Topic: Simple Curve

Problem #1
The angle of intersection of a circular curve is 36 30'.
Compute the radius if the external distance is 12.02 m.
a)
b)
c)
d)

203.74 m
253.72 m
226.94 m
214.67 m

Solution:

[ C ] answer

Problem #2

The angle of intersection of a circular curve is 36 30'. Compute the radius if the external
distance is 20.00 m.

A. 453.74 m
B. 377.61 m
C. 214.67 m
D. 367.93 m

SOLUTION

cos I = R/R+E
cos1815 + = R/R+20.00
Rcos1815 + 20.00cos1815 = R
R - Rcos1815= 20.00cos1815
R(1-cos1815) = 20.00cos1815
R = 20.00cos1815/(1-cos1815)
R=377.61 m
Answer is Letter B

Problem # 3
Given the following elements of a circular curve: middle ordinate = 2 m; length of long chord =
70 m. Find its degree of curve, use arc basis.
a.

4.5

b.

5.3

c.

2.9

d.

3.7

Apply Pythagorean theorem to find the radius:

Degree of curve (arc basis):

TOPIC: Compound Curves

Problem 1. The common tangent AB of a compound curve is 76.42 m with an azimuth of
268 30 . The vertex V being inaccessible. The azimuth of the tangents AV and VB was
measured to be 247 50 and 262 50 respectively. If the stationing of A is 43 + 010.16 and the
degree of the first curve was fixed at 4 based on the 20 m chord. Using chord basis. What is the
stationing at P.T.?

a. 43 + 109.65

c. 42 + 109.65

b. 43 + 108.65

d. 43 + 100.1

Solution:
Stationing at P.C.
I1 = 268 30 247 50
I1 = 20 40
I2 = 282 50 268 30
I2 = 14 20

D1 = 4
Sin D1/2 = 10/R1
R1 = 286.56

T 1 = R1 tan I1/2
T 1 = 286.56 tan 10 20
T 1 = 52.25 m

P.C. = (43 + 010.46) 51.25

P.C. = 42 + 958.21

Stationing at P.C.C.

T1 + T2 = 76.42
T2 = 76.42 52.25

T2 = 24.17

T2 = R2 tan I2/2
24.17 = R2 tan 7 10
R2 = 192.233 m

Sin D2/2 = 10/R2

Sin D2/2 = 10/192.23
D/2 = 259
D2 = 558
Lc1 = 2040 (20)
Lc1 = 103.34

P.C.C. = (42 + 958.21) + 103.34

P.C.C. = 103.34

Stationing at P.T.

Lc2 = I2 (20) / D2
Lc2 = 1420 20 / D2
Lc2 = 48.10
P.T. = (43 + 06.55) + 48.10
P.T. = 43 +109.65

Problem 2. The long chord from the P.C. to the P.T. of a compound curve is 300 meters long
and the angles it makes with the longer and shorter tangents are 12 and 15 respectively. If the
common tangent is parallel to the long chord. Find the Radius of the first curve.

a. 800.1 m

c.709.03

b. 802.36 m

d. 801.33

Solution:
Radius of the first curve:
I1 = 12
I2 = 15
Considering Triangle ABC:
300

=
16630 6
=

6
166 30

= 134.33

300

=
16630
730
=

300 730
16630

= 167.74

Sin I1/2 = AC/2R1

R1 = 167.74 /2 Sin 6
R1 = 802.36 m

Problem 3. The locating engineer a railroad curve runs a 6 curve to the P.C.C., 300 m long
from the P.C. of the compound curve, thence from the P.C.C., a 140 curve was run towards to
the P.T. 600 m long. (Use Arc basis) Determine the length of the long chord connecting the P.C.
and P.T.

a. 713.13

c. 700.33

b. 739.67

d. 719.76

Solution:
Lc1 = 300
D1 = 6
Lc1 = 20 I1 /D1
I1 = 300(6) / 20
I1 =90
Lc2 = 600

D2 = 140
Lc2 = 20 I2 / D2
I2 = 600(1.667) / 20
I2 = 50
R1 = 1145.916/D1
R1 = 1145.916/6
R1 = 190.99 m

Sin 45 = C1 / 2R1
C1 = 2R1 Sin 45
C1 = 2(190.99) Sin 45
C1 = 270.10 m

R2 = 1145.916 /D2
R2 = 1145.916 / 1.66
R2 = 687.55 m

Sin 25 = C2 / 2R2
C2 = 2R2 Sin 25
C2 = 2(687.55) Sin 25
C2 = 581.14 m
L2 = (270.10)2 + (581.14)2 - 2(270.10)(581.14) Cos 110
L = 719.76 m

Topic: Reversed Curve

Problem #1
Two tangents intersecting at an angle of 46o40 (at PI) are to be connected by a reversed
curve. The tangent distance from PI to PT of the reversed curve is 48.6 m and from PI to PC is
360.43. The radius of the curve through the PC is 240 m. Sta. of PI is 25 + 863.2. What is the
stationing of PT?
a.

