Chapter 5 – Setting Out

General Definition
is a survey undertaken in order to transfer onto the site the
plans prepared as a result of some previous survey.

in a sense, is the reverse of the conventional surveying.

there have many types in setting out such as:-

 curves (eg.circular, transition and vertical curves).
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 masshaul in earthwork.
 setting out of bulding and etc.
 Setting Out – Building and etc.

Group Assignment
The class will be divided into ___ person in 1 groups to represent each topics
selected below:-

1. Setting out of Buiding

2. Setting out of Bridge

3. Setting out of Pipeline

4. Setting out of Dam

5. Setting out of Road 1

6. Setting out of Drainage

7. Setting out of Earthwork

8. Setting out of Infrastructure Works

 CURVES

Definition
Are defined as arcs, with some finite radius, provided between
intersecting straights to gradually negotiate a change in direction.

For example, when two straights of a highway or railway are at

some angle to each other, a curve is introduced between them to
avoid an abrupt change in direction and to make the vehicle move
safely, smoothly & comfortably.

This change in direction of the straights are :- 1

1. Horizontal curves (eg. simple circular, compound, reverse,

transition curve and etc.).
2. Vertical curves (eg. summit and sag vertical curve).
 Type of Horizontal CURVES
A curve, connecting two intersecting straights having a
constant radius all through is known as a simple circular
curve.

When two or more simple circular curves, of different radii,

turning in the same direction join two intersecting straights is
known as a compound curve.
When two simple circular curve, of equal or different radii,
having opposite direction of curvature join together is known
as a reverse curve.
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A curve usually introduced between a simple circular

curve & a straight, or between two simple circular
curves.
 Circular curves

Used in roads for connecting two straight sections.

For safety and avoid overturning of the vehicles.
Usually C.C specified by their radius and this method only
will be considered by referring to Figure A.
M J

I 

 1

A B

R 

O
Figure A
 Circular curves

I = Intersection point @ Apex

A & B = Tangent points
O = Centre of the circle
AI & BI = tangent lengths & these are equal
R = Radius of the circle
AB = Long chord
From A to B along the curve = Curve length
JIB = AOB = Deflection angle
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IAB = IBA = AOI = IOB = Tangent angle

MIJ = Intersection angle
 Circular curves

Position of Tangent Points

Tan Tangent length

R
Tangent length = AI = R tan  / 2

Examples :- (refer page 172)

Two straight sections of roads are joined by a curve of
radius 100m. If the intersection angle is 120°, calculate the
length of the tangents.
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 Circular curves

Length of Curve

An angle of 360° = 2πR (where R is the radius)

Therefore; length of arc is proportional to the angle

subtended at the centre of the arc.

Length of arc A to B (refer Fig. 10.1, page 172) =

2πR θ
360 1
 Circular curves

Long Chord Length

Sometimes necessary to fix the position of tangent point

B by calculating the length of the long chord &
measuring this distance from tangent point A.

The sine rule can be used to calculate this length (refer

Fig. 10.1, page 172)

Sin θ/2 = ½ AB ½ AB = R Sin θ/2

R 1

AB = 2 R Sin θ/2
 Circular curves

Setting Out the Curve

After positioning the tangent points on the ground &

determining the length of the circular curve, the curve
may be set out by one of the following methods:

1. One theodolite and steel tape.

2. Chain or steel tape only.
3. Two theodolites. 1

Method 1 is most frequently used and method 2 should

only be used for curves of comparatively short length
and small radii.
 Circular curves

One Theodolite Method

b
To set out the curve by
a c this method:-
A B

(Refer pages 173&174)

A1 B1

O
Figure 10.2 1
 Circular curves

Calculation of Tangent Angle

Short
chord Tangent angle for chord AD
I Curve
angle.
= IAD
= 90° - OAE
D
= AOE
E
A B
Sin AOE = AE = ½ chord
AO radius
R B
A1
1 Given the radius of the curve
O and the length of the chord :-
1

Figure 10.3 Sin (tangent angle) = ½ chord

radius
tangent angle = IAB = IBA = IOA = IOB
Example:- refer page 175
 Circular curves

Exercise :-

The centre line of a road consist of 2 straights joined by a curve of radius

250m. The deflection angle between the two straights is 70° and the curve is
to be set out using chords of 20m. Calculate the data necessary for setting out
the curve.

