CVE 207 - Engineering Surveying

LESSON 2 - Curves and setting out of

curves

Tina D. Wemegah (PhD)

Department of Civil Engineering

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 INTRODUCTION
• The design of Roads , Railways and Pipelines involve
connecting straight sections of the road or track line with
curves of fixed either fixed radius or varying radius. 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.
• The rationale behind these curves is to deflect a vehicle
moving along the one straight to the other smoothly ,safely
and comfortably. The angle by which the movement is done
from one straight to the other is called a deflection angle.
• Those curves that change the alignment or direction are
known as horizontal curves, and those that change the
slope are vertical curves.
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 HORIZONTAL CURVES
• Horizontal curves are curves in which all measurements in their design and
construction are measured on the horizontal plane. The two main types of
horizontal curves are:
a. Circular Curves – these are curves of constant radius as shown in A below.
b. Transition Curves –These are non circular arcs which are introduced to bring
about a transition between a straight and a circular curve or between two
branches of a compound curve or reverse curve. These are curves with
varying radius as shown in B below.

R2
R1 R3
R R

A B

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Types of circular curves

1. Simple Circular Curve – These is a curve that consists of one arc of constant radius
connecting two straights.
2. Compound Circular Curve – consists of two or more circular curves of different
radii without any intervening straight section. The centers of the curves are on the
same side of the common tangent.
3. A Reverse Circular curve consists of two consecutive circular curves which may or
may not have the same radii , the centers of the curves lie on opposite sides of the
common tangent.


Reverse Circular R
R
Curve
R R


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Simple Circular Curve
Compound Circular
Curve

Reverse Circular curve

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Designation/Definition of Circular Curves
Curves are defined in terms of either their radius or the angle subtended at the center
by a 100m arc. Thus we have
1. A radius curve e.g. 550m curve or
o
2. A degree curve e.g. 7 curve .

The relationship between the two types of curve is given by :

D o = 18000 where R = radius and D = degree of curve.
R  18000 10 o
E.g. A 1800m radius curve will give = = 3.18
1800  3.14


Changing from Degree to radians , multiply by 180
180
Changing from radians to Degree , multiply by

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Terminology and Formulae
A,B – Tangent points
AI AND IB – Tangent length C
θ - Deflection
I
Through Chainage is a
angle/external angle/angle  measure of the length
CIB from the starting point
P – midpoint of circular of the scheme to the
curve APB point in question .
AB – Long chord θ/2 Through chainage is
θ/2
I = Intersection point T P used as a means of
R – Radius of curvature referencing any point on
O – center of curvature A B the center line.
•Tangential angle is from the S
tangent to any point on the
curve. E.G. angle IAT ,i.e.
angle from tangent length at
A to a point T on the curve R R
•PS – Mid ordinate
•PI – external distance
O

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Terminology and Formulae

• Tangent length AI, IB = R tan θ/2

• External Distance PI = R ( sec (θ/2) – 1)
• Mid ordinate PS =R (1 –cos ( θ/2)
• Long Chord AB = 2R sin θ/2
• Lc – Length of circular curve = R θ , R and θ should be in radians
• For a degree curve , Lc = 100 θ/ D , θ and D should be in the same units , either
degrees or radians
•

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Terminology and Formulae

V Lc U

R R

Chainage 0

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Terminology and Formulae
• At the beginning of a design stage only positions of straight are known and so
chainages are considered along the straight . However once the design is completed
all lengths of curves are known and so chainage values are calculated from the zero
chainage along the center line.
❖ Through chainage of V = through chainage of I – VI
❖ Through chainage at U = Through chainage at V + Lc

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11
 CIRCULAR CURVES
Design of Circular curves
• The three main variables important in the design of circular curves are ,
the deflection angle θ ,R, the radius and the design speed ,V.
• The Design speed is usually fixed by the road authority from speed
studies for different classes of roads.
• The deflection angle ( θ )can be measured approximately by a protractor
from the straights on the designed drawing.
• The radius without transition is obtained from the Road authorities
manual for the specified design speed. An initial radius value greater than
the minimum is chosen and the tangent lengths calculated using R and
. If the tangent length fits on the plan , then the radius can be used .
Otherwise a new radius is tried and this is done until the tangent lengths
are fitted on the plan
• However , if a curve is to have particular tangent lengths, then the
following procedure is used :

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Design of Circular curves
• For a curve with a specified tangent length , the following can be adopted :
– Exact tangent length = R tan θ/2
– R is unknown but θ and the tangent length are known so R can be calculated.
– R should be checked against the Road Authorities values to ensure that it is
greater than the Minimum without transition . If it is not, transition curves
should be used. (The radius without transition is obtained from the Road
authorities manual for the specified design speed.)

