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Vertical Alignment

The 1st Procedure in Alignment was Stationing

Horizontal Alignment

Vertical Alignment

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Highway Components Highway plan and profile

PLAN

PROFILE

Definition: It is the elevation or the profile of the center line of the road Objective:
Determine elevation to ensure Proper drainage Acceptable level of safety

Primary challenge
Transition between two grades Vertical curves

Sag Vertical Curve G1 G2 G1 G2

Crest Vertical Curve

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1- Gradients
/ . % = tan ) ( G = +ve ) ( G = -ve

:
. . . . %- .%

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Maximum Grades for Urban and Rural Highways

Maximum Grades for Local Road and Street

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2- Vertical Curves
Design Criteria
1. 2. 3. 4. Provision of minimum sight distance Adequate drainage Comfortable in operation Pleasant appearance

The first criterion is only associated with crest curves, whereas all four criteria are associated with sag vertical curves.

Types of Vertical Curves

G1 G2 G1 G2 G1 G1 G2

G1

G2

G2

G2

Crest Vertical Curve

G1

Sag Vertical Curve

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Vertical Curve Fundamentals

Parabolic function
Constant rate of change of slope Implies equal curve tangents

y = ax + bx + c
2

Vertical Alignment - General

Parabolic shape as applied to vertical curves

y = ax2 + bx + c Where: y = roadway elevation at distance x x = distance from beginnning of vertical curve a, b = coefficients that define shape c = elevation of PVC

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Vertical Curve Fundamentals

PVC L/2 G1 PVI G2 PVT

L x

y = ax 2 + bx + c

Choose Either:
G1, G2 in decimal form, L in feet G1, G2 in percent, L in stations

Note: L is measured from here to here

Source: Iowa DOT Design Manual

Not here

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Crest Vertical Curves

SSD
PVI

Line of Sight
PVC

G1

PVT

G2

h1 L

h2

For SSD < L

For SSD > L

L=

200 h1 + h2

A(SSD )

200 h1 + h2 L = 2(SSD ) A

Crest Vertical Curves

Assumptions for design
h1 = drivers eye height = 3.75 ft. h2 = object height = 0.5 ft.

Simplified Equations
For SSD < L For SSD > L

A(SSD ) L= 1329

L = 2(SSD )

1329 A

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Other Properties
K-Value (defines vertical curvature)
The number of horizontal feet needed for a 1% change in slope

L K= A

Design Controls for Crest Vertical Curves

from AASHTOs A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets 2001

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Design Controls for Crest Vertical Curves

from AASHTOs A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets2001

Sag Vertical Curves

Light Beam Distance (SSD)

G1

headlight beam (diverging from LOS by degrees)

PVC PVT PVI

G2

h1

h2=0

For SSD < L

For SSD > L

A(SSD ) L= 200(h1 + S tan )

2

L = 2(SSD )

200(h1 + (SSD ) tan ) A

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Sag Vertical Curves

Assumptions for design
h1 = headlight height = 2.0 ft. = 1 degree

Simplified Equations
For SSD < L For SSD > L

A(SSD ) L= 400 + 3.5(SSD )

2

400 + 3.5(SSD ) L = 2(SSD ) A

Other Properties
G1 x

G1, G2 in percent L in feet

PVC y ym G2 yf

PVT

A = G1 G2

PVI

y=

A 2 x 200 L

ym =

AL 800

yf =

AL 200

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Design Controls for Sag Vertical Curves

from AASHTOs A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets 2001

Design Controls for Sag Vertical Curves

from AASHTOs A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets2001

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Example
A 400 ft. equal tangent crest vertical curve has a PVC station of 100+00 at 59 ft. elevation. The initial grade is 2.0 percent and the final grade is -4.5 percent. Determine the elevation and stationing of PVI, PVT, and the high point of the curve. PVI PVT

PVC: STA 100+00 EL 59 ft.

PVI PVT PVC: STA 100+00 EL 59 ft.

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Example 1
A car is traveling at 30 mph in the country at night on a wet road through a 150 ft. long sag vertical curve. The entering grade is -2.4 percent and the exiting grade is 4.0 percent. A tree has fallen across the road at approximately the PVT. Assuming the driver cannot see the tree until it is lit by her headlights, is it reasonable to expect the driver to be able to stop before hitting the tree?

Example 2
Similar to Example 1 but for a crest curve. A car is traveling at 30 mph in the country at night on a wet road through a 150 ft. long crest vertical curve. The entering grade is 3.0 percent and the exiting grade is -3.4 percent. A tree has fallen across the road at approximately the PVT. Is it reasonable to expect the driver to be able to stop before hitting the tree?

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Example 3
A roadway is being designed using a 45 mph design speed. One section of the roadway must go up and over a small hill with an entering grade of 3.2 percent and an exiting grade of -2.0 percent. How long must the vertical curve be?

