Fundamental of Surveying

(FUNSURVEY2)
MODULE 2

Fundamental of Surveying 2
 Holy Angel University
School of Engineering and Architecture
Department of Civil Engineering
Transportation Engineering

Station # 3
Vertical Curves

Introduction This chapter will lead to the next important geometric design of
road: The vertical curve. It is divided into two parts: Symmetrical
and Unsymmetrical Curve.

Content This chapter focuses on

➢ Different vertical curves
➢ The need of vertical curves
➢ Types of Vertical Curves
o Symmetrical Parabolic Curves
o Unsymmetrical Parabolic Curves

After this chapter, the student should be able to

Objectives ➢ Understand the terminologies and geometry of
vertical curves.
➢ Design vertical curves to join intersecting
gradients
➢ Calculate the elevation of the highest and lowest
points on vertical curves.

References Charles D. Ghilani and Paul R. Wolf, 2015. Elementray Surveying: An Introduction to
Geomatics, 14th Edition

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves
Introduction to Vertical Curves

“Life is like a box of chocolate. You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Forest Gump

Vertical Curves are the second of the two important transition elements in geometric design for highways,
the first being Horizontal Curves. A vertical curve provides a transition between two sloped roadways, allowing a
vehicle to negotiate the elevation rate change at a gradual rate rather than a sharp cut. The design of the curve is
dependent on the intended design speed for the roadway, as well as other factors including drainage, slope,
acceptable rate of change, and friction. These curves are parabolic and are assigned stationing based on a horizontal
axis.

Referring to the illustration below, which shows the profile view of a proposed section of highway to be
constructed from A to B.A grade line consisting of three tangent sections has been designed to fit the ground profile.
Two vertical curves are needed: curve a to join tangents 1 and 2, and curve b to connect tangents 2 and 3. The function
of each curve is to provide a gradual change in grade from the initial (back) tangent to the grade of the second
(forward) tangent. Because parabolas provide a constant rate of change of grade, they are ideal and almost always
applied for vertical alignments used by vehicular traffic.

A vertical curve may be either a crest (summit) curve or a sag curve, depending on the tangents grades that it
connects. A crest and sag curve are shown in the figure.

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves
Grade

Vertical curves are used to connect stretches of road that go up or down at a constant slope. These lines of
constant slope are called grade tangents. The rate of slope is called the gradient, or simply the grade. (Do not confuse
this use of the term grade with other meanings, such as the design elevation of a finished surface at a given point or
the actual elevation of the existing ground at a given point.) Grades that ascend in the direction of the stationing are
designated as plus; those that descend in the direction of the stationing are designated as minus

After the location of a road has been determined and the necessary fieldwork has been obtained, the engineer
designs or fixes (sets) the grades. A number of factors are considered, including the intended use and importance of
the road and the existing topography. If a road is too steep, the comfort and safety of the users and fuel consumption
of the vehicles will be adversely affected; therefore, the design criteria will specify maximum grades. Typical maximum
grades are a 4-percent desired maximum and a 6-percent absolute maximum for a primary road.

Computing Vertical Curves

As you have learned earlier, the horizontal curves used in highway work are generally the arcs of circles. But
vertical curves are usually parabolic. The parabola is used primarily because its shape provides a transition. Designing
a vertical curve consists principally of deciding on the proper length of the curve. As indicated in the shown figure
above, the length of a vertical curve is the horizontal distance from the beginning to the end of the curve; the length
of the curve is NOT the distance along the parabola itself. The longer a curve is, the more gradual the transition will
be from one grade to the next; the shorter the curve, the more abrupt the change will be.

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves

The change must be gradual enough to provide the required sight distance. The sight distance requirement will
depend on the speed for which the road is designed, the passing or non-passing distance requirements, and other
assumptions such as a driver’s reaction time, braking time, stopping distance, eye level, and the height of objects. A
typical eye level used for designs is 4.5 feet or, more recently, 3.75 feet; typical object heights are 4 inches to 1.5 feet.
For a sag curve, the sight distance will usually not be significant during daylight, but the nighttime sight distance must
be considered when the reach of headlights may be limited by the abruptness of the curve.

