RC: 73-1980

GEOMETRIC DESIGN
STANDARDS
FOR
RURAL (NON-URBAN)
HIGHWAYS

THE INDIAN ROADS CONGRESS

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 IRC { 73-1980

GEOMETRIC DESIGN
STANDARDS
FOR
RURAL (NON-URBAN)
HIGHWAYS

Published by
THE INDIAN ROADS CONGRESS
Jamnagar Honse, Shahjahan Road,
New DeShi-110011
1990
Price Rs. 120/-
(Plus Packing & Postage)
IRC 73-1980
:

First Published : October, 1980

Reprinted : June, 1990
Reprinted : February, 2000
Reprinted : December, 2001
Reprinted : July, 2004
Reprinted : January, 2006
Reprinted : August, 2008
Reprinted : June, 2011

(Rights of Publication and Translation are reserved)

Printed at Aravali Printers & Publishers, New Delhi- 1 10 020

(500 Copies)
 IRC 734980
:

CONTENTS

1. Introduction ... 1

2. Scope ... 2

3. Classification of Non-Urban Roads ... 2

4. Terrain Classification ... 3

3*
5. Design Speed ...

6. Cross-Sectional Elements ... 5

7. Design Traffic and Capacity ... 13

8. Sight Distance ... 14

9. Horizontal Alignment ... 19

10. Vertical Alignment ... 32

11. Co-ordination of Horizontal and Vertical

Alignments ... 37

12. Lateral and Vertical Clearances at Underpasses ... 37

IRC : 73-1980

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page
No.

1. Terrain Classification ... 3

2. Design Speeds ... 4

3. Recommended Land Width for Different Classes of Road ... 5

4. Recommended Standards for Building Lines and Control

Lincs^ ... 6

5. Width of Roadway for Single-Lane and Two-Lane Roads

in Plain and Rolling Terrain ... 8

6. Width of Roadway for Single-Lane antj Two-Lane Roads

in Mountainous and Steep Terrain ... 9

7. Width of Carriageway ... 11

8. Camber/Crossfall Values for Different Road Surface Types ... 12

9. Equivalency Factors for Different Types of Vehicles ... 13

10. Capacity of Different Types of Roads ... 14

11. Stopping Sight Distance for Various Speeds ... 15

12. Overtaking Sight Distance for Various Speeds ... 16

13. Intermediate Sight Distance for Various Speeds ... 17

14. Criteria for Measuring Sight Distance ... 18

15. Radii beyond which Superelevation is not Required ... 21

16. Minimum Radii of Horizontal Curves for Different

Terrain Conditions ... 24

17. Minimum Transition Lengths for Different Speeds and

Curve Radii ... 26

18. Extra Width of Pavement at Horizontal Curves ... 28

19. Gradients for Roads in Different Terrains ... 33

20. Minimum Length of Vertical Curves ... 34

 IRC : 73-1980

LIST OF FIGURES

Fig. No. Page

1 . Road Land Boundary, Building Lines and Control
Lines ... 7

2. Elements of a Combined Circular and Transition Curve ... 27

3. Visibility at Horizontal Curves ... 30

4. Minimum Set-back Distance Required at Horizontal

Curves for Safe Stopping Sight Distance ... 31

LIST OF PLATES

Plate Page
No.

1. Superelevation Rates for Various Design Speeds ... 39

2. Schematic Diagrams Showing Different Methods of

Attaining Superelevation 41

3. Length of Summit Curve for Stopping Sight Distance ... 43

4. Length of Summit Curve for Intermediate Sight Distance ... 45

5. Length of Summit Curve for Overtaking Sight Distance ... 47

6. Length of Valley Curve ... 49

7. "Sketches Illustrating Good and Bad Alignment

Co-ordination ... SI
IRC : 73-1980

MEMBERS OF THE SPECIFICATIONS & STANDARDS COMMITTEE

1. J.S. Marya Director CJeneral (Road Development) & Addl. Secy,
(Chairman) to the Govt, of India, Ministry of Shipping &
Transport
2. R.P. Sikka Chief Engineer (Roads), Ministry of Shipping &
{Member-Secretary) Transport
3. Qazi Mohd. Afzal Development Commissioner, Jammu & Kashmir
4. R.C. Arora N.D.S.E. Part I, New Delhi
5. R.T. Atre Secretary to the Govt, of Maharashtra, PW & H Deptt.
6. M.K. Chatterjee Chief Executive Officer, West Bengal Industrial Infra-
Structure Development Corpn.
7. E.C. Chandrasekharan Chief Engineer, Pamban Bridge Project Madras
8. M.G. Dandavate Engineer, Concrete Association of India
9. J. Datt Chief Engineer (Retd.), Greater Kailash, New Delhi-
110048
10. Dr. M.P. Dhir Deputy Director & Head, Roads Division, Central
Road Research Institute

11. Dr. R.K. Ghosh Deputy Director & Head, Rigid and Semi Rigid Pave-
ments Division, Central Road Research Institute
12. B.R. Govind Director of Designs, Engineer-in-Chief's Branch, AHQ
13. I.e. Gupta Engineer-in-Chief, Haryana P.W.D., B &R
14. S.A. Hoda Project Manager-cum-Managing Director, Bihar State
Bridge Construction Corporation Ltd.
15. M.B. Jayawant Synthetic Asphalts, 24, Carter Road, Bombay-400050
16. D.R. Kohli Manager, Electronics Data Processing, Bharat
Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
17. S.B. Kulkarni Manager (Asphalt), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
18. F.K. Lauria Addl. Chief Engineer (N.H.), Rajasthan P.W.D.
19. H.C. Malhotra Engineer-in-Chief & Secy, to the Govt., H.P. P.W.D.
20. M.R. Malya Development Manager, Gammon India Ltd., Bombay
21. O. Muthachen Poomkavil House, P.O. Punalur (Kerala)
22. K. Sunder Naik Chief Engineer (Retd.), Indranagar Bangalore
23. K.K. Nambiar '*Ramanalaya*', 11, First Crescent Park Road, Gandhi-
nagar, Adyar, Maidras-600020
24. T.K. Natarajan Deputy Director & Head, Soil Mechanics Division,
Central Road Research Institute
25. M.D. Patel Secretary to the Govt, of Gujarat Buildings and
Communication Department
26. Satish Prasad Manager, Indian Oil Corporation
27. S.K. Samaddar Chief Project Administrator, Hooghly River Bridge
Commissioners, Calcutta
28. Dr. O.S. Sahgal Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh
Princii)al,

29. N. Sen Chief iEngineer (Retd.), 12, Chitranjan Park, New

Delhi-1 10019
30. D. Ajitha Simha Director (Civil Engineering), Indian Standards Insti-
tution
31. Maj. Gcnl. J.S. Soin Director General Border Roads
32. Dr. N.S. Srinivasan Chief Executive, National Traffic Planning & Automa-
tion Centre
33. Dr. Bh. Subbaraju Sri Ramapuram, Bhimavaram-534202 (A. P.)
34. Prof. C.G. Swaminathan Director, Central Road Research Institute
35. Miss P.K. Thressia Chief Engineer (Construction), Kerala
36. The Director Highways Research Station, Madras
(Prof. G.M. Andavan)
 IRC : n-mo

GEOMETRIC DESIGN STANDARDS FOR

RURAL (NON-URBAN) HIGHWAYS

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. "Geometric design" deals with the visible elements of
a highway. Sound geometric design results in economical opera-
tion of vehicles and ensures safety.

1.2. The Specifications and Standards Committee of the

Indian Roads Congress had previously published a few Papers on
geometric aspects of design. The first Paper entitled: "Horizontal
and Transition Curves for Highways" appeared in the I.R.C. Journal
in 1947. This was followed by two other Papers on 'Sight Distance
*

and Vertical Curves" in 1950 and 1952 respectively. For many

years, these Papers served as a guide for design of highways in this
country. Later, in 1966, some important extracts from these
Papers were published by the Congress under the title **Geometrics
of Roads".

