DISCUSSION

Simple Curve Layout

With the instrument placed at the PI, the instrument man sights
on the preceding PI or at a distant station and keeps the
chainman on the line while the tangent distance is measured to
locate the PC. After the PC has been staked out, the
instrumentman then trains the instrument on the forward PI to
locate the PT.
The instrumentman then sets up at the PC and measures the
angle from the PI to the PT. This angle should be equal to one half
of theI angle; if it is not, either the PC or the PT has been located
in the wrong position.
With the first deflection angle (310) set on the plates, the
instrumentman keeps the chainman on line as the first subchord
distance (42.18 feet) is measured from the PC.
Without touching the lower motion screw, the instrumentman
sets the second deflection angle (655) on the plates. The
chainman measures the chord from the previous station while the
instrumentman keeps the head chainman on line.
The crew stakes out the succeeding stations in the same manner.
If the work is done correctly, the last deflection angle will point on
the PT. That distance will be the subchord length (7.79 feet) from
the last station before the PT.

When it is impossible to stake out the entire curve from the PC, a
modified method of the procedure described above is used. Stake
out the curve as far as possible from the PC. If a station cannot be
seen from the PC for some reason, move the transit forward and
set up over a station along the curve. Pick a station for a
backsight and set the deflection angle for that station on the
plates. Sight on this station with the telescope in the reverse
position. Plunge the telescope and set

the remainder of the stations in the same way as you would if the
transit was set over the PC. If the setup in the curve has been
made but the next stake cannot be set because of obstructions,
the curve can be backed in. To back in a curve, occupy

the PT. Sight on the PI and set one half of the I angle of the plates.
The transit is now oriented so that, if the PC is observed, the
plates will read zero, which is the deflection angle shown in the
notes for that station. The curve stakes can then be set in the
same order shown in the notes or in the reverse order. Remember
to use the deflection angles and chords from the top of the
column or from the bottom of the column. Although the back-in
method has been set up as a way to avoid obstructions, it is also
very widely used as a method for laying out curves. The method
is to proceed to the approximate midpoint of the curve by laying
out the deflection angles and chords from the PC and then laying
out the remainder of the curve from the PT. If this method is used,
any error in the curve is in the center where it is less noticeable
RESEARCH
ELEMENTS OF A SIMPLE CURVE

Point of Intersection (PI)

The point of intersection marks the point where the back and
forward tangents
intersect. The surveyor indicates it one of the stations on the
preliminary traverse.
Intersecting Angle (I)
The intersecting angle is the deflection angle at the PI. The
surveyor either computes its
value from the preliminary traverse station angles or measures it
in the field.
Radius (R)
The radius is the radius of the circle of which the curve is an arc.
Point of Curvature (PC)
The point of curvature is the point where the circular curve
begins. The back tangent is tangent to the curve at this point.
Point of Tangency (PT)

The point of tangency is the end of the curve. The forward

tangent is tangent to the curve
at this point.
Length of Curve (L) Long Chord (LC)
The length of curve is the distance from the The long chord is the
chord from the PC to the PC to the PT measured along the curve.
PT.
Tangent Distance (T) External Distance (E)
The tangent distance is the distance along The external distance
is the distance from the the tangents from the PI to the PC or PT.
PI to the midpoint of the curve. The external These distances are
equal on a simple curve. distance bisects the interior angle at the
PI.
Central Angle Middle Ordinate (M)
The central angle is the angle formed by two The middle ordinate
is the distance from the
radii drawn from the center of the circle (0) to midpoint of the
curve to the midpoint of the the PC and PT. The central angle is
equal in long chord. The extension of the middle
value to the I angle. ordinate bisects the central angle.
Degree of Curve (D)
The degree of curve defines the sharpness or flatness of the
curve (figure 3-3). There
are two definitions commonly in use for degree of curve, the arc
definition and the chord definition.
PROCEDURES
1. Before proceeding to the survey site, the lab instructor should
be consulted with respect to the following curve elements
which will be needed to define the circular curve to be laid out:
a.) Radius of the curve (R)
b.) Intersection or deflection angle (I)
c.) Stationing of the point of intersection (PI)

2. Similarly, the different elements of the circular curve such as:

T, L, LC, E, M, and the stationing of the PC and PT should be
predetermined by calculations. The computations should also
include the deflection angles and chord lengths which will be
needed when staking out the curve by half station intervals.
The accompanying sketch in the preceding page is given to
serve as reference for the different abbreviations and
terminologies used in this exercise.
3. All values needed to lay out the curve should be tabulated
accordingly. Refer to the accompanying sample format for the
tabulation of required field data.
4. Set up and level the instrument at the designated vertex
or point of intersection (PI).
5. Establish on the ground the PC by laying out with a steel tape,
the computed tangent distance (T) from the PI. The
intersection angle (I) at the PI and the distance carried through
the forward tangent will also be needed to set a stake at the
PT.
6. Transfer and set up the instrument at the PC. At the PC, lay off
the total deflection angle from PI to PT and check if the stake
previously set up at the PT is along the line of sight. If it
doesnt check, an error exists in either measurement or
computation. As an added check, stake out the midpoint of the
curve before beginning to set intermediate stations. By
bisecting the angle (180-I) at the PI and laying off the external
distance (E), the midpoint can be established. A check of the
deflection angle from the PC to the midpoint should equal to
I/4.
7. To establish the first curve station, first set the horizontal circle
reading of the instrument to zero and sight along the back
tangent. Then turn the instrument about its vertical axis and
layoff the required sub-deflection angle and the corresponding
chord distance for the first station. Set a hub to mark the
located station

CONCLUSION
After doing this field work, I learned that trigonometry is
really helpful in the field of civil engineering. Everything can be
related to a simple basic triangle.
I also learned that The simple curve is an arc of a circle. It is
the most commonly used. The radius of the circle determines the
sharpness or flatness of the curve. The larger the radius, the
flatter the curve.
I learned how to layout curves and I therefore conclude that
it is important to know how to layout curves in the field of civil
engineering. Through knowing how to layout curves, we can
compute the structural formation of the curve and if it will be safe
for people to drive at and if it will last for years, especially curves
that are found in mountains.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Before starting a fieldwork, you should consider all the
computations that should be done before executing or making the
layout of the curve, this will make the field work easier because
all you need to do is to use the equipment and measure lengths/.
With the use of an instrument named theodolite, the fieldworks
would be much easier because you will just look at it then you will
get the elevation and the angles. Students should be 100% sure
with their computations, if not there will be a large error in the
data. Measurement plays a big role in this fieldwork, because
before you lay out a curve, the parts of the curve should be
completely detailed. And above all, the set-up of the instrument
should be properly placed to avoid errors. I also recommend to
use the compass in the cellphone if one does not have an actual
compass, it will make orienting the angles and getting bearing
easier.