CHAPTER 11

HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL CURVES

As you know from your study of chapter 3, the
center line of a road consists of series of straight lines
interconnected by curves that are used to change
the alignment, direction, or slope of the road. Those
curves that change the alignment or direction are
known as horizontal curves, and those that change
the slope are vertical curves.

horizontal curves are computed after the route has

been selected, the field surveys have been done, and
the survey base line and necessary topographic features have been plotted. In urban work, the curves of
streets are designed as an integral part of the preliminary and final layouts, which are usually done on a
topographic map. In highway work, the road itself is

As an EA you may have to assist in the design of

these curves. Generally, however, your main concern
is to compute for the missing curve elements and parts
as problems occur in the field in the actual curve
layout. You will find that a thorough knowledge of the
properties and behavior of horizontal and vertical
curves as used in highway work will eliminate delays
and unnecessary labor. Careful study of this chapter
will alert you to common problems in horizontal and
vertical curve layouts. To enhance your knowledge
and proficiency, however, you should supplement
your study of this chapter by reading other books
containing this subject matter. You can usually find
books such as Construction Surveying, FM 5-233,
and Surveying Theory and Practice, by Davis, Foote,
Anderson, and Mikhail, in the technical library of a
public works or battalion engineering division.

the end result and the purpose of the design. But in

urban work, the streets and their curves are of secondary importance; the best use of the building sites is of
primary importance.
The principal consideration in the design of a
curve is the selection of the length of the radius or the
degree of curvature (explained later). This selection is
based on such considerations as the design speed of
the highway and the sight distance as limited by headlights or obstructions (fig. 11-1). Some typical radii
you may encounter are 12,000 feet or longer on an
interstate highway, 1,000 feet on a major thoroughfare in a city, 500 feet on an industrial access road, and
150 feet on a minor residential street.

HORIZONTAL CURVES
When a highway changes horizontal direction,
making the point where it changes direction a point of
intersection between two straight lines is not feasible.
The change in direction would be too abrupt for the
safety of modem, high-speed vehicles. It is therefore
necessary to interpose a curve between the straight
lines. The straight lines of a road are called tangents
because the lines are tangent to the curves used to
change direction.
In practically all modem highways, the curves are
circular curves; that is, curves that form circular arcs.
The smaller the radius of a circular curve, the sharper
the curve. For modern, high-speed highways, the
curves must be flat, rather than sharp. That means
they must be large-radius curves.
In highway work, the curves needed for the location or improvement of small secondary roads may
be worked out in the field. Usually, however, the

Figure 11-1.Lines of sight.

11-1

tangent to a simple curve or between simple curves in

a compound curve (view D, fig. 11-2).

TYPES OF HORIZONTAL CURVES

There are four types of horizontal curves. They are
described as follows:

ELEMENTS OF A HORIZONTAL CURVE

1. SIMPLE. The simple curve is an arc of a circle

(view A, fig. 11-2). The radius of the circle determines
the sharpness or flatness of the curve.

The elements of a circular curve are shown in

figure 11-3. Each element is designated and explained
as follows:

2. COMPOUND. Frequently, the terrain will

require the use of the compound curve. This curve
normally consists of two simple curves joined together
and curving in the same direction (view B, fig. 11-2).

PI POINT OF INTERSECTION. The point of

intersection is the point where the back and forward tangents intersect. Sometimes, the point
of intersection is designated as V (vertex).

3. REVERSE. A reverse curve consists of two

simple curves joined together, but curving in opposite
direction. For safety reasons, the use of this curve
should be avoided when possible (view C, fig. 11-2).

I INTERSECTING ANGLE. The intersecting

angle is the deflection angle at the PI. Its value
is either computed from the preliminary
traverse angles or measured in the field.

4. SPIRAL. The spiral is a curve that has a varying

radius. It is used on railroads and most modem
highways. Its purpose is to provide a transition from the

A CENTRAL ANGLE. The central angle is the

angle formed by two radii drawn from the

Figure 11-2.Horizontal curves.

11-2

Figure 11-3.Elements of a horizontal curve.

center of the circle (O) to the PC and PT. The

POC

POINT OF CURVE. The point of curve is any

point along the curve.

LENGTH OF CURVE. The length of curve is

the distance from the PC to the PT, measured
along the curve.

TANGENT DISTANCE. The tangent distance

is the distance along the tangents from the PI
to the PC or the PT. These distances are equal
on a simple curve.

LC

LONG CHORD. The long chord is the

straight-line distance from the PC to the PT.
Other types of chords are designated as
follows:

value of the central angle is equal to the I angle.

Some authorities call both the intersecting
angle and central angle either I or A.
R

RADIUS. The radius of the circle of which the

curve is an arc, or segment. The radius is
always perpendicular to back and forward
tangents.

PC

POINT OF CURVATURE. The point of curvature is the point on the back tangent where the
circular curve begins. It is sometimes
designated as BC (beginning of curve) or TC
(tangent to curve).

PT

POINT OF TANGENCY, The point of

The full-chord distance between adjacent stations (full, half, quarter, or onetenth stations) along a curve.

tangency is the point on the forward tangent

where the curve ends. It is sometimes
designated as EC (end of curve) or CT (curve

c]

to tangent).

11-3

The subchord distance between the PC

and the first station on the curve.

c?
E

EXTERNAL DISTANCE. The external

distance (also called the external secant) is the
distance from the PI to the midpoint of the
curve. The external distance bisects the interior
angle at the PI.