1.3. Following the adoption of metric system, ther^ was a

need this publication with suitable modifications in the
to revise
light of other standards brought out by the I.R.C. in the intervening
period as also more recent practices round the world. To fulfil
this need, a new draft was prepared in the I.R.C. Secretariat by
L.R. Kadiyali and A.K. Bhattacharya. This was reviewed and
modified by a Working Group set up by the Specifications and
Standards Committee consisting of:
Dr. M,P. Dhir
H.P. Sikka
A.K. Bhattacharya

1.4. The modified draft was approved by the Specifications

and Standards Committee in their meeting held on 16th May, 1977.
It was later approved by the Executive Committee through circula-
tion and then by the Council of the Indian Roads Congress in
their 93rd meeting held on the 3rd June, 1978 subject to certain modi-
fications which were left to a Working Group comprising Prof. C.G.
Swaminathan, R.C. Singh, Col. Avtar Singh, R.P. Sikka and P.C.
Bhasin, Secretary IRC. The final modification and editing of the

1
IPC: 73-1980

text was done jointly by R.P.Sikka, Member-Secretary, Specifications

and Standards Committee and K. Arunachalam.

2. SCOPE
2.1. The publication is based primarily on existing standards
and recommendations of the Indian Roads Congress, with suitable
modifications and additions in the light of current engineering prac-
tice. The standards prescribed are essentially advisory in nature
but may be relaxed somewhat in very difficult situations if conside-
red judicious. Effort in general should, however, be to aim at stand-
ards higher than the minimum indicated.

2.2. The text deals with geometric design standards for rural
highways**, i.e. non-urban roads located predominantly in open
country outside the built-up area. The alignment may however
pass through isolated stretches of built-up nature as long as charac-
ter of the road as a whole does not change. The standard is not
applicable to urban roads or city streets. It is also not applicable
to expressways. Geometric design elements of road intersections
are not considered in the standard either.

2.3. The geometric features of a highway except cross-

sectional elements do not lend to stage construction. Geoiiietric
defitciencies are costly and sometimes impossible to rectify later on
due to the subsequent roadside development. Therefore, it is
essential that geometric requirements should be kept in view right
in the beginning.

3. CLASSIFICATION OF NON-URBAN ROADS

3.1. Non-urban roads in India are classified into five cate-
gories:

(i) National Highways

(ii) State Highways
(iii) Major District Roads
(IV) Other District Roads
(V) Village Roads

**These should not be confused with Rural Roads which refer commonly to
Other District Roads and Village Roads. While geometric design elements of
Rural Roads are duly covered in this publication alongwith roads of higher
category, more comprehensive guidance about different facets of design and
construction of the Rural Roads can be had from the IRC Special Publication
No. 20, ** Manual on Route Location, Design, Construction and Maintenance
of Rural Road^ (Other District Roads and Village Roads)**.

2
 IRC : 73-1980

National Highways are main highways running through

3.2.
the lengthand breadth of the country connecting major ports, foreign
highways, State capitals, large industrial and tourist centres etc.

State Highways are arterial routes of a State linking

3.3.
districtheadquarters and important cities within the State and con-
necting them with National Highways or highways of the neighbour-
ing States.

3.4. District Roads are important roads within a

Major
areas of production and markets, and connecting
district serving
these with each other or with the main highways.

3.5. Other District Roads are roads serving rural areas of

production and providing them with outlet to market centres, taluka/
tehsil headquarters, block development headquarters, or other main
roads.

3.6. Village Roads are roads connecting villages or groups

of villages with each other and to the nearest road of a higher cate-
gory.

4. TERRAIN CLASSIFICATION
The geometric design of a highway is influenced signi-
4.1.
iicantly by terrain conditions. Economy dictates choice of different
standards for different types of terrain. Terrain is classified by the
general slope of the country across the highway alignment, for which
the criteria given in Table 1 should be followed. While classifying
a terrain, short isolated stretches of varying terrain should not be
taken into consideration.

Table 1. Terrain Classification

Per cent cross slope

S. No. Terrain classification
of the country

1. Plain 010
2. Rolling 10-25
3. Mountainous 2560
4. Steep Greater than 60

5. DESIGN SPEED
5.1. Choice of design speed depends on the function
of the
road as also terrain conditions. It is the basic parameter which
determines all other geometric design features. Design speeds for
various classes of roads should be as given in Table 2.

3
IRC : 73-1980

terrain

Minimum
design speed

ous

,c
km/h
5'
c
3 3
,
O a

Sj
o o
.s Minimum!
design speed
Design

fc
flj

Rolling

Ruling design speed

Mmimum
design speed

errain

a
8 g
Ruling design speed

a ^
_ ep

a
.2 u

Z C/3

o
 IRC : 73-1980

5.2. Normally "ruling design speed'* should be the guiding

criterion correlating the various geometric design features.
for
"Minimum design speed" may, however, be adopted in sections
where site conditions, including costs, do not permit a design based
on the "ruling design speed".
5.3. The design speed should preferably be uniform along
a given highway. But variations in terrain may make changes in
speed unavoidable. Where this is so, it is desirable that the design
speed should not be changed abruptly, but in a gradual manner
by introducing successive sections of increasing/decreasing design
speed so that the road users get conditioned to the change by
degrees.

6. CROSS-SECTIONAL ELEMENTS
6. 1 . Road Land, Building Lines and Control Lines
6.1.1. Road land width (also termed the right-of-way) is the
land acquired for road purposes. Desirable land width for different
classes of roads is indicated in Table 3.

Table 3. Recommended Land Width for Different

Classes of Road
(metres)

Mountainous and
Plain and rolling terrain
steep terrain

s. Road
No. classification Open areas Built-up areas
Open Built-
areas up areas

Normal Range Normal Range Normal Normal

1. National and 45 30-60 30 30-60 24 20

State Highways
2. Major District 25 25-30 20 15-25 18 15
Roads
3. Other District 15 15-25 15 15-20 15 12
Roads
4. Village Roads 12 12-18 10 10-15 9 9

6.1.2. In high banks or deep cuts, the land width should be

suitably increased. Similarly, a higher value should be adopted
in unstable or landslide-prone areas. The need for a wider right-
of-way at important road intersections should also be kept in view.

5
IRC : 73-1980

6.1.3. If a road is expected to be upgraded to a higher

classification the foreseeable
in future, the land width should
correspond to the latter.
In order to
6.1.4. prevent overcrowding and preserve
sufficient space for future road improvement, it is advisable to lay
down restrictions on building activity along the roads. Building
activity should not be allowed within a prescribed distance from
the road, which is defined by a hypothetical line set back from the
road boundary and called the ''Building Line". In addition, it
will be desirable to exercise control on the nature of building
activity for a further distance beyond the building line upto what
are. known as the ''Control Lines". Building and control lines
are illustrated in Fig. 1 with respect to the road centre line and
road boundary.
6.1.5. Recommended standards for building and control lines
are given in Table 4. For more details about measures for preventing

Table 4. Recommended Standards for Building Lines and Control Lines

Mountainodis and
Plain and rolling terrain
steep terrain

Open areas Built-up areas

Open Built-up
areas areas
Road
classification Overall
Overall Distance Distance between
width
width between Build- Building Line and road
between
between ing Line and boundary (set-back)
Build-
Control road boundary
ing
Lines (set-back)
Lines
(metres) (metres) (metres) (metres)

1 2 3 4 5 6

1. National and 80 150 3-6 3-5 3-5

StateHighways
2. Major District 50 100 3-5 3-5 3-5
Roads
3. Other District 25/30* 35 3-5 3-5 3-5
Roads
4. Village Roads 25 30 3-5 3-5 3-5

Notes : 1. *If the land width is equal to the width between building lines
indicated in this column, the building lines should be set-back 2.5 from m
the road land boundary.
2. See Fig. 1 for position of building lines, control lines and set-
back distance relative to the road centre line and road land boundary.
 IRC : 73-1980

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IRC : 73-1980

ribboR development along roads, reference may be made to

IRC Publication No. 15, "Ribbon Development along
Special
Highways and its Prevention", also IRC 62-1976 "Guidelines for :

Control of Access on Highways".

