3.1 A 1600-ft-long sag vertical curve (equal tangent) 60-mi/h design speed is attained.

At one point on the

has a PVC at station 120 + 00 and elevation 1500 ft. highway, an 800-ft equal-tangent crest vertical curve
The initial grade is —3.5% and the final grade is +6.5%. exists. Measurements show that at 3 + 52 stations from
Determine the elevation and stationing of the low point, the PVC, the vertical curve offset is 3 ft. Assess the
PVI, and PVT. adequacy of this existing curve in light of the
reconstruction design speed of 60 mi/h and, if the
existing curve is inadequate, compute a satisfactory
3.2 A 500-ft-long equal-tangent crest vertical curve curve length.
connects tangents that intersect at station 340 + 00 and
elevation 1322 ft. The initial grade is +4.0% and the
final grade is —2.5%. Determine the elevation and 3.9 Two level sections of an east-west highway (G = 0)
stationing of the high point, PVC, and PVT. are to be connected. Currently, the two sections of
highway are separated by a 4000-ft (horizontal
distance), 2% grade. The westernmost section of
3.3 Consider Example 3.4. Solve this problem with the highway is the higher of the two and is at elevation 100
parabolic equation (Eq. 3.1) rather than by using offsets. ft. If the highway has a 60-mi/h design speed,
determine, for the crest and sag vertical curves required,
the stationing and elevation of the PVCs) and. P¥TS
given that the PVC “Of the crest curve (on the
3.4 Again consider Example 3.4. Does this curve provide westernmost level highway section) is at station 0 + 00
sufficient stopping sight distance for a speed of 60 mi/h? and elevation 100 ft. In solving this problem, assume
that the curve PVIs are at the intersection of G = 0 and
the 2% grade, that is, A = 2.
3.5 An equal-tangent sag vertical curve is designed with
the PVC at station 109 + 00 and elevation 950 ft, the
PVT at station 110 + 77 and elevation 947.34 ft, and the 3.10 Consider Problem 3.9. Suppose it is necessary to
low point at station 110 + 50. Determine the design keep the entire alignment within the 4000 ft that
speed of the curve. currently separate the two level sections. It is
determined that the crest and sag curves should be
connected (the PVT of the crest and PVC of the sag)
3.6 An equal-tangent vertical curve was designed in with a constant-grade section that has the lowest grade
2005 (to 2004 AASHTO guidelines) for a design speed of possible. Again using a 60-mi/h design speed,
70 mi/h to connect grades G,; = +1.0% and G, = — determine, for the crest and sag vertical curves, the
2.0%. The curve is to be redesigned for a 70-mi/h stationing and elevation of the PVCs and PYTs given that
design speed in the year 2025. Vehicle braking the westernmost level section ends at station 0 + 00 and
technology has advanced such that the recommended elevation 100 ft. (Note that A must now be determined
design deceleration rate is 25% greater than the 2004 and will not be equal to 2.)
value used to develop Table 3.1, but due to the higher
percentage of older persons in the driving population,
design reaction times have increased by 20%. Also, 3.11 An equal-tangent crest vertical curve is designed
vehicles have become smaller so that the driver’s eye for 60 mi/h. The initial grade is +4.0% and the final
height is assumed to be 3.0 ft above the pavement and grade is negative. What is the elevation difference
roadway objects are assumed to be 1.0 ft above the between the PVC and the high point of the curve?
pavement surface. Compute the difference in design
curve lengths for the 2005 and 2025 designs.

