SUB: SURVEYING MODULE-100A

MODULE- 100A
Curves
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Curves are basically classified as horizontal and vertical curves, the horizontal curves are in
horizontal plane and vertical curves are in vertical plane.
The horizontal curves are classified as circular, compound, reverse and transition curves.
Vertical curves are usually parabolic and classified as summit cures and valley curves.
Simple circular curve:

Length of curve where is in radians.

Tangent length T=R.

Long chord length L =2R

Apex distance= R -R =R ( )

Mid ordinate =R

Relation between degree and radius of curve:

If R is a radius of curve and D is its degree for 30m arc then
R.D. =30

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R=

30
0
R

For 20m arc

=20

R=

Setting out simple circular curve:

1. Linear methods:
(a) Offsets from the long chord:

=√ -(R- )

(b) Perpendicular offsets from the tangent:

= √

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(c) Radial offsets from tangent:

=√

(d) Successive bisection of chords:

Let and be the tangent points.
The long chord is bisected at D.
Mid ordinate is equal to .
Thus point C is established. C and C are joined.
C and C are bisected at and respectively. Perpendicular offsets
and each will be equal to . These offsets are set out giving
points and on the curve.

(e) By offsets from the chord produced:

=
But =
=
.
=
= +

= . + = ( )
= ( + )

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2. Angular methods:
(a) Rankine’s method of deflection angle:(one theodolite method)
=
=
=

(b) Two theodolite method:

It is based on principle that the angle between the tangent and the chord is equal to
the angle subtended by the chord in the opposite segment.
Here angle between P
Is constant and equal to
180-(

=angle P

(c) Tacheometric method: This method is similar to the Rankine’s method of

deflection angles. The theodolite at may be used as tacheometer and
Tacheometric observations are made. This is less accurate method than Rankine’s
method but the advantage is that chaining is completely dispensed with.
Compound curve: It is a combination of two or more simple circular curves with
different radii.

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Elements of compound curve:

Common tangent:
MN=R
I = +MN
I = +MN

Reverse curve: A reverse curve is a combination of two simple circular curves

having opposite directions, joining at a common tangent point called the point of
reverse curvature.

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