6.2. Roadway Width

6.2.1. Roadway width for single-lane and two-lane roads in
plain and rolling terrain: The width of roadway for single and two-
lane roads in plain and rolling terrain should be as given in Table 5.

Table 5. Width of Roadway for Single-Lane and Two-lane

Roads in Plain and Rolling Terrain

Roadway width
S, No. Road classiiication
(metres)

1. National Highways and State Highways

(single or two lanes) 12.0

2. Major "District Roads

(single or two lanes) 9.0

3. Other District Roads

(i) single lane 7.5
(ii) two lanes 9.0

4. Village Roads 7.5

(single lane)

Note: In case of State Highways having single-lane pavement, the width of

roadway raight be reduced to 9 m
if the possibility of widening the
carriageway to two lanes is considered remote,

6.2.2. Width of Roadway for single-lane and two-lane roads in

mountainous and steep terrain: The width of roadway, exclusive of
side drains and parapets, for single and two-lane roads in mounta-
inous and steep terrain should be as indicated in Table 6. In certain
cases, passing places may be required in addition, see para 6.2.3.

Passing places for roads in mountainous and steep

6.2.3.
terrain: Passing places or lay-byes should be provided on single
lane roads in mountainous and steep terrain to cater to the
following requirements:
(a) To facilitate crossing of vehicles approaching from opposite
direction; and
(b) To tow aside a disabled vehicle so that it does not obstruct the
traffic.

8
 IRC : 73-1980

Table 6. Width of Roadway for Single-Lane and Two-Lane

Roads in Mountainous and stelp Terrain

Roadway width
S. No. Road classification
(metres)

National Highways and State Highways

(i) single lane 6.25

(ii) two lanes 8.8

2. Major District Roads and Other

District Roads (single lane) 4.75

3. Village Roads (single lane) 4.0

Notes: (1) The roadway widths given above are exclusive of parapets (usual
width 0.6 m) and side drains (usual width 0.6 m).

(2) The roadway widths for Village Roads are on the basis^of a single
lane carriageway of 3 m. If a higher pavement width is adopted,
the roadway width should be increased correspondingly.

(3) In hard rock stretches, or unstable locations where excessive cutting

might lead to slope failure, width of roadway may be reduced by
0.8 ra on two-lane roads and 0.4 m in other cases. However, where
such stretches occur in continuous long length, reduction in road-
way width should not be effected unless requisite passing places
vide para 6.2.3 are provided.

(4) On horizontal curves, the roadway width should be increased

corresponding to the extra widening of carriageway for curvature
vide para 9.6.

(5) On roads subject to heavy snowfall, where regular snow clearance is

done over long periods to keep the road open to traffic, roadway
width may be increased by 1.5 m for MDRs, ODRs, and VRs.

Passing places are not necessary on two-lane National and

State Highways having roadway width in accordance with Table 6.
But on single lane sections having narrower roadway, it may be
desirable to provide some passing places depending on actual needs.
On other roads, these should be provided in general at the rate of
2-3 per kilometre. Their exact location should be judiciously deter-
mined taking into consideration the available extra width on curves
and visibility.

Normally the passing places/lay-byes should be 3.75 m wide.

30 m
long on the inside edge (i.e. towards the carriageway side),
and 20 m long on the farther side.

9
IRC : 73-1980

6.2.4 Roadway width for muIti-Iane highways: For miilti-

lane highways, roadway width should be adequate for the requisite
number of traffic lanes, besides shoulders and central median.
Width of shoulders should in general be 2.5 metres. For width of
carriageway and median, reference may be made to paras 6.4 and
6.6 respectively.

6.3. Roadway Width at Cross-Drainage Structures

6.3.1. General: Cross-drainage structures are difficult to

widen at a later stage. As such, the roadway width for them
should be decided very carefully at the planning stage itself. The
minimum recommended values in this regard are given in paras
6.3.2 and 6.3.3. For roads being built to lower standards initially
for some reason, or those which are expected to be upgraded/
widened in. the foreseeable future, it will be desirable to go in for a
higher roadway width at the cross-drainage structures right in the
beginning.

6.3.2. Culverts (upto 6 m span): In plain and rolling terrain,

the overall width on culverts (measured from outside to outside of the
parapet walls) should equal the normal roadway width given in
Table 5. In mountainous or steep terrain, the clear roadway width
available on the culverts (measured from inside to inside of parapet
walls or kerbs) should be as below:

All roads other than Village Roads ... As given in Table 6

Village Roads
minimum ... As given in Table 6
desirable ... 4.25 m
6.3.3. Bridges (greater than 6 m span): At bridges, the clear
width of roadway between kerbs should be as under:

Single-lane bridge ... 4.25 m

Two-lane bridge ... 7.5 m

Multi-lane bridge ... 3.5 m per lane plus

0.5 m for each carriageway

At causeways and submersible bridges, the minimum width of

roadway (between kerbs) should be 7.5 m, unless the width is
specially reduced by the competent authority.

Where a footpath is provided for the use of pedestrians, its

width should not be less than 1.5 m.

10
 IRC: 73-1980

6.4. Width of Carriageway

6.4.1. The standard width of carriageway shall be as indicat-
ed in Table 7. The total width should be determined in relation
to the design traffic and capacity of the roadway, see Section 7.

Table 7. Width of Carriageway

Width of carriageway (metres)

Single Two lanes without Two lanes with Multi-lane pavements,

lane raised kerbs raised kerbs width per lane

3.75** 7.0 7.5 3.5

Notes: 1. **0n Village Roads, the carriageway width may be restricted to

3.0 mnormally. Widths greater than 3.0 m
may however be adopted
judiciously, depending on the type and intensity of traffic, cost and
related factors.

2. Except on important trunk routes, an intermediate carriageway

width of 5.5 metres may also be adopted instead of regular two
lanes if the same is considered advantageous.

6.4.2. Where the carriageway width changes, e.g. from single

lane to two lanes or two lanes to four lanes, the transition should
be effected through a taper of 1 in 15 to 1 in 20.

6.5. Shoulder Width

The width of shoulders for each class of highway can be

directly obtained using Tables 5, 6 and 7. Shoulder width will be
one-half the difference between ihe roadway width (Table 5 or 6)
and carriageway width (Table 7).

6.6. Median Width

6.6.1. Medians should be as wide as possible, but their width
isoften restricted by economic considerations. Minimum desirable
width of medians on rural highways is 5 metres, but this could be
reduced to 3 metres where land is restricted. On long bridges and
viaducts, the width of median may be reduced to 1.5 meters, but in
any case this should not be less than 1.2 m.

6.6.2. As far as possible, the median should be of uniform

width in a particular section of the highway. However, where
changes are unavoidable, a transition of 1 in 15 to 1 in 20 must be
provided.

11
IRC : 73-1980

6.6.3. Ill rolling and hilly country, the median width will be
dictated by topography and the individual carriageways could be at
different levels.

6.7. Pavement Camber or Crossfall

6.7.1. The camber or crossfall on straight sections of roads
should be as recommended in Table 8 for various types of surfaces.
For a given surface type, the steeper values in the Table may be
adopted in areas having high intensity of rainfall and the lower
values where the intensity of rainfall is low. .

Table 8. CAMnFR/CROssrAix Valufs tor DirrERENx Road Surface Types

S.No. Surface type Camber/crossfall

1. High type bituminous surfacing 1.7-1.0 ijer cent

or cement concrete (I in60 to 1 in 50)
2. Thin bituminous surfacing 2.0-2.5 per cent
(1 in 50 to 1 in 40)
3. Water bound macadam, gravel 2,5-3.0 per cent
(1 in 40 to 1 in 33)

4. Earth 3.0-4.0 per cent

(1 in 33 to 1 in 25)

6.7.2. Generally, undivided roads on straights should be

provided with a crown in the middle and surface on either side
sloping towards the edge. However on hill roads this may not be
possible in every situation, particularly in reaches with a winding
alignment where straight sections are few and far between. In such
cases, discretion may be exercised and instead of normal camber
the carriageway may be given a uni-directional crossfall towards the
hill side having regard to factors such as the direction of supereleva-
tion at the flanking horizontal curves, ease of drainage, problem of
erosion of the down-hill face etc.