Elements of Vertical Curves

The figure below shows the elements of a vertical curve. The meaning of the symbols usually assigned to
them follow:

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves

Symmetrical Vertical Curves

A symmetrical vertical curve is one in which the horizontal distance from the PVI to the PVC is equal to the
horizontal distance from the PVI to the PVT. In other words, l1 equals l2.

The figure shown is the diagram of vertical curves. Lower part of the figure is grade diagram, one of the method you
can use to solve the missing variables. Second method in determining the geometric values is by using the formulas.

Formulas:

Determining Station PVC and PVT, Elevation PVC and PVT

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves

Determining the vertical offsets from tangent to the curve.

𝑦1 𝑦2 𝑦1 𝐻
= = 𝐿
(𝑋1)2 (𝑋2)2 (𝑋1)2 ( )2
2
Determining the vertical offsets from PVI to the curve. (Variable H)
1
𝐻= 𝐿 (𝑔2 − 𝑔1 )
8
Determining the Location of Highest or lowest point of the curve. (Variable S).

a) From the P.C. Change of Grade:

𝑔1 𝐿 𝑔2 −𝑔1
𝑆1 = 𝑛=
𝑔2 − 𝑔1 𝑟

b) From the P.T. 𝐿 = 𝑛( 𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

Where: r = grade rate or change of grade
𝑔2 𝐿
𝑆2 = n = Number of stations
𝑔2 − 𝑔1
L = Length of Curve

Sample Problem

1. A vertical sag parabolic curve has a length of 450 m. Its back tangent has a slope of -3.20%. The back
and forward tangents intersect at a point whose elevation is 156 m. Find the elevation of PVC.

Solution:

Given:
Sag curve
L = 450 m
back tangent = -3.20%
Elevation of PVI = 156m.
Req’d:
Find the Elevation PVC

First, we need to illustrate the problem:

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Station 3 – Vertical Curves

450
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑉𝐶 = 156 − (−3.20%)( )
2
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑉𝐶 = 163.2 𝑚

2. A vertical parabolic curve is to connect a back tangent of -2% and a forward tangent of +3%. The change
of grade is 0.20% per 20 m station. The stationing PVC is 15+428 with an elevation of 100.

(a) Find the length of the parabolic curve

(b) Find the stationing of PVT
(c) Find the elevation of PVT

Solution:
Given:
Back tangent = -2% Forward tangent = +3%
Change of grade = 0.20% per 20m station
Station PVC = 15+428
Elevation PVC = 100m
Req’d:
L=?
Staion PVT = ?
Elevation PVT = ?
First, we need to illustrate the problem

a) Use the formula for Change of grade:

𝑔2 −𝑔1
𝑛=
𝑟
3%−(−2%)
𝑛=
0.2%
𝑛 = 25 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠
𝐿 = 𝑛(𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
𝐿 = 25(20𝑚)
𝐿 = 500𝑚
b) To get the station, we will the L =500m
Station PVT = Station PVC + L
Station PVT = 15428 + 500
Station PVT = 15+928
c)

500
100 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑉𝐼 − (−2%)( )
2
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑉𝐼 = 95𝑚

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Station 3 – Vertical Curves
500
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑉𝑇 = 95 + (3%)( )
2
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑉𝑇 = 102.5𝑚

3. A vertical summit parabolic curve has a vertical offset 0.375m from the curve to the grade tangent at sta.
10+050. The curve has a slope of +4% and -2% grades intersecting at the PI. The offset distance of the curve
at PVI is equal to 1.5m. If the stationing of the PVC is at 10+000

(a) Compute the required length of the curve. 200m

(b) Compute the horizontal distance of the vertical curve turning point from the point of intersection of the
grades.
(c) Compute the elevation of the vertical curve turning point if the elevation of PVT is 86.42m.