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Steps in Setting out Curves

1. Knowing the straights, the position of the intersection is fixed on site in order that
an accurate measurement of the θ , deflection angle can be obtained for use in
design calculations.
2. When design is finished, tangent lengths can be calculated and tangent points can be
pegged out and centerline established .

LOCATION OF INTERSECTION AND TANGENT POINTS IN THE FIELD.

It is often not accurate to scale tangent and intersection points on the plan. It is
therefore necessary to set it out on the field/site.
C
D
I
T θ Diagram 1

θ/2 θ/2 Y
X
A B

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CIRCULAR CURVES
Steps in Setting out Curves

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Steps in Setting out Curves
LOCATION OF INTERSECTION AND TANGENT POINTS IN THE FIELD.
The following procedure is adopted to locate the intersection and tangent points on
the field. Refer to Diagram 1.
1. Locate the tangent lines AC and BD from the from the straight
2. Drive pegs at points T and C along the straight AC such that the intersection point is
approximately in between the two points.
3. Join pegs T and C with a string line.
4. Set theodolite at B online DB and sight towards line AC to intersect TC. Locate the
intersection as I.
5. Set up the theodolite at I and measure angle AIB and θ.
6. Calculate XI and YI (tangent lengths) from the formulae R tan θ/2
7. Measure back from I to X and Y and drive pegs to the exact positions ,marking the
tangent points.
8. Check by measuring angle IXY, which should be θ/2

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Steps in Setting out Curves
LOCATION OF TANGENT POINTS FOR INACCESSIBLE INTERSECTION POINTS

I
ϒ θ
Diagram 2

X
Y

A α β B

Sometimes it is impossible to use the above because the intersection point

may fall in a river , marshy ground or a hill . In that case the following
method may be used to locate the tangent points. Refer to diagram 2

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Steps in Setting out Curves
• LOCATION OF TANGENT POINTS FOR INACCESSIBLE INTERSECTION POINTS
Refer to diagram 2
1. Choose points A and B on the tangents such that A and B are intervisible and it is
possible to measure AB.
2. Measure AB
3. Measure angles α and β and deduce ϒ and hence the deflection angle θ
4. Using the sine rule calculate IA and IB – sin α /IB = sin β/IA = / sin γ / AB
5. Calculate tangent lengths IX and IY from the formula R tan θ /2
6. AX = IA – IX and BY = IB – IY. X and Y can now be set out from A and B

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Setting out Circular Curves
• There are two main methods in setting out circular curves.
1. The traditional Methods – This involves working along the center lines using the
straights , intersection and tangent points as references. This method usually
requires the use of tapes and /or theodolites.
2. Coordinates Method – This method involves the use of control points which are
sited away from the centerline but near the site as references. They require use
of theodolite ,EDM and total stations.

Traditional Method
a) Tangential Angle Method
I. Using a theodolite and tape
II. Using two Theodolites
b) Offsets from Long Chord
c) Offsets from tangent lengths

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Setting out Circular Curves
Tangential Angles Method
• For this method, the following parameters are required.
A. Tangent length = R tan θ /2
B. Through chainages at the beginning and end of the curve at the tangent
points.
C. Length of initial sub chord, general cord and final sub chord
D. length of circular curve = R θ
E. Tangential angles for subchords = (1718.9 x (chord length / radius ) mins
F. The final table for the setting out will have these headings :

Point Chainage Chord length Individual Tangent Cumulative Tangent

angles angles

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Setting out Circular Curves
• Tangential Angles Method - Using theodolite and tape
1. Fix tangent points and set up theodolite on one of them
2. Sight the intersection point such that the horizontal circle is reading 0 degrees
3. Set the tangential angle of the 1st chord on the horizontal circle and measure on
the line of sight’s angle marking off the corresponding chord length
4. With the 2nd tangential angle which is a cumulative of the 1st and 2nd individual
tangential angles on the line of sight , the 2nd chord length is measured and
marked.
5. This is repeated until the 2nd tangent point is reached and setout.