6.7.3. On divided roads, i.e. dual carriageways having a

median, usual to have a uni-directional crossfall for each carri-
it is

ageway sloping towards the outer edge.

6.8. Crossfall for Shoulders

6.8.1. The crossfall for earth shoulders should be at least

0.5 ptv
cent steeper than the slope of the pavement subject to a.
minimum of 3 per cent.

12
 IRC : 73-1980

6.8.2. If the shoulders are paved, a crossfall appropriate to

the type of surface should be selected with reference to Table 8.

6.8.3. On superelevated sections, the shoulders should nor-

mally have the same crossfall as the pavement.

7. DESIGN TRAFFIC AND CAPACITY

7.1. The width of carriageway should be sufficient for the
design traffk, i.e. expected on the road in the design year.
traffic
Design traffic will depend on the rate of growth of traffic, the
design period, importance of road in the system, nature of roadside
development etc. For making capacity computations under mixed
traffi<i conditions, the different types of vehicles should be conver-
ted to a common unit known as 'passenger car unit' by multiplying
their number with relevant equivalency factors. Tentative values
of equivalency factors are given in Table 9. Tliese are meant for
use in open sections in plain terrain away from intersections. For
more details in this respect, reference may be made to IRC:64-1976
**Tentative Guidelines on Capacity of Roads in Rural Areas.'*

Table 9. Equivalency Factors for Different Types of Vehicles

S.No. Vehicle type Equivalency factor

1. Passenger car, tempo, auto-rickshaw, 1.0

or agricultural tractor

2. Cycle, motor cycle or scooter ^ 0.5

3. Truck, bus, or agricultural tractbr- '

3.0
trailer unit

4. Cycle rickshaw 1.5

5. Horse-drawn vehicle 4.0

6. Bullock cart** 8,0

For smaller bullock-carts, a value of 6 will be appropriate.

7.2. For purposes of design, the capacity of different types of

roads may be taken as given in Table 10.

13
IRC : 73-1980

Table 10. Capacity of Different Types of Roads

Capacity
S. No. Type of road (Passenger car units per
day in both directions)

1. Single-lane roads having a 3.75 m wide carri-

ageway with normal earthen shoulders 1,000

2. Single-lane roads having a 3.75 m wide carri-

ageway with adequately designed hard
shoulders 1.0 m wide 2,500
3. Two-lane roads having a 7 m wide carriage-
way with normal earthen shoulders 10,000
4. Roads of intermediate width, i.e. having a
carriageway of 5.5 metres with normal
earthen shoulders 5,000

Note: Capacity of highways having a dual carriageway will depend on factors

like the directional split of traffic, degree of access control, composition
of traffic etc. Depending on the actual conditions, capacity of a 4-
lane divided highway could be upto 20,000-30,000 pcus.

The standards in Table 10 are applicable where the visibi-

7.3
lity isunrestricted and there are no lateral obstructions within
1.75 m
from the edge of pavement. These also presume that only a
nominal amount of animal drawn vehicles (say 5-10 per cent) are
present in the traffic stream during the peak hour. For more details,
reference may be made to IRC:64-1976.

8. SIGHT DISTANCE
8.1. General
Visibility is an important requirement for the safety of
8.1.1.
travel on highways. For this, it is necessary that s-ight distance of
adequate length should be available in dilTerent situations to permit
drivers enough time and distance to control their vehicles so that
there are no unwarranted accidents.

8.1.2. Three types of sight distance'^'* are relevant insofar as

the design of summit vertical curves and visibility at the horizontal
curves: Stopping Sight Distance; Overtaking Sight Distance; and
Intermediate Sight Distance. Standards for these are given in paras
8.2 to 8.4,- and the general principles of their application in para 8.5.
Criteria for measurement of the sight distances are set forth in
para 8.6. Application of the sight distance requirements at horizon-
tal curves is discussed in para 9.7,

**These are dealt with in greater detail in IRC:66-1976 "Recommended Practice

for Sight Distance on Rural Highways".

14
 .

IRC : 73-1980

For valley curves, the design is governed by night

8.1.3.
visibility is reckoned in terms of the Headlight Sight Distance.
which
This is the distance ahead of the vehicle illuminated by the head-
lights which is within the view of the driver. Standards for head-
light sight distance are given in para 8.7.

8.2. Stopping Sight Distance

8.2.1. Stopping sight the clear distance ahead

distance is

needed by a driver stop before meeting a

to bring his vehicle to a
stationary object in his path. Minimum stopping sight distance is
given by the sum of: (i) distance travelled during the perception
and brake reaction time and (ii) the braking distance. Minimum
design values of stopping distance for different vehicle speeds are
shown in T^ble 11. These are based on perception and brake-reac-
tion time of 2.5 seconds and coefficient of longitudinal friction vary-
ing from 0.40 at 20 km/h to 0.35 at 100 km/h. For application of
Table II, the speed chosen should be the same as the design speed
of the road.

Table 11. Stopping Sight Distance for Various Speeds

Safe stopping
Perception and
Speed Braking sight distance
brake reaction
(metres)

Distance Coefficient Distance Rounded

V Time, / (metres) of longitu- (metres) Calculated off value<
(km/h) (sec.) dinal fric- values for

tion (f) 254/ design

20 2.5 14 0.40 4 18 20
25 2.5 18 0.40 6 24 25
30 2.5 21 0.40 9 30 30
40 2.5 28 0.38 17 45 45
50 2.5 35 0.37 27 62 60
60 2.5 42 0.36 39 81 80
65 2.5 45 0.36 46 91 90
80 2.5 56 0.35 72 118 120
100 2.5 70 0.35 112 182 180

8.3. Overtaking Sight Distance

8.3il. Overtaking sight distance is the minhnum sight distance

that should be available to a driver on a two-way road to enable

15
IRC : 73-1980

him to overtake another vehicle safely. Optimum condition for

design is one
which the overtaking driver can follow the vehicle
in
ahead for a short time while he assesses his chances for overtaking,
pulls out his vehicle, overtakes the other vehicle at design speed of
the highway, and returns to his own side of the road before meeting
any oncoming vehicle from the opposite direction travelling at the
same speed.

8.3.2. Design values for overtaking sight distance are given

in Table 12. These are based on a time component of 9 to 14
seconds for the actual overtaking manoeuvre depending on design
speed, increased by about 2/3rd to take into account the distance
travelled by a vehicle from the opposite direction during the same
time.

Table 12. Overtaking Sight Distance for Various Speeds

Time component, seconds

Safe overtaking
Speed
sight distance
km/h
For overtaking 1 For opposing (metres)
Total
manoeuvre veliicle

40 9 6 15 165

50 10 7 17 235

60 10.8 7.2 18 300

65 11.5 7.5 19 340

80 12.5 8.5 21 470

100 14 9 23 640

8.4. Intermediate Sight Distance

8.4.1. Intermediate sight distance is defined as twice the safe

stopping sight distance. It is the experience that intermediate sight

distance affords reasonable opportunities to drivers to overtake with

caution.

8.4.2. Design values of intermediate sight distance for differ-

ent speeds are given in Table 13.

16
 IRC : 73-1980

Table 13. Intermediate Sight Distance for Various Speeds

- -

Intermediate sight distance

Speed
km/h (metres)

40
25 50
30 60
35 80
uv/

40 90
50 120
60 160
65 180
80 240
100 360

8.5. Application of Sight Distance Standards

Singlejiwo-lam roads

8.5.1. Normally the attempt should be to provide overtaking

sight distance in as much length of the road as possible. Where
this is not feasible, intermediate sight distance, which affords
reasonable opportunities for overtaking, should be adopted as the
next best alternative. In no case however should the visibility corres-
pond to l^ss than the safe stopping distance which is the basic
minimum for any road.

