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Symmetrical Parabolic Curves

This document discusses symmetrical parabolic vertical curves used in highway design. It provides properties of vertical parabolic curves including that the vertical offsets are proportional to the square of the horizontal distances, the curve bisects the midpoint of the long chord, and the slope varies uniformly along the curve. It also gives the formula to calculate maximum offset and presents 4 sample problems calculating length of curve, elevations at points, and stationing of features like culverts.

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Mycha Rose Aragon Palco
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255 views

Symmetrical Parabolic Curves

This document discusses symmetrical parabolic vertical curves used in highway design. It provides properties of vertical parabolic curves including that the vertical offsets are proportional to the square of the horizontal distances, the curve bisects the midpoint of the long chord, and the slope varies uniformly along the curve. It also gives the formula to calculate maximum offset and presents 4 sample problems calculating length of curve, elevations at points, and stationing of features like culverts.

Uploaded by

Mycha Rose Aragon Palco
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CE10

Symmetrical Curve/Parabolic Curve


Symmetrical Parabolic Curves
In highway practice, abrupt change in the
vertical direction of moving vehicles should be
avoided. In order to provide gradual change in
its vertical direction, a parabolic vertical curve is
adopted on account of its slope which varies at
constant rate with respect to horizontal
distances.
Properties of Vertical Parabolic Curves
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.
Properties of Vertical Parabolic Curves
2. The curve bisects the distance between the
vertex and the midpoint of the long chord.
Properties of Vertical Parabolic Curves
3. If the algebraic difference in the rate of grade of the two slopes
is positive, that is (g 1 - 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 PT.
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, of
the intersection of the slopes or forward and backward
tangent.
7. The slope of the parabola varies uniformly along the curve, as
shown by differentiating the equation of the parabolic curve.
Properties of Vertical Parabolic Curves
Properties of Vertical Parabolic Curves
8. The maximum offset H= 1/8 the product of
the algebraic difference between the two
rates of grade and the length of curve:
Location of the Highest and Lowest
Point of the Curve
Problem 1
A parabolic curve has a descending grade of -0.8%
which meets an ascending grade of 0.4% at sta. 10+
020. The max. allowable change of grade per 20 m.
station is 0.15. Elevation at station 10 + 020 is 240.60
m.
1. What is the length of the curve?
2. Compute the elevation of the lowest point of the
curve.
3. Compute the elevation at station 10 + 000.
Problem 2
A symmetrical vertical summit curve has tangents of
4% and -2%. The allowable rate of change of grade is
0.3% per meter station. Stationing and elevation of P.T.
is at 10 + 020 and 142.63 m. respectively.
1. Compute the length of curve.
2. Compute the distance of the highest point of curve
from the P.C.
3. Compute the elevation of the highest point of
curve.
Problem 3
A grade descending at the rate of -4% Intersects
another grade ascending at the rate of +8% at station 2
+ 000, elevation 100 m. A vertical curve is to connect
the two such that the curve will clear a boulder located
at station 1 + 980, elevation 101.34 m.
1. Determine the necessary length of the curve.
2. Determine the station of the location of a sewer to
be laid out.
3. Compute the elevation of station where the sewer
is to be place.
Problem 4
On a railroad a -0.8% grade meters a +0.4% grade
station 2 + 700 whose elevation of 300 m. The
maximum allowable change in grade per station having
a length of 20 m. is 0.15.
1. Compute the length of curve.
2. Compute the stationing where a culvert be located.
3. At what elevation must the invert of the culvert be
set if the pipe has a diameter of 0.9 m. and the
backfill is 0.3 m. depth. Neglect thickness of pipe.

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