3.12 An equal-tangent crest vertical curve has a 50-

mi/h design speed. The initial grade is +3%. The high
3.7 A 1200-ft equal-tangent crest vertical curve is point is at station 33 + 37.43 and the PVT is at station
currently designed for 50 mi/h. A civil engineering 37 + 18.26. What is the elevation difference between
student contends that 60 mi/h is safe in a van because the high point and the PVT?
of the higher driver’s-eye height. If all other design
inputs are standard, what must the driver’s-eye height
(in the van) be for the student’s claim to be valid?
3.13 A vertical curve is designed for 55 mi/h and has an
initial grade of +2.5% and a final grade of —1.0%. The
PVT is at station 114 + 25. It is known that a point on
3.8 A highway reconstruction project is being the curve at station 112 + 75 is at elevation 240 ft.
undertaken to reduce crash rates. The reconstruction What is the stationing and elevation of the PVC? What is
involves a major realignment of the highway such that a
the stationing and elevation of the high point on the section must fit between stations 100 + 00 and 130 +
curve? 00.)

3.14 An equal-tangent crest curve connects a +1.0% 3.19 A sag curve and crest curve connect a —3.0%
and a —0.5% grade. The PVC is at station 54 + 84 and tangent section of highway (to the west) with a +2.0%
the PV is at station 57 + 44. Is this curve long enough to tangent section of highway (to the east). The +2.0%
provide passing sight distance for a 55-mi/h design tangent section is at a higher elevation than the —3.0%
speed? 90 Chapter3 Geometric Design of Highways tangent
section. The two tangent sections are separated by 1275
ft of horizontal distance. If the design speed of the
3.15 Due to crashes at a railroad crossing, an overpass curves is 50 mi/h, what is the common grade between
(with a roadway surface 24 ft above the existing road) is the sag and crest curves (G of sag and G; of crest, from
to be constructed on an existing level highway. The west to east), and what is the elevation difference
existing highway has a design speed of 50 mi/h. The between the PVC, and PVT.?
overpass structure is to be level, centered above the
railroad, and 200 ft long. What length of the existing
level highway must be reconstructed to provide an 3.20 An overpass is being built over the PVI of an
appropriate vertical alignment? existing equal-tangent sag curve. The sag curve has a
70-mi/h design speed, and G; = -—6%, G2 = +3%.
Determine the minimum necessary clearance height of
3.16 A section of a freeway ramp has a +4.0% grade the overpass and the resultant elevation of the bottom
and ends at station 127 + 00 and elevation 138 ft. It of the overpass over the PV/. (Ignore the cross-sectional
must be connected to another section of the ramp width of the overpass.)
(which has a 0.0% grade) that is at station 162 + 00
and elevation 97 ft. It is determined that the crest and
sag curves required to connect the ramp should be 3.21 An equal-tangent sag curve has its PVI at station
connected (the PVT of the crest and PVC of the sag) 10 + 00 and elevation at 138 ft. Directly above the PVI,
with a constant-grade section that has the lowest grade the bottom of an overpass structure is at elevation 162
possible. Design a vertical alignment to connect between ft. The PVC is at station 4 + 00. If the initial grade is —
these two stations using a 50-mi/h design speed. 4%, what is the highest possible value of the final grade
Provide the lengths of the curves and constantgrade given that a 70-mi/h design speed is to be provided in
section. daytime conditions? What is the highest possible final
grade in nighttime conditions? (Note: Be careful of units
of A, and ignore the cross-sectional width of the
3.17 A tangent section of highway has a —1.0% grade overpass.)
and ends at station 4 + 75 and elevation 82 ft. It must
be connected to another section of highway that has a
—1.0% grade and that begins at station 44 + 12 and 3.22 An existing highway-railway at-grade crossing is
elevation 131.2 ft. The connecting alignment should being redesigned as grade separated to improve traffic
consist of a sag curve, constant-grade section, and crest operations. The railway must remain at the same
curve, and be designed for a speed of 50 mi/h. What is elevation. The highway is being reconstructed to travel
the lowest grade possible for the constant-grade section under the railway. The underpass will be a sag curve
that will complete this alignment? that connects to 2% tangent sections on both ends, and
the PVI will be centered under the railway (a
symmetrical alignment). The sag curve design speed is
3.18 A roadway has a design speed of 50 mi/h, and at 45 mi/h. How many feet below the railway should the
station 100 + 00 a +3.0% grade roadway section ends curve PVI be located?
and at station 130 + 00 a +2.0% grade roadway section
begins. The +3.0% grade section of highway (at station
100 + 00) is at a higher elevation than the +2.0% grade 3.23 You are asked to design a horizontal curve for a
section of highway (at station 130 + 00). If a —5% two-lane road. The road has 12-ft lanes. Due to
constant-grade section is used to connect the crest and expensive excavation, it is determined that a maximum
sag vertical curves that are needed to link the +3.0 and of 34 ft can be cleared from the road’s centerline toward
+2.0% grade sections, what is the elevation difference the inside lane to provide for stopping sight distance.
between stations 100 + 00 and 130 + 00? (The entire Also, local guidelines dictate a maximum superelevation
alignment, crest and sag curves, and constant-grade of 0.08 ft/ft. What is the highest possible design speed
for this curve?
 PC is 17 + 35, what is the station of the PJ and how
much distance must be cleared from the center of the
3.24 A horizontal curve on a single-lane highway has its lane to provide adequate stopping sight distance?
PC at station 124 + 10 and its P/ at station 131 + 40.
The curve has a superelevation of 0.06 ft/ft and is
designed for 70 mi/h. What is the station of the PT?
3.31 A freeway exit ramp has a single lane and consists
entirely of a horizontal curve with a central angle of 90
degrees and a length of 628 ft. If the distance cleared
3.25 A horizontal curve is being designed through from the centerline for sight distance is 19.4 ft, what
mountainous terrain for a four-lane road with lanes that design speed was used?
are 10 ft wide. The central angle (D) is known to be 40
degrees, the tangent distance is 510 ft, and the
stationing of the tangent intersection (P/) is 2700 + 00.
Under specified conditions and vehicle speed, the 3.32 A horizontal curve on a two-lane highway (12-ft
roadway surface is determined to have a coefficient of lanes) has PC at station 123 + 50 and PT at station 129
side friction of 0.08, and the curve’s superelevation is + 34. The central angle is 34 degrees, the
0.09 fi/ft. What is the stationing of the PC and PT and superelevation is 0.08, and 20.3 ft is cleared (for sight
what is the safe vehicle speed? distance) from the inside edge of the innermost lane.
Determine a maximum safe speed (assuming current
design standards) to the nearest 5 mi/h.
3.26 A new interstate highway is being built with a
design speed of 70 mi/h. For one of the horizontal
curves, the radius (measured to the innermost vehicle 3.33 For the horizontal curve in Problem 3.29, what
path) is tentatively planned as 900 ft. What rate of distance must be cleared from the inside edge of the
superelevation is required for this curve? inside lane to provide adequate stopping sight distance?