MIDDLE ORDINATE. The middle ordinate is

the distance from the midpoint of the curve to
the midpoint of the long chord. The extension
of the middle ordinate bisects the central angle.

typical radii for various roads were cited. Stating the

radius is a common practice in land surveying and in
the design of urban roads. For highway and railway
work, however, curvature is expressed by the degree
of curve. Two definitions are used for the degree of
curve. These definitions are discussed in the following
sections.

The subchord distance between the last

station on the curve and the PT.

Degree of Curve (Arc Definition)

The arc definition is most frequently used in highway design. This definition, illustrated in figure 11-4,
states that the degree of curve is the central angle
formed by two radii that extend from the center of a
circle to the ends of an arc measuring 100 feet long
(or 100 meters long if you are using metric units).
Therefore, if you take a sharp curve, mark off a portion
so that the distance along the arc is exactly 100 feet,
and determine that the central angle is 12, then you
have a curve for which the degree of curvature is 12;
it is referred to as a 12 curve.

DEGREE OF CURVE. The degree of curve

defines the sharpness or flatness of the curve.

DEGREE OF CURVATURE
The last of the elements listed above (degree of
curve) deserves special attention. Curvature may be
expressed by simply stating the length of the radius of
the curve. That was done earlier in the chapter when

Figure 11-4.Degree of curve (arc definition).

11-4

design speed and allowable superelevation. Then the

radius is calculated.

By studying figure 11-4, you can see that the ratio

between the degree of curvature (D) and 360 is the
same as the ratio between 100 feet of arc and the
circumference (C) of a circle having the same radius.
That may be expressed as follows:

Since the circumference of a circle equals

above expression can be written as:

Degree of Curve (Chord Definition)

The chord definition (fig. 11-5) is used in railway
practice and in some highway work. This definition
states that the degree of curve is the central angle
formed by two radii drawn from the center of the circle
to the ends of a chord 100 feet (or 100 meters) long.
If you take a flat curve, mark a 100-foot chord, and
determine the central angle to be 030, then you have
a 30-minute curve (chord definition).

the

Solving this expression for R:

From observation of figure 11-5, you can see the

following trigonometric relationship:
and also D:
Then, solving for R:
For a 1 curve, D = 1; therefore R = 5,729.58 feet, or
meters, depending upon the system of units you are
using.

For a 10 curve (chord definition), D = 1; therefore R =

5,729.65 feet, or meters, depending upon the system of
units you are using.

In practice the design engineer usually selects the

degree of curvature on the basis of such factors as the

Figure 11-5.Degree of curve (chord definition).

11-5

and solving for T,

Notice that in both the arc definition and the chord

definition, the radius of curvature is inversely
proportional to the degree of curvature. In other
words, the larger the degree of curve, the shorter the
radius; for example, using the arc definition, the radius
of a 1 curve is 5,729.58 units, and the radius of a 5
curve is 1,145.92 units. Under the chord definition, the
radius of a 1 curve is 5,729.65 units, and the radius
of a 5 curve is 1,146.28 units.

Chord Distance
By observing figure 11-7, you can see that the
solution for the length of a chord, either a full chord
(C) or the long chord (LC), is also a simple
right-triangle solution. As shown in the figure, C/2 is
one side of a right triangle and is opposite angle N2.
The radius (R) is the hypotenuse of the same triangle.
Therefore,

CURVE FORMULAS
The relationship between the elements of a curve
is expressed in a variety of formulas. The formulas for
radius (R) and degree of curve (D), as they apply to
both the arc and chord definitions, were given in the
preceding discussion of the degree of curvature.
Additional formulas you will use in the computations
for a curve are discussed in the following sections.

and solving for C:

Tangent Distance
Length of Curve
By studying figure 11-6, you can see that the
solution for the tangent distance (T) is a simple
right-triangle solution. In the figure, both T and R are
sides of a right triangle, with T being opposite to angle
N2. Therefore, from your knowledge of trigonometric
functions you know that

In the arc definition of the degree of curvature,

length is measured along the arc, as shown in view A
of figure 11-8, In this figure the relationship between
D, & L, and a 100-foot arc length may be expressed
as follows:

Figure 11-6.Tangent distance.

Figure 11-7.Chord distance.

11-6

with a residential street. In this case, the length of the

radii you are working with is short. However, what if
you are laying out a road with a 1,000- or 12,000- or
even a 40,000-foot radius? Obviously, it would be
impracticable to swing such radii with a tape.
In usual practice, the stakeout of a long-radius
curve involves a combination of turning deflection
angles and measuring the length of chords (C, Cl, or
CZ as appropriate). A transit is set up at the PC, a sight
is taken along the tangent, and each point is located by
turning deflection angles and measuring the chord
distance between stations. This procedure is
illustrated in figure 11-9. In this figure, you see a
portion of a curve that starts at the PC and runs through
points (stations) A, B, and C. To establish the location
of point A on this curve, you should set up your
instrument at the PC, turn the required deflection
angle (all/2), and then measure the required chord
distance from PC to point A. Then, to establish point
B, you turn deflection angle D/2 and measure the
required chord distance from A to B. Point C is located
similarly.

Figure 11-8.-Length of curve.