8.5.2. No hard and fast rule can be laid down for the
application of overtaking sight distance since this will depend on
site conditions, economics etc. It will be good, engineering practice
however to use overtaking sight distance in the case of following
situations:

(i) Straight sections of road with isolated ovcrbridges or summit

vertical curves where the provision of overtaking sight distance
would conveniently result in unobstructed visibility over a long
length of the road; and

(ii) relatively easy sections of terrain adjacent to long reaches affording

no opportunity for overtaking at all, e.g. on either side of a winding
road in hilly/rolling terrain.

Divided highways

8.5.3. On divided highways, i.e. dual carriageways having a

central median, the design should correspond at least to stopping

17
IRC : 73-1980

sight distance vide Table II. It will be desirable, though, for

operational convenience and better appearance of the highway to '

design for somewhat more liberal values, say upto twice the values
given in Table 1 1.

Undivided four-lane highways

8.5.4. On undivided 4-lane highways there are sufficient

opportunities for overtaking within one half of the carriageway, and
there should be no need to cross the centre line unless the capacity
of the road is grossly deficient. Such roads may, therefore, be
designed on the lines of divided highways, i.e. vide para 8.5.3.

8.6. Criteria for Measuring Sight Distance

Criteria for measuring the different types of sight distance
discussed above are given in Table 14.

Table 14. Criteria for Measuring Sight Distance

s. Driver's eye Height of

Sight distance
No. height object

1. Safe stopping sight distance 1.2 m 0.15 m

2. Intermediate sight distance 1.2 m 1. 2 m
3. Overtaking $ight distance 1.2 m 1. 2 m

8.7. Headlight Sight Distance at Valley Curves

8.7.1. During day time, visibility is not a problem on valley

curves. However for night travel the design must ensure that the
roadway ahead is illuminated by vehicle headlights to a suflScient
length enabling the vehicle to brake to a stop if necessary. This
distance, called the headlight sight distance, should at least equal
the safe stopping sight distance given in Table II.

8.7.2. In designing valley curves, the follov^ing criteria of

measurement should be followed as regards the -headlight sight
distance:
(i) height of headlight above road surface is 0.75 m;
(ii) the useful beam of headlight is lipto one degree upwards from the
grade of the road; and
(iii) the height of object is nil.

18
 IRC : 73-1980

9. HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT
9.1. General

9.1.1. Uniformity of design standards is one of the essential

.requirements of a road alignment. In a given section, there must
be consistent application of a design element to avoid unexpected
situations being created for the drivers. For instance, a short sharp
curve in an otherwise good alignment is bound to act as an acci-
dent-prone spot if the designer is not vigilant. Similarly, any un-
necessary break in horizontal alignment at cross-drainage structures
should be avoided.

9.L2. As a general rule, the horizontal alignment should be

fluentand blend well with the surrounding topography. A flowing
line which conforms to natural contours is aesthetically prefer-
able to one with long tangents slashing through the terrain. This
would not only help in limiting the damage to the environment but
also assist in preservation of natural slopes and plant growth. Due
consideration should also be given to the conservation of existing
features. This aspect is dealt with at length in IRC Special Publi-
cation No. 21-1979 "Manual on Landscaping of Roads'*.

9.1.3. Long tangent sections exceeding 3 km in length should

.

be avoided as far as possible. A curvilinear alignment with long

curves is better from the point of safety and aesthetics.
'

9.1.4. As
a normal rule, sharp curves should not be introduced
at the end of long tangents since these can be extremely hazardous.

9.1.5. Short curves give appearance of kinks, particularly for

small deflection angles, and should be avoided. The curves should
be suflSciently long and have suitable transitions to provide
pleasing appearance. Curve length should be at least 150 metres
for a deflection angle of 5 degrees, and this should be increased by
30 metres for each one degree decrease in the deflection angle.
For deflection angles less than one degree, no curve is required to
be designed.

9.1.6. Reverse curves may be needed in difficult terrain. It

should be ensured that there is suflftcient length between the two
curves for introduction of requisite transition curves.

9.1.7. Curves in the same direction separated by short tan-

gents, known as broken-back c^Tves, should be avoided as far as
possible in the interest of aesth^lics and safety and replaced by a
single curve. If this is not feasible, a tangent length corresponding

19
IRC : 73-1980

to 10 seconds travel time must at least be ensured between the two

curves.

9.1.8. Compound curves may be used in difficult topography

but only when it is impossible to fit in a single circular curve. To
ensure safe and smooth transition from one curve to the other, the
radius of the flatter curve should not be disproportional to the
radius of the sharper curve. A ratio of 1.5 1 should be considered
:

the limiting value.

9.1.9. To avoid distortions in appearance, the horizontal

alignment should be co-ordinated carefully with the longitudinal
profile, keeping in mind that the road is a three-dimensional
entity and does not consist simply of a plan and L-section. Require-
ments in this regard are discussed in Section 11.

9.1.10. The siting of the bridges and the location of the ap-
proaches should be properly co-ordinated keeping in view the overall
technical feasibility, economy, fluency of alignment and aesthetics.
The following criteria may be followed in general:
(i) For major bridges above 300 metres span, proper siting of
the bridge should be the principal consideration and the
approach alignment matched with the same;
(ii) For small bridgesless than 60 metres span, fluency of the
aiignment should govern the choice of the bridge location;
and
(iii) For spans between 60 and 300 metres, the designer
should use his discretion keeping in view the importance
of the road, overall economic considerations and aesthe-
tics.

9.2. Horizontal Carves

9.2.1. In general, horizontal curves should consist of a cir-

cular portion flanked by spiral transitions at both ends. Design
speed, superelevation and coeflScient of side friction aff*ect the design
of circular curves. Length of transition curve is determined on
the basis of rate of change of centrifugal acceleration or the rate of
change of superelevation,

9.3. SupereleYation

Design values: Superelevation required on horizontal

9.3.1.
curves should be calculated from the following formula. This
assumes that centrifugal force corresponding to three-fourth the

20
 IRC : 73-1980

design speed is balanced by superelevation and rest counterac-

ted by side friction;

^
-
225 R
where
e = superelevation in metre per metre,
V = speed in km/h, and
R = radius in metres

Superelevation obtained from the above expression should

however be kept limited to the following values;

(a) In plain and .oiling terrain 7 per cent

(b) In snow-bound areas 7 per cent
(c) In hilly areas not bound by snow 10 per cent

Plate 1 indicates the superelevation for various design speeds

on this basis.

9.3.2. Radii beyond which no superelevation is required;

When the value of the superelevation obtained vide para 9.3.1 ii
less than the road camber, the normal cambered section should be
continued on the curved portion without providing any supereleva-
tion. Table 15 shows the radii of horizontal curves for different
camber rates beyond which superelevation will not be required.

Table 15. Radii Beyond which Superelevation is not Required

Radius (metres) for camber of

Design
speed
(km/h) 4 per cent 3 per cent 2.5 per cent 2 per cent 1.7 per cent

20 50 60 70 90 100
25 70 90 110 140 150
30 100 130 160 200 240
35 140 180 220 270 320
40 180 240 280 350 420
50 280 370 450 550 650
65 470 620 750 950 1100
80 700 950 1100 1400 1700
100 1100 1500 1800 2200 2600

21
IRC : 73-1980

9.3.3. Methods of attaining superelevation: The normal

cambered section of the road is changed into superelevated section
in two stages. First stage is the removal of adverse camber in
outer half of the pavement. In the second stage, superelevation is
gradually built up over the full width of the carriageway so that
required superelevation is available at the beginning of the circular
curve. There are three different methods for attaining the supere-
levation: (i) revolving pavement about the centre line; (ii) revolving
pavement about the inner edge; and (iii) revolving pavement about
the outer edge. Plate 2 illustrates these methods diagrammatically.
The small cross-sections at the bottom of each diagram indicate the
pavement cross slope condition at different points.