3.27 A developer is having a single-lane raceway 3.34 A horizontal curve was designed for a four-lane
constructed with a 100-mi/h design speed. A curve on highway for adequate SSD. Lane widths are 12 ft, and
the raceway has a radius of 1000 ft, a central angle of the superelevation is 0.06 and was set assuming
30 degrees, and PI stationing at 1125 + 10. If the maximum f,. If the necessary sight distance required 52
design coefficient of side friction is 0.20, determine the ft of lateral clearance from the roadway centerline, what
superelevation required at the design speed (do not design speed was used for the curve?
ignore the normal component of the centripetal force).
Also, compute the degree of curve, length of curve, and
stationing of the PC and PT. 3.35 A section of highway has vertical and horizontal
curves with the same design speed. A vertical curve on
this highway connects a +1% and a +3% grade and is
3.28 A horizontal curve is being designed for a new 420 ft long. If a horizontal curve on this highway is on a
two-lane highway (12-ft lanes). The P/ is at station 250 two-lane section with 12-ft lanes, has a central angle of
+ 50, the design speed is 65 mi/h, and a maximum 37 degrees, and has a superelevation of 6%, what is the
superelevation of 0.08 ft/ft is to be used. If the central length of the horizontal curve?
angle of the curve is 35 degrees, design a curve for the
highway by computing the radius and stationing of the
PC and PT. 3.36 A section of a two-lane highway (12-ft lanes) is
designed for 75 mi/h. At one point a vertical curve
connects a —2.5% and +1.5% grade. The PVT of this
3.29 You are asked to design a horizontal curve with a curve is at station 25 + 10. It is known that a horizontal
40-degree central angle (A = 40) for a two-lane road curve starts (has PC) 292 ft before the vertical curve’s
with 10-ft lanes. The design speed is 70 mi/h and PVC. If the superelevation of the horizontal curve is 0.08
superelevation is limited to 0.06 ft/ft. Give the radius, and the central angle is 38 degrees, what is the station
degree of curvature, and length of curve that you would of the PT?
recommend.

