4.1 - Two tangents intersect
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Interactive Audio Lesson
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Introduction to Tangents and Curves
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Today, we will discuss how two tangents intersect and the importance of circular curves in road design. Can anyone tell me what a tangent is?
Isn't a tangent a straight line that touches a curve at just one point?
Exactly! A tangent touches a curve at one point without crossing it. When two tangents intersect, we often want to smoothen the transition between them using a circular curve. Why do you think that might be important?
To make driving safer and more comfortable?
Right! Now let’s define some key terms. What do you think the term 'deflection angle' refers to?
Is it the angle between the two tangents at the intersection point?
Yes, that's correct! The deflection angle helps in determining the curve's properties. This leads us to key calculations we'll perform today.
In summary, tangents and curves are fundamental in transitioning between straight paths, enhancing safety and fluidity in road designs.
Calculating Chainages and Tangent Lengths
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Let’s dive deeper into calculations. Given a chainage of the apex V, how do we find the chainage for the tangent point T?
By using the tangent distance formula, right?
Exactly! The tangent length T can be calculated with the formula: T = R tan(Δ/2). If R is the radius, and D is the deflection angle, can someone provide an example?
If R is 300 m and Δ is 36°, then T would be approximately 97.48 m?
Great job! Now, how do we find the length of the curve itself?
Using L = RΔ(π/180)?
Absolutely! This relationship ties the radius and deflection angle back to the curve’s length. Let’s summarize this section—calculating tangents and lengths helps ensure our designs are precise.
Exploring Examples and Practical Applications
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Now, let’s put theory into practice! In our examples, we calculated various parameters for the circular curves. Which example stood out to you, and why?
Example 2.10 was interesting because it involved a complete setup using the theodolite!
Indeed, it showcases application in real-world surveying! What were the main computations we had to perform?
We calculated the tangent distance, lengths of curves, and all the station chainages, didn't we?
Exactly! This practice reinforces your understanding beyond just formulas! Ready for a summary?
Remember, knowing how to apply these calculations in fieldwork is what makes you effective in transportation design.
Review and Reflection
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To wrap up, let's reflect on today’s insights. Why is it essential to calculate tangent lengths and chainages accurately?
It helps in the proper layout of curves, ensuring smooth transitions.
Plus, it enhances safety for drivers by minimizing abrupt changes.
Exactly! The calculations not only ensure a smooth drive but also traffic safety. Can someone summarize the key formulas we learned?
T = R tan(Δ/2) and L = RΔ(π/180) for finding tangent lengths and curve lengths!
Great recap! Let's conclude with the importance of accurate surveying in construction and design.
Connecting Concepts to Future Applications
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As we end, think about how these concepts apply in the field. How might a civil engineer use this knowledge on an actual road?
They’d design safe intersections based on traffic flow.
And ensure that curves meet safety standards for speed limits!
Exactly! Safety standards are crucial. As we move forward, keep revisiting these calculations as they are fundamental in civil engineering.
In summary, understanding tangents, curves, and their calculations prepares you for real-life applications in road design.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
In this section, readers explore the methods for determining key values required to set out a circular curve between two intersecting tangents, including chainages, lengths, deflection angles, and ordinates at various chords. It integrates practical examples to facilitate understanding.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
In this section, we examine key calculations involved when two tangents intersect and the procedures for laying out circular curves connecting those tangents. The foundational concepts are explained through examples, focusing on the calculation of chainages at points of intersection, the lengths of curves, tangent distances, deflection angles, and the use of ordinates at various chords.
Key Points:
- Chainage Computation: It's essential to calculate the chainage of the apex vertex and tangent points using the given deflection angle, radius, and length of the tangent.
- Deflection Angles: The angle formed between two tangents can be used to derive important formulas for curve length and tangent distance, which are critical in setting out circular curves.
- Ordinates Calculation: Computation of ordinates at various points on the curve is necessary for accurate representation in fieldwork.