N/B - As a check, the final cumulative tangential angle should be equal to ½ of the
deflection angle.

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22
 CIRCULAR CURVES
Setting out Circular Curves
Tangential Angles Method - Using two theodolites
1. Set up two theodolites at each of the two tangents
2. The 1st point (Z) on the curve is gotten by intersection of two lines of sight of
angles from the 1st tangential angle a1 from the initial tangent point (T) and the
(360o - ( θ/2 ) + α 1 ) , which is set out from the final tangent point (U)

I
θ 3. The 2nd point is gotten
Z setting the 2nd tangential
angel from T and then by the
T U formula from U:
(360o - (θ/2)+(α 1+ α 2)
4. This is repeated till the last
R R tangent point is set out.

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Setting out Circular Curves
Coordinates Method - Using two theodolites
Two methods can be identified under this method
1. By intersection using two theodoloites
2. Bearing and distance (Polar rays method) , using EDM or total stations from control
points.
1. Intersection from two control points
I. Locate control points in the area of interest and if control points are not
near site , densify control points near, where the curve is to be set out.
II. Locate tangent points T and U (as discussed earlier)
III. Obtain coordinates of T and U, using coordinates of control points on site
e.g using P,Q in dig.
IV. Calculate chord lengths TA, AB , BC ……….CU and tangential angles.
V. Calculate bearings TA,AB,BC and so on.
VI. Calculate coordinates of points A to U from the tangent point T ,considering
ABCDFU as a closed route traverse.
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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Setting out Circular Curves
Intersection from two control points - CONTD

VII. Derive bearings PA and QA ,PB and QB ,etc from their respective coordinates.
VIII. Calculate lengths PA,QA,PB and QB,PC and QC from their respective coordinates.
IX. Setout the curve by intersection from P and Q ,using bearings PA,QA,PB,QB ,etc and
calculated distances. P I
θ Q

B C
A
T U

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 CIRCULAR CURVES
Setting out Circular Curves
2. Bearing and distance (Polar rays method) , using EDM or total stations from
control points.

I. Go through steps 1- 8
II. Use polar rays from P or Q and bearings PA or QA ,etc and lengths PA or QA ,
PB or QB ,etc.
N/B – Bearing for setting out A = Bearing TI + α 1
Bearing for setting out B = Bearing TA + α 1 + α 2
Bearing for setting out C = Bearing TA + α 1 + α 2 + α 3

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 TRANSITION CURVES
Transition Curves These are curves of varying radius or constantly changing radius.
Why Transition Curves
• Transition curves are introduced due to a radial force acting on a vehicle as it travels
round a curve (circular) .
• A vehicle travelling along a curve of radius r , with speed V , will experience a radial
force P = Mv2/r (m = mass of vehicle)

• On a straight road , r = ∞ ; force P = 0

• On a circular road , radius = R ; Force P = Mv2/R

• If the speed V and the mass m are constant then the force P ∝ 1/R
• If the radius is small, , a vehicle leaving a straight and entering a curve will cause the
vehicle to skid sideways away from the center of the curve.
• To overcome this problem, most road authorities have a minimum radii for wholly
circular curves (e.g 954.93m for 80km/h) . If however it becomes necessary to go below
this minimum radius at a particular speed, then there is the need to incorporate
transition curves.

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 TRANSITION CURVES
• Transition curves are curves in which the radius changes from infinity to a
particular value. This is introduced to gradually increase the radial force from 0 to
its maximum value . It greatly reduces the tendency to slid and reduces discomfort
to passengers.
Transition Curve LT
Transition Curve LT
I
•
T1 Circular curve
T2
P = Maximum
T P increasing r=R U
P decreasing

P=0 P=0
r=∞ r=∞

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 TRANSITION CURVES
Super Elevation
• Another way of reducing force gradually is by super elevation. This is done by raising
one side of the road. The resultant force will act perpendicular to the road instead
of skidding off the road.
P = mv2/R
tan α= mv2/R
• mg/1
tan α = v2/Rg
SE =
Super
Elevation Also tan α = SE / B