Then, solving for L,

This expression is also applicable to the chord

definition. However, L., in this case, is not the true arc
length, because under the chord definition, the length
of curve is the sum of the chord lengths (each of which
is usually 100 feet or 100 meters), As an example, if,
as shown in view B, figure 11-8, the central angle (A)
is equal to three times the degree of curve (D), then
there are three 100-foot chords; and the length of
curve is 300 feet.

As you are aware, the actual distance along an arc

is greater than the length of a corresponding chord;
therefore, when using the arc definition, either a
correction is applied for the difference between arc

Middle Ordinate and

External Distance
Two commonly used formulas for the middle
ordinate (M) and the external distance (E) are as
follows:

DEFLECTION ANGLES
AND CHORDS
From the preceding discussions, one may think
that laying out a curve is simply a matter of locating
the center of a circle, where two known or computed
radii intersect, and then swinging the arc of the
circular curve with a tape. For some applications, that
can be done; for example, when you are laying out the
intersection and curbs of a private road or driveway

Figure 11-9.-Deflection angles and chords.

11-7

length and chord length, or shorter chords are used to

make the error resulting from the difference
negligible. In the latter case, the following chord
lengths are commonly used for the degrees of curve
shown:
100 feet0 to 3 degrees of curve
50 feet3 to 8 degrees of curve
25 feet8 to 16 degrees of curve
10 feet-over 16 degrees of curve
The above chord lengths are the maximum distances in which the discrepancy between the arc
length and chord length will fall within the allowable
error for taping. The allowable error is 0.02 foot per
100 feet on most construction surveys; however,

Figure 11-1O.Laying out a simple curve.

based on terrain conditions or other factors, the design

or project engineer may determine that chord lengths

SOLVING AND LAYING OUT

A SIMPLE CURVE

other than those recommended above should be used

for curve stakeout.

Now lets solve and lay out a simple curve using

the arc definition, which is the definition you will
more often use as an EA. In figure 11-10, lets assume
that the directions of the back and forward tangents
and the location of the PI have previously been
staked, but the tangent distances have not been measured. Lets also assume that stations have been set as
far as Station 18 + 00. The specified degree of curve
(D) is 15, arc definition. Our job is to stake half-stations on the curve.

The following formulas relate to deflection

angles: (To simplify the formulas and further
discussions of deflection angles, the deflection angle
is designated simply as d rather than d/2.)

Where:
d = Deflection angle (expressed in degrees)
C = Chord length

Solving a Simple Curve

D = Degree of curve
We will begin by first determining the distance
from Station 18 + 00 to the location of the PI. Since
these points have been staked, we can determine the
distance by field measurement. Lets assume we have
measured this distance and found it to be 300.89 feet.
Next, we set up a transit at the PI and determine that
deflection angle I is 75. Since I always equals A, then
A is also 75, Now we can compute the radius of the
curve, the tangent distance, and the length of curve as
follows:

d = 0.3 CD
Where:
d = Deflection angle (expressed in minutes)
C = Chord length
D = Degree of curve

Where:
d = Deflection angle (expressed in degrees)
C = Chord length
R = Radius.

11-8

is set up at the PC. The deflection angles that we turn

are found by cumulating the individual deflection
angles from the PC to the PT as shown below:

From these computed values, we can determine the

stations of the PI, PC, and PT as follows:

By studying figure 11-10 and remembering

that our task is to stake half-station intervals, you
can see that the first half station after the PC is Station
18 + 50 and the last half station before the PT is
23+ 00; therefore, the distance from the PC to Station
18 + 00 is 42.2 feet [(18 + 50) - (18 + 07.80)].
Similarly, the distance from Station 23+ 00 to the PT
is 7.8 feet. These distances are used to compute the
deflection angles for the subchords using the formula
for deflection angles (d= .3CD) as follows:
Notice that the deflection angle at the PT is equal
to one half of the I angle. That serves as a check of
your computations. Had the deflection angle been
anything different than one half of the I angle, then a
mistake would have been made.
Since the total of the deflection angles should be
one-half of the I angle, a problem arises when the I
angle contains an odd number of minutes and the
instrument used is a 1-minute transit. Since the PT is
normally staked before the curve is run, the total
deflection will be a check on the PC therefore, it
should be computed to the nearest 0.5 degree. If the
total deflection checks to the nearest minute in the
field, it can be considered correct.
The curve that was just solved had an I angle of
75 and a degree of curve of 15. When the I angle and
degree of curve consists of both degrees and minutes,
the procedure in solving the curve does not change;
but you must be careful in substituting these values
into the formulas for length and deflection angles; for
example I = 4215, D = 537. The minutes in each
angle must be changed to a decimal part of a degree.
To obtain the required accuracy, you should convert
them to five decimal places; but an alternate method
for computing the length is to convert the I angle and
degree of curve to minutes; thus, 4215 = 2,535 minutes and 537 = 337 minutes. Substituting this information into the length formula gives the following:

A convenient method of determining the deflection

angle (d) for each full chord is to remember that d equals
1/2D for 100-foot chords, 1/4D for 50-foot chords, 1/8D
for 25-foot chords, and 1/20D for 10-foot chords. In this
case, since we are staking 50-foot stations, d = 15/4, or
345.
Previously, we discussed the difference in length
between arcs and chords. In that discussion, you
learned that to be within allowable error, the recommended chord length for an 8- to 16-degree curve is
25 feet. Since in this example we are using 50-foot
chords, the length of the chords must be adjusted. The
adjusted lengths are computed using a rearrangement
of the formula for the sine of deflection angles as
follows:

