MODULE 7 Chapter 7

VERTICAL CURVES
7.1 INTRODUCTION
Vertical curves are those viewed in a vertical plane. It provides gradual change of
grade, thus giving motorists a smooth ride while traversing the roadway. There are two (2)
general forms, (a) convex or summit curves, and (b) concave or sag curves.
One requirement of a vertical curve is that the rate of change of grade is constant. Of
all the geometric shapes, a parabola perfectly fits this requirement.
There are two (2) types of parabolic curves.
1. Symmetrical Parabolic Curve
2. Unsymmetrical Parabolic Curve

7.2 SYMMETRICAL PARABOLIC CURVES

The figure below shows a symmetrical parabolic convex or summit curve. A summit curve is
formed if a positive (+) backward tangent meets a negative (-) forward tangent at a common
point called vertex V. A vertical curve is symmetrical if the horizontal length is equal at both
sides of the vertex. Since the curve is parabolic, its geometric properties should conform to
that of a parabola.

Consider the triangle formed by points V, Q and

PVT. The grade or slope of a line is equal to the
tangent of its angle of inclination, so obtain the
vertical distance, all we need to do is multiply the
grade by the horizontal distance,

1
Grades can either be positive (uphill) or negative (downhill). If we consider the sign of g 1 and
g2, the value of z becomes,

𝑳
𝒛= (𝒈 − 𝒈𝟐 )
𝟐 𝟏

Neglecting the signs and referring to the figure would change the (-) into (+) in the formula
above, i.e. adding or subtracting the absolute value of each grade depending on the geometry.
For example, if we are to consider the absolute values of the grades, the equation for z
becomes,

𝐿
𝑧 = (𝑔1 + 𝑔2 )
2

Either way should work, but it is very important to take this into consideration when solving
vertical curve problems. For the following derivations, let us consider the sign of the grades.

From the figure, H is the vertical offset of the curve below the vertex V. Lines Q-Q’ and PVC-
PVT are parallel hence,
4𝐻 = 𝑧
4𝐻 = 𝐿⁄2 (𝑔1 − 𝑔2 )
𝐻 = 𝐿⁄8 (𝑔1 − 𝑔2 )

2
Consider an arbitrary point A at ‘x’ horizontal distance from PVC,

Since the curve is parabolic, the following relations shall be true,

2
𝑥 2 (𝐿⁄2)
=
𝑦 𝐻

Since this is a summit curve and the forward and back tangents have opposite signs, a point
with the highest elevation (summit) should exist. TO locate this point, we simply set the grade
at the highest point to zero.

Let ‘S’ be the location of the summit from PVC. Assuming S < L/2,

3
Notice that a smaller curve is formed between points PVC and the summit with v as the point
of intersection of the tangents. Considering this curve,

From the equation of z,

𝐿
𝑧 = (𝑔1 − 𝑔2 )
2
𝑆
𝑧′ = (𝑔1 − 0)
2
𝑺 ∙ 𝒈𝟏
𝒛′ = (𝑬𝒒 𝟏)
𝟐

From the parabolic relations,

2
𝑥 2 (𝐿⁄2)
=
𝑦 𝐻
𝟐
𝑺𝟐 (𝑳⁄𝟐)
= (𝑬𝒒 𝟐)
𝒛′ 𝑯

Substitute Eq. 1 and H into Eq. 2,

2
𝑆2 (𝐿⁄2)
=
𝑆 ∙ 𝑔1 𝐿⁄ (𝑔 − 𝑔 )
2 8 1 2
2
𝑠 𝐿⁄
= 4
𝑔1 𝐿 (𝑔 − 𝑔 )
⁄8 1 2
2

Therefore, the location of the highest point of the curve from PVC is given by,
𝑔1 𝐿
𝑆=
(𝑔1 − 𝑔2 )
Applying same principles, the location of the highest point of the curve from PVT is given by,
𝑔2 𝐿
𝑆=
(𝑔2 − 𝑔1 )

Same principle is used when solving Symmetrical Parabolic Sag Curves.

