HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT

• The horizontal alignment consists of straight

sections of the road (known as tangents)
connected by curves. The curves are usually
segments of circles, which have radii that will
provide for a smooth flow of traffic.
CIRCULAR CURVE
Types of Circular Curves
1. Simple Curve
2. Compound Curve
3. Reverse Curve
4. Spiral Curve
Simple Curve
• The simple curve is an arc of a circle. The radius
of the circle determines the sharpness or flatness
of the curve. The larger the radius, the flatter
the curve. This type of curve is the most often
used.
• The so-called sharpness of curve can be
expressed by using two measurements:
a. Radius, R
b. Degree of curvature, D
Simple Curve
• Furthermore, two definitions are used. The arc
definition is the one being followed in highway
practice while the chord definition is used for
railroad practice.
Chord definition (Metric System)
Chord definition (English System)
Arc definition (Metric System)
Arc definition (English System)
Layout of a Simple Curve
Terminologies for Simple Curves
• Point of intersection (PI): the point of
intersection is the point where the back and
forward tangents intersect.
• The radius (R): the radius of the circle of which
the curve is an arc.
• The 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.
Terminologies for Simple Curves
• The length of curve (L): the distance from the PC
to the PT measured along the curve.
• The tangent distance (T): the distance along the
tangents from the PI to the PC or PT. These
distances are equal on a simple curve.
• The central angle ( ): the angle formed by two
radii drawn from the centers of the circle (O) to
the PC or PT.
Terminologies for Simple Curves
• Long chord (LC or C): The long chord is the
chord from the PC to the PT.
• External distance (E): The external distance is
the distance from the PI to the midpoint of the
curve. The external distance bisects the interior
angle at the PI.
• Middle ordinate (M): The middle ordinate is the
distance from the midpoint of the curve to the
midpoint of the long chord. The extension of the
middle ordinate bisects the central angle.
Terminologies for Simple Curves
• Degree of curve (D): The degree of curve defines
the "sharpness" or "flatness" of the curve.
Formulas for Simple Curve
Formulas for Simple Curve
Example
Solution
Compound Curve
• A compound curve is defined as a two-arc simple
curve having its centers on the same side of the
common tangent.
Layout of a Compound Curve
Terminologies of Compound Curve
Formulas for Compound Curve
Example
Example

•Given Station at
PCC(565+35). Det. Station
at PC and PT.
Reverse Curve
• A reverse curve consists of two simple curves
joined together, but curving in opposite
directions. For safety reasons, this curve is
seldom used in highway construction as it would
tend to send off an automobile off the road.
Layout of a Reverse Curve with
Parallel Tangents
Reference
• Traffic and Highway Engineering by Nicholas J.
Garber and Lester A. Hoel