Geometric Design for Highways and
Railways, Including Cross Sections,
Horizontal and Vertical Alignments,
Super-Elevation and Earthworks
CE 326: Highway and Railroad Engineering
Engr. Jean Paul Q. Logronio
Assistant Professor I
Introduction to Geometric Design
Definition & Goals
* Design of visible features' dimensions and arrangement
* Primary Goals:
* Safety enhancement
* Operational efficiency
* Cost-effective traffic operations
* Environmental quality
* Liveability - supporting broader community aspirations
Core Design Elements
Three Main Components
1. Alignment
* Route of the road
* Horizontal tangents and curves
2. Profile
* Vertical road aspects
* Grade lines and curves
3. Cross-section
* Vehicle and bicycle lanes
* Sidewalks
* Drainage elements
Design Process Hierarchy
Sequential Considerations
1. Design Speed Selection
2. Traffic Volume Analysis
3. Number of Lanes
4. Level of Service (LOS)
5. Sight Distance Requirements
6. Alignment Development
7. Super-elevation and Grades
8. Cross Section Design
9. Lane Width Determination
10. Horizontal and Vertical Clearance
Fundamental Design Concepts
Design Speed
* Selected rate for determining geometric features
* Basis for consistent design elements
* Influences safety and efficiency
Fundamental Design Concepts
Design Vehicle
* Representative vehicle type
* Weight and dimensions consideration
• Operating characteristics basis
• Used to establish design controls
Fundamental Design Concepts
Sight Distance
* Visible roadway ahead
* Critical for safety
• Types:
• Stopping sight distance
• Passing sight distance
• Decision sight distance
Railway Geometric Design
Gradient Types
1. Ruling Gradient
* Steepest allowable gradient
* Plains: 1:150 to 1:200
* Hills: 1:100 to 1:150
2. Momentum Gradient
* Steeper than ruling gradient
* Uses train momentum
* Carefully calculated sections
Railway Geometric Design
Gradient Types
3. Pusher Gradient
* Requires additional locomotive
* Used in severe sections
4. Station Gradient
* Maximum 1:400 in yards
* Prevents unwanted vehicle movement
* Reduces resistance
Cross Section Elements
Principal Components
1. Travel Lanes
* Vehicle movement space
* Width based on road classification
3. Medians
2. Shoulders * Between opposing traffic
* Types: * Safety buffer zone
* Graded shoulder (total width)
* Usable shoulder (parking area)
* Emergency use
* Lateral support
Marginal Elements
• Barriers (roadside and median)
• Curbs and gutters
• Guard rails
• Sidewalks
Vertical Curves
Types and Considerations
1. Summit (Crest) Curves 2. Valley (Sag) Curves
Design factors: Key considerations:
* Stopping sight distance * Impact-free vehicle movement
* Passing sight distance * Night driving visibility
* Comfort criteria * Drainage requirements
* Comfort conditions
Super-elevation Design
Advantages Limiting Factors
* Higher vehicle speeds * Wide pavement sections
* Increased stability * Adjacent property grades
* Reduced foundation stress * Surface drainage requirements
* Pothole prevention * Cross street frequency
* Driveway access
Earthwork Operations
Types
Applications
* Road construction
1. Cutting * Railway development
* Excavation process * Irrigation projects
* Topography modification * Land grading
* Slope stabilization
2. Filling
* Material relocation
* Level achievement
Design for Liveability
Community Integration
* Access to key destinations
* Multi-modal transportation support
* Environmental consideration
* Community aesthetics
* Sustainable development
