The document describes setting out a simple horizontal curve for a highway. It discusses the key elements of a curve, including the radius, tangent distance, length of curve, and deflection angles. It then outlines the objectives, equipment, and procedures used to lay out a sample curve with a 55m radius in the field, including measuring deflection angles and sub-chord distances between points along the curve from the point of curvature to the point of tangency. Calculations are shown to determine the curve elements based on the sample data collected.
The document describes setting out a simple horizontal curve for a highway. It discusses the key elements of a curve, including the radius, tangent distance, length of curve, and deflection angles. It then outlines the objectives, equipment, and procedures used to lay out a sample curve with a 55m radius in the field, including measuring deflection angles and sub-chord distances between points along the curve from the point of curvature to the point of tangency. Calculations are shown to determine the curve elements based on the sample data collected.
The document describes setting out a simple horizontal curve for a highway. It discusses the key elements of a curve, including the radius, tangent distance, length of curve, and deflection angles. It then outlines the objectives, equipment, and procedures used to lay out a sample curve with a 55m radius in the field, including measuring deflection angles and sub-chord distances between points along the curve from the point of curvature to the point of tangency. Calculations are shown to determine the curve elements based on the sample data collected.
The document describes setting out a simple horizontal curve for a highway. It discusses the key elements of a curve, including the radius, tangent distance, length of curve, and deflection angles. It then outlines the objectives, equipment, and procedures used to lay out a sample curve with a 55m radius in the field, including measuring deflection angles and sub-chord distances between points along the curve from the point of curvature to the point of tangency. Calculations are shown to determine the curve elements based on the sample data collected.
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DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
HIGHWAY ENGINEERING AND PAVEMENT DESIGN
PRACTICAL 1
SETTING OUT A SIMPLE CURVE
GROUP 1
TUELO T BAGWISANYI
19000529
LEVEL 400
LECTURE: S D MAYUNGA INTRODUCTION
Horizontal curve is a transition element in geometric design for highways. It
provides a transition between two tangent strips of roadway, allowing a vehicle to negotiate a turn at a gradual rate rather than a sharp bend. The design of the curve is dependent on the intended design speed for the roadway, as well as other factors including drainage and friction. The radius of the curve determines the sharpness or flatness of the curve. In setting out a horizontal curve can be done by setting out of a curve by deflecting angle or by two theodolite method. Using the angle deflection method, the curve is set out by the use of deflection angles turned at the point of curvature from the tangent line to the points along the curve. This method uses station measurements which are not applicable when using the two-theodolite method. When using the two-theodolite method, the curve is set out through angular measurements only. In this method, two theodolites are used, one at the point of curvature and one at the point of tangency to simultaneously measure deflection angles from both points. Types of Horizontal Curves A curve may be simple, compound, reverse, or spiral. Compound and reverse curves are treated as a combination of 2 or more simple curves, whereas the spiral curve is based on a varying radius. i) Simple Curve The simple curve is an arc of a circle. It is the most commonly used. The radius of the circle determines the “sharpness” of “flatness” of the curve. The larger the radius, the “flatter” the Curve. This is the type of curve used for this experiment. ii) Compound Curve Surveyors often have to use a compound curve because of the terrain. This curve normally consists of 2 simple curves curving in the same direction and joined together. iii) Reverse Curve A reverse curve consists of 2 simple curves joined together but curving in opposite directions. For safety reasons, the surveyor should not use this curve unless absolutely necessary. iv) Spiral/Transition Curve 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
Purpose of setting out a simple curve
Increase comfort to passenger on the curve Reduce overturning Allow higher speed Less wear on gear and tyre Figure 1 showing horizontal curve
Elements of a simple curve
1. Back tangent: the tangent T1 previous to the curve is called as the back tangent. It is also known as the forward tangent or rear tangent. 2. Forward tangent: the tangent T2 following the curve is called as the forward tangent. It also known as the second tangent. 3. Point of intersection (PI): Where back and forward tangents meet. 4. Intersection angle (I): deflection angle at PI or central angle = the angle formed by two radii 5. Radius (R): radius of a circle 6. Point of tangent (PT): the point where circular curve ends. 7. Point of curvature (PC): the point where the circular curve begins 8. Length of curve (L): the distance along the curve from PC to PT 9. Tangent distance (T): the distance along the line PC to PI to PT 10. Long chord (LC): the chord from PC to PT 11. External Distance (E): the distance from PI to mid-point of curve 12. Middle Ordinate (M): the distance from mid-point of curve to mid-point of long chord.
OBJECTIVES
To determine the elements of a simple curve including measuring of angles and sub chord distances either from point of curvature PC or from point of tangent PT to other points along the curve.
APPARATUS
Total station/ theodolite
50m tape
2 ranging poles
8 pegs
PROCEDURE
Having computed the curve elements T, L, L C and ∂’s the total station was set up at point PI and levelled properly. From PI point, PC and PT were established by laying out the tangent distance T. The total station was then moved from point PI to point PC and levelled properly. At point PC, the total station was oriented to point PI and the plates were set to a reading of (00°00’00’’). The total station was then rotated with the first deflection angle to establish point P 1 and from there the first sub-chord distance of 5m was measured from point PC to P 1. At point PC, the total station was oriented to PI and the reading was set again to zero (00°00’00’’). The total station was then rotated with the second deflection angle to establish point P 2 and from there the second sub-chord distance of 5m was measured from P 1 to P2. The process of measuring the deflection angles was repeated until point PT was reached. After the last deflection angle was set, the last sub-chord distance was measured and recorded from point P6 to point P7 which was also PT.
COMPUTATION OF ELEMENTS OF A CURVE
Group 1 data:
R=55m
Intersection angle = 40°
Sub-chord distance of 5m
CALCULATIONS
Tangent distance (T):
∆ T=Rtan 2 40 = 55tan = 20 m 2 Length of a curve(L):
π L= R∆ 180 π L = 55*40* =38.4m 180 Length of long chord (Lc)
