PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA

College of Engineering and Technology

Fundamentals of Surveying

LESSON 9: Introduction to Engr. ROSELLA C.

Curve ALGADO
INTR *Curves:
ODUC – are regular bends provided in the lines of
TION communication like roads, railways, etc. and
also in canals to bring about the gradual
change of direction. They also used in the
vertical plane at all changes of grade to avoid
the abrupt change of grade at the apex.
– Curves provided in the horizontal plane
to have the gradual change in direction are
known as Horizontal curves, whereas those
provided in the vertical plane to obtain the
gradual change in grade are known as
vertical curves. Curves are laid out on the
ground along the center line of the work.
They may be circular or parabolic.
Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO
*Curves:

ROAD CONSTRUCTION

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

*Curves:

BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO
*Curves:

RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

*Curves:

DAM CONSTRUCTION

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

*Curves:

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 *Curves:

Reasons for curves construction:

1. Physical state of hilly land, swampy.
2. Connecting the exit or entrance as the exit roads “toll”
3. Avoiding the position of the details remain, such as
building mosques, cemeteries.
4. Safety of road users in order to travel more comfortable
and secure.

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

*Curves – Definition:
Horizontal curves Vertical curves

Curves of The curves are

constant radius designed and
required to made to join two
connect two different straight
straights set out slope.
on the ground.

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

*Curves – Purpose:
Horizontal curves Vertical curves

For the To avoid the

convenience of situation where a
road users sudden change in
To connect the the vehicle when it
straight lines with a starts down the
horizontal curve road after climbing
a hill or otherwise.

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

*Curves – Types:
Horizontal curves Vertical curves

1. Circular curves 1. Symmetrical Parabolic

a. Simple Curve Curve
b. Compound Curve 2. Unsymmetrical
c. Reverse Curve Parabolic Curve
2. Transition curves

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

*Curves – Geometry:
Horizontal curves Vertical curves
The parabola has the desirable
characteristics of
(1)a constant rate of change of
slope, which contributes to
smooth alignment transition,
I
(2)ease of computation of
δ vertical offsets, which permits
easily computed curve
θ elevations

T1 T2 T1 T2
Crest curves
T1 T2
Sag curves

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

*Curves – Setting Out Method:
Horizontal curves Vertical curves

1. Linear Method 1. Tangent Offset Method

a. Offset from the 2. By Equation of a
Tangent Line Parabola
b. Offset from the
Long Chord Line
c. Offset from the
Chord Produced
2. Angular Method
a. Deflection Angle
Method (Rankine’s
Method

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
College of Engineering and Technology
Fundamentals of Surveying

Introduction to horizontal Engr. ROSELLA C.

ALGADO
Curves
*Horizontal Curves:

 the center lines of highways and railroads

consist of series of straight lines or tangents
connected by curves.

 Curves for streets and highways are

normally circular, although spiral curves
may be used to provide gradual transitions
to or from the circular curves on high-speed
roadways such as interstates.
Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO
 Types of Horizontal Curves

1. CIRCULAR CURVES
Types of Circular Curves
a. Simple Curve – consist of a single arc.
b. Compound Curve – consists of two or more arcs with different radii.
c. Reverse Curve – consists of two arcs that curve in different directions
2. SPIRAL CURVES (Transition Curve)
– hasa constantly changing radius, so the curve starts out very flat and increases
sharpness as the alignment transitions to the beginning of the circular curve.

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

Circular Curves - Types

Simple circular curves

R R

Compound curves
R2 R1

Reverse curves R2
R1

R1
R2

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

HORIZONTAL CURVES

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
College of Engineering and Technology
Fundamentals of Surveying

horizontal Curves: Engr. ROSELLA C.

ALGADO
a. Simple Curves
*Simple Curves: Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO
* Terminologies in Simple Curve:

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

* Terminologies in Simple Curve:

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 Elements of Horizontal
Curves
– The elements of a circular curve are shown in figure 3. Each
element is designated and explained as follows:
• Point of Intersection ( P I ) - The point of intersection is the point
where the back and forward tangents intersect. Sometimes, the point
of intersection is designated as V (vertex).
• Intersection Angle [Deflection Angle] ( I ) - The central angle is the
angle formed by two radii drawn from the center of the circle (O) to
the PC and PT. The value of the central angle is equal to the I angle.
Some authorities call both the intersecting angle and central angle
either I or A.
• Radius (R) . The radius of the circle of which the curve is an arc, or
segment. The radius is always perpendicular to back and forward
tangents.