3.37 Two straight sections of freeway cross at a right

3.30 A horizontal curve on a single-lane freeway ramp angle. At the point of crossing, the east-west highway is
is-400 ft long, and the design speed of the ramp is 45 at elevation 150 ft and has a constant +5.0% grade
mi/h. If the superelevation is 10% and the station of the (upgrade in the east direction), and the north-south
highway is at elevation 125 ft and has a constant — a) 864.30 ft
3.0% grade (downgrade in the north direction). Design
a 90- degree ramp that connects the northbound b) 645.00 ft
direction of travel to the eastbound direction of travel. c) 674.74 ft
Design the ramp for the highest design speed (to
nearest 5 mi/h) with the constraint that the minimum d) 673.43 ft
allowable value of D is 8.0. (Assume that the PC of the
horizontal curve is at station 15 + 00, and the vertical
curve PV/s are at the PC and PT.) Give the stationing 3.42 A car is traveling downhill on a suburban road with
and elevations of the PC PL RVGs and PV Is: an upgrade of 3% at a speed of 35 mi/h. Determine the
stopping sight distance.

3.38 A 400-ft equal-tangent sag vertical curve has its a) 257.08 ft

PVC at station 100 + 00 and elevation 500 ft. The initial b) 236.63 ft
grade is —-4.0% and the final grade is +2.5%.
Determine the elevation of the lowest point of the curve. c) 249.15 ft

a) 495.077 ft d) 254.23 ft

b) 495.250 ft
c) 485.231 ft 3.43 A tow truck is searching a city street at 40 mi/h for
illegally parked vehicles. It travels over an equal tangent
d) 492.043 ft vertical curve with an initial grade of +4.0% and final
grade of —2.0%. If the height of the driver's eye is 6.0
ft and the driver spots a car 450-ft away with a height of
3.39 A horizontal curve is being designed around a pond 4.0 ft, what is the minimum length of the vertical curve?
with a tangent length of 1200 ft and central angle of
0.5211 radians. If the P/ is at station 145 + 00, a) 562.94 ft
determine the station of PT. b) 1304.15 ft
a) 168 +45.43 c) 240.07 ft
b) 156+ 45.43 d) 306.85 ft
c) 173 +94.00

d) 15600272

3.40 A car is traveling over a 1600-ft vertical curve. One

of the passengers decides to calculate the current offset
from the PVC. By looking at the onboard navigation
device, the passenger knows that the car is 750 feet
from the PVC. The initial grade is +3.5% while the final
roadway grade is —2%. What is the current offset?

a) 6.000 ft

b) 24.000 ft

c) 0.053 ft

d) 5.273 ft

3.41 You are designing a highway to AASHTO guidelines

on rolling terrain where the design speed will be 65
mi/h. At one section, a +1.5% grade and a —2.0%
grade must be connected with an equal-tangent vertical
curve. Determine the minimum length of curve that can
be designed while meeting SSD requirements.