As you can see, in this case, there is little difference

between the original and adjusted chord lengths;
however, if we were using 100-foot stations rather than
50-foot stations, the adjusted difference for each full
chord would be substantial (over 3 inches).
Now, remembering our previous discussion of
deflection angles and chords, you know that all of the
deflection angles are usually turned using a transit that

11-9

This method gives an exact result. By converting the

minutes to a decimal part of a degree to the nearest fives
places, you obtain the same result.
Simple Curve Layout
To lay out the simple curve (arc definition) just
computed above, you should usually use the
procedure that follows.
1. With the instrument placed at the PI, the
instrumentman sights on the preceding PI or at a distant
station and keeps the chainman on the line while the
tangent distance is measured to locate the PC. After the
PC has been staked out, the instrumentman then trains
the instrument on the forward PI to locate the PT.
2. The instrumentman then sets up at the PC and
measures the angle from the PI to the PT. This angle
should be equal to one half of the I angle; if it is not,
either the PC or the PT has been located in the wrong
position.
3. With the first deflection angle (310) set on the
plates, the instrumentman keeps the chainman on line

as the first subchord distance (42.18 feet) is measured

from the PC.
4. Without touching the lower motion screw, the
instrumentman sets the second deflection angle (655)
on the plates. The chainman measures the chord from
the previous station while the instrumentman keeps the
head chainman on line.
5. The crew stakes out the succeeding stations in
the same manner. If the work is done correctly, the last
deflection angle will point on the PT. That distance will
be the subchord length (7.79 feet) from the last station
before the PT.
When it is impossible to stake out the entire curve
from the PC, a modified method of the procedure
described above is used. Stake out the curve as far as
possible from the PC. If a station cannot be seen from
the PC for some reason, move the transit forward and
set up over a station along the curve. Pick a station for
a backsight and set the deflection angle for that station
on the plates. Sight on this station with the telescope
in the reverse position. Plunge the telescope and set

Figure 11-11.Inaccessible PI.

11-10

do you do if the PI is inaccessible? This condition is

illustrated in figure 11-11. In this situation, you locate
the curve elements using the following steps:

the remainder of the stations in the same way as you

would if the transit was set over the PC. If the setup
in the curve has been made but the next stake cannot
be set because of obstructions, the curve can be backed
in. To back in a curve, occupy the PT. Sight on the PI
and set one half of the I angle of the plates. The transit
is now oriented so that, if the PC is observed, the plates
will read zero, which is the deflection angle shown in
the notes for that station. The curve stakes can then be
set in the same order shown in the notes or in the
reverse order. Remember to use the deflection angles
and chords from the top of the column or from the
bottom of the column. Although the back-in method
has been set up as a way to avoid obstructions, it is
also very widely used as a method for laying out
curves. The method is to proceed to the approximate
midpoint of the curve by laying out the deflection
angles and chords from the PC and then laying out the
remainder of the curve from the PT. If this method is
used, any error in the curve is in the center where it is
less noticeable.
So far in our discussions, we have begun staking
out curves by setting up the transit at the PI. But what

1. As shown in figure 11-11, mark two intervisible

points A and B on the tangents so that line AB clears the
obstacle.
2. Measure angles a and b by setting up at both A
and B.
3. Measure the distance AB.
4. Compute inaccessible distance AV and BV using
the formulas given in figure 11-11.
5. Determine the tangent distance from the PI to
the PC on the basis of the degree of curve or other given
limiting factor.
6. Locate the PC at a distance T minus AV from the
point A and the PT at a distance T minus BV from point
B.
Field Notes
Figure 11-12 shows field notes for the curve we
solved and staked out above. By now you should be

Figure 11-12.Field notes for laying out a simple curve.

11-11

familiar enough with field notes to preclude a complete discussion of everything shown in these notes.
You should notice, however, that the stations are
entered in reverse order (bottom to top). In this manner
the data is presented as it appears in the field when you
are sighting ahead on the line. This same practice
applies to the sketch shown on the right-hand page of
the field notes.

elevation of a finished surface at a given point or the

actual elevation of the existing ground at a given
point.) Grades that ascend in the direction of the
stationing are designated as plus; those that descend
in the direction of the stationing are designated as
minus. Grades are measured in terms of percent; that
is, the number of feet of rise or fall in a 100-foot
horizontal stretch of the road.

For information about other situations involving

inaccessible points or the uses of external and middle
ordinate distance, spiral transitions, and other types of
horizontal curves, study books such as those mentioned at the beginning of this chapter.

