Curves

A curve may be either circular, parabolic or spiral and is always tangential to the two straight
directions at its ends.
further classified as :
(i) Simple (ii) Compound (iii) Reverse
(iv) Transition.

1. Simple curve. The curve which is a single arc of a circle, is

known as simple curve or a simple circular curve. It is
tangential to both the straights AT1 and CT2.

2. Compound curve (Fig. 15.4). A curve which consists of two

or more arcs of different circles with different radii having their
centres on the same side of the common tangent in succession,
each bending in the same direction, is known as a compound
curve.

3. Reverse curve (Fig. 15.5). A curve which consists of two

opposite circular arcs of same or different radii, is known as a
reverse curve. In such curves the centres of the arcs are on the
opposite sides of the curve. The two arcs turn in opposite
directions with a common tangent at the junction of the two arcs.

4. Transition curve. A curve of varying radius introduced

between a straight and a circular curve, is called a transition
curve.

Degree of curve

The degree of curve may be defined as the central angle of the curve that is subtended by an
arc of 30 metres (or 100 ft).
Elements of a curve

Setting out a simple circular curve

A simple circular curve may be set out on the ground be any one of the following methods.
1. Offsets from the tangents
2. Offsets from the long chord.
3. Successive bisection of the chords.
4. Offsets from chords produced.
5. Deflection angles from the point of commencement and normal chords.
6. Deflection angles from the point of commencement and point of tangency, using two
theodolites.

Methods 1 to 4 are known as linear methods whereas the other two methods, are known as
angular methods.

1. Offsets from the Tangents

Limitation of the Method. This method can be used conveniently if the deflection angle and
radius of the curve are comparatively small.

1. Perpendicular Offsets. (Fig. 15.9).

Let any point M on the back tangent of a curve of
radius R be at a distance of x from T1. Length of the
perpendicular offset ME from tangent T1, I to the
curve be Ox.

2. Radial offsets. (Fig. 15.10).

Let M be any point on the tangent at a distance x from the
point of commencement T1. Ox be the radial offset from
M to the curve. R be the radius of the curve with O as its
centre.
2. Offsets from the Long Chord
Let T1 and T2 be the points of commencement and
tangency of the curve. Radius of the curve is R having
O as centre. (Fig. 15.11)
Construction. Join T1 T2. Divide T1 T2 at D. Join ID
which intersects the curve at B. The maximum length
of the offset from the long chord T1 T2 is BD, whose
value may be calculated as under.

To find the ordinate Oy at any point N at a distance x from mid point D, drop EL
perpendicular to BD.

3. Successive Bisection of Chords

Let T1 T2 be the long chord of a curve whose angle of
deflection is Δ. (Fig. 15.12).
Construction : Divide T1 T2 at D. Join OD and produce
it to intersect the curve at B.

To obtain the position of the point B, erect a

perpendicular offset equal to R(1 − cos Δ /2) at D. Now,
consider T1 B and T2 B independent portions of the curve having T1 B and T2 B as long
chords. Divide T1 B and T2 B at D1 and D2 respectively.
It can be proved that offsets B1 D1 and B2 D2 are each equal toR(1 − cos Δ/4) where angles
T1OD1 and T2OD2. are each equal to Δ /4.
To locate B1 and B2, erect perpendicular offsets equal toR(1 − cos Δ /4) at D1 and D2.

By further successive bisection of the chords T1B1, B1B, BB2 and B2T2 we may obtain the
locations of other points on the curve.
4. Offsets from Chords Produced
The curve is divided into a number of chords normally 20 or 30 m in length. As continuous
chainage is required along the curve, two subchords generally occur, one at the beginning
and the other at the end of the curve.
Let AI be the back tangent, T1a = C1 be the first sub-chord and the angle IT1a between the
tangent T1 I and the sub-chord T1a be δ. (Fig. 15.13).
5. Rankine’s Method of Tangential Deflection Angles
Example 6.1. Two straights intersect at chainage 2056.44 m and the angle of intersection is
120°. If the radius of the simple curve to be introduced is 600 m, find the following:
i. Tangent distances
ii. Chainage of the point of commencement
iii. Chainage of the point of tangency
iv. Length of the long chord.
Example 6.2. Two roads meet at an angle of 127° 30′. Calculate the necessary data for setting
out a curve of 15 chains radius to connect two straight portions of the road if it is intended to
set out the curve by chain and offsets only. Explain carefully how you would set out the curve
in the field. Assume the length of chain as 20 metres.
Example 15.4. Two tangents intersect at chainage 1190 m, the deflection angle being 36°.
Calculate all the data necessary for setting out a curve with a radius of 300 m by deflection
angle method. The peg interval is 30 m.
 Transition curves:
A non-circular curve introduced between a straight and a circular curve, is known as a
transition Curve. The curvature of such a curve varies from zero at its beginning to a definite
value at its junction with the circular curve.
Necessity of a transition curve

1. It enables to introduce super-elevation in proportion to the rate of change of

curvature.
2. It avoids over turning and side slipping of the moving vehicles.
3. It eliminates discomforts caused to the passengers while negotiating a curve.
REQUIREMENTS OF AN IDEAL TRANSITION CURVE

1. An ideal transition curve should be tangential to the straight as well as to the circular
curve.
2. The curvature of an ideal transition curve should be zero at its origin on the straight.
3. The radius of an ideal transition curve at the junction of the circular curve should be
same as that of the circular curve.
4. The length of an ideal transition curve should be such that the required superelevation
is attained at its junction with the circular curve.
5. The rate of increase of curvature along an ideal transition curve should be same as
that of superelevation.
TYPES OF TRANSITION CURVES
There are mainly three types of transition curves, namely :

i. Euler’s spiral
ii. Cubical spiral
iii. Cubic parabola
iv. The Lemniscate curve.
Cubical spiral and cubic parabolic transition curves are best suited to railway curves and
Lemniscates for highway curves.
LENGTH OF A TRANSITION CURVE
CHARACTERISTICS OF A TRANSITION CURVE
The transition curves are introduced at both the ends of a circular curve by shifting the main
curve inwards.