25 + 814.60

c.

26 + 061.97

b.

26 + 167.98

d.

25 + 934.21

Solution:

In triangle OAD:
tan =

240
360.43
o

= 33.658
=

2402 + 360.432

In right triangle DFO:

OF = OD cos
OF = 433.024 cos 13.009o
OF = 421.91 m
DF = OD sin
DF = 433.024 sin 13.009o

= 46 o40 33.658
o

= 13.009

DF = 97.48 m
[CF = OF OE]

CF = 421.91 48.6
CF = 373.31 m

In right triangle DGE:

Lc2 =

(240 + R)2= (CF)2 + (R - DF)2

2

2 2
180

Lc2 =

(135.21)(84.23)
180

Lc2 = 198.77 m
2

(240 + R) = 373.31 + (R 97.48)

57600 + 480R + R2 = 139, 360 + 194.96R +

9502

Lc1 =

674.96R = 91,262

Lc1 = 157.34 m

1 1
180

Lc1 =

(240)(37.563)
180

R = 135.21 m = R2
Stationing of PC = (25 + 863.20) 360.43

tan I2 =

373.31

tan I2 = 135.2197.48

Stationing of PC = 25 + 502.77

I2 = 84.23o
Stationing of PT = (25 + 863.20) + Lc1 + Lc2
= 90 I2 = 5.77o

Stationing of PT = 26 + 061.97

Problem #2

Given broken line AB = 57.6m, BC = 91.5m and CD = 91.5m arranged as shown. A

reverse curve is to connect these three lines thus forming the center of the common radius of the
reverse curve. Find the length of the common radius of the reverse curve and the total length of
the reverse curve.
a.

111.688m; 167.642m

c.

134.642m; 155.453m

b.

112.421m; 135.744m

d.

105.232m; 187.893m

Solution:

T1 = Rtan11

P.C. to P.R.C = L1

T2 = Rtan32

L1 = 111.6888 (22) 180

T1 + T2 = 91.5

L1 = 42.885m

R (tan11 + tan32) = 91.5

R = 111.688m

L2 = 124.757m
Total Length of the reverse curve
L1 + L2 = 167.642m

Problem #3

The perpendicular distance between two parallel tangents is equal to 8 meters, central
angle equal to 8 and the radius of curvature of the first curve is equal to 175m. Find the radius
of the second curve of the reversed curve.
a.

647 m

c.

669 m

b.

635 m

d.

753 m

Solution:

a = R1 R1 cos8
a = 175(1 cos8)
a = 175 (0.00973)
a = 1.70

a+b=8

b = R2 (1 cos8)

b = 8 1.70

b = R2 (0.00973)

b = 6.3
6.3

R2 = 0.00973
R2 = 647 meters

TOPIC: SYMMETRICAL CURVE

PROBLEM NO. 1
A symmetrical parabolic curve 120m long passes through point X whose
elevation is 27.79m and 54 m away from PC. The back tangent of the curve has a grade of +2%.
If PC is at elevation 27.12, what is the elevation of the summit?
a. 27.18m
b. 28.81m

c. 29.57m
d. 27.83m

Solution:

elev A = 27.12 + 54(0.02)

Y1
= 28.2 27.79
Y1 = H
X12 (L/2)2
0.41/ (542)
H

= 28.20
= 0.41

= H / 602
= 0.5062

2H = L/2 (g1 g2)

L/2
L
2 (0.5062)
= 60 (0.02 g2)
60
120
g2
= -0.0137

From PC
S1
= g1 L / (g1 g2)
= (0.02 x 120) / 0.02 0.0137
= 71.22
Y2 = H
X22 (L/2)2
Y2 / 48.782
Y2

= 0.506 / 602
= 0.334

Elev of Summit = [27.12 + (0.02 x60)]

(11.22 x 0.0137) 0.334
Elev of Summit= 27.83m

Problem no. 2
A descending grade of 6% and an
ascending grade of 2% intersect at Sta 12 +
200 km whose elevation is at 14.375 m. The
two grades are to be connected by a
parabolic curve, 160 m long. Find the
elevation of the first quarter point on the
curve.
A.
B.
C.
D.

