Importance of Geometric Design

Importance of Geometric Design

 The geometric design of a highway deals with the dimensions and
layout of visible features of the highway such as alignment, sight
distance and intersection.
Optimum efficiency- Maximum safety- Reasonable cost
 The geometrics of highway should be designed to provide
optimum efficiency in traffic operations with maximum safety at
reasonable cost.

 The designer may be exposed to either planning of new highway

network or improvement of existing highways to meet the
requirements of the existing and anticipated traffic.
12500

PCU/
day

2500
2015 Year 2035
 Improving Geometric Elements in Stages

 Improving in stages is very difficult and more expensive

 Design geometric features at the initial stage itself considering

future traffic scenario

For example, in 2015 the road may be designed for 80 kmph.

But the designer has to consider for 120 kmph as the road may
be upgraded in future. Accordingly Sight distance, super-
elevation etc are to be designed.
 Elements of Geometric Design of Highways
 Cross section elements
 Sight distance consideration
 Horizontal alignment details
 Vertical alignment details
 Intersection elements
Width of pavement
Formation and land
Surface characteristics
Cross slope of pavement
SD available in horizontal curve
SD available in Vertical curve
SD available at intersections
Super-elevation
Transition curves
DESIGN CONTROL CRITERIA
 Design Factors

 The geometric design of highways depends on several design

factors which control the geometric elements are:

Design Speed

Topography

Traffic Factors

Design hourly volume and capacity

Environmental and other factors

Design Speed

Most important factor

Decided based on overall requirement of highway

In India depends on category of road design speed

assigned (NH/SH/MDR/ODR/VR)

Design speed varies with topography

Design Speed

Every geometric elements depends on speed

For example,
Pavement surface characteristics
Width & side clearance
Sight distance requirements
Radius of curve
Super-elevation
Summit or valley curve
Topography

Design Speed of NH/SH

Plain Terrain 100 Kmph

80 Kmph Rolling Terrain

Mountainous Terrain 50 Kmph

Traffic Factors

Different
vehicles have
different
characteristics
like height,
weight, braking
nature etc.
Design Hourly Volume

Flow fluctuate with time

Off-peak versus Peak

Uneconomical to design for PH traffic

Reasonable traffic value called design hourly volume

DHV for urban 8-10% ; for rural 12-18%

Environmental & Others

Factors such as aesthetics, landscaping, noise

pollution and other local conditions should be given
due consideration in the design of road geometrics

Grade-separated intersection for expressways to

achieve higher speed standards