4
Properties of Vertical Parabolic Curves
1. The vertical offsets from the tangent to the curve are proportional to the squares of the
distances from the point of tangency.
2. The curve bisects the distance between the vertex and the midpoint of the long chord.
3. If the algebraic difference in the rate of grade of the two slopes is positive, that is (g1-
g2), we have a “summit” curve, but if it is negative, we have a “sag” curve.
4. The length of curve of a parabolic vertical curve refers to the horizontal distance from
the P.C. to the P.T.
5. The stationing of vertical parabolic curves is measured not along the curve but along
a horizontal line.
6. For a symmetrical parabolic curve, the number of stations to the left must be equal to
the number of stations to the right.
7. The slope of the parabola varies uniformly along the curve by differentiating the
equation of the parabolic curve. Therefore, the rate of change of slope is constant and
equal to,
𝑔2 − 𝑔1
𝑟=
𝑛
Where,
r = rate of change of grade or slope
n= number of stations
8. The maximum offset H = 1/8 the product of the algebraic difference between the two
rates of grade and the length of curve.

SAMPLE PROBLEMS

Sample Problem No. 1

A symmetrical parabolic curve passes through point A whose elevation is 23.23 m at a
distance of 54 m from the PVC. The elevation of the PVC at station 4+100 is 22.56 m. The
grade of the back tangent +2% and the length of curve is 120 m.
1. Compute the grade of the forward tangent
2. Compute the stationing of the highest point of the curve
3. Compute the elevation of the highest point of the curve.

-------------------SOLUTION WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE LECTURE VIDEO---------------------

Sample Problem No. 2

A descending grade of 4.2% intersects an ascending grade of 3% at STA 12+325 at elevation
14.2 m. These two grades are to be connected by a 260 m vertical parabolic curve. A
reinforced concrete culvert pipe with overall diameter of 105 cm is to be constructed with its
top 30 cm below the subgrade. What will be the invert elevation of the culvert?

-------------------SOLUTION WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE LECTURE VIDEO---------------------

Sample Problem No. 3

A -6% grade and a +2% grade intersect at STA 12+200 whose elevation is at 25.632 m. The
two grades are to be connected by a parabolic curve, 160 m long. Find the elevation of the
first quarter point on the curve.

-------------------SOLUTION WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE LECTURE VIDEO---------------------

5
7.2 UNSYMMETRICAL PARABOLIC CURVES
A curve is said to be unsymmetrical if the length of curve at each side of the vertex is not
equal.

Consider the unsymmetrical parabolic summit curve shown,

To analyze such curves, an intermediate grade g3 must be established directly below the
vertex V.

This intermediate grade g3 will act as a common tangent, dividing the unsymmetrical curve
into two (2) symmetrical curves of lengths L1 and L2. Each symmetrical curve can now be
analyzed using the methods explained prior to this topic.

Note:
Since the two symmetrical curves have a common tangent of grade g3, and ‘z’ is their common
vertical offset, the vertical offset at v1 and v2 must be equal (shown as ‘H’ in the figure).

6
 SAMPLE PROBLEMS

Sample Problem No. 1

An unsymmetrical parabolic curve has a forward tangent of -8% and a back tangent of +5%.
The length of the curve on the left side (P.C.) is 60 m and the vertex is at elevation of 100 m.
The elevation of the road just below the vertex is 97.3 m. Calculate the total length of the
unsymmetrical curve.

-------------------SOLUTION WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE LECTURE VIDEO---------------------

Sample Problem No. 2

A -2% grade meets a +8% grade near an underpass. In order to maintain the minimum
clearance allowed under the bridge and at the same time introduce a vertical transition curve
in the grade line, it is necessary to use a curve that lies 400-m on one side of the vertex of the
straight grade and 240-m on the other. The station of the beginning of the curve (400-m side)
is 10+000 and its elevation is 200 m.

-------------------SOLUTION WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE LECTURE VIDEO---------------------