TERRAIN CLASSIFICATION
AND DESIGN SPEED
CV841:HIGHWAY AND AIRPORT GEOMETRIC
DESIGN
Prepared by:
BHOJARAJ MUDIGOUDRA (242TS005)
INTRODUCTION
• Terrain classification and design speed are crucial for road
design.
• Standards differ across countries but share common
principles.
• Focus: Indian codes (IRC) and International standards
(AASHTO, EU).
Terrain Classification (India - IRC):
• The IRC categorizes terrain into four distinct classes: plain,
rolling, hilly, and mountainous. This classification
considers factors such as elevation changes, slope gradients,
and the presence of obstacles like rivers, valleys, and cliffs.
1. Plain: < 10%
2. Rolling: 10% - 25%
3. Mountainous: 25% - 60%
4. Steep: > 60%
[Link]
Terrain Classification (International
Standards):
• International standards, like the AASHTO (American
Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials)
guidelines, adopt a similar framework, classifying terrain
into flat, rolling, mountainous, and steep mountainous.
These categories are often defined based on the average
slope and maximum gradient.
DESIGN SPEED: A FOUNDATION FOR SAFE
ROADS
• Fundamental Principle
Design speed refers to the maximum safe speed at which a vehicle
can travel on a particular road section under ideal conditions.
• Factors Influencing Design Speed
Several factors influence design speed, including terrain, curvature,
sight distance and traffic volume. These elements must be carefully
considered during the design process to ensure optimal safety and
traffic flow.
• Relationship to Terrain
Terrain classification plays a crucial role in determining the design
speed. Steeper slopes and challenging terrain require lower design
speeds to maintain control and safety.
Indian Road Congress (IRC) Design Speed
Guidelines:
• Plain Terrain
For plain terrain, the IRC recommends a design speed of 100
km/h for national highways and 80 km/h for state highways.
• Rolling Terrain
In rolling terrain, the design speed decreases to 80 km/h for
national highways and 60 km/h for state highways.
• Hilly and Mountainous Terrain
For hilly and mountainous terrain, the design speed further
reduces to 50 km/h for national highways and 40 km/h for
state highways. These adjustments account for the increased
risk and challenging driving conditions in these areas.
IRC 73
Design Speed (AASHTO - USA):
• AASHTO standards prioritize safety and function:
• Urban: 50-100 km/h
• Rural: 60-120 km/h
• Adjusted for terrain and road purpose.
Design Speed (EU Standards):
• European Union standards emphasize harmonization:
• Motorways: 120-130 km/h
• Rural Roads: 60-100 km/h
• Urban Streets: 30-50 km/h
IMPACT OF TERRAIN ON DESIGN
SPEED:
• Steeper gradients and curves: These features necessitate
lower design speeds to provide drivers with sufficient
braking distance and time to react.
• Reduced visibility: Terrain features like hills, valleys, and
vegetation can obstruct sight distance, requiring lower design
speeds to ensure safety.
• Presence of obstacles: Rivers, cliffs, and other obstacles
pose significant risks. Design speeds must account for these
hazards to minimize the potential for accidents.
The Importance of Terrain Classification:
• Accurate Assessment
Proper terrain classification provides a crucial foundation for
road design, ensuring that roads are built to accommodate the
specific challenges of each terrain type.
• Optimized Design Speed
Terrain classification helps to determine the appropriate design
speed for each road section, maximizing safety and efficiency
while considering terrain characteristics.
• Improved Road Safety
By incorporating terrain classification into road design,
engineers can implement safety measures, like reduced speed
limits and warning signs, to mitigate risks and ensure safer
driving conditions.
Conclusion:
• Design speed and terrain classification are vital for road design.
• Indian and international standards share similarities but differ in
specifics.
• Consideration of local conditions ensures safe and efficient roads.
REFERENCES
• Indian Road Congress (IRC) Standards, IRC 73: Geometric
Design Standards for Roads and Highways, New Delhi, India.
• AASHTO, A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets,
American Association of State Highway and Transportation
Officials.
• European Union Road Design Standards.
THANK YOU