16.082 m
15.575 m
17.175 m
13.936 m

Horizontal distance from the lowest point to

point Q:

Grade at point Q by ratio and proportion of

triangles:

Solution

Elevation of PC:

Difference in elevation between PC and Q:

Elevation of the first quarter point Q:

From the grade diagram:

[ C ] answer

Problem no. 3
A grade line AB having a slope of +5% intersect another grade line BC having a slope of
3% at B. The elevations of points A, B and C are 95 m, 100 m and 97 m respectively.
Determine the elevation of the summit of the 100 m parabolic vertical curve to connect the grade
lines.
a)
b)
c)
d)

98.32 m
99.06 m
97.32 m
96.86 m

Solution
Horizontal distance between A and B = (100 - 95)/0.05 = 100 m
Horizontal distance between B and C = (100 - 97)/0.03 = 100 m

The figure above place the parabolic curve at the middle-half:

Distance from PC to the summit:

Elevation of the summit:

[ B ] answer

TOPIC: UNSYMMMETRICAL PARABOLIC CURVE

Problem No. 1
An unsymmetrical parabolic curve has a forward tangent of -8% and a backward tangent of +5%.
The length of the curve on the left side of the curve is 40m long while that the right side is 60m
long. At station 6+780 and at elevation 110m. Determine the height of fill at the outcrop.

a.

2.221m

c.

1.074m

b.

3.462m

d.

4.366m

Solution:
2
2 (1 + 2)
=
1
1 + 2
=

40(60)(0.05 + 0.08)
2(40 + 60)

H= 1.56

1 2
1.56
40 2

= 2

= 20 2 y= 0.39

El. Of A = 110 + 20(.05)

El. Of A = 111m
El. Of B = 111 0.39
El. Of B = 110.60m
Height of fill = 110.61 108.40
Height of fill = 2.221m

Problem No. 2
A forward tangent having a slope of -4% intersects the back tangent having a slope +7%
at point V at stations 6 + 300 having an elevation of 230m. It is required to connect two tangents
with an unsymmetrical parabolic curve that shall pass through point A on the curve having an
elevation of 227.57m at station 6+270. The length of the curve is 60m on the side of the back
tangent. Determine the stationing of the highest point of the curve.

a.

6 + 105.47

c.

6 + 228.65

b.

6 + 125.33

d.

6 + 315.76

Solution:
El. of B = 230-30(0.07)
El. of B = 227.90m
y=227.90-227.57
y=0.33

= 2
2

1
0.33

=
2
(30)
(60)2

2 =

22 2
2

2
2 (1 + 2)
=
1
1 + 2
2(1.32)
2 (0.07 + 0.04)
=
60
60 + 2
2.64(60+2 ) = 60 (0.11)2
158.4 + 2.642 = 6.62
2 = 40m
1 1
60(0.07)
=
= 2.1 >
2
2
Therefore the highest point of the curve is
on the right side.

0.04(40)2
2 =
2(1.32)
2 = 24.24 m from P.T.
Stationing of highest pt. = (6+340) 24.24
Highest point of curve = 6 + 315.76

Topic: Sight Distance (S < L)

Problem #1
A 5% grade intersects a -3.4% grade at station 1 + 990 of elevation 42.30 m. Design a
vertical summit parabolic curve connecting the two tangent grades to conform with the following
safe stopping sight distance speciifications.
Design velocity = 60kph
Height of drivers eye from the road pavement = 1.37
Height of an object over the pavement ahead = 100 mm
Perception reaction time = seconds
Coefficient of friction between the road pavement and the tires = 0.15
DETERMINE:
a. Stopping sight distance
b. Station of P.C and P.T.

a.
b.
c.
d.

S = 83.29 m ; Sta of P.C = 1 + 924.06 ; Sta. of P.T = 2 + 055.91

S = 82.69 m ; Sta of P.C = 1 + 924.00 ; Sta. of P.T = 2 + 055.92
S = 83.29 m ; Sta of P.C = 1 + 964.06 ; Sta. of P.T = 2 + 045.94
S = 83.29 m ; Sta of P.C = 1 + 924.06 ; Sta. of P.T = 2 + 059.96

Solution:
a. Stopping sight distance
S

S = 3.6 + 2 (+)3.62
S=

60(3 4)
3.6

(60)2

+ 2(9.81)(0.15+0.05)3.62

S = 83.29 m

b. Stationing of P.C and P.T

S

h1

h2

P.C

P.T
L

S<L
L=

2
100 ( 21 +

22)