- Practical Examples: Several worked examples demonstrate the application of theoretical concepts in practical engineering scenarios, covering normal chords, sub-chords, and their respective measurements.
Overall, this section provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding how to set out a circular curve using deflection angles and the relationships between various parameters necessary for effective road design.
Audio Book
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Intersection and Tangents
Chapter 1 of 4
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Chapter Content
Two tangents intersect at a chainage of 1190 m, with a 360 deflection angle.
Detailed Explanation
This statement introduces the concept of tangents intersecting at a specific point on a road or path, noted as 'chainage,' which is a term used in civil engineering to indicate a distance along a route. At a certain distance (1190 m), the angle formed by the two tangents is noted as 360 degrees, which describes the amount of turning done at that intersection.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a road meeting another road at a roundabout; the 'chainage' is like the mileage marker on the highway that tells you you're at a specific point in your journey.
Calculating Tangent Length
Chapter 2 of 4
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Chapter Content
Tangent Length T = R tan(Δ / 2) = 60 tan(36 / 2)
Detailed Explanation
The tangent length is calculated using the formula for the tangent of an angle in a right triangle. In this case, R indicates the radius of the circular arc that represents the curve of a road, and Δ is the deflection angle which is halved for calculations related to the tangent. This mathematical relationship allows engineers to determine how far the straight paths extend from the point of intersection before transitioning into the curve.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine you're turning your car at an intersection. The distance you drive straight before curving is similar to the tangent length. Using this formula helps predict how wide that turn will be.
Length of the Curve
Chapter 3 of 4
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Chapter Content
Length of curve L = π R Δ / 180 = 60 * 36 π / 180.
Detailed Explanation
The length of a curve can be determined using the formula that incorporates the radius of the curve (R), the angle of the curve in degrees (Δ), and π (Pi), which is a constant that relates the circumference of a circle to its diameter. This formula reveals that the larger the radius or the angle, the longer the curve will be.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a circular track for running. If someone is on the inside lane (tight curve) versus the outside lane (larger curve), the outside lane is longer because it wraps around a larger radius. This formula calculates how much longer that outside lane would be based on its radius and how much of the circle you're using.
Chainage Calculations
Chapter 4 of 4
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Chapter Content
Chainage at point of curve (T) = Chainage at point of intersection - Tangent length.
Detailed Explanation
This calculation involves determining where the curve begins based on the original intersection point and subtracting the length of the tangent from that point. This is crucial for accurate mapping and construction as it helps to establish where the curve starts.
Examples & Analogies
If you picture a GPS route, it tells you where to start turning. This chainage calculation is like knowing exactly where to start making that turn on your journey, ensuring you don't miss it.
Key Concepts
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Tangent Intersection: Understanding how two straight paths connect through tangents.
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Deflection Angle: The angle that quantifies the divergence of the two tangents.
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Curve Length: The measurement of the circular path, essential for layout in roadway constructions.
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Ordinates: Vertical distances that assist in 3D representations of curves.
Examples & Applications
Example 2.10: This involved setting up a circular curve with a specific deflection angle using various parameters.
Example 2.12: Calculated parameters for a circular curve layout based on a simple intersection.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
To know the curve and tangents' turn, just remember pi, it's what we learn.
Stories
Imagine driving smoothly around a corner; the tangents represent roads meeting at a point, and the curve is the gentle transition that makes your journey safe.
Memory Tools
Remember 'CALM' - Curve, Angle, Length, Measure for circular curve setup.
Acronyms
Use 'TLC' - Tangent, Length, Chainage to remember the three main concepts when calculating curves.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Tangent
A straight line that touches a curve at one point without crossing it.
- Deflection Angle
The angle formed between two tangents at their intersection point.
- Radius (R)
The distance from the center of a circle to any point on its circumference.
- Chainage
The measured distance along a road or railway, usually expressed in meters or chains.
- Curve Length (L)
The total length of a circular curve between two points.
- Ordinate
The vertical distance above or below a reference line, often used in surveying.
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