TYPES OF HORIZONTAL CURVES

A curve may be SIMPLE, COMPOUND, REVERSE, OR SPIRAL. Compound and reverse curves
are treated as a combination of two or more simple curves, whereas the spiral curve is based
on a varying radius.
Simple
The simple curve is an arc of a circle. It is the most commonly used. The radius of the circle
determines the “sharpness” or “flatness” of the curve. The larger the radius, the “flatter” the
curve.
Compound
Surveyors often have to use a compound curve because of the terrain. This curve normally
consists of two simple curves curving in the same direction and joined together.

Reverse
A reverse curve consists of two simple curves joined together but curving in opposite
directions. For safety reasons, the surveyor should not use this curve unless absolutely
necessary.

Spiral
The spiral is a curve with varying radius used on railroads and some modern highways. It
provides a transition from the tangent to a simple curve or between simple curves in a
compound curve.
 ELEMENTS OF A SIMPLE CURVE
Figure shows the elements of a simple curve. They are described as follows, and their
abbreviations are given in parentheses.
Point of Intersection (PI)
The point of intersection marks the point where the back and forward tangents 3-2 intersect.
The surveyor indicates it one of the stations on the preliminary traverse.
Intersecting Angle (I)
The intersecting angle is the deflection angle at the PI. The surveyor either computes its value
from the preliminary traverse station angles or measures it in the field.
Radius (R)
The radius is the radius of the circle of which the curve is an arc.
Point of Curvature (PC)
The point of curvature is the point where the circular curve begins. The back tangent is
tangent to the curve at this point.
Point of Tangency (PT)
The point of tangency is the end of the curve. The forward tangent is tangent to the curve at
this point.
Length of curve, (Lc)
Length of curve from PC to PT is the road distance between ends of the simple curve.
Length of tangent, (T)
Length of tangent (also referred to as subtangent) is the distance from PC to PI. It is the same
distance from PI to PT.
Length of long chord, (L)
Length of long chord or simply length of chord is the distance from PC to PT.
External distance, (E)
External distance is the distance from PI to the midpoint of the curve.
Middle ordinate, (M)
Middle ordinate is the distance from the midpoint of the curve to the midpoint of the chord.

SITUATION 1:
The length of a simple curve having a degree of curve of 4deg is equal to 210m.
a. determine the length of tangent
b. determine the middle ordinate of the curve
c. determine the external distance of the curve
SITUATION 2:
A simple curve has a central angle of 40deg. The stationing at the point of curvature is equal to
10+100. The offset distance from the PT to the point of tangent line passing thru the P.C is
80m long.
a. compute the degree of the curve
b. the deflection angle from the tangent at the PC to point B on the curve is equal to 5deg,
what would be the stationing of point B?
SITUATION 3:
The angle of intersection of a circular curve is 45 degrees 30 minutes and its radius is 198.17m.
PI is at station 0+783.10.
a. compute the deflection angle of Sta. 0+736.58 from PC
b. Compute the right angle offset from Sta. 0+736.58 on the curve to tangent through PC.
c. Degree of curve using chord basis.
 COMPOUND CURVES
A compound curve is two or more simple curves which have different centers, bend in the
same direction, lie on the same side of their common tangent, and connect to form a
continuous arc. The point where the two curves connect (namely, the point at which the PT of
the first curve equals the PC of the second curve) is referred to as the point of compound
curvature (PCC). Since their tangent lengths vary, compound curves fit the topography much
better than simple curves. These curves easily adapt to mountainous terrain or areas cut by
large, winding rivers. However, since compound curves are more hazardous than simple
curves, they should never be used where a simple curve will do.

Elements of compound curve

• PC = point of curvature
• PT = point of tangency
• PI = point of intersection
• PCC = point of compound curve
• T1 = length of tangent of the first curve
• T2 = length of tangent of the second curve
• V1 = vertex of the first curve
• V2 = vertex of the second curve
• I1 = central angle of the first curve
• I2 = central angle of the second curve
• I = angle of intersection = I1 + I2
• Lc1 = length of first curve
• Lc2 = length of second curve
• L1 = length of first chord
• L2 = length of second chord
• L = length of long chord from PC to PT
• T1 + T2 = length of common tangent measured from V1 to V2
• θ = 180° - I
• x and y can be found from triangle V1-V2-PI.
• L can be found from triangle PC-PCC-PT

SITUATION 1:
The long chord from the PC to the PT of a compound curve is 300m long and the angles it
makes with the longer and shorter tangents are 12 degrees and 15 degrees respectively. If the
common tangent is parallel to the long chord;
a. find the radius of the first curve
b. find the radius of the second curve
c. if stationing of PC is 10+204.30, find the stationing of PT.
SITUATION 2:
Two tangents intersect at station 5+800. A compound curve laid on their tangents has the
following data
I1 = 320 , I2 = 380 , D1 = 40 and D2 = 70
a. determine the stationing of PC, PCC, and PT.
SITUATION 3:
A compound curve is laid out 105m from PC to the PCC having a radius of 200m, then from
PCC another curve was laid out to PT 140m long with a radius of 210m. If the stationing of the
point of intersection is 10+430, determine the stationing of the PC and PT. Determine also the
angle that the long chord makes with the tangents.

ASSIGNMENTS:
SITUATION 1:

A simple Curve of the proposed extension of Mantabahadra Highway has a direction of tangent AB which is
due north and tangent BC bearing N50E. Point A is at the PC whose stationing is 20+130.46. The degree of
curve is 4 degree.

a. Compute the long chord of the curve.

b. Compute the stationing of point D on the curve along a line joining the center of the curve which makes an
angle of 54 deg. (at E) with the tangent line passing through the P.C.

c. What is the length of the line from D to E.

SITUATION 2:

Given a compound curve with long chord equal to 140m forming an angle of 12deg and 18deg respectively
with the tangents. The common tangent is parallel to the long chord. Determine the radii of the compound
curve.

INSTRUCTOR: ENGR. JUDY-ANN A. ESCUÑA