Coordination of Vertical and Horizontal Alignment

Curvature and grade should be in proper balance
Avoid
Excessive curvature to achieve flat grades Excessive grades to achieve flat curvature

Vertical curvature should be coordinated with horizontal Sharp horizontal curvature should not be introduced at or near the top of a pronounced crest vertical curve
Drivers may not perceive change in horizontal alignment esp. at night

Image source: http://www.webs1.uidaho.edu/niatt_labmanual/Chapters/ge ometricdesign/theoryandconcepts/DescendingGrades.htm

Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed. P. 284

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Coordination of Vertical and Horizontal Alignment

Sharp horizontal curvature should not be introduced near bottom of steep grade near the low point of a pronounced sag vertical curve
Horizontal curves appear distorted Vehicle speeds (esp. trucks) are highest at the bottom of a sag vertical curve Can result in erratic motion
Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

Coordination of Horizontal and Vertical Alignment

Coordination of horizontal and vertical alignment should begin with preliminary design Easier to make adjustments at this stage Designer should study long, continuous stretches of highway in both plan and profile and visualize the whole in three dimensions

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Coordination of Horizontal and Vertical Alignment

Source: FHWA, Chapter 5

Coordination of Horizontal and Vertical Alignment

Should be consistent with the topography Preserve developed properties along the road Incorporate community values Follow natural contours of the land
Source: FHWA, Chapter 5

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Good Coordination of Horizontal and Vertical Alignment

Does not affect aesthetic, scenic, historic, and cultural resources along the way Enhances attractive scenic views
Rivers Rock formations Parks Historic sites Outstanding buildings

Source: FHWA, Chapter 5

Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

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Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

There are 2 problems with this alignment. What are they?

Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

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Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

Maybe we want this if we are trying to slow people down???

Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

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Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

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Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

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Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

A B

Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

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Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

Sag Vertical Curves

Sight distance is governed by nighttime conditions
Distance of curve illuminated by headlights need to be considered

Driver comfort Drainage General appearance

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Vertical Curve AASHTO Controls (Sag) Headlight Illumination sight distance with S < L

S<L L=

AS2
400 + (3.5 * S)

Source: A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (The Green Book). Washington, DC. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, 2001 4th Ed.

S>L L = 2S (400 + 3.5S) A

Headlight Illumination sight distance with S > L

Sag Vertical Curve: Example

A sag vertical curve is to be designed to join a 3% to a +3% grade. Design speed is 40 mph. What is L? Skipping steps: SSD = 313.67 feet Determine whether S<L or S>L S>L

L = 2(313.67 ft) (400 + 2.5 x 313.67) = 377.70 ft [3 (-3)] 313.67 < 377.70, so condition does not apply

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Sag Vertical Curve: Example

A sag vertical curve is to be designed to join a 3% to a +3% grade. Design speed is 40 mph. What is L? Skipping steps: SSD = 313.67 feet

L=

6 x (313.67 ft)2

= 394.12 ft

400 + 3.5 x 313.67 ft 313.67 < 394.12, so condition applies

Sag Vertical Curve: Example

A sag vertical curve is to be designed to join a 3% to a +3% grade. Design speed is 40 mph. What is L? Skipping steps: SSD = 313.67 feet Testing for comfort: L = AV2 = (6 x [40 mph]2) = 206.5 feet

46.5

46.5

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Sag Vertical Curve: Example

A sag vertical curve is to be designed to join a 3% to a +3% grade. Design speed is 40 mph. What is L? Skipping steps: SSD = 313.67 feet Testing for appearance: L = 100A = (100 x 6) = 600 feet

Example: A crest vertical curve joins a +3% and 4% grade. Design speed is 75 mph. Length = 2184.0 ft. Station at PVI is 345+ 60.00, elevation at PVI = 250 feet. Find elevations and station for PVC and PVT. L/2 = 1092.0 ft Station at PVC = [345 + 60.00] - [10 + 92.00] = 334 + 68.00 Distance to PVC: 0.03 x (2184/2) = 32.76 feet ElevationPVC = 250 32.76 = 217.24 feet Station at PVT = [345 + 60.00] + [10 + 92.00] = 357 + 52.00 Distance (vertical) to PVT = 0.04 x (2184/2) = 43.68 feet Elevation PVT = 250 43.68 = 206.32 feet

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Example: A crest vertical curve joins a +3% and 4% grade. Design speed is 75 mph. Length = 2184.0 ft. Station at PVI is 345+ 60.00, elevation at PVI = 250 feet. Station at PVC is 334 + 68.00, Elevation at PVC: 217.24 feet. Calculate points along the vertical curve. X = distance from PVC y = Ax2 200 L Elevationtangent = elevation at PVC + distance x grade Elevationcurve = Elevationtangent - y

Example: A crest vertical curve joins a +3% and 4% grade. Design speed is 75 mph. Length = 2184.0 ft. Station at PVI is 345+ 60.00, elevation at PVI = 250 feet. Find elevation on the curve at a point 400 feet from PVC.

Y = A x 2 = 6 x (400 ft)2 = 4.40 feet 200L 200 (2814)

Elevation at tangent = 217.24 + (400 x 0.03) = 229.24 Elevation on curve = 229.24 4.40 feet = 224.84

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Station 12+00 (PVT of Crest)

Bridge deck elevation 126.67 ft

Tunnel floor elevation 100 ft

Station 0+00 (PVC of Sag)

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Critical Lengths of Grade for Design

The term critical length of grade is used to indicate he maximum length of a designated upgrade on which a loaded truck can operate without an unreasonable reduction in speed. In the past, the general practice has been to use a reduction in truck speed of 25 km/h below the average running speed of all traffic to identify the critical length of grade. It is recommended that a 15 km/h reduction be used.

Critical Lengths of Grade for Design

The length of any given grade that will cause the speed of a representative truck (120 kg/kw entering the grade at 110 km/h to be reduced by various amounts below the average running speed. Exhibit 3-63 Where an upgrade is approached on a momentum grade, heavy trucks often increase speed on order to make the climb. increase of about 10 km/h can be considered for moderate downgrades and a speed increase of 15 km/h for steeper grades of moderate length or longer. The critical of grade in Exhibit 3-63 is derived as the length of tangent grade. Some downgrades are long and steep enough that some heavy vehicles travel at crawl speeds to avoid loss of control on the grade.

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SOME DECISIONS ARE EASY