FUNDAMENTAL OF SURVEYING

(FUNSURVEY2)
STATION NO. 1

Created by: Engr. Patrick Francis L. Mallari Fundamental of Surveying 2

 Holy Angel University
School of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Civil Engineering
Transportation Engineering

Station # 1
Horizontal Curve

Introduction This section focuses on the two horizontal curves: simple and
compound curve. I understanding the concept of the horizontal
curves.

Content This chapter focuses on

➢ Useful geometric theorems
➢ Degree of Curvature
➢ Types of Horizontal Curves
➢ Simple Curve
➢ Compound Curve

After this chapter, the student should be able to

Objectives ➢ Differentiate types of horizontal and circular

curves
➢ Understand the terminologies and geometry of
circular curves.
➢ Solve and design curves of constant radii to join
straight sections of roads and railways

References Charles D. Ghilani and Paul R. Wolf, 2015. Elementray Surveying: An Introduction to
Geomatics, 14th Edition

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1
Introduction

“Learning start within you, not beside you”

Some author’s quote

As a highway changes in a horizontal direction, turning to change the vehicle direction at the
point of intersection between the two straight lines is not feasible. The change in direction would be
too abrupt and too risky for the safety of modern high-speed vehicles. It necessary to interpose a curve
between the straight lines. Curves occur at locations where two roadways intersect, providing a gradual
transition between the two. The straight lines of a road are called tangents, because the lines are
tangent to the curves used to change direction.

Horizontal Curves are one of the two important transition elements in geometric design for
highways. A horizontal curve provides a transition between two tangent strips of roadway, allowing a
vehicle to negotiate a turn at a gradual rate rather than a sharp cut. The design of the curve is
dependent on the intended design speed for the roadway, as well as other factors including drainage
and friction. These curves are semicircles as to provide the driver with a constant turning rate with radii
determined by the laws of physics surrounding centripetal force.

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1
Useful Geometric Theorems

Great foundation in geometric principles will make the subject easier to understand. The formula
can obtain using the geometric principle. The following geometric principles should be emphasized.

1. An inscribed angle is measured by one-half its intercepted arc.

2. Inscribed angles having the same or equal intercepted arcs are equal.

3. An angle formed by a tangent and a chord is measured by one-half its intercepted arc.

4. If two tangents are drawn on a circle and they cross, the lengths of the two tangents (from the
point where they touch the circle to the point where they cross) will be the same.

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

5. Angles whose sides are perpendicular each to other are either equal or supplementary

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

(a) Arc Definition - The arc definition is most frequently

used in highway design states that the degree of curve is
the central angle formed by two radii that extend from the
center of a circle to the ends of an arc measuring 20 meters
long. Therefore, if you take a sharp curve, mark off a
portion so that the distance along the arc is exactly 20 m
and determine that the central angle is 2°, then you have a
curve for which the degree of curvature is 2°; it is referred
to as a 2° curve. We can use ratio and proportion in order
to get the degree of curvature.

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Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

(b) Chord Definition - The chord definition is used in railway

practice and in some highway work. This definition states
that the degree of curve is the central angle formed by two
radii drawn from the center of the circle to the ends of a
chord 20 m long. If you take a flat curve, mark a 100- foot
chord, and determine the central angle to be 0°30’, then you
have a 30-minute curve (chord definition).

Arc-definition curves have the advantage that computations are somewhat simplified as
compared to the chord definition and, as will be shown later, the formula for curve length is
exact, which simplifies preparing right-of-way descriptions. A disadvantage with the arc
definition is that most measurements between full stations are shorter than a full 100-ft tape
length, but this is of little significance.

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

Types of Horizontal Curve

1) Simple Curve
When a curve consists of a single arc with a constant radius connecting the two
tangents, it is said to be a circular curve

2) Compound Curve
When a curve consists of two or more arcs with different radii, it is called a compound
curve. Such a curve lies on the same side of a common tangent and the centers of the different
arcs lie on the same side of their respective tangents

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Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

3) Reverse Curve
A reverse curve consists of two arcs bending in opposite directions. Their centers lie on
opposite sides of the curve. Their radii may be either equal or different, and they have one
common tangent.

4) Spiral Curve
A curve of variable radius as a transition curve. It is also called a transition curve
or easement curve . In railways, such as a curve is provided on both sides of a circular curve to
minimize superelevation. Excessive superelevation may cause wear and tear of the rail section
and discomfort to passengers.

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1
Simple Curve

A simple curve is a circular arc, extending from one tangent to the next. The point where the curve
leaves the first tangent is called the “point of curvature” (P.C) and the point where the curve joins the
second tangent is called the point of tangency (P.T). The P.C and P.T are often called d tangent points.
If the tangent be produced, they will meet in a point of intersection (P.I). The distance from the P.I to
the P.C or P.T is called “tangent distance”. The distance from the P.I to th e curve is called the “external
distance” (measured towards the center of curvature). While the line adjoining the middle of the curve
and the middle of the chord line adjoining P.C and P.T is called the “middle ordinate”. Solving a simple
curve is analyzed by simple geometric and trigonometric principles.