Let AK and KC to two straights.

Δ, the angle of deflection
t1 ,t2, the points of tangencies of the original curve
T1 , T2 the points of tangencies of transition curve
 E and F, the junction points of the transition curves with the circular curve.
R, the radius of the circular curve.
S, the shift of the circular curve
EN, the tangent at E meeting back tangent AK at N
ø the spiral angle
O, the centre of the main circular curve

5. Chainages of main points of the curve.

1. The chainage at the point of commencement (T1) of the combined curve
= the chainage at the point of intersection (K) − total tangent length.
2. The chainage at the first junction point (E)
= Chainage at the point of commencement (T1) + length of the transition curve (L).
3. The chainage at the second junction point (F).
= chainage of the first junction point (E) + length of the circular curve.
4. The chainage at the point of tangency (T2)
= chainage of the second junction point (F) + length of the transition curve (L).
Example : Two straights AB and BC intersect at the chainage 2635.22 m, the deflection angle
being 48° 24′. It is proposed to insert a circular curve of 300 m raidus with two transition
curves, 80 m long at each end. Calculate the shift of the main curve, the spiral angle of the
transition curve and the chainage at the point of commencement.
SETTING OUT A COMBINED CURVE (TRANSITION + CIRCULAR)
carried out in two stages :

i. setting out of transition curves.

ii. setting out of circular curve.
1. Setting out of Transition curves by tangential offsets
The first transition curve is set out from T1, the point of commencement and the second
transition curve from T2, the point of tangency whose positions are fixed on the ground by
measuring the total tangent lengths from the point of intersection.
Steps : The following steps are followed.

1. Either assume a convenient length of the transition curve or calculate its length by any
one of the methods discussed in art.
For circular curve,
Shift the theodolite at end point of transition curve,
Then calculate deflection according to rankine method as described above.
2. Setting out of Transition curves by deflection angles
Example: Two straight AB and BC intersect at chainage 1000m., the deflection angle being 40
degree. It is purposed to intersect a circular curve of radius 300m with a transition curve of
length 90m at each end. Calculate all data necessary for setting out curve by the deflection
angle method, taking a peg interval of 20m. Prepare the setting out table, taking the least
count of theodolite as 20”.
 Vertical Curves
When two different or contrary gradients meet, they are connected by a curve in vertical
plane is called a vertical curve. To provide safety, comfort and clearance along such tracks
either circular or parabolic arcs are introduced. A parabolic arc is preferred to a circular one
due to simplicity of calculating offsets for setting out vertical curves. A parabolic curve also
provides the best riding qualities as the rate of change in grade is uniform throughout along
a parabola having its axis vertical i.e., the rate of change of slope of a parabola is constant.

it is noticed that the gradient (or slope) along a parabolic curve changes from point to point
but the rate of change of grade remains constant at every point.
TYPES OF VERTICAL CURVES
LENGTH OF VERTICAL CURVES

GEOMETRICS OF A VERTICAL CURVES

Assumptions:

 As vertical curves are generally flat, the distances along the curve are measured
horizontally and the offsets from the tangents to the curve are measured vertically
without introducing any appreciable error.
 The total length of the vertical without introducing any appreciable error. The total
length of the vertical curve is therefore its horizontal projection.

Let OX′ and OY be the axes of the cartesian co-ordinates, passing through the point of
commencement of the vertical curve to be introduced between two grades g1 and g2.

 OA is a tangent at O, having +g1% slope

 AB is a tangent at B, having −g2% slope
 A is the summit where two grades meet
 P is any point on the curve whose coordinates are : (x, y)
Drop a perpendicular RQ through P to axis OX′. The general equation of a vertical parabola
having its axis parallel to Y-axis is

The value of the constant ‘K’

 Let 2n be total number of equal chords, each of length l
 g1% and g2% be the upgrade and downgrade respectively.
 e1 and e2 be corresponding rise or fall per chord length.
Produce the tangent OA till it meets the vertical through B at C. Drop AD perpendicular to
the vertical BC.

SETTING OUT A VERTICAL CURVE BY TANGENT CORRECTIONS

Knowing the value of the constant k, the required tangential corrections for various points
on the curve, may be calculated from the equation h = kn2.
Assumption:

 The reduced level and chainage at the point of grade separation i.e. the summit or
valley, are generally known.
 Let n be the number of chords on either side of the summit or valley.
 l be the length of each chord.
 Chainage of point of commencement is known.
 e1 , e2 be the rise or fall per chord length.
Example 18.4. Calculate the reduced levels of the various station pegs on a parabolic vertical
curve which is to be set to connect two uniform grades 0.6% and − 0.7%. The chainage and
required level of the point of intersection are 2525 m and 335.65 m respectively. Assume the
rate of change of grade to be 0.05 per 20 m chain.