Each of the above methods is applicable under different con-

ditions. Method
which involves least distortion of the pavement
(i)

will be found suitable in most of the situations where there are no

physical controls, and may be adopted in the normal course.
Method (ii) is preferable where the lower edge profile is a major
control, e.g. on account of drainage. Where overall appearance is
the criterion, method (iii) is preferable since the outer edge profile
which is most noticeable to drivers is not distorted.

The superelevation should be attained gradually over the full

length of the transition curve so that the design superelevation is
available at the starting point of the circular portion. Sketches
in Plate 2 have been drawn on this basis. In cases where transition
curve cannot for some reason be provided, two-third superelevation
may be attained on the straight section before start of the circular
curve and the balance one-third on the curve.

In developing the required superelevation, it should be en-

sured that the longitudinal slope of the pavement edge compared to
the centre-line (i.e. the rate of change of superelevation) is not
steeper than 1 in 150 for roads in plain and rolling terrain, and 1 in
60 in mountainous and steep terrain.

When cross-drainage structures fall on a horizontal curve,

their deck should be superelevated in the same manner as described
above.

9.4. Radii of Horizontal Curves

9.4.1. On a horizontal curve, the centrifugal force is balanc-

ed by the combined effects of superelevation and side friction. The

22
 IRC : 73-1980

basic equation for this condition of equilibrium is:

^ ^ 127 {e^-f )
where
V = vehicle speed in metre per second

V = vehicle speed in km/h

g acceleration due to gravity in metre per see2

e = supereleViition ratio in metre per metre

/ = coefficient of side friction between vehicle tyres and

pavement (taken as 0.15)

R = radius in metres

Based on this equation and the maximum permissible values of

superelevation given in para 9.3.1. radii for horizontal curves corres-
ponding to ruling minimum and absolute minimum design speeds
are shown in Table 16.

9.4.2. On new roads, horizontal curves should be designed to

have the largest practicable radius, generally more than the values
corresponding to the ruling design speed (see Table 16). However,
absolute minimum values based on minimum design speed (Table
16) might be resorted to if economics of construction or the site
conditions so dictate. While improvii^g existing roads, curves
having radii corresponding to absolute minimum standards may
not be flattened unless it is necessary to realign the road for some
other reasons.

9.5. Transition Curves

9.5.1.Transition curves are necessary for a vehicle to have

smooth entry from a straight section into a circular curve. The
transition curves also improve aesthetic appearance of the road
besides permitting gradul application of the superelevation and
extra widening of carriageway needed at .the horizontal curves.
Spiral curve should be used for this purpose.

9.5.2. Minimum length of the transition curve should be

determined from the following two considerations and the larger of
the two values adopted for design.

23
 ( (

IRC : 73-1980

bound

areas

Snow
O tN
terrain
! I Cl

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G
Steep
uinuiiufi^ o TT
not by tn a
3W
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Area
affect

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p .1
'75

G uinuiiai)^ Q r> 3

9 aintosov
a
terrai

o
a 8 m
IS

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[ountai]
*- >
ainiofiov a
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Area
affect

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00
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B
a
uinuiiaiiA{ S S
terrain
ainiosQ V "5 V9
a
'i
M
a
.

O
m n
c
S3 c
"o SiTf |t\'VT .2
-
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r

$ a
errain *"l"=4 V
e ^ .s
t
uinuiiuip'^
O O
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Plain
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State ways trict trict

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24
 IRC : 73-1980

(i) The rate of change of centrifugal acceleration should not

cause discomfort to drivers. From this consideration, the
length of transition curve is given by:

J _ 0.02 15
- ~CR
F

where
I. = length of transition in metres
V = speed in km/h
R = radius of circular curve in metres
80 ( subject to a maximum of 0.8 and
C =
15-\-V minimum of 0.5)

(ii) The rate of change of superelevation (i.e. the longitudinal

grade developed at the pavement edge compared to
through grade along the centre line) should be such as not
to cause discomfort to travellers or to make the road
appear unsightly. Hate of change should not be steeper
than 1 in 150 for roads in plain and rolling terrain, and
1 in 60 in mountainous/steep terrain. The formulae for
minimum length of transition on this basis are:

For Plain ami Rolling Terrain:

_ 2.7
J
- T~
For Mountainous and Steep Terrain:
1.0 Fa

9.5.3. Having regard to the above considerations, the mini-

mum transition lengths for different speeds and curve radii are given
in Table 17.

9.5.4. The elements of a combined circular and transition

curves are illustrated in Fig. 2. For deriving values of the individual
elements like shift, tangent distance, apex distance etc. and working
out coordinates to lay the curves in the field, it is convenient to use
curve tables. For this, reference may be made to IRC: 38 "Design
Tables for Horizontal Curves for Highways".

9.6. Widening of Carriageway on Curves

9.6. 1 At sharp horizontal curves, it is necessary to widen the
.

carriageway to provide for safe passage of vehicles. The widening

required has two components: j[i) mechanical widening to compen-

25
 0^

25

(km/h) 1
1

ipeed 30

s;
s

0) 2

9 ^ |!3

radii
(mcti ^ S in 2 2 S iCi SS29 S?. 9 9S222
1j
^ ^ *N

^ 1^ ^ 1^ 1^

"e

1 1

1
I i
Tn
80 NA 90 75 60 55 45 35 35 30 30 30 NR

100 130 115

95 80 70 60 55 50 40 35 30
NA NR

(metres)

Curve radius
1000 1200 1500 1800 2000

R 45 60 90 100 150 170 200 240 300 360 400 500 600 700 800 900

<^
K
 IRC : 73-1980

27
IRC : 73-1980

sate the extra width occupied by a vehicle on the curve due to

tracking of the rear wheels, and (ii) psychological widening to per-
mit easy crossing of vehicles since vehicles in a lane tend to wander
more on a curve than on a straight reach.

9.6.2. On two-lane or wider roads it is necessary that both,

the above components should be fully catered for so that the lateral
clearance between vehicles on curves is maintained equal to the
clearance available on straights. Position of single-lane roads how-
ever is somewhat different, since during crossing manoeuvres outer
wheels of vehicles have in any case to use the shoulders whether on
the straight or on the curve. It is therefore sufficient on single-lane
roads if only the mechanical component of widening is taken into
account.

9.6.3. Based on the above considerations, the extra width of

carriageway to be provided at horizontal curves on single and two-
lane roads is given in Table 18. For multi-lane roads, the pavement
widening may be calculated by adding half the widening for two-
lane roads to each lane.

Table 18. Extra Width of Pavement at Horizontal Curves

Radius of Upto 20 21 to 40 41 to 61 to 101 to Above

curve (m) 60 100 300 300

Extra
width (m)
Two-lane 1.5 1.5 1.2 0.9 0.6 Nil
Single-lane 0.9 0.6 0.6 Nil Nil Nil

9.6.4. The widening should be effected by increasing the

width at an approximately uniform rate along the transition curve.
The extra width should be continued over the full length of the
circular curve. On curves having no transition, widening should
be achieved in the same way as the superelevation i,e. two-third
being attained on the straight section before start of the curve and
one-third on the curve.

9.6.5. The widening should be applied equally on both sides

of the carriageway, except that on hill roads it will be preferable if
the entire widening is done only on the inside. Similarly, the
widening should be provided only on the inside when the curve
is plain circular and has no transition.

28
 IRC : 73-1980

9.6.6. Theextra widening may be attained by means of

offsets radial to the centre line. It should be ensured that the
pavement edge lines are smooth and there is no apparent kink.

9.7. Set-back Distance at Horizontal Curves

9.7.1. Requisite sight distance should be available across the
inside of horizontal curves. Lack of visibility in the lateral direc-
tion may arise due to obstructions like walls, cut slopes, buildings,
wooded areas, high farm crops etc. Distance from the road centre
line within which the obstructions should be cleared to ensure the
needed visibility, i.e. the "set-back distance'*, can be calculated
vide procedure described in para 9.7.2. But in certain cases, due
to variations in alignment, road cross-section, and the type and
location of obstructions, it may become necessary to resort to field
measurements to determine the limits of clearance.

