Fair Use Notice
The material used in this presentation i.e., pictures/graphs/text, etc. is solely
intended for educational/teaching purpose, offered free of cost to the students for
use under special circumstances of Online Education due to COVID-19 Lockdown
situation and may include copyrighted material - the use of which may not have
been specifically authorised by Copyright Owners. It’s application constitutes Fair
Use of any such copyrighted material as provided in globally accepted law of many
countries. The contents of presentations are intended only for the attendees of the
class being conducted by the presenter.
Sag Vertical Curve: Example
A sag vertical curve is to be designed to join a –3% to a
+3% grade. Design speed is 40 mph. What is L?
Skipping steps: SSD = 313.67 feet
If S < L
or S > L
Dr. Rizwan Memon 2
Sag Vertical Curve: Example
Let S > L,
L = 2(313.67 ft) – (400 + 3.5 x 313.67) = 377.70
ft ft │3 – (-3)│
313.67 < 377.70, so condition does not satisfy
then S < L,
L = │3 – (-3)│ x (313.67)2 = 394.12 ft
400 + 3.5 x 313.67
313.67 < 394.12, so condition satisfy.
Dr. Rizwan Memon 3
Dr. Rizwan Memon 4
Source: Iowa DOT
Dr. Rizwan Memon
Design Manual 5
Note: L is measured from here to
here
Source: Iowa Not here
DOT Design Dr. Rizwan Memon 6
Manual
Example:
A crest vertical curve joins a +3% and –4% grade. Design
speed is 75 mph. Length = 2184.0 ft. Station at VPI is
345+ 60.00, elevation at VPI = 250 feet. Find elevations
and station for VPC (BVC) and VPT (EVC). L/2 = 1092.0 ft
Station at VPC = [345 + 60.00] - [10 + 92.00] = 334 +
68.00
Vertical Diff VPI to VPC: -0.03 x (2184/2) = - 32.76 feet
ElevationVPC = 250 – 32.76 = 217.24 feet
Station at VPT = [345 + 60.00] + [10 + 92.00] = 357 +
52.00
Vertical Diff VPI to VPT = -0.04 x (2184/2) = - 43.68 feet
Dr. Rizwan Memon 7
Elevation VPT = 250 – 43.68 = 206.32 feet
Example:
A crest vertical curve joins a +3% and –4% grade. Design
speed is 75 mph. Length = 2184.0 ft. Station at VPI is
345+ 60.00, elevation at VPI = 250 feet. Station at VPC
(BVC) is 334 + 60.00, Elevation at VPC: 217.24 feet.
Calculate points along the vertical curve.
X = distance from VPC
Y= Ax2
200 L
Elevationtangent = elevation at VPC + distance x grade
Elevationcurve = Elevationtangent - Y
Dr. Rizwan Memon 8
Example:
A crest vertical curve joins a +3% and –4% grade. Design
speed is 75 mph. Length = 2184.0 ft. Station at VPI is
345+ 60.00, elevation at VPI = 250 feet. Find elevation on
the curve at a point 400 feet from VPC.
Y=Ax 2
= - 7 x (400 ft)2 = - 2.56 feet
200L 200 (2814)
Elevation at tangent = 206.32 + (400 x 0.03) = 218.32
Elevation on curve = 218.32 – 2.56 feet = 226.68’
Dr. Rizwan Memon 9
Coordination of Vertical and Horizontal
Alignment
Curvature and grade should be in
proper balance
Avoid
Excessive curvature to achieve
flat grades
Excessive grades to achieve
flat curvature
Vertical curvature should be
coordinated with horizontal
Sharp horizontal curvature should Image source:
not be introduced at or near the top http://www.webs1.uidaho.edu/niatt_labma
nual/Chapters/geometricdesign/
of a pronounced crest vertical curve theoryandconcepts/
DescendingGrades.htm
Drivers may not perceive change
in horizontal alignment esp. at
night
Dr. Rizwan Memon 10
Sharp horizontal curvature should not be introduced
near bottom of steep grade near the low point of a
pronounced sag vertical curve
Horizontal curves appear distorted
Vehicle speeds (esp. trucks) are highest at the
bottom of a sag vertical curve
Can result in inconsistent motion
At intersections where sight distance needs to be
accommodated, both horizontal and vertical curves
should be as flat as practical
Dr. Rizwan Memon 11
Coordination of Horizontal and Vertical Alignment
Should be consistent with the topography
Preserve developed properties along the road
Incorporate community values
Follow natural contours of the land
Does not affect aesthetic, scenic, historic, and cultural
resources along the way
Enhances attractive scenic views
Rivers
Rock formations
Parks
Historic sites
Outstanding buildings
Dr. Rizwan Memon 12
Coordination of Horizontal and Vertical Alignment
Dr. Rizwan Memon 13
Dr. Rizwan Memon 14
Dr. Rizwan Memon 15
Climbing lanes
When flatter grades cannot be accommodated, consider
climbing lane when all 3 of the following criteria are met
(AASHTO):
Upgrade traffic flow rate in excess of 200 vehicles per
hour.
Upgrade truck flow rate in excess of 20 vehicles per
hour.
One of the following conditions exists:
A 15 km/h or greater speed reduction is expected for
a typical heavy truck.
Level-of-service E or F exists on the grade.
A reduction of two or more levels of service is
experienced when moving from the approach
segment to the grade.
Dr. Rizwan Memon 16
Dr. Rizwan Memon 17
Descending Grades
Problem is, increased speeds and loss of control for
heavy trucks
Runaway vehicle ramps are often designed and included
at critical locations along the grade
Ramps placed before each turn that cannot be
negotiated at runaway speeds
Ramps should also be placed along straight stretches of
roadway, wherever unreasonable speeds might be
obtained
Ramps located on the right side of the road when
possible
Dr. Rizwan Memon 18
Maximum Grades
Passenger vehicles can easily negotiate 4 to 5% grade
without appreciable loss in speed
Upgrades: trucks average 7% decrease in speed
Downgrades: trucks average speed increase 5%
Dr. Rizwan Memon 19