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 Elements of Horizontal
Curves
• Point of Curvature ( PC ) . The point of curvature is the point on the
back tangent where the circular curve begins. It is sometimes
designated as BC (beginning of curve) or TC (tangent to curve).
Station P.C.= P.I. – T
• Point of Tangency (PT), The point of tangency is the point on the
forward tangent where the curve ends. It is sometimes designated as
EC (end of curve) or CT (curve to tangent).
Station P.T. = P.C.+ L
• Point of Curve . The point of curve is any point along the curve.
• Length of Curve (L) . The length of curve is the distance from the
PC to the PT, measured along the curve.
• Long Chord (LC) – is the chord of the arc from the PC to PT.

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO
DEGREE OF CURVATURE

– The sharpness of a curve may be described in any of the following ways:

1. RADIUS OF CURVATURE
 This method is often use for highway work, where the radius of the curve is
frequently selected as multiple of 20 m (100ft).”the smaller the radius, the
sharper the curve.”
2. DEGREE OF CURVATURE – CHORD BASIS
 In this method, the degree of curvature is defined as the central angle subtended
by a chord of 20 m (100 ft) (D –intersecting angle in degrees)
3. DEGREE OF CURVATURE – ARC BASIS
 the central angle of a circle that will subtended an arc of 20 m (100ft).
 NOTE: a sharp curve has a larger degree of curvature and a flat curve has a
smaller degree of curvature.

 The degree of curvature should be specified rather than the radius of the curve.
(radius can be computed)

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

DERIVATION OF CURVE EQUATIONS
1.RADIUS ( R )
2.TANGENTS (T)
3.LONG CHORD (LC)
4.EXTERNAL DISTANCE (E)
5.MIDDLE ORDINATE (M)
6.LENGTH OF THE CURVE (L)

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 RADIUS
DEGREE OF CURVATURE
 DEGREE OF CURVATURE – CHORD BASIS
10 m / 50 ft
/ 20 m

D/2 R

 DEGREE OF CURVATURE – ARC BASIS

/ 20 m By Ratio & Proportion:

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 RADIUS
DEGREE OF CURVATURE
Both the arc and chord basis are used in US.
In selecting which method to used is dependent on the experience
of the surveyor
For long gradual curves (common in railroad practice) chord basis
is normally used (where the lengths along the arc are considered to
be the same as along the chords)
Highway curves and curve property boundary – arc basis is more
common.

NOTE: The difference between the chord and arc basis is normally
not large.
Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO
 TANGENT

Formulas
for Circular
Curves:

EXTERNAL DISTANCE
[ ]
1
𝐸=𝑅 −1
cos ( 𝐼
2 )
Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO
 MIDDLE ORDINATE

Formulas
for Circular
Curves:

LONG CHORD

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 LENGTH OF CURVE

Formulas
for Circular
Curves:

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

PAMANTASAN NG LUNGSOD NG MAYNILA
College of Engineering and Technology
Fundamentals of Surveying

SIMPLE CURVE: Engr. ROSELLA C.

ALGADO
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
 Sample Problem #1:
Two tangents adjacent to each
other having bearings N65030’E and
S85010’E meet at station 11+157.98.
If the radius of the simple curve
connecting these two tangents is
249.17m, determine the following:
a. Tangent distance T = 65.214m
b. Long chord LC = 126.177m
c. Middle ordinate M = 8.119m
E = 8.393m
d. External distance
D = 4.5990
e. Degree of Curve Lc = 127.566m
f. Length of Curve Sta. PT =
g. Stationing of PT 11+220.332

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 Sample Problem #1:

GIVEN: FIGURE: 11+157.98

PI I T PT
′
T 𝐿𝑐 𝑆85° 10 𝐸
′
𝑁 65° 30 𝐸 LC
PC

R=249.17
R=
REQ’D:

24
9.1
7

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 Sample Problem #1:
SOL’N:

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

= 11+157.98
- = - 0+065.214
= 11+092.766
+ = + 0+127.566
= 11+220.332
 Sample Problem #2:

The tangent distance of a 30

simple curve is only ½ of its
radius.
a. Compute the angle of
intersection of the curve. Answers:
b. Compute the length of curve. I= 53.130
c. Compute the area of the fillet Lc= 354.20m
of a curve. Afillet= 5,303.936 m2

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 Sample Problem #2:
SOL’N:
GIVEN:

REQ’D:
PI
I T
T
𝐿𝑐 PT
LC
PC

FIGURE:
R
R

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 Sample Problem #2:
SOL’N:
FIGURE:
PI
I T
T
𝐿𝑐 PT
LC
PC

R
R

Areafillet

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 A simple curve has a radius of 120m Sample Problem #3:
and an angle of intersection of 36
degrees. A new curve was designed
such that the new forward tangent is
moved out at a perpendicular distance
of 12m. Without changing the direction
of the tangents and the position of the
PC remains the same, determine the
following: Answers:
a. Radius of the new curve Rnew= 182.833m
b. Length of the new curve Lc(new)= 114.877m
c. Stationing of the new PT if the PC Sta. new PT= 10 + 134.877
is at Sta. 10+020.

