TOPIC 4

CURVE RANGING

OBJECTIVE

At the end of the unit you should be able to :Explain the basic concept of curves.
To identify the terminologies of curves.
To differentiate between circular curves,

transitioncurves and vertical curves.

Explain the methods of setting out circular
curves.

Calculate setting out of circular curves.
Apply the method of setting out of a circular
curves.

INTRODUCTION
In the geometric design of roads, railways
and pipelines, the design and setting out
of curves is an important aspect of an
engineers work.
Curve ranging is a design
of 2 straight ways with a curve.
In the
design of roads or railways, the parts of
straight line/ways connected with a curve
whose its radius is constant or variables.

Austin, TX

Near Cincinnati, OH

Components of Highway Design

Horizontal Alignment
Plan View

Vertical Alignment
Profile View

Horizontal Alignment
Todays Class:
Components of the horizontal alignment
Properties of a simple circular curve

Horizontal Alignment

Tangents

Curves

Tangents & Curves

Tangent
Curve
Tangent to
Circular Curve
Tangent to
Spiral Curve to
Circular Curve

Layout of a Simple Horizontal Curve

R = Radius of Circular Curve
BC = Beginning of Curve
(or PC = Point of Curvature)
EC
= End of Curve
(or PT = Point of Tangency)
PI = Point of Intersection
T = Tangent Length
(T = PI BC = EC - PI)
L = Length of Curvature
(L = EC BC)
M = Middle Ordinate
E = External Distance
C = Chord Length
= Deflection Angle