After the location of a road has been determined

and the necessary fieldwork has been obtained, the
engineer designs or fixes (sets) the grades. A number
of factors are considered, including the intended use
and importance of the road and the existing
topography. If a road is too steep, the comfort and
safety of the users and fuel consumption of the
vehicles will be adversely affected; therefore, the
design criteria will specify maximum grades.
Typical maximum grades are a 4-percent desired
maximum and a 6-percent absolute maximum for a
primary road. (The 6 percent means, as indicated
before, a 6-foot rise for each 100 feet ahead on the
road.) For a secondary road or a major street, the
maximum grades might be a 5-percent desired and an
8-percent absolute maximum; and for a tertiary road
or a secondary street, an 8-percent desired and a
10-percent (or perhaps a 12-percent) absolute
maximum. Conditions may sometimes demand that
grades or ramps, driveways, or short access streets go
as high as 20 percent. The engineer must also consider
minimum grades. A street with curb and gutter must
have enough fall so that the storm water will drain to
the inlets; 0.5 percent is a typical minimum grade for
curb and gutter (that is, 1/2 foot minimum fall for each
100 feet ahead). For roads with side ditches, the
desired minimum grade might be 1 percent; but since
ditches may slope at a grade different from the
pavement, a road may be designed with a zero-percent
grade. Zero-percent grades are not unusual,
particularly through plains or tidewater areas. Another
factor considered in designing the finished profile of
a road is the earthwork balance; that is, the grades
should be set so that all the soil cut off of the hills may
be economically hauled to fill in the low areas. In the
design of urban streets, the best use of the building
sites next to the street will generally be more important
than seeking an earthwork balance.

VERTICAL CURVES
In addition to horizontal curves that go to the right
or left, roads also have vertical curves that go up or
down. Vertical curves at a crest or the top of a hill are
called summit curves, or oververticals. Vertical
curves at the bottom of a hill or dip are called sag
curves, or underverticals.
GRADES
Vertical curves are used to connect stretches
of road that go up or down at a constant slope. These
lines of constant slope are called grade tangents
(fig. 11- 13). The rate of slope is called the gradient,
or simply the grade. (Do not confuse this use of the
term grade with other meanings, such as the design

COMPUTING VERTICAL CURVES

As you have learned earlier, the horizontal curves
used in highway work are generally the arcs of circles.
But vertical curves are usually parabolic. The

Figure 11-13.A vertical curve.

11-12

parabola is used primarily because its shape provides

a transition and, also, lends itself to the computational
methods described in the next section of this chapter.
Designing a vertical curve consists principally of
deciding on the proper length of the curve. As
indicated in figure 11-13, the length of a vertical curve
is the horizontal distance from the beginning to the
end of the curve; the length of the curve is NOT the
distance along the parabola itself. The longer a curve
is, the more gradual the transition will be from one
grade to the next; the shorter the curve, the more
abrupt the change. The change must be gradual
enough to provide the required sight distance (fig.
11- 14). The sight distance requirement will depend on
the speed for which the road is designed; whether
passing or nonpassing distance is required; and other
assumptions, such as ones reaction time, braking
time, stopping distance, height of ones eyes, and
height of objects. A typical eye level used for designs
is 4.5 feet or, more recently, 3.75 feet; typical object
heights are 4 inches to 1.5 feet. For a sag curve, the
sight distance will usually not be significant during
daylight; but the nighttime sight distance must be
considered when the reach of headlights may be
limited by the abruptness of the curve.

Figure 11-15.Elements of a vertical curve.

PVI

Point of vertical intersection; where the grade

tangents intersect.

PVT

Point of vertical tangency; where the curve

ends.

POVC

Point on vertical curve; applies to any point on

the parabola.

ELEMENTS OF VERTICAL CURVES

POVT

Figure 11-15 shows the elements of a vertical

curve. The meaning of the symbols and the units of
measurement usually assigned to them follow:

Point on vertical tangent; applies to any point

on either tangent.

gI

Grade of the tangent on which the PVC is

located; measured in percent of slope.

g2

Grade of the tangent on which the PVT is

located; measured in percent of slope.

PVC

Point of vertical curvature; the place where the

curve begins.

Figure 11-14.Sight distance.

11-13

number of stations using these formulas, then

The algebraic difference of the grades:

it is usually extended to the nearest whole

G = g2 -g,,

number. You should note that these formulas

wherein plus values are assigned to uphill

grades and minus values to downhill grades;
examples of various algebraic differences are
shown later in this section.
L

for length are for road design only, NOT

railway.
1]

Horizontal length of the portion of the PVC

to the PVI; measured in feet.

Length of the curve; the horizontal length

measured in 100-foot stations from the PVC to
the PVT. This length may be computed using
the formula L = G/r, where r is the rate of
change (usually given in the design criteria).
When the rate of change is not given, L (in
stations) can be computed as follows: for a
summit curve, L = 125 x G/4; for a sag curve,
L = 100 x G/4. If L does not come out to a whole

12

Horizontal length of the portion of the curve

form the PVI to the PVT; measured in feet.

Vertical (external) distance from the PVI to the

curve, measured in feet. This distance is
computed using the formula e = LG/8, where
L is the total length in stations and G is the
algebraic difference of the grades in percent.

Figure 11-16.Algebraic differences of grades.

11-14

Horizontal distance from the PVC to any

POVC or POVTback of the PVI, or the distance
from the PVT to any POVC or POVT ahead of
the PW, measured in feet.