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 Sample Problem #3: SOL’N:

GIVEN:

x
36°
12
REQ’D:

FIGURE:
x
T(ne
12 m

w)

R(
new
)

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 Sample Problem #3:

FIGURE:
x
T(ne

12 m
w)

R(
ne w
)

SOL’N:

c. = 10+020.000
+ = + 0+114.877
= 10+134.877

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 Sample Problem #4:

The perpendicular offset distance

from point A on a simple curve to Q on
the tangent line is 64m. If the distance
from PC to Q on the tangent is 260m.
a. Compute the radius of the simple
curve. Answers:
b. Compute the length of curve from R = 560.125m
PC to A. Lc(A) = 270.378m
c. If the angle of intersection of the LC = 626.436m
curve is 680, compute the length of
long chord from PC to PT.

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 Sample Problem #3: SOL’N: Q
GIVEN: 260
m

64 m
𝜃 A
PC 2

REQ’D:

First method:
FIGURE:

m Q
260 64 m
A

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 Sample Problem #3: SOL’N: Q
m
260

64 m
A
GIVEN: PC
𝜃 A 6
0
2 2

R
R-6
4
𝜃
REQ’D:

Second method:
FIGURE:

m Q
260 64 m
A

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

CIRCULAR CURVE
- SIMPLE CURVE
DEFLECTION ANGLE
 The deflection angle between the back
tangent and a line drawn from the PC to a
particular point on a curve.
 Circular curves are laid out almost by using
these angles.
Recall Geometry:
“the angle between a tangent line to a circular
curve and a chord drawn from that point of
Note: tangency to some other point on the curve
D ≤ 3° 100ft (20m)
3° < D ≤ 7° 50ft (10m) equals ½ of the angle subtended by that chord.
7° < D ≤ 14° 25ft (5m)

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

CIRCULAR CURVE
- SIMPLE CURVE

Note:
D ≤ 3° 100ft (20m)
3° < D ≤ 7° 50ft (10m)
7° < D ≤ 14° 25ft (5m)

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO

 FIELDNOTES FOR HORIZONTAL
FINAL CURVE
LOCATION – Country Road #64
DEFLECTION CHORD Calculated Curve Dec. 8, 2011 M.C. Fields N
Sta. PT.
ANGLE (I/2) LENGTH Bearings Data Clear, cold 35°
Tapan transit #33
67+31.7 PT 12°10’ 603.77 ft
67+00 11°31’55” 572.71
66+50 10°31’55” 523.64
66+00 9°31’55” 474.40
65+50 8°31’55” 425.02
65+00 7°31’55” 375.51 PI = 64+64.32.2
64+50 6°31’55” 325.89 I = 24°20’
64+00 5°31’55” 276.17 D = 4°00’
63+50 4°31’55” 226.36 R = 1432.39 ft
63+00 3°31’55” 176.48 T = 308.8 ft
62+50 2°31’55” 126.56
62+00
E= 32.91 ft
1°31’55” 76.59
61+50 L = 608.3 ft
0°31’55” 26.60
61+23.4 PC 0°0’ 0 LC = 603.77 ft
Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO
REMINDER:
Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO, CE
ASSIGNMENT #

–Procedure in Staking Out Simple Curve

– Offset from the Tangent Line

– Offset from the Long Chord

– Deflection Angle Method

– Sub-chord Line Method

–APPLICATION:

– The perpendicular distance from point A on a simple curve to Q on tangent line is 64 m. If the distance from PC to Q on the tangent is 260m.

– Compute the radius of simple curve.

– Compute the length of PC to A.

– If the angle of intersection of the curve is 64°, compute the length of the chord from PC to PT.

– A simple curve has tangents AB and BC intersecting at common point B. AB has azimuth (south) 180° and BC has an azimuth (south) 230°. The stationing of the
point of curvature at A is 10+140.26. If the degree of curvature of the simple curve is 4°.

– Compute the length of the chord from A.

– Compute the tangent distance AB of the curve.

– Compute the stationing of a point “x” on the curve on which a line passing through the center of the curve makes an angle of 58° with the line AB,
intersects the curve at point “x”.

– A simple curve has a radius of 286.48 m. Its distance from PC to PT along the curve is equal to 240m.

– Compute the central angle of the curve using arc basis.

– Compute the distance from the midpoint of the long chord to the midpoint of the curve.

– Compute the area bounded by the tangents and the portion outside the central curve.

Engr. ROSELLA C. ALGADO