Resultant SE = B tan α
• mg force
Therefore SE = Bv2/Rg

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Super Elevation

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 TRANSITION CURVES
Setting out Transition Curves.
• Use of transition Curves – Transition curves can be used to join intersecting straights
either by A. in conjunction with circular curves to form a composite curve or B. in
pairs to form wholly transitional curves.
• Composite Transition Curves can be set out by :
1. Setting out entry transition
2. Setting out central circular curve
3. Setting out exit transition
• From diagram above , V and W – Circular curve of Radius R+S , replaced by circular
curve T1T2 of radius R and transition curves TT1 (entry transition) and T2U(exit
transition) to the left and right of the circular curve respectively. By doing this, the
original curve VW has been shifted inwards a distance of S , where S = VG = WK and
the shift S = LT2/ 24R

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 TRANSITION CURVES
Setting out Transition Curves.
From diagram above , V and W – Circular curve of
Radius R+S , replaced by circular curve T1T2 of radius R
and transition curves TT1 (entry transition) and
T2U(exit transition) to the left and right of the circular I
curve respectively. By doing this, the original curve VW
has been shifted inwards a distance of S , where S = VG
= WK and the shift S = LT2/ 24R

V S W
T1 T2

T G K U

R R

(R+S)

Diagram 10

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 TRANSITION CURVES
Setting out Transition Curves.
• Length of Transition Curves.
This is determined by the rate of change of radial acceleration.
• Force P = mv2/r = ma (a = radial acceleration) , therefore a = v2/r

T Circular
curve
T1
R1=∞
R =R1 R =R2

LT = total length of entry /exit transition

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 TRANSITION CURVES
Setting out Transition Curves.
Length of Transition Curves –contd (Refer to diagram 10)
• Acceleration from T to T1 = a = v2/r ,
• Time taken to travel the transition curve = distance / velocity = LT/V
• Rate of change of radial acceleration is C =( v2/r) / LT/V = v3 / LT R ,
therefore LT = v3 /C R (V – kph and LT = meters) ,
changing v to m/s LT becomes LT = v3 /(3.6)3 C R , (C ranges fromO.3 to 0.6 m/s3 )
• Total length of transition curve = TT1 + T1T2 + T2U = LT + Lc + LT , Lc = length of circular
curve . For a wholly transition curve total length of transition = 2 LT

• Still referring to diagram 10 , Angle subtended by transition curve is :

= LT/2R radians
LTotal = LT + R + LT , where R is the length of circular curve.

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 TRANSITION CURVES
Setting out Transition Curves
Shift and tangent length of Transition Curves
• Two types of curves are commonly used ; The clothoid and the cubic parabola. The
computation for both is similar.
• S = LT2/ 24R ,from diagram , IV = (R+S) tan / 2
• Tangent length IT = VT + IV = (R+S) tan / 2 + LT / 2 ,
• Where VT = LT / 2 = WU and IV = (R+S) tan / 2

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36
 TRANSITION CURVES
Setting out Transition Curves
Locating Tangent points of composite curves
1. Calculate the shift S = LT2/ 24R (LT = v3 /(3.6)3 C R )
2. Calculate , IV = (R+S) tan / 2
3. Calculate VT , VT = LT / 2
4. Determine tangent length IT as = (R+S) tan / 2 + LT /2
5. Measure back from I along the straight to locate T and U.

Setting out Composite curves.

1. Setting out Entry transition from T to T1 - Set out as circular curves but with the
following formulas instead :
• d = (1800L2 /6 RLT ) mins – (for tangential angles) , L – cumulative lengths
• Or
• As a check , dmax = /3 , dmax = final cumulative angle.

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 TRANSITION CURVES
Setting out Transition Curves
2. Setting out Circular Curve
• Angle subtended = ,
• Length of circular curve LC = R
= LT/2R radians

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Example – composite transition
curves

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Example – composite transition
curves

Through chainage of T = Chainage at I - IT

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41
Example -Table for setting out transition
curve (entry transition)

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 Circular curve of composite
transition curve

Chainage at T2 = Chainage at T1 +LC = 421.67+78.44 = 500.11

Use or (1718.9 x (chord length / radius ) mins to calculate

tangential angles
43
Circular curve of composite
transition curve

44
Exit transition

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Exit transition

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