A = g1 g2
A = 5 (-3.4)
A = 8.4
2h1 = 2(1.37) = 2.74
2h2 = 2(0.10) = 0.20
L=

8.4(83.29)2

100 ( 2.74 +

0.20)

L = 131.82 > S (OK)

Sta. of P.C = (1+990) -

131.82
2

Sta of P.C = 1 + 924.06

Sta of P.t = (1 + 990) +

131.82

Sta. of P.T = 2 + 055.91

Problem #2
A vertical curve has a descending grade of -12% starting from the P.C and an ascending
grade of +3.8% passing thru the P.T. The curve has a sight distance of 180 m.
1. Compute the length of the vertical curve.
2. Compute the max. velocity of the car that could pass thru the curve.
3. Compute the distance of the lowest point of the curve from the P.C
a) 53.01m
b) 51.09m

c) 52.40m
d) 51.70m

Solution
1. Length of the curve

L=

2
395

S<L

5 2

AS 2

L = 122+3.5 S
A = g2 g1
A = 3.5 (-1.2)
A=5
5 (180 2 )

215.43 = 395

V = 130.46 kph
3. Distance of lowest point of curve from
P.C.
S=

1
1 2

L = 122+3.5 (180)

S=

L = 215.43

S = 51.70m

2. Max. Velocity

0.012(215.43)
0.0120.038

Problem #3
A vertical curve has a descending grade of -12% starting from the P.C and an ascending
grade of +3.8% passing thru the P.T. The curve has a sight distance of 180 m.
1. Compute the length of the vertical curve.

a) 220.5
b) 216.9

c) 214.79
d) 215.43
A=5
5 (180 2 )

Solution

L = 122+3.5 (180)

1. Length of the curve

S<L
AS 2

L = 122+3.5 S
A = g2 g1
A = 3.5 (-1.2)

L = 215.43

SIGHT DISTANCE ON VERTICAL SUMMIT CURVES (S > L)

Problem #1
A vertical summit curve has tangent grades of +2.5% and
-1.5% intersecting at station 12 + 460.12 at an elevation of
150m. above sea level. If the length of curve is 190m.,
compute the length of the passing sight distance.
a. 206 m
b. 208 m
c. 209 m

Solution:
Passing sight distance:
h1 = 1.14 m.
h2 = 1.14 m.

Assume S > L
= 2

200( 1 + 2

A = g1 g2
A = 2.5 (1.5)
A=4
190 = 2

200( 1.14 + 1.14

2S = 190 + 228
S = 209 > 190 ok

d. 2
10 m

SGIHT DISTANCE FOR A SAG VERTICAL CURVE

Problem no. 2:
A highway has a 55 mph designed speed. There is a negative 1% grade followed by a 2% grade.
Refer to the following table:
Assumed Speeds
Designed

Passed

Passing

Minimum Passing

Speed

Vehicle

Vehicle

Sight Distance (ft)

(mph)

(mph)

(mph)

50

41

51

1,840

60

47

57

2,140

65

50

60

2,310

70

54

64

2,490

What is the required length of vertical curve to satisfy AASHTO stopping sight distance?
a.
b.
c.
d.

316ft
585 ft
200 ft
1460 ft

Solution:
From the table, stopping sight distance=550 ft.
A= (-1)-2= -3 or 3
For a sag vertical curve, S>L:
= 2
= 2(550)

400 + 3.55

400 + 3.55(550)
3

L=315.83

Problem no. 3
Determine how far from each other will the two drivers with a height of 1.5 meters from
eye level to the ground see each other when they are approaching each other through a vertical
curve having an ascending grade of 5% and a descending grade of 3.5%. The total length of the
curve is 150 meters. Sight distance is greater than the length of the curve.
a. 144.59
b. 146.49
Solution:
=

2 1 2 8
1 2

By transposition:
=

(1 2) 8
2(1 2)

150 0.05 + 0.035 8 1.5

2(0.05 + 0.035)

S= 145.59 m.

c. 145.59
d. 145.69

TOPIC: EARTHWORKS (Volume by End Area Method)

Problem No. 1
Given the cross section notes below of the ground which will be excavated for a roadway,
compute the volume of excavation between station 4 + 000 and 4 + 020 by end area method. The
roadway is 9 m. wide with sides slope of 1.5: 1.
Station 4 + 000
7.38
+ 1.92

0
+3.15

12.285
+ 5.19

Station 4 + 020
8.82
+ 2.88

0
+ 2.52

10.08
+ 3.72

a.

859.22

c.

853.48

b.

856.34

d.

