3. Unit Summary

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is super-elevation?

   Hint

   Think about how roads are designed to support vehicles in a turn.

2. 2.

   Name two types of vertical curves.

   Hint

   Think about the shape these curves take when looking from the side.

3. 3.

   What is the primary purpose of vertical curves in road design?

   • To maintain driver comfort and visibility
   • To create sharp turns
   • To reduce construction costs

   Hint

   Think about why drivers need to see the road ahead.

4. 4.

   True or False: Super-elevation is only applied to vertical curves.

   Hint

   What type of curve is primarily affected by speed and direction?

5. 5.

   A new highway requires a circular curve with a radius of 750 meters, and the deflection angle is 75°. Calculate the tangent length, length of the curve, and apex distance.

   Hint

   Make conversions for angle where needed.

6. 6.

   Design a vertical curve that connects a downgrade of -3% to an upgrade of +2% while maintaining comfort and visibility. Calculate the length based on safety regulations.

   Hint

   Consider safety standards for visibility.