Solution :-

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 transition curves

General
Is a curve of constantly changing radius.
Used to connect a straight to a curve of radius R, then the commencing
radius of the transition will be the same as the straight (∞), and the final
radius will be that of the curve R.
By referring to Fig. 5.19 and 5.20 (page 176)

T1
1

Fig. 5.19 Fig. 5.20

 transition curves

A vehicle travel at speed (V) along the straight.

The forces acting on the vehicle with its weight (W), vertically down &
opposite force acting vertically up through the wheels.
When vehicle enter the curve of radius (R) at tangent T 1 ,an additional
centrifugal force (P) acts on the vehicle.
If P is large,the vehicle will be force outside of the curve and may skid
or overturn.
In Fig. 5.20, the resultant of the 2 forces is shown as N.
If the road is superelevated normal to this force, there will be no
tendency for the vehicle to skid.
1

It should be noted that as:- P = WV2

Rg

Superelevation will only cancel the effect of P at a constant design speed

V.
 transition curves

Superelevation

When a particle moves in a circular path, then a force (known as centrifugal

force) acts upon it, and tends to push it away from the centre.

To counterbalance the centrifugal force, the outer edge of the road is raised
to some height.

The height through which the

outer edge of the road is raised is
known as superelvation. 1
 transition curves

Principle of the Transition

The objectives/purpose of a transition curve is to:-
a) Avoid overturning of the vehicles.
b) Achieve a gradual change of direction from the straight – (radius
∞) to the curve (radius R).
c) Permit the gradual application of superelevation to reduce
centrifugal force.

Curve Design
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The requirements in the design of transition curves are:-

a) The value of the minimum safe radius R.
b) The length L of the curve.
 transition curves

Curve Design
For the calculation of a safe radius R, the centrifugal ratio P

P = V2
W Rg
where V = the design speed in m/s.
g = acceleration due to gravity in m/s2.
R = is minimum safe radius in m.

So, when V is expressed in km/hr, the expression becomes:-

1

P = V2 Derive this from above equation!!

W 127R
 transition curves

Curve Design
The commonly used values for centrifugal ratio are:-
a) 0.21 to 0.25  on roads.
b) 0.125  on railways.

Eg. If P/W = 0.25 & V = 50 km/hr; what is the radius?

Length of a Transition Curve

where V = design speed is expressed in km/hr
L = V3 = V3 . the remaining units being in metres
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Rq 3.63Rq R = radius in metres

q = rate of change of radial acceleration
usually taken as 0.3,0.45 & 0.6 m/s3
This method is used in road design & also designed for railways.
 transition curves

Setting Out Data

Fig. 5.23 (page 181) indicates the usual situation of 2 straights projected
forward to intersect at I with a transition curve starting from tangent
point T1 and joining the circular arc at t1. The second equal transition
starting at t2 and joins at T2.

Fig. 5.23
 transition curves

Setting Out Data

Fixing the tangent points T1 and T2

In order to fix T1 and T2; the tangent lengths T1I and T2I are measured
from I backdown the straights.

T1I = T2I = (R + S) tan /2 + c

where S = L2 and c= L
24R 2 1

Length of Circular Arc

where  = L
R ( - 2)
2R
 transition curves

Setting Out Data

EXAMPLE:-
Part of a motorway scheme involves the design and setting out of a
simple curve with cubic spiral transition at each end. The transitions are
to be designed such that the centrifugal ratio is 0.197, whilst the rate of
change of centripetal acceleration is 0.45 m/s3 at a design speed of 100
km/hr.
If the chainage of the intersection of the straights is 2154.22 m and the
angle of deflection 50° 00´ 00´´, calculate:-
a) The length of transition. 1

b) The chainage at the beginning and the end of the total

composite curve.
 Vertical curves

General
Used to connect intersecting straights in the vertical plane.
This straights usually referred to as gradients.
Vertical curves are designed to control the speed limit.