855.13

Solution:
A1=

1.92+3.15 7.38
2

1.92 2.88
2

3.15+5.19 12.285

2.52+3.72 10.08

5.19 7.785
2

A1= 46.969875 m2 46.97 m2

A2=

2.88+2.52 8.82
2

A2=38.664 m2
V=
V=

(A 1+A 2 )
2
20(46.97+38.664)
2

V=856.34 m2

2.88 4.32
2

3.72 5.58
2

Problem 2
Find x if the end areas shown below have a prismoidal correction of 8.75m3and are 120
meters apart.

0.75m

0.75m

0.75m
1.5m

3m

3m

1.5m

x
0.75m

0.5m
0.1m

a. 3.10m
b. 2.5m

3m

3m

c. 2.25m
d. 1.98m

1.5m

Solution:
D

1m

C1 = 1.5 + 3 + 3 +1.5 = 9
C2 = 1 + 3 + 3 + 1.5 = 8.5
Cp = L (C1 C2) (D1 D2)
12
8.75 = 120 (x 0.75)(9 8.5)
12
105 = 120 (x 0.75) (0.5)
105 = 60x 45
60x = 150
x = 2.5 m (b)

TOPIC: EARTHWORKS (Volume using Prismoidal Formula)

Problem No. 3
Given the following cross section notes of an earthwork on a rolling terrain.
STA. 5+000
+10 +5 +3
31 0 13.5

STA. 5+020
+14 +7 +4.5
41 0 17.25
The width of the road is 12m. and the side slope is 2.5:1.
Compute the volume using Prismoidal formula.
a. 4055.37

c. 4069.55

b. 4050.42

d. 4063.79

Solution:
Use average values of dimensions of A1and A2 to get Am (mid-section).

A1

1 =

10(6)

2 =

6(14)

2
2

A2

5(31)

7(41)

2
2

5(13.5)

7(17.25)

. =

2
2

+
+

6(3)
2

= 150.252

6(4.5)
2

Am

= 259.3752

12(6) 6(36) 6(15.375) 3.75(6)

+
+
+
= 201.3752
2
2
2
2

20
1 + 4 + 2 =
150.25 + 4 201.375 + 259.375 = 4050.423
6
6

ASSEMBLY OF PRISM
Problem #1
Determine the volume of earth to be
removed in the figure shown.

a. 516,000 m3
b. 561,000 m3
c. 521,000 m3
d. 511,000 m3

Solution:
Corner Points: 6.0 + 3.4 + 4.0 + 2.0 = 15.4 m
Border Points: 5.8 + 5.2 + 4.6 + 3.0 + 2.8 + 3.0 + 3.5 + 4.8 + 4.8 + 5.5 = 43.0 m
Interior Points: 5.0 + 4.6 + 4.2 + 3.6 + 4.0 + 4.9 = 26.3 m
Average Depth:

1 15.4 + 2 43.0 +4 26.3

48

= 4.30

Area: 400m x 300m = 120000 m2

Volume: 120000 m2 x 4.30 m = 516000 m3
ANS: The volume of earth to be removed is 516000 m3.

TRUNCATED TRIANGULAR PRISM

Problem #2
Calculate the lateral area, surface
area
and
volume of the
truncated square pyramid whose
larger base edge is 24 cm,
smaller base edge is 14 cm and
whose lateral edge is 13 cm.
a. 912 cm 2 , 1684 cm 2 ,4029.43
cm 3
b. 910 cm 2 , 1784 cm 2 ,4059.66
cm 3
c. 812 cm 2 , 1900 cm 2 ,4439.44 cm 3
d. 956 cm 2 , 1543 cm 2 ,3429.82 cm 3

Solution:
12 2 =h 2 +5 2
Ap= 132 + 52 = 12cm
P=24 x 4 = 96cm
=14 x 4 =56cm
=

96+59
2

x 2 = 912cm 2

A = 24 2 =576cm 2
= 14 2 = 196cm 2
= 912+576+196 = 1684cm 2
V=

10.91
3

x (576+196+ 576 196 )=4029.43cm 3

TRUNCATED RECTANGULAR PRISMS

Problem # 3
An area is to be excavated where a house is to be built. The elevation of the
areas corner is indicated in
meters. The area is desired to
be excavated with the same
elevation
which
is
40.
Determine
the
volume
of
excavation in cubic meters
using truncated prism.
a. 6150 m 2
b. 6105 m 2
c. 6015 m 2
d. 6115 m 2
SOLUTION:
A = 30(40) = 1200 m 2
V = 1200(3.7 + 4.6 + 5.3 + 6.9)/4
V = 1200(20.5)/4
V = 6150 m 2