Types Of Curves In Surveying
What Is Curve
Curves are generally the horizontal and/or vertical bends that are usually used on highways and railways when it is necessary to change the alignment of the route. when two points are located at di?erent levels, it becomes necessary to give a curve.
This curve usually helps to connect the points lying at di?erent levels in such a way that the vehicles moving on that route could move with ease, safety, and comfort. A proper alignment or a curve can provide smoother movement of vehicles from one point to another, located at di?erent levels.
A curve is introduced at the intersection of two straights to e?ect a gradual change in the direction. This change in direction may be in a horizontal plane or a vertical plane. So the curve is provided to the route according to its direction, i.e. either in a vertical plane or in a horizontal plane, respectively.
Types Of Curves In Surveying
Curves in surveying are classified into two main types. They are as follows:-
Horizontal curves
A horizontal curve is provided where two straight lines intersect with each other in a horizontal plane. When a curve is given in a horizontal plane, it is known as a horizontal curve. The horizontal curves are further divided as follows:
Simple curve
A simple curve is a single arc of a circle, which is tangential to both the straight lines of the route. There are a few elements of a simple circular curve discussed below.