Vertical distance (offset) from any POVT to

the corresponding POVC, measured in feet;

The selection of the points at which to compute

the y and the elevations of the POVT and POVC
is generally based on the stationing. The horizontal
alignment of a road is often staked out on 50-foot or
100-foot stations. Customarily, the elevations are
computed at these same points so that both horizontal
and vertical information for construction will be provided at the same point. The PVC, PVI, and PVT are
usually set at full stations or half stations. In urban
work, elevations are sometimes computed and staked
every 25 feet on vertical curves. The same, or even
closer, intervals may be used on complex ramps and
interchanges. The application of the foregoing fundamentals will be presented in the next two sections
under symmetrical and unsymmetrical curves.

which is the fundamental relationship of the

parabola that permits convenient calculation
of the vertical offsets.
The vertical curve computation takes place after
the grades have been set and the curve designed.
Therefore, at the beginning of the detailed computations, the following are known: g1, g2, l1, l2, L, and the
elevation of the PVI. The general procedure is to
compute the elevations of certain POVTs and then to
use the foregoing formulas to compute G, then e, and
then the Ys that correspond to the selected POVTs.
When the y is added or subtracted from the elevation
of the POVT, the result is the elevation of the POVC.
The POVC is the finished elevation on the road, which
is the end result being sought. In figure 11-15, the y is
subtracted from the elevation of the POVT to get the
elevation of the curve; but in the case of a sag curve,
the y is added to the POVT elevation to obtain the
POVC elevation.

Symmetrical Vertical Curves

A symmetrical vertical curve is one in which the
horizontal distance from the PVI to the PVC is equal
to the horizontal distance from the PW to the PVT. In
other words, l1 equals l2.
The solution of a typical problem dealing with a
symmetrical vertical curve will be presented step by
step. Assume that you know the following data:
g 1 = +97%

The computation of G requires careful attention to

the signs of g 1 and g 2. Vertical curves are used at
changes of grade other than at the top or bottom of a
hill; for example, an uphill grade that intersects an
even steeper uphill grade will be eased by a vertical
curve. The six possible combinations of plus and
minus grades, together with sample computations of
G, are shown in figure 11-16. Note that the algebraic
sign for G indicates whether to add or subtract y from
a POVT.

g 2 = 7%
L = 400.00, or 4 stations
The station of the PVI = 30 + 00
The elevation of the PVI = 239.12 feet
The problem is to compute the grade elevation of the
curve to the nearest hundredth of a foot at each 50-foot
station. Figure 11-17 shows the vertical curve to be
solved.

Figure 11-17.Symmetrical vertical curve.

11-15

STEP 1: Prepare a table as shown in figure 11-18.

In this figure, column 1 shows the stations; column 2,
the elevations on tangent; column 3, the ratio of x/l;
column 4, the ratio of (M)*; column 5, the vertical
offsets [(x/l)*(e)]; column 6, the grade elevations on
the curve; column 7, the first difference; and column
8, the second difference.

and the elevation at the PVT. The elevation at the PVI

therefore is
239.12 14 = 225,12 feet.
In setting stations on a vertical curve, remember
that the length of the curve (L) is always measured as
a horizontal distance. The half-length of the curve is
the horizontal distance from the PVI to the PVC. In
this problem, l1 equals 200 feet. That is equivalent to
two 100-foot stations and may be expressed as 2 + 00.
Thus the station at the PVC is

STEP 2: Compute the elevations and set the

stations on the PVC and the PVT.
Knowing both the gradients at the PVC and PVT
and the elevation and station at the PVI, you can
compute the elevations and set the stations on the PVC
and the PVT. The gradient (g1) of the tangent at the
PVC is given as +9 percent. This means a rise in
elevation of 9 feet for every 100 feet of horizontal
distance. Since L is 400.00 feet and the curve is
symmetrical, l1 equals l2 equals 200.00 feet; therefore,
there will be a difference of 9 x 2, or 18, feet between
the elevation at the PVI and the elevation at the PVC.
The elevation at the PVI in this problem is given as
239.12 feet; therefore, the elevation at the PVC is

30 + 00 minus 2 + 00, or 28 + 00.

The station at the PVT is
30 + 00 plus 2 + 00, or 32 + 00.
List the stations under column 1.
STEP 3: Calculate the elevations at each 50-foot
station on the tangent.
From Step 2, you know there is a 9-foot rise in
elevation for every 100 feet of horizontal distance
from the PVC to the PVI. Thus, for every 50 feet of
horizontal distance, there will be a rise of 4.50 feet
in elevation. The elevation on the tangent at station
28 + 50 is

239.12 18 = 221.12 feet.

Calculate the elevation at the PVT in a similar
manner. The gradient (g2) of the tangent at the PVT is
given as 7 percent. This means a drop in elevation of
7 feet for every 100 feet of horizontal distance. Since
l1 equals l2 equals 200 feet, there will be a difference
of 7 x 2, or 14, feet between the elevation at the PVI

221.12 + 4.50 = 225.62 feet.

The elevation on the tangent at station 29 + 00 is
225.62 + 4.50 = 230.12 feet.

Figure 11-18.Table of computations of elevations on a symmetrical vertical curve.

11-16

The elevation on the tangent at station 29 + 50 is

by e; for example, at station 28 + 50, the ratio of

x/l = 50/200 = 1/4.

230.12 + 4.50 = 234.62 feet.

Therefore, the vertical offset is

The elevation on the tangent at station 30 + 00 is

(1/4)2 e = (1/16) e.

234.62 + 4.50 = 239.12 feet.

