Tutorial 3-4- 25.01.
2023
Question 1
A falling gradient of 4% meets a rising gradient of 5% at chainage 2450 m and level 216.42m. At
chainage 2350 m the underside of a bridge has a level of 235.54 m. The two grades are to be joined
by a vertical parabolic curve giving 14 m clearance under the bridge. List the levels at 50 m
intervals along the curve.
Question 2
An existing length of road consists of a rising gradient of 1 in 20 and a falling gradient of 1 in 40.
The parabolic crest curve is 100 m. The curve joins both gradients tangentially and the reduced
level of the highest point on the curve is 173.07 m above the datum. Visibility is to be improved
over this stretch of road by replacing this curve with another parabolic curve 200 m long.
Find the depth of excavation required at the mid-point of the curve. Tabulate the reduced levels at
30 m intervals on the new curve.
What will be the minimum visibility on the new curve whose eyes are 1.05 m above the road
surface?
Question 3
A road gradient of 1 in 60 down is followed by an up- gradient of 1 in 30; the valley thus formed
being smooth by a circular curve of 1000 m in the vertical plane. The grades intersect at a point
having a reduced level of 299.65 m and chainage of 4020 m.
It is proposed to improve the road by introducing a longer curve, parabolic in form. In order to
limit the amount of filling, it is decided that the level of the new road at chainage 4020 m shall be
3 m above the existing surface.
Determine:
i. the length of the new curve,
ii. the levels of the tangent points,
iii. the levels of the quarter points and,
iv. the chainage of the lowest point on the curve.
1
Revision work
1. Explain the importance of geometric design of a roadway.
2. Draw a simple circular curve and list the components of the curve. Derive the expressions
as below:
3. Derive an expression for:
i. the minimum radius of a circular curve with the help of a neat diagram
ii. braking distance (Db) down a slope ()
4. Describe how you would set out simple horizontal curves with:
i. Small radius and;
ii. Large radius.
4. What is an ideal transition curve?
5. With the help of a neat sketch, derive the main expressions to be used for the transition curve.
6. Explain the achieving adequate sight distance and eye- object height when designing a
vertical curve.
7. List the steps to determine the reduced levels of a crest vertical curve.
