Parabolic Curves

Symmetrical
Symmetrical Parabolic Curve
Symmetrical Parabolic Curve
Symmetrical Parabolic Curve

H = L/8(g1-g2)
 Properties of Parabolic Curve and its
Grade Diagram
• The length of parabolic curve L is the horizontal
distance between PI and PT.
• PI is midway between PC and PT.
• The curve is midway between PI and the
midpoint of the chord from PC to PT.
• The vertical distance between any two points on
the curve is equal to area under the grade
diagram. The vertical distance c = Area.
• The grade of the curve at a specific point is equal
to the offset distance in the grade diagram under
that point.
 Sample Problems
1. A vertical summit parabolic curve has a vertical offset
of 0.375m from the curve to the grade tangent at sta
10+050. The curve has a slope of +4% and -2% grades
intersecting at the PI. The offset distance of the curve at
PI is equal to 1.5m. If the stationing of the PC is at
10+000;
• Compute the required length of the curve. 200m
• Compute the horizontal distance of the vertical curve
turning point from the point of intersection of the
grades. 33.33m
• Compute the elevation of the vertical curve turning
point if the elevation of PT is 86.42m. 87.08m
 Sample Problems
2. A symmetrical parabolic summit curve connects
two grades of +6% and -4%. It is to pass through a
point “P” on the curve at station 25+140 having an
elevation of 98.134m. If the elevation of the grade
intersection is 100m, with a stationing of 25+160;
• Compute the length of the curve. 120m
• Compute the stationing of the highest point of
the curve. 25+172
• Compute the elevation of station 25+120 on the
curve. 97.433m
 Sample Problem
3. A -3% grade meets a +5% grade at a vertex (elev.
146.24) directly under an overpass bridge whose
underside is at elev. 152.74m, and carries another road
across the grades at right angles.
• What is the longest parabolic curve that can be used to
connect the two grades and at the same time provide
at least 5m of clearance under the bridge.
• If the underside of the bridge is level and is 12m wide,
find the actual clearance at the left edge of the bridge.
• If the underside of the bridge is level and is 12m wide,
find the actual clearance at the right edge of the
bridge.
 Sample Problem
4. A vertical symmetrical sag curve has a descending grade of -
4.2% and an ascending grade of +3% intersecting at station
10+020, whose elevation is 100m. The two grade lines are
connected by a 260m vertical parabolic sag curve;
• At what distance from the PC is the lowest point of the
curve located? 151.67m
• What is the vertical offset of the parabolic curve to the
point of intersection of the tangent grades. 2.34m below
the curve
• If a 1m diameter culvert is placed at the lowest point of the
curve with the top of the culvert buried 0.60m below the
subgrade, what will be the elevation of the invert of the
culvert? 100.67m
 Assignment
• A vertical summit curve has its highest point of
the curve at a distance of 48m from PT. The back
tangent has a grade of +6% and a forward grade
of -4%. The curve passes through point A on the
curve at station 25+140. the elevation of the
grade intersection is 100m at station 25+160.
• Compute the length of the curve. 120m
• Compute the stationing of PT. 25+220
• Compute the elevation of point A on the curve.
98.13m
 Assignment
• A descending grade of 4.2% intersects an
ascending grade of 3% at station 12+325 at
elevation 14.2m. These two grades are to be
connected by a 260m. Vertical parabolic
curve. A reinforced concrete culvert pipe with
overall diameter of 105cm is to be constructed
with its top 30cm below the subgrade. What
will be the invert elevation of the culvert?
15.12m