9.7.2. The set-back distance is calculated from the following

equation (see Fig. 3 for definitions);
m = /?~(^ ) Cos e

where 6 = ^
Z{^j\-n)
radians;

m= the minimum set-back distance to sight obstruction in

metres (measured from the centre line of the road);
R = radius at centre line of the road in metres;
n = distance between the centre line of the road and the
centre line of the inside lane in metres; and
5 = sight distance in metres

In the above equation, sight distance is measured along the middle

of inner lane. On single-lane roads, sight distance is measured
along centre line of the road and is taken as zero.

9.7.3. Based on the above equation, design charts for set-

back distance corresponding to the safe stopping sight distance
are given in Fig. 4.

9.7.4. Set-back distance for overtaking or intermediate sight

distance can be computed similarly but the clearance required is
usually too large to be economically feasible except on very flat
curves.

9.7.5. When there is a cut slope on the inside of the horizontal

curve, the average height of sight line can be used as an approxima-
tion for deciding the extent of clearance. Fot stopping sight

29
IRC : 73-1980

30
IRC : 73-1980
IRC : 73-1930

distance, which is minimum requirement for design, the

the bare
average height may be
taken as 0.7 m. Cut slopes should be kept
lower than this height at the line demarcating the set-back distance
envelope, either by cutting back the slope or benching suitably. In
the case of intermediate or overtaking sight distance, height of sight
line above the ground should be taken as 1.2 m.

9.7.6. Where horizontal and summit vertical curves overlap,

the design should provide for the required sight distance both in
the vertical direction along the pavement and in the horizontal
direction on the inside of the curve.

9.8. Hair-pin Bends

In hilly areas it may become avoid beitds where
difficult to
direction of the road reverses. Design for such bends,
criteria
commonly known as the hair-pin bends, are dealt with in' para 10.5.

10. VERTICAL ALIGNMENT

10.1. General
10.1.1. The vertical alignment should provide for a smooth
longitudinal profile consistent with category of the road and lay
of the terrain, Grade changes should not be too frequent as to
cause kinks and visual discontinuities in the profile. Desirably,
there should be no change in grade within a distance of 150 m.

A short valley curve within an otherwise continuous

10.1.2.
profile undesirable since this tends to distort the perspective
is

view and can be hazardous,

10.1.3. Broken-back grade lines, i.e. two vertical curves

in same direction separated by a short tangent, should be
the
avoided due to poor appearance and preferably replaced by a single
long curve,

10.1.4. Decks of small cross-drainage structures, (i.e. culverts

and minor bridges) should follow the same profile as the flanking
road section, without any break in the grade line.

10.1.5. The longitundinal profile should be co-ordinated suit-

ably with the horizontal alignment. This is discussed in Section 11.

10.2. Gradients
10.2.1. Grades should be carefully selected keeping in view
the design speed, terrain conditions and nature of traffic expected

32
 IRC : 73-1980

on the road. It is difficult and costly to flatten the gradients later.

10.2.2. Recommended gradients for different classes of terrain

are given in Table 19.

Table 19. Gradients for Roads in Different Terrains

s. 13 111 in (* T 1111\t\no
L^Ii tY\ 1 III 2^ Jlj AWCp 1 1 U Ual
Terrain
No. gradient gradient gradient

1. Plain or rolling 3.3 per cent 5 per cent 6.7 per cent
(1 in 30) (1 in 20) (1 in 15)
2. Mountainous terrain, and
steep terrain having ele-
vation more than 3,000 m
above the mean sea 5 per cent 6 per cent /'
per cent
level (1 in 20) (1 in 16.7) (1 in 14.3)

3. Steep terrain upto 3,000 m

height above mean sea 6 per cent 7 per cent 8 per cent
level (1 in 16.7) (1 in 14.3) (1 in 12.5)

10.2.3. Gradients upto the 'ruling gradient' may be used as

a matter of course in design. However in special situations such as
isolated over-bridges in flat country or roads carrying a large
volume of slow moving traffic, it will be desirable to adopt a flatter
gradient of 2 per cent from the angle of aesthetics, traffic operations,
and safety.

10.2.4. The 'limiting gradients' may be used where the topo-

graphy of a place compels this course or where the adoption of
gentler gradients would add enormously to the cost. In such cases,
the length of continuous grade steeper than the ruling gradient
should be as short as possible.

10.2.5. 'Exceptional gradients' are meant to be adopted only

in very difficult situations and for short lengths not exceeding 100 m
at a stretch. In mountainous and steep terrain, successive stretches
of exceptional gradients must be separated by a minimum length of
100 mhaving gentler gradient (i.e. limiting gradient or flatter).

10.2.6. The rise in elevation over a length of 2 km shall not

exceed 100 m'in mountainous terrain and 120 in steep terrain.m
Minimum gradients for drainage: On unkerbed pave-
10.2.7.
ments embankment, near-level grades are not objectionable
in
when the pavement has sufficient camber to drain the storm water

33
 ,

IRC : 73-1980

laterally.However, in cut sections or where the pavement is provi-

ded with kerbs, it is necessary that the road should have some
gradient for eflScient drainage. Desirable minimum gradient for
this purpose is 0.5 per cent if the side drains are lined and 1.0 per
cent if these are unlined.

10.2.8. Grade compensation at curves on hill roads: At hori-

zontal curves, the gradients should be eased by an amount known
as the *grade compensation' which is intended to offset the extra
tractive effort involved at curves. This should be calculated from
the following formula:

Grade compensation (per cent) = -~~

subject to a maximum of 751 R where R is the radius of
the curve in metres.

Since grade compensation is not necessary for gradients flatter than

4 per cent, when applying grade compensation correction, the grad-
ients need not be eased beyond 4 per cent.

10.3. Vertical Cur?S

10.3.1. Vertical curves are introduced for smooth transition

at grade changes.. Convex vertical curves are known as summit
curves and concave vertical curves as valley or sag curves. Both
these should be designed as square parabolas.

10.3.2. The length of the vertical curves is controlled by sight

distance requirements, but curves with greater length are aestheti-
cally better.

10.3.3. Curves should be provided at all grade changes exce-

eding those indicated in Table 20. For satisfactory appearance,
the minimum length should be as shown in the Table.

Table 20. Minimum Length of Vertical Curves

Design Maximum grade change (per Minimum length of

speed cent) not requiring a vertical vertical curve
(km/h) curve (metres)

Upto '35 1.5 15

40 1.2 20
50 1.0 30
65 0.8 40
80 0.6 50
100 0.5 60

34
 IRC : 73-1980

10.4. Summit Curves:

10.4.1. The length of summit curves is governed by the
choice of sight distance. The length is calculated on the basis of
the following formulae:

(a) For safe stopping sight distance

Case (i) When the length of the curve exceeds the required
sight distance, i.e. L is greater than S

^- ~4A'
where N deviation angle, i.e. the algebraic difference
between the two grades
L = length of parabolic vertical curve in metres

S = sight distance in metres

Case (ii) When the length of the curve is less than the
required sight distance, i.e. L is less than S

(b) For intermediate or overtaking sight distance

Case (i) When the length of the curve exceeds the required
sight distance, i.e. L Is greater than S

^ - "9X
Case (ii) When the length of the curve is less than the
required sight distance, i.e. L is less than S

L=2S- N

10.4.2. The length of summit curve for various cases mentioned

above can be read from Plates 3, 4 and 5. In these Plates, value
of the ordinate ''M" to the curve from the intersection point of
grade lines is also shown.

