade diagram

1
h = g S
2
1
h = g S
2
Other formulas
1
H= L( g + g )
8
1
L
2
2
x
=
y
H
( )
These equations are often used to check the design speed of an existing
vertical curve. K values are preferred to be used when design a new vertical
curve because it provides a better safety distance.
Conclusion:

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Laying of a symmetrical parabolic CURVE USING TRANSIT AND TAPE

Objectives and instruments ---------------------------------------------- 3

Laying of a symmetrical parabolic CURVE USING TRANSIT AND TAPE

Laying of a symmetrical parabolic CURVE USING TRANSIT AND TAPE

1. To familiarize oneself with the elements of horizontal and vertical

Preliminary Data Sheet:

Final Data Sheet

Laying of a Parabolic Curve using

Location: Rizal Park

Professor: Engr. Ira Balmoris

Elev PVI = 100m

Elevation=Tangent ElevationTangent Offset

Setting the instrument.

Measuring the vertical height of each stations.

Research and Discussions:

PC = point of curvature, also known as BVC (beginning of vertical

PI = point of intersection of the tangents, also called PVI (point of

Formulas for Symmetrical

vertical distance = area under the grade diagram

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