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

Formula:

𝐿 2𝜋𝑅
=
𝐼 360

OR

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Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1
Sample Problem
1) The bearing of the back tangent and forward tangent is equivalent to N 60° E and S 74°
E, respectively. It is known that the degree of curvature is 6°. Using the data given,
compute for the following by using Arc Definition:

(a) The Radius of the Curve

(b) The Central Angle of the Curve
(c) Tangent Distance of the Curve
(d) Length of the Long Chord
(e) Distance from the center of the Long chord to the center of the curve
(f) Distance from the center of the curve to the point of intersection
(g) Arc length of the curve
(h) If the stationing of the PC is at 10+020, compute the stationing at PT.
Solution:

First, we need to illustrate the problem. most problem in surveying doesn’t have a given figure.

Degree of curvature =6o

Using ARC DEFINITION

a) Find the Radius of the Curve

This is the formula for ARC definition:

2𝜋𝑅 20
=
360 6

𝑅 = 190.99 𝑚

b) Find the Central Angle: I

To get the value of central angle, we can use the
given bearing. The angle of two intersecting tangent
is equal to central angle
I = 180 – (back tangent angle + forward tangent angle)
I = 180 – (60 + 74)
I = 46o

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Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1
c) Find the Tangent distance: T

We will use this formula to get the tangent distance

46
𝑇 = 190.99 tan 2
𝑇 = 81.07 𝑚
d) Find the length of the chord: LC

Chord is the straight line between station PC to Station PT

46
𝐿𝐶 = 2(190.99)𝑠𝑖𝑛 2
𝐿𝐶 = 149.25 𝑚
e) Distance between the center of the long chord and length of the curve: which is equals to m.

46
𝑀 = 190.99 ( 1 − 𝑐𝑜𝑠 )
2

𝑀 = 15.18 𝑚
f) Distance from the center of the curve to the point of intersection: E

1
𝐸 = 190.99 [ 46 − 1]
cos ( )
2

𝐸 = 16.49 𝑚

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Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

g) Length of the Curve: L

𝐿 2𝜋(190.99)
=
46 360

𝐿 = 153.34 𝑚
h) If the stationing of the PC is at 10+020, compute the stationing at PT.

Station PT = Station PC + Length of Curve

Station PT = (10+020) + 153.34

Station PT = 10+173.34

2) Two tangents making an angle of 62° from each other is connected by a simple curve.
A point “x” on the curve is located by a distance along the tangent from the P.C equal to
240 m and an offset distance from the tangent equal to 60 m. The stationing of PC is at
station 10+080

(a) Compute the radius of the curve

(b) Compute the tangent distance of the curve
(c) Compute the stationing of point “x” on the curve

SOLUTION:

First, we need to illustrate the problem.

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Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

a) Find the radius of the curve: R

We need to make another triangle.

60
𝛳 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 240

𝛳 = 14.04

Using the triangle

𝑅−60
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝛳 =
𝑅
𝑐𝑜𝑠 2(14.04)(𝑅) = 𝑅 − 60
0.88𝑅 = 𝑅 − 60
𝑅 = 500 𝑚
b) Find the tangent distance

62
𝑇 = 500 tan 2
𝑇 = 300.43 𝑚

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Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1
c) Find the station of x in the curve: Station X

First, we need to length of the curve from station PC to Station “x”

𝐿𝑥 2𝜋𝑅
=
𝐼 360

𝐿𝑥 2𝜋(500)
=
62 360
𝐿𝑥 = 541.05 𝑚
𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 "x" = 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝐶 + 𝐿𝑥
𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 "x" = 10080 + 541.05
𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 "x" = 10 + 621.05

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Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

3) The distance between the center of the circle and PI is equivalent to 146.10 m. If the
angle of intersection of the tangents is equivalent to 36°. Determine the degree of the
curve.

Solution:
First, we need to illustrate the problem.

The variable of degree of the curve is in this formula:

We need to get the value of R to proceed to this formula.

The distance between PI and center of curve is equals to E: we will try to use a
formula that consist of variable E

1
146.10 = 𝑅 [ 36 − 1]
cos( )
2
𝑅 = 2838.98 𝑚
After getting the value of R, we can proceed to use the formula of degree of
curvature.
20 2𝜋(2838.98)
=
𝐷 360
𝐷 = 0.40

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1
Compound Curve

A compound curve consists of two or more consecutive simple curves having different radius, but
whose centers lie on the same side of the curve, likewise any two consecutive curves must have a
common tangent at their meeting point. In a compound curve, the point of the common tangent
where the two curves join is called the point of compound curvature (P.C.C).

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1
Formula:
Same formula to the simple curve. An additional formula and variable:

V1 and V2, Station PCC.

Common Tangent (T) = T1 + T2

Sample Problem:

1. The length of the common tangent of a compound curve is 225 m. The first curve has a
degree of curve D1 = 3° and a central angle of I1 = 24°. The second curve has a central angle of 44°.
Find the degree of the second curve. Use arc basis.