10.5. Valley Curves

10.5. 1 . TJie length of valley curves should be such that for night
travel, the headlight beam distance is equal to the stopping sight

35
IRC : 73-1980

distance. The length of curve may be calculated as under:

Case (i) When the length of the curve exceeds the required
sight distance, i.e. L is greater than S

1.50 + 0.035 ^
Case (ii) When the length of the curve is less than the required
sight distance, i.e. L is less than S

, 1.50 H- 0.035 S
l^2S -j^

In both cases

iV deviation angle, i.e. the algebraic difference between the

two grades
L length of parabolic vertical curve in metres

S = stopping sight distance in metres

10.5.2. Length of valley curve for various grade differences is

given in graphical form in Plate 6.

10.6. Design Criteria for Hair-Pin Bends

10.6.1. Hair-pin bends, where unavoidable, may be designed
either as a circular curve with transition at each end, or as a com-
pound circular curve. The following criteria should be followed
normally for their design:
(a) Minimum design speed ... 20 km/h
(b) Minimum roadway width at apex
(i) National/State Highways ... 11.5 m for double-lane
9.0 m for single-lane
(ii) Major District Roads and
Other District Roads ... 7.5m
(iii) Village Roads ... 6.5m
(c) Minimum radius for the inner curve ... 14.0 m

(d) Minimum length of transition curve ... 15.0 m

(e) Gradient
Maximum ... 1 in 40 (2.5 per cent)
Minimum ... 1 in 200 (0.5 per cent)

(f) Superelevation ... 1 in 10 (10 per cent)

10.6.2. Inner and outer edges of the roadway should be

concentric with respect to centre line of the pavement. Where a

36
 IRC : 73-1980

number of hair-pin. bends have to be introduced^ a minimum inter-

vening distance of 60 m
should be provided between the successive
bends to enable the driver to negotiate the alignment smoothly.
10.6.3. Widening of hair-pin bends subsequently is a difl&cult
and costly process. Moreover, gradients tend to become sharper
as generally widening can be achieved only by cutting the hill side.
These points should be kept in view at the planning stage, especially
if a series of hair-pin bends is involved.

10.6.4. At hair-pin bends, preferably the full roadway width

should be surfaced.

11. CO-ORDINATION OF HORIZONTAL AND

VERTICAL ALIGNMENTS
11.1. The overall appearance of a highway can be enhanced
considerably by judicious combination of the horizontal and vertical
alignments. Plan and profile of the road should not be designed
independently but in unison so as to produce an appropriate three-
dimensional effect. Proper co-ordination in this respect will ensure
safety, improve utility of the highway and contribute to overall
aesthetics.

11.2. The degree of curvature should be in proper balance

with the gradients. Straight alignment or flat horizontal curves at the
expense of steep or long grades, or excessive curvature in a road
with flat grades, do not constitute balanced designs and should be
avoided.

11.3. Vertical curvature superimposed upon horizontal cur-

vature gives a pleasing effect. As such the vertical and horizontal
curves should coincide as far as. possible and their length should be
more or less equal. If this is difficult for any reason, the horizontal
curve should be somewhat longer than the vertical curve.

11.4. Sharp horizontal curves should be avoided at or near

the apex of pronounced summit/sag vertical curves from safety
considerations.

11.5. Plate 7 illustrates some typical cases of good and bad

alignment co-ordination.

12. LATERAL AND VERTICAL CLEARANCES

AT UNDERPASSES
12.1. Lateral Clearance

12.1.1. Desirably the full roadway width at the approaches

should be carried through the underpass. This implies that the

37
IRC : 73-1980

minimum lateral clearance (i.e. the distance between the extreme

edge of the carriageway and the face of nearest support, whether a
solid abutment, pier or column) should equal the normal shoulder
width.

12.1.2. On
lower category roads in hill areas having compara-
tively narrow shoulders,
it will be desirable to increase the roadway

width at underpasses to a certain extent keeping in view para 6.3.

and the principles set forth in IRC:54-1974 "Lateral and Vertical
Clearances at Underpasses for Vehicular Traffic''

12.1.3. For desirable lateral clearances at dual carriageway

roads, reference may be made to IRC: 54- 1974.

12.2. Vertical Clearance

12.2.1. Vertical clearance at underpasses should be minimum

5 metres after making due allowance for any future raising/streng-
thening of the underpass roadway.

38
 PLATE 2

OUTER COCC or HVCUENT

CtWTWtLINC 0> PtVtMCNT

MHtn tout Of OVCUCNT

>
(0) PAVEMENT REVOLVED ABOUT CENTRELINE

LEGEND
CROSS SECTION *T -NORU*L CMSCII
CROSS SECTION *T SS-IOVERSC OMStR RCMOVIO
OUTER EOOC OF fVEMENT
CROSS SECTION AT CC-SURCRCLevOTION EOUtL TO CtHtCK
CROSS SECTION *T OD-rULL SURCRCLCV'TION ACHIEVIO

CENTRELINE or r*VEHENT

INNER EDGE Or FIVEMENT THE RTE or CHANGE Of SUPEREUBVTlON ILONSITUOINAL SLORt

or EDGE COUPAREO TO CENTRELINEI SHOULD E UINIUUM IN MO
I

roR ROtDS IN PLAIN AND ROLLING TERRAIN ANO IN SO IN

I
OUTER EOOE LEVtL-j
MOUNTAINOUS ANO STECr TERRAIN THE ACTUAL RATE USCO WILL
OETERMINE THE DISTANCE! AS, SC ANO CD

(C) PAVEMENT REVOLVED ABOUT OUTER EOOE

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAMS SHOWING DIFFERENT METHODS OF ATTAINING SUPERELEVATION

i
PLATE 3
PLATE 4
OCVIATION .NLt -
 PLATE 7

0000 DESIGN FORM UNDESIRABLE DESIGN FORM

(ol VERTICES OF HORIZONTAL 4N0 VEBTICAL VERTICAL CURVE PRECEDES

"*'*^ CURVES COINCIDE. VERTICAL CURVE M0RI20NTA1 f.URVF HORirONTAl
^f^ J
"~>~v^^ KEPT WITHIN HORIZONTAL CURVE. CURVE LOOKS LIKE A SHARP
t RRINr.O niJT A VFRY PI FASINd "^'"^'^'''^''''1'^^ "PPEARANCE
J^_^
PROFILE

PLAN

ROFILI
,

'''^
1

^ J
lb)

^
SAME AS (0) BUT INVOLVING A SERIES OF
CURVES VERTICES OF HORIZONTAL ANO
VERTICAL CURVES COIN CIDE . "'OCUCING
pj^^^

'
1*
1

-^-''-.T^^,,
"""""^^^^
(
HAZARDOUS LEVEL CROSSING
(OR ROAD IflTERSECTlON) AND SHARP
HORIZONTAL CURVE ARE OBSCURED
FROM ORIVFr's VIFW BYtimLiiT.
CURVE. DANGEROUS SITUATION.

^
p'cOf'lE

(cl SIMILAR TO Ibi BUT ONE PHASE PLAN HORIZONTAL CURVE IS HIDDEN
PLAN 5 --f^ SKIPPED IN T'-E HORIZONTAL PLANE. ^ FROM DRIVER'S VIEW, CAUSING A
' '
^
} ^ VERTICES Of CURVES STILL CCINCIOE. DISJOINTED EFFECT.
"-.;^'*'''~''''"'**-^:.,H-l'^^^
.,,r-"">'>'>nm,,rrf<^" A SATISFACT'.RY APPEARANCE RESULTS.
PROFILE
PROFILE

PROVISION OF A LONG VERTICAL CURVE same as (d) but the vertical

^^^....-'^
J
COMPATIBLE tflTH THE HORIZONTAL -"^ curve is made much SHORTER.
^ff"^ CUSVE PROCJCES A SMOOTH FLOWING THOUGH THERE IS NO OlSCONTl-
^-^^rr^"''^''^ 4LICWMENT *.SD A PLEASING TriSEE NUlTY IN PLAN OR PROFILE
^ ^

DIMENSIONAL VIEW Singly, three dimensional view

p,, ff^f^f^^_^
--rS*'" is POOR.
SKETCHES ILLUSTRATING GOOD
PEHSPICTIVe
1 \ PERSPECTIVE /;C AND BAD ALIGNMENT
COORDINATION