Solution:
Given:
vertical offset = 0.375m with station = 10+050
Summit curve
back tangent = 4% forward tangent = -2%
PVI offset = 1.5m Station PVC = 10+000
Req’d:
L=?
horizontal distance of highest point from PVI = ?
Elevation of highest point = ? , Elevation PVI = 86.42m
First, we need to illustrate the problem

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Station 3 – Vertical Curves

a) Length of the curve is missing, H is given.

1
𝐻= 𝐿 (𝑔2 − 𝑔1 )
8
1
1.5 = 𝐿 (−2% − 4%)
8
𝐿 = 200 𝑚 (𝑎𝑏𝑠𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑡𝑒 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒)
b) The horizontal distance between the highest point and PVI
First, we need to locate the horizontal distance of highest point (S) from PVC

𝑔1 𝐿
𝑆1 = 𝑔2 − 𝑔1
4%(200)
𝑆1 = −2%− 4%
𝑆1 = 133.33𝑚

𝐿
𝑋=𝑆−
2
200
𝑋 = 133.33 − 2

𝑋 = 33.33 𝑚
c) Elevation of the highest point

to get the elevation of the highest point, we will use the side which where the highest point located (right
side). We use that side so that we can use the triangle formula to solve.

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Station 3 – Vertical Curves

our equation for triangle is

𝑦ℎ +𝑎
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 𝑆

we need to get the value of yh, using ration and proportion of parabola
𝑦1 𝐻 𝑦ℎ 𝐻
= 𝐿 = = 𝐿
(𝑋1)2 ( )2 (𝑆2)2 ( )2
2 2

𝑦ℎ 1.5
= 200
(66.67)2 ( )2
2
𝑦ℎ = 0.67 𝑚
we use the triangle formula, finding the value of a
0.6+𝑎
2% = 66.67
𝑎 = 0.733
Formula for elevation of highest point:
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐻𝑃 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑉𝑇 + 𝑎
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐻𝑃 = 86.42 + 0.733
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐻𝑃 = 87.153𝑚

.4. A symmetrical parabolic summit curve connects two grades of +6% and -4%. It is to pass through a point
“P” on the curve at station 25+140 having an elevation of 98.134m. If the elevation of the grade intersection is
100m, with a stationing of 25+160.

(a) Compute the length of the curve. 120m

(b) Compute the stationing of the highest point of the curve.
(c) Compute the elevation of station 25+120 on the curve.

Solution:
Given:
Backward tangent = +6% Forward tangent = -4%
Point P Station = 25+140 Point P Elevation = 98.134m
Station PVI = 25+160 Elevation PVI = 100m

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves

First, we need to illustrate the problem:

We need to get the elevation at point A, using the triangle:

𝑦1
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 20𝑚
𝑦1
6% = 20𝑚

𝑦1 = 1.2𝑚
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐴 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑉𝐼 − 𝑦1
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐴 = 100 − 1.2
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐴 = 98.8 𝑚

𝑌𝑝 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐴 − 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃
𝑌𝑝 = 98.8 − 98.134
𝑌𝑝 = 0.67 𝑚

Use the formula of H:

1
𝐻 = 𝐿 (𝑔2 − 𝑔1 )
8
1
𝐻 = 𝐿 (−4% − 6%)
8
1
𝐻= 𝐿
80

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves

Using the ratio and proportion:

𝑦𝑝 𝐻
= 𝐿
(𝑋1)2 ( )2
2
1
0.67 𝐿
80
𝐿 =𝐿
( −20)2 ( )2
2 2
𝐿2 − 133.28𝐿 + 1600 = 0
𝐿 = 120𝑚
b) Location of HP
𝑔1 𝐿
𝑆1 = 𝑔2 − 𝑔1
6%(120)
𝑆1 = −4%− 6%

𝑆1 = 72𝑚 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝐶

c) The elevation of point B on the Curve.
We need to get the elevation at point B, using the triangle:

𝑦2 𝑦2
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 40𝑚 6% = 40𝑚

𝑦2 = 2.4𝑚
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐵 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑉𝐼 − 𝑦2
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐵 = 100 − 2.4
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐵 = 97.6𝑚
To get the value of Yb, use ratio and proportion of parabola, and get the value of H:
1 1 𝑦𝑏 1.5
𝐻= 𝐿 = (120) = 120
80 80 (20)2 ( )2
2
𝐻 = 1.5𝑚 𝑦𝑏 = 0.167𝑚
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒 = 𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐵 − 𝑦𝑏
𝑦𝑏 𝐻
= 𝐿 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒 = 97.6 − 0.167
(𝑋1)2 ( )2
2
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑎𝑡 𝐵 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒 = 97.433𝑚

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Unsymmetrical Vertical Curves
A vertical highway curve is at times designed to include a particular elevation at a certain station where the
grades of the forward and backward tangents have already been established. It is therefore necessary to use a curve
with unequal tangents or a compound curve which is usually called “unsymmetrical” or asymmetrical parabolic curve
where one parabola extends from the PVC to a point directly below the vertex and a second parabola which extends
from this point to the PVI. In order to make the entire curve smooth and continuous, the two parabolas are so
constructed so that they will have a common tangent at the point where they have joined that is a point directly below
the vertex.

Formulas:

Determining the vertical offsets from PVI to the curve. (Variable H)

(𝑔2 − 𝑔1 )𝐿2 𝐿1
𝐻=
2(𝐿1 + 𝐿2 )

Determining the location of highest or lowest point. (Variable S). In unsymmetrical curve, we
need to identify if the location of the highest or lowest point is in the forward grade tangent side
or in backward grade tangent side.

𝐿1 𝑔1
a) From the P.C., when <𝐻
2

𝑔1 𝐿12
𝑆1 =
2𝐻

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves
𝐿1 𝑔1
b) From the P.T., when >𝐻
2

𝑔2 𝐿22
𝑆2 =
2𝐻

Sample Problem:

1. An unsymmetrical parabolic curve has a forward tangent of -8% and a back tangent of +5%. The length of
curve on the left side of the curve is 40m. Long while that of the right side is 60m long. The PC is at station
6+780 and has an elevation of 110. An outcrop is found at station 6+800 has an elevation of 108.40m.

(a) Compute the height of fill needed to cover the outcrop.

(b) Compute the elevation of the curve at station 6+820.
(c) Computer the elevation of the highest point of the curve

Solution:
Given:
Backward tangent = +5% Forward tangent = -8%
L1 = 40m L2 = 60m
Station PC = 6+780 Elevation PC = 110m
Station of Outcrop = 6+800 Elevation of Outcrop = 108.40m
Req’d:
hf = ?
Elevation at station 6+820 = ?
Elevation HP = ?
First, illustrate the problem

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves

a) the difference height between outcrop

elevation and point B elevation.
Using the triangle in the figure.

𝑦
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 20𝑚
𝑦
5% = 20𝑚 ; 𝑦 = 1𝑚
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐴 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐶 + 𝑦
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐴 = 110 + 1 = 111𝑚
Next, we need to find the value of Y1: but first, we need to find the value of H

(𝑔2 − 𝑔1 )𝐿2 𝐿1 (−8%−5%)(60)(40)

𝐻= = = 1.56𝑚
2(𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) 2(40+60)

use ratio and proportion:

𝑦1 𝐻 𝑦1 1.56
= (𝐿1)2 = (𝐿1)2
(20)2 (20)2

𝑦1 = 0.39𝑚

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐵 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐴 − 𝑦1 = 111 − 0.39

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐵 = 110.61𝑚

To get the height of fill needed

𝐻𝑓 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐵 − 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑐𝑟𝑜𝑝
𝐻𝑓 = 110.61 − 108.40
𝐻𝑓 = 2.21𝑚

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves

b) Find the elevation of

station 6+820. If we plot
the station, it is located
beneath the Station PVI,
or aligned vertically to
PVI.
Elevation 6+820 =
Elevation PVI - H