In this problem, to find the elevation on the tangent at any 50-foot station starting at the PVC, add
4.50 to the elevation at the preceding station until you
reach the PVI. At this point use a slightly different
method to calculate elevations because the curve
slopes downward toward the PVT. Think of the elevations as being divided into two groupsone group
running from the PVC to the PVI; the other group
running from the PVT to the PVI.
Going downhill on a gradient of 7 percent from
the PVI to the PVT, there will be a drop of 3.50 feet
for every 50 feet of horizontal distance. To find the
elevations at stations between the PVI to the PVT in
this particular problem, subtract 3.50 from the elevation at the preceding station. The elevation on the
tangent at station 30 + 50 is

The vertical offset at station 28 + 50 equals

(1/16)(8) = 0.50 foot.
Repeat this procedure to find the vertical offset at
each of the 50-foot stations. List the results under
columns 3, 4, and 5.
STEP 6: Compute the grade elevation at each of
the 50-foot stations.
When the curve is on a crest, the sign of the offset
will be negative; therefore, subtract the vertical offset
(the figure in column 5) from the elevation on the
tangent (the figure in column 2); for example, the
grade elevation at station 29 + 50 is
234.62 4.50 = 230.12 feet.
Obtain the grade elevation at each of the stations in a
similar manner. Enter the results under column 6.

239.12-3.50, or 235.62 feet.

Note: When the curve is in a dip, the sign will be

positive; therefore, you will add the vertical offset
(the figure in column 5) to the elevation on the tangent
(the figure in column 2).

The elevation on the tangent at station 31 + 50 is

235.62-3.50, or 232.12 feet.
The elevation on the tangent at station 31 + 50 is

STEP 7: Find the turning point on the vertical

curve.

232.12-3.50, or 228.62 feet.

The elevation on the tangent at station 32+00 (PVT) is

When the curve is on a crest, the turning point is

the highest point on the curve. When the curve is in a
dip, the turning point is the lowest point on the curve.
The turning point will be directly above or below the
PVI only when both tangents have the same percent of
slope (ignoring the algebraic sign); otherwise, the
turning point will be on the same side of the curve as
the tangent with the least percent of slope.
The horizontal location of the turning point is
either measured from the PVC if the tangent with the
lesser slope begins there or from the PVT if the tangent
with the lesser slope ends there. The horizontal location is found by the formula:

228.62-3.50, or 225.12 feet,

The last subtraction provides a check on the work you
have finished. List the computed elevations under column 2.
STEP 4: Calculate (e), the middle vertical offset
at the PVI.
First, find the (G), the algebraic difference of the
gradients using the formula
G = g2 g 1
G = -7 (+9)
G = 16%
The middle vertical offset (e) is calculated as follows:
e = LG/8 = [(4)(16) ]/8 = -8.00 feet.

Where:

The negative sign indicates e is to be subtracted from

the PVI.

xt= distance of turning point from PVC or PVT

g = lesser slope (ignoring signs)

STEP 5: Compute the vertical offsets at each

50-foot station, using the formula (x/l) 2e. To find
the vertical offset at any point on a vertical curve,
first find the ratio x/l; then square it and multiply

L = length of curve in stations

G = algebraic difference of slopes.

11-17

is different from the horizontal distance between the

PVI and the PVT. In other words, l1 does NOT equal
l2. Unsymmetrical curves are sometimes described as
having unequal tangents and are referred to as dog
legs. Figure 11-19 shows an unsymmetrical curve with
a horizontal distance of 400 feet on the left and a
horizontal distance of 200 feet on the right of the PVI.
The gradient of the tangent at the PVC is 4 percent;
the gradient of the tangent at the PVT is +6 percent.
Note that the curve is in a dip.

For the curve we are calculating, the computations

would be (7 x 4)/16 = 1.75 feet; therefore, the turning
point is 1.75 stations, or 175 feet, from the PVT (station
30 + 25).
The vertical offset for the turning point is found
by the formula:

For this curve, then, the computation is ( 1.75/2)2 x 8 =

6.12 feet.

As an example, lets assume you are given the

following values:

The elevation of the POVT at 30 + 25 would be 237.37,

calculated as explained earlier. The elevation on the
curve would be

Elevation at the PVI is 332.68

Station at the PVI is 42 + 00

237.37-6.12 = 231.25.

l1 is 400 feet

STEP 8: Check your work.

l2 is 200 feet

One of the characteristics of a symmetrical parabolic curve is that the second differences between
successive grade elevations at full stations are constant. In computing the first and second differences
(columns 7 and 8), you must consider the plus or
minus signs. When you round off your grade elevation
figures following the degree of precision required, you
introduce an error that will cause the second difference
to vary slightly from the first difference; however, the
slight variation does not detract from the value of the
second difference as a check on your computations.
You are cautioned that the second difference will not
always come out exactly even and equal. It is merely
a coincidence that the second difference has come out
exactly the same in this particular problem.

g 1 is 4%
g 2 is +6%
To calculate the grade elevations on the curve to the
nearest hundredth foot, use figure 11-20 as an example.
Figure 11-20 shows the computations. Set four
100-foot stations on the left side of the PVI (between
the PVI and the PVC). Set four 50-foot stations on the
right side of the PVl (between the PVI and the PVT).
The procedure for solving an unsymmetrical curve
problem is essentially the same as that used in solving
a symmetrical curve. There are, however, important
differences you should be cautioned about.
First, you use a different formula for the
calculation of the middle vertical offset at the PVI. For
an unsymmetrical curve, the formula is as follows:

Unsymmetrical Vertical Curves

An unsymmetrical vertical curve is a curve in
which the horizontal distance from the PVI to the PVC

Figure 11-19.Unsymmetrical vertical curve.

11-18

Figure 11-20.Table of computations of elevations on an unsymmetrical vertical curve.