Gradients
Usually expressed as percentages (eg. 1 in 50 = 2%)
On urban motorways, the maximum gradient should be taken as 4%
although 5% is allowable in difficult locations @ in hilly areas.
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On rural motorways, the max. gradient should be taken as 3%, although in

hilly areas 4% is permissible.
In the design calculations, the algebraic difference (A) between the
gradients is used. Calculated either +ve q –ve will be made from left to
right.
 Vertical curves

Gradients
Gradients rising to the right are +ve

Gradients falling to the right are -ve

Got 2 terms:-
1. Crest curve / summit or hogging curve

2. Sag curve / valley or sagging curve 1

 Vertical curves

Design & Construction of Vertical Curves

There are 2 main requirements in the design and construction of vertical
curves:-
1. Adequate Visibility
 The vehicles that travelling at the design speed can stop or overtake
safely and necessary that on coming vehicles or any destruction in the
road can be seen clearly and in good time.
 This requirement is achieved by the use:-
(i) Sight distance
(ii) K-Values
2. Passenger Comfort and Safety 1

 This requirement is achieved by:-

(i) Restricting the gradient, which has the effect of reducing the force.
(ii) Choosing a suitable type and length of curve  reduced force is
introduced as gradually & uniformly as possible.
 Vertical curves

Type of Curved Used

1. Flat curve
Its length is L & its radius R where:-

L < 1
R 10

Vertical curve can be categories as flat.

2. Parabolic curve
To achieve a uniform rate of change of gradient.
1

This uniformity rate of change of gradient is shown as follows:-

x = cy2 dx < 2cy d2x < 2c

Constant
dy d2 y
 Vertical curves

Assumptions made in vertical Curve

The assumpitions are:-

1. Chord PTR = arc PSR = PQ + QR 1

2. Length along tangents = horizontal length; where PQ = PQ´

3. QU = QT
4. PQ = QR
These assumptions are valid if m  4% and n  4%
 Vertical curves

Eqn. Of the Vertical Curve

- n%

The eqn. of the curve; x = cy2 , y = tangent length

Let QS = e = x; total length of the curve = L, using the assumptions:-
1

Level of Q above P = (m/100) (L/2) = (mL/200)

Level of R below Q = (n/100) (L/2) = (nL/200)
Hence:-
Level of R above P = (mL/200) - (nL/200) = (m-n)L/200
 Vertical curves

Eqn. Of the Vertical Curve

But, from the assumptions, PT = TR, therefore:-
Level of T above P = (m-n)L/400

But, from the properties of the parabola:-

QS = QT = ST
2

Therefore:-
QS = ½ (mL/200 – (m-n)L / 400) = (m+n)L / 800
1

But (m+n) = algebraic difference of the gradients = A, therefore:-

QS = e = LA / 800
 Vertical curves

Eqn. Of the Vertical Curve

The equation of the parabola is x = cy2, therefore at point Q, when y = L /
2, x = e, hence:-
e = c ( L/2 )2  c = e / ( L/2 )2

But, from above:-

e = LA / 800

Therefore:-

x = ey2 LA x y2 x 4 x =
1
Ay2
(L/2)2 800 L2 200L
#
 Vertical curves

Sight Distances
Length of curve depends on the síght distance.
Both crest & sag curves are design using sight distance with different
criteria.
There have 2 type of sight distances:-
1. Stopping Sight Distance
- Is the length required to enable a vehicle traveling at @ near the design
speed to stop before reaching an object in its path.
- Usually sags are designed using only the stopping sight distance.
2. Overtaking / Passing Sight Distance
- Should be determined on the basis of the length needed to safety complete
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a normal passing manoeuver.

- Crest on two way single carriageways using overtaking sight distance but
one way roads @ dual carriageways using stopping sight distance.
 Vertical curves

Sight Distances
The Sight Distance for Crest:-
- Is the distance of visibility over a summit from a point 1.05m above the
road surface on one side of the summit to be a similiar point on the other
side of the summit.
- The value of 1.05m is taken to be the average height on the driver‘s eyes
above the road surface.

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 Vertical curves

Sight Distances
The Sight Distance for Sags:-
- Is the distance required for the vehicle headlamp beams to show up
objects on the carriageway. (usually 0.75m)

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 Vertical curves

K-values
The minimum of vertical curve (L) for any given road is obtained from
the formula:-

L = K.A metres

Where :- K - constants (unit in metres)

A - the algebraic difference of the gradients.
Overtaking K-values  apply to two way roads with single carriageways
 is not critical on sags.