Solution:
First, we need to illustrate the problem.

Formula for Arc Basis or Arc Definition:

We need to get the R2 to get the value of D2

To get the value of R2, we need to get the value of T2

Common Tangent = T1 + T2
225 = T1 + T2

We need to get the data in first curve.

20 2𝜋𝑅1
=
𝐷1 360

20 2𝜋𝑅1
=
3 360

𝑅1 = 381.97 𝑚

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

44
143.81 = 𝑅2 tan
2
𝐼1
𝑇1 = 𝑅1 tan 𝑅2 = 355.94 𝑚
2

24
𝑇1 = 381.97 tan
2

𝑇1 = 81.19 𝑚
20 2𝜋𝑅2
=
𝐷2 360
Common Tangent = T1 + T2
20 2𝜋𝑅2
225 = 81.19 + T2 =
𝐷2 360
T2 = 143.81 m

𝐷2 = 3.21
𝐼2
𝑇2 = 𝑅2 tan
2

2. A compound curve has the following data: I1 = 28°, D1 = 3°, I2 = 31°, D2 = 4°. It is known
that the station of PI is at 30+120.50. Determine the stationing of PCC.

Solution:
First, we need to illustrate the problem.

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

To get the value of Station PCC, first we need to get the Station PC
and add the length of the curve of the first curve.

Station PC = Station PI – x – T1
Station PCC = Station PC + L1

Get the value of T1 and T2

For T1: For T2:

getting the value of R1, Using arc basis getting the value of R2, Using arc basis
20 2𝜋𝑅1 20 2𝜋𝑅2
= =
𝐷1 360 𝐷2 360

20 2𝜋𝑅1 20 2𝜋𝑅2
= =
3 360 4 360

𝑅1 = 381.97𝑚 𝑅2 = 286.48 𝑚
Using the formula of T
28 31
𝑇1 = 381.97 tan = 95.24𝑚 𝑇2 = 286.48𝑡𝑎𝑛 = 79.45𝑚
2 2

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

Finding the x value using the triangle

alpha = 180 – 28 – 31 = 121

Use sine law to solve for the value of x Get the value of L1

𝐿1 2𝜋𝑅1
𝑥 𝑇1+𝑇2
= 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒 (𝑎𝑝𝑙ℎ𝑎) =
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒 (31) 𝐼1 360

𝐿1 2𝜋(381.97)
𝑥
=
174.69
=
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒 (31) 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑒 (121) 28 360

𝑋 = 104.96 𝑚 𝐿1 = 186.67 𝑚

Next is getting the station PC

Station PC = Station PI – x – T1
Station PC = 30120.50 – 104.96 – 95.24
Station PC = 29+920.3

Next is station PCC

Station PCC = Station PC + L1
Station PCC = 29920.3 + 186.67
Station PCC = 30+106.97

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

3. The chords of a compound curve from PC to PCC and from PCC to PT are 130.60 m and
139.16 m, respectively. Its common tangent makes an angle of 20° and 36°, respectively, with the
tangents at PC and PT. Determine the length of the long chord of the compound curve.

Solution:
First, we need to illustrate the problem

Next, we will use the triangle on the first curve

The 10o is the angle between the tangent and the long chord
of the first curve: ϴ = I / 2
The 160o came from this equation:
angle = 180o – I1 = 180o – 20o = 160o
To get the value of ϴ1:

ϴ1 = 180 – 160 – 10 = 10o

The 18o is the angle between the tangent and the long chord
of the first curve: ϴ = I / 2
The 160o came from this equation:
angle = 180o – I1 = 180o – 36o = 144o
To get the value of ϴ1:

ϴ2 = 180 – 144 – 18 = 18o

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1

Next, we will use the triangle connecting all the long chords in the given.
ϴ3 = 180 - ϴ1 - ϴ2
ϴ3 = 180 – 10 – 18
ϴ3 = 152o

Using Cosine Law to get the value of Lcc

Lcc2 = (130.60)2 + (139.16)2 – 2 (130.60)(139.16) cos (152O)
Lcc = 261.76 m

Questions

1. Derive the formula of LC, T, M, L and E? Also Draw the figure in proving the formulas.
2. Differentiate the simple curve and compounded curve? (100 words)
3. Is there any difference in using arc definition and chord definition? If yes, explain (50 words)
4. Make a list of procedure on how to solve a horizontal curve (simple and compounded
curve).
5. What is the difference between forward tangent and backward tangent?
6. Differentiate the long chord and length of the curve? (100 words)
7. Explain the LCC of the compounded chord?

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 Station 1 – Horizontal Curves – Part 1
References: This part includes online references. This is to avoid plagiarism in the content of the
modules.

Chapter 1:
Charles D. Ghilani and Paul R. Wolf, 2015. Elementray Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics, 14th
Edition
Jerry Nathanson, Michael T. Lanzafama, and Philip Kissam, 2011. Surveying Fundamentals and Practices,
6th Edition

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