First ,we need to find

the Elev at PVI
using the triangle in the figure to get the value
of y3:
𝑦3
𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒 = 40𝑚

𝑦3
5% = 40𝑚 ; 𝑦3 = 2𝑚

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐼 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐶 + 𝑦3

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐼 = 110 + 2 = 112𝑚
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 6 + 820 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐼 − 𝐻
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 6 + 820 = 112 − 1.56
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 6 + 820 = 110.44𝑚
c) Elevation of HP. We need to find its horizontal distance
𝐿1 𝑔1 40(5%)
>𝐻 > 1.5 ; 1 < 1.5𝑚
2 2
Therefore, The highest point is located near station PVC
𝑔1 𝐿12 5%(402 )
𝑆1 = =
2𝐻 2 (1.5)

𝑆1 = 26.67𝑚

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Station 3 – Vertical Curves

use ratio and proportion to get the value of Yp:

𝑦𝑝 𝐻
= (𝐿1)2
(𝑆1)2

𝑦𝑝 1.5
= (𝐿1)2
(26.67)2
𝑦𝑝 = 0.67𝑚
Using the triangle to get the elevation at the top of Yp
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐻𝑃 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐶 + 𝑔1 𝑆1 − 𝑦𝑝
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐻𝑃 = 110 + 5%(26.67) − 0.67
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐻𝑃 = 110.66𝑚

2. A -3% grade meets a +5% grade near an underpass. In order to maintain the minimum
clearance allowed under the bridge and at the same time introduce a vertical transition
curve in the grade line, it is necessary to use a curve that lies 200 m on one side of the
vertex of the straight grade and 100 m on the other. The station of the beginning of the
curve PVC (200 m side) is 10+000 and its elevation is 228 m.
(a) Determine the elevation at station 10+040
(b) If the uphill edge of the underside of the bridge is at station 10+220 and at elevation
229.906 m, what is the vertical clearance under the bridge at this point?
(c) Determine the stationing of the lowest point of the curve
Solution:
Given:
Backward Tangent = -3% Forward Tangent = 5%
L1 = 200m L2 = 100m
Station PVC = 10+000 Elevation PVC = 228m
Req’d:
Elevation of Station 10+040 = ?
Vc at station 10+220 = ?
Station of LP = ?

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves

First, illustrate the problem

a) Elevation at Station A

(𝑔2 − 𝑔1 )𝐿2 𝐿1 (5%−(−3%))(200)(100)

𝐻= =
2(𝐿1 + 𝐿2 ) 2(200+100)

𝐻 = 2.67 𝑚

Use ratio and proportion to get the value of yA:

𝑦𝐴 𝐻
= (𝐿1)2
(40)2

𝑦𝐴 2.67
= (200)2
(40)2
𝑦𝐴 = 0.107𝑚

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐴 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐶 − 𝑔1 (40) + 𝑦𝐴

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐴 = 228 − (3%)(40) + 0.107
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐴 = 226.907𝑚
b) the height difference of the curve to bridge: Vc

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves

First, we need to get the Elevation of PVI:

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐼 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐶 − 𝑔1 𝐿1 = 228 − 3%(200)
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐼 = 222𝑚

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐵 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐼 + 𝑔2 (20)

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐵 = 222 + 5%(20)
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐵 = 223𝑚
Use ratio and proportion to get the value of yB:
𝑦𝐵 𝐻
= (𝐿2)2
(𝐿2−20)2

𝑦𝐵 2.67
= (100)2
(100−20)2

𝑦𝐵 = 1.709𝑚

𝑉𝑐 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐵𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑔𝑒 − 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐵 − 𝑦𝐵

𝑉𝑐 = 229.206 − 223 − 1.709
𝑉𝑐 = 4.497𝑚
c) Station of LP
𝐿1 𝑔1 200(3%)
2
<𝐻 ; 2
< 2.67 ; 3 > 2.67
𝑔2 𝐿22
Therefore, use the formula for PT 𝑆2 =
2𝐻

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves

5%(1002 )
𝑆2 =
2 (2.67)
𝑆2 = 93.63𝑚

𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐿𝑃 = 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑉𝐼 + (𝐿2 − 𝑆2 )

𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐿𝑃 = 10200 + (100 − 93.63)
𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐿𝑃 = 10 + 206.37
3. A forward tangent having a slope of -4% intersects the back tangent having a slope +7% at point V at
station 6+300 having an elevation of 230 m. It is required to connect the two tangents with an unsymmetrical
parabolic curve that shall pass through point A on the curve having an elevation of 227.57 m at station 6+270.
The length of curve is 60 m on the side of the back tangent.