Stopping K-Values  apply to dual carriageways, one-way streets and

1

two-way roads.
 sags are usually designed based on stopping
K-values.
 Vertical curves

Use of K-values
See in pages 209, (table from library‘s book).

Length of Vertical Curve to be used

Often the value for minimum length of curve obtained from the K-values
is not used, a greater length being chosen.

For urban roads, the DOE (Department of Environmental) specify

minimum vertical curve lengths for each design speed and these must, at
least, be used.
1

For rural roads, the minimum length of curve should never be less than
half the design speed in km/hr.
Examples:- 120 km/hr  so minimum length of curve between any
gradients should be 60m and above.
 Vertical curves

Setting Out the Vertical Curve

Once the length and gradients have been decided, it is necessary to plot the
curve on the longitudinal section as a check on the design and then set it out
on the ground.

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 Vertical curves

Setting Out the Vertical Curve

The offset are given by x = Ay2 / 200L  from derivation

For a crest, x is measured down from the tangent length.
For a sag, x is measured up from the tangent length.

It is necessary to calculate the Reduced Level (RL) of points along the

proposed centre line.
If P is datum level, the level of any point z on the curve with respect to P is
given by H, where:-

H = [(m)y / 100 – (A)y2 /200L] 1 A

Where :- H can be either positive @ negative, depend the sign

of m & A and all H values are related to the RL of P.
 Vertical curves

Highest Point of a Crest, Lowest Point of a sag

The highest point of a crest occurs when H ia a maximum and the lowest
point of a sag occurs when H is a minimum.
For a maximum @ minimum value of H, d(H)/dy = 0, therefore:-

d(H) = m - Ay = 0
dy 100 100L
Hence m/100 = Ay /100; therefore y = Lm/A for a max @ min value of
H

So; eqn. A Hmax/min = [( m x Lm ) - ( A x L2m2)]

100 A 200L A21

= [( Lm2 ) - ( Lm2)]
100A 200A
Hmax/min = Lm2
Above @ below point P
200A
 Vertical curves

Worked Examples:-
The level at the intersection of a rising gradient of 1 percent and a falling
gradient of 0.5 percent on a rural road is 93.600m AOD. Given that the
K-value for this particular road is 90, the through chainage of the
intersection point is 671.34m and the vertical curve is to have equal
tangent lengths, calculate:-
i) The through chainages of the tangent points of the vertical curve if the
minimum required length is to be used.
ii) The reduced levels of the tangent points and the reduced levels at exact
20m multiples of through chainage along the curve.
iii) The position and level of the highest point on the curve.
1

Solution...
 Vertical curves

Use of K-values

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 Tutorial 5.1
Question 1:
A circular curve of radius 290 m is to be connected between two straights of
a proposed highway. The deflection angle between the two straights is 60°
and the curve is to be set out using chords of 25m. Tabulate the data
necessary for setting out the curve.(nov.03-mac.04)

Question 2:
There have two straight sections of single carriageways which are joined
by a horizontal curve of radius 180 m. if the tangent angle is 25°, calculate
the deflection angle and a length of the tangent. (nov.03-mac.04)

Question 3:
Two tangents intersect at chainage 1712.00 m. The angle of intersection
is 120° and a curve of radius is 200m by the deflection angle method.
1

Calculate:-
i) Tangent length
ii) Curve length
iii) Chainage of first Tangent point
iv) Chainage of last Tangent point (Jun.04-Oct.04)
 Tutorial 5.2
Question 1:
In dual carriageways, it involves the design and setting out of a simple
curve with cubic spiral transitions at each end. The transitions are to be
designed such that the centrifugal ratio is 0.202, whilst the rate of
change of centripetal acceleration is 0.42 m/s3 with radius 250 m.

If the chainage of the intersection of the straights is 1830.26 m and the

angle of deflection 44° 00’ 00”, calculate:

i) the length of transition curve.

ii) the chainage at the beginning and the end of the total composite curve.
(nov.03-mac.04)

Question 2:
1

The transition curves have been made in rural roads where the centrifugal
ratio is 0.24 and it must satisfy the design speed 55 km/hr. Calculate the
minimum safe radius.
(nov.03-mac.04)