Table of Contents

1 ROAD NETWORK............................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Introduction.................................................................................................................................. 1

1.2 Geometric Design Criteria............................................................................................................ 1

1.3 Grades......................................................................................................................................... 2

1.4 Vertical Curves............................................................................................................................. 2

1.5 Pavement Cross Slope................................................................................................................ 3

1.6 Lane Width................................................................................................................................... 3

1 ROAD NETWORK

1.1 Introduction

The geometric design of the project road shall be according to the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Official’s “AASHTO”. All geometric elements are determined to provide safe
and comfortable operation.
The elements of road design are influenced by a wide variety of design controls and criteria. Such factors
include:
1. Functional classification of the roadway being designed.
2. Traffic volume and composition.
3. Design speed.
4. Topography.
5. Size and performance characteristics of the vehicles that will use the facility.
6. Safety considerations.
7. Social and environmental concerns.

1.2 Geometric Design Criteria

The geometric form of a road is a three dimensional alignment which is presented in two projections, the
horizontal and the vertical alignment that have to be combined in a way that results in a safe and
aesthetically pleasing design.

Design Speed 80 Km/h

Lane Width 3.5 m
Minimum Radius of Crest Vertical Curves 2600
Minimum Radius of Sag Vertical Curves 3000
Minimum Radius of Horizontal Alignment 250
Desirable Minimum Longitudinal Slope 0.5 %
Absolute Minimum Longitudinal Slope 0.3 %
Desirable Maximum Longitudinal Slope 5%
Absolute Maximum Longitudinal Slope 7%
Normal Cross Slope 3%
Maximum Cross Slope 7%
1.3 Grades

The vertical alignment of the roadway and its effect on the safe and economical operation of the motor
vehicle constitute one of the most important features of road design. The vertical alignment, which
consists of a series of straight lines connected by vertical parabolic or circular curves, is the “grade line”.
When the grade line is increasing from the horizontal it is known as a “plus grade”, and when it is
decreasing from the horizontal it is known as a “minus grade”.
The grade selected for a road may have a significant effect on its operational characteristics. It is
desirable to provide the flattest grades practical while providing at least minimum gradients to ensure
adequate longitudinal drainage in curbed sections.
An absolute minimum longitudinal slope of 0.3 percent and a desirable minimum of 0.5 % will be used
while a desirable maximum of 5% and an absolute maximum of 7 %.

1.4 Vertical Curves

Vertical curves provide gradual changes between tangents of different grades. There are two types of
vertical curves, namely crest vertical curve (a convex vertical curve with the intersection point of tangents
above road level) and sag vertical curve (a concave vertical curve with the intersection point of tangents
below the road level).

Vertical curves should be simple in application and should result in a design that is safe and comfortable
in operation, pleasing in appearance and adequate for drainage.
The major control for the design of vertical curves is the minimum sight distance required, but also
aesthetics, drainage requirements and comfort of vehicle occupants shall be considered. Whenever
economically and physically possible, more liberal stopping sight distances should be used.
The vertical curve radius or K value is equal to:
K = L/Δ, where L is the curve length in meters.
Δ is the change in the road longitudinal slope.

Minimum radius of crest vertical curve will be equal to 2600 meters and of minimum radius of sag vertical
curve will be equal to 3000 meters for the design speed of 80 km/h.
It is desirable for drainage purpose to have a maximum radius for vertical curves of 5100 m.

1.5 Pavement Cross Slope

The main objective for providing cross slopes is to facilitate the removal of surface water from the
pavement surface in the shortest possible time.
This is achieved by crowning the surface slopes on either side of the centerline or providing a slope in
one direction across the pavement width.
The cross slopes are a compromise between the need for reasonably steep cross slopes for drainage
and relatively flat cross slopes for driver comfort and safety.

1.6 Lane Width

The lane width of a roadway greatly influences the safety and comfort of driving. As the maximum width
of a vehicle is 2.5m, Minimum lane width of 3.25 m is generally used. In our project carriageway consist
of two lanes of 3.5 m width each one (carriageway width is 7 m) plus a shoulder on each side of 1 m so
total road width is 9 m.