In this example, then, the middle vertical offset at the

PVI is calculated in the following manner:

The procedure is to estimate on which side of the PVI

the turning point is located and then use the proper
formula to find its location. If the formula indicates that
the turning point is on the opposite side of the PVI, you
must use the other formula to determine the correct
location; for example, you estimate that the turning
point is between the PVC and PVI for the curve in figure
11-19. Solving the formula:

e = [(4 x 2)/2(4 + 2)] x [(+6) - (4)] = 6.67 feet.

Second, you are cautioned that the check on your
computations by the use of second difference does
NOT work out the same way for unsymmetrical curves
as for a symmetrical curve. The second difference will
not check for the differences that span the PVI. The
reason is that an unsymmetrical curve is really two
parabolas, one on each side of the PVI, having a
common POVC opposite the PVI; however, the
second difference will check out back, and ahead, of
the first station on each side of the PVI.
Third, the turning point is not necessarily above
or below the tangent with the lesser slope. The
horizontal location is found by the use of one of two
formulas as follows:
from the PVC

x t= (l 1) 2( g1)/2e
xt= [(4) 2(4)]/(2 x 6.67) = 4.80, or Station 42 + 80.
However, Station 42 + 80 is between the PVI and PVT;
therefore, use the formula:
x t= (l2) 2(g 2)//2e
xt= [(2) 2(6)]/(2 x 6.67) = 1.80, or station 42 + 20.
Station 42 + 20 is the correct location of the turning
point. The elevation of the POVT, the amount of the
offset, and the elevation on the curve is determined as
previously explained.
CHECKING THE COMPUTATION
BY PLOTTING

or from the PVT

Always check your work by plotting the grade
tangents and the curve in profile on an exaggerated

11-19

vertical scale; that is, with the vertical scale perhaps

10 times the horizontal scale. After the POVCs have
been plotted, you should be able to draw a smooth
parabolic curve through the points with the help of a
ships curve or some other type of irregular curve; if
you cant, check your computations.
USING A PROFILE WORK SHEET
After you have had some experience computing
curves using a table as shown in the foregoing
examples, you may wish to eliminate the table and
write your computations directly on a working print
of the profile. The engineer will set the grades and
indicate the length of the vertical curves. You may
then scale the PVI elevations and compute the grades
if the engineer has not done so. Then, using a
calculator, compute the POVT elevations at the
selected stations. You can store the computations in
some calculators. That allows you access to the
grades, the stations, and the elevations stored in the
calculator from one end of the profile to the other. You
can then check the calculator at each previously set
PVI elevation. Write the tangent elevation at each
station on the work sheet. Then compute each vertical
offset: mentally note the x/ 1 ratio; then square it and
multiply by e on your calculator. Write the offset on
the work print opposite the tangent elevation. Next,
add or subtract the offsets from the tangent elevations

(either mentally or on the calculator) to get the curve

elevations; then record them on the work sheet. Plot
the POVC elevations and draw in the curve. Last, put
the necessary information on the original tracing. The
information generally shown includes grades;
finished elevations; length of curve; location of PVC,
PVI, PVT, and the e. Figure 11-21 shows a portion of
a typical work sheet completed up to the point of
drawing the curve.
FIELD STAKEOUT OF
VERTICAL CURVES
The stakeout of a vertical curve consists basically
of marking the finished elevations in the field to guide
the construction personnel. The method of setting a
grade stake is the same whether it is on a tangent or on
a curve, so a vertical curve introduces no special
problem. As indicated before, stakes are sometimes
set closer together on a curve than on a tangent. But
that will usually have been foreseen, and the plans will
show the finished grade elevations at the required
stations. If, however, the field conditions do require a
stake at an odd plus on a curve, you may compute the
needed POVC elevation in the field using the data
given on the plans and the computational methods
explained in this chapter.

Figure 11-21.Profile work sheet.

11-20

Figure 11-22.Compound curve.

c . Grade elevation on the curve at the PVI

d. Grade elevation on the curve at station
13 + 50
e. Station number and grade elevation on the
curve at the turning point
Q4. Assume that you are to set half stations for a
600-foot vertical curve. The tangents (g1 = 3
percent, g2 = 8 percent) intersect at Station
15 + 00, which has an elevation of 640 feet above
mean sea level. You may also assume that
l 1 = 400 feet and l2 = 200 feet. Compute the
following information for this curve:

QUESTIONS
Q1.

Using the data given for the compound curve

shown in figure 11-22, compute the stations at
PC1, PI1, PCC (point of compound curvature),
PI2, and PT2.

Q2. Referring again to figure 11-22, assume that you

are tasked to stakeout the compound curve using
full stations. What deflection angles (d1, d2, and
d) and chord lengths (C1, C2, and C) will you use
for the 12 curve?
Q3. Assume that you are to set half stations for a
400-foot symmetrical vertical curve. The tangents (g1 = + 3.2 percent, g2 = 1.6 percent)
intersect at Station 14 + 00. The tangent elevation at the PVI is 131.20 feet. Compute the following information for this curve:

a. Elevation at the PVC

b. Elevation at the PVT
c. Grade elevation on the curve at the PVI
d. Grade elevation on the curve at station
13 + 50
e. Station number and grade elevation on the
curve at the turning point

a. Elevation at the PVC

b. Elevation at the PVT

11-21