(a) Determine the length of the curve on the side of the forward tangent.
(b) Determine the stationing of the highest point of the curve
(c) Determine the elevation of the highest point of the curve

Solution:
Given:
Backward Tangent =7% Forward Tangent = -4%
Station PVI = 6+300 Elevation PVI = 230m
Station A = 6+270 Elevation A = 227.57m
L1 = 60m

Req’d:
L2 = ?
Station HP = ? Elevation HP = ?

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves
First, illustrate the problem
a) Find the L2
Get the Elev B:
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐵 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐼 − 𝑔2 (30)
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐵 = 230 − (7%)30
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐵 = 227.9𝑚
To get the value y1:
𝑦1 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐵 − 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐴
𝑦1 = 227.9 − 227.57
𝑦1 = 0.33𝑚
Get the value of H use ratio and proportion:
𝑦1 𝐻
=
(30)2 (𝐿1)2
0.33 𝐻
=
(30)2 (60)2
𝐻 = 1.32𝑚
use the formula with a variable of L1 and L2 and H:
(𝑔2 − 𝑔1 )𝐿2 𝐿1
𝐻=
2(𝐿1 + 𝐿2 )
(−4%− 7%)𝐿2 (60)
1.32 =
2(60+ 𝐿2 )
𝐿2 = 40𝑚
b) Station of HP
𝐿1 𝑔1 60(7%)
<𝐻 ; < 1.32 ; 2.1 > 1.32
2 2
Therefore the HP of the curve is on the rightside
𝑔2 𝐿22
𝑆2 =
2𝐻
4%(402 )
𝑆2 =
2 (1.32)
𝑆2 = 24.24 𝑚
𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐻𝑃 = 𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑃𝑉𝐶 + (𝐿1 + 𝐿2 − 𝑆2 )
𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐻𝑃 = 6240 + (60 + 40 − 24.24)
𝑆𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐻𝑃 = 6 + 315.76

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves
c) Elevation of HP

Get the value of Yhp using ratio and proportion:

𝑦ℎ𝑝 𝐻
=
(𝑆2 )2 (𝐿2)2
𝑦ℎ𝑝 1.32
=
(24.24)2 (40)2
𝑦ℎ𝑝 = 0.48 𝑚
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐶 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝑃𝑉𝐼 − 𝑔2 (𝐿2 − 𝑆2 )
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐶 = 230 − 4%(40 − 24.24)
𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐶 = 229.37𝑚

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐻𝑃 = 𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐶 − 𝑦𝐻𝑃 = 229.37 − 0.48

𝐸𝑙𝑒𝑣 𝐻𝑃 = 228.89𝑚

Questions

1. Differentiate the Vertical Curve in Horizontal Curves.

2. How can we identify if the curve is a sag or crest? (50 words)
3. What is Symmetrical Curve?
4. What is Unsymmetrical Curve?
5. What is the difference between the two curves?
6. How can we identify if the curve has a highest or lowest point?
7. How can we locate the position of the highest or lowest point? What is the importance of
knowing the location?

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 Station 3 – Vertical Curves
References: This part includes online references. This is to avoid plagiarism in the content of the
modules.

Chapter 3:
Charles D. Ghilani and Paul R. Wolf, 2015. Elementray Surveying: An Introduction to Geomatics, 14th
Edition
Jerry Nathanson, Michael T. Lanzafama, and Philip Kissam, 2011. Surveying Fundamentals and Practices,
6th Edition

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