MOSTOLES, Glenn N.

October 6, 2017
CEE34 201534046 CEET416 T01

REVERSE CURVE
A Reverse Curve is composed of two or more simple curves turning in opposite directions. Their
points of intersection lie on opposite ends of a common tangent, and the PT of the first curve is
coincident with the PC of the second. This point is called the Point of Reverse Curvature (PRC).

The method of laying out a reversed curve is just the same as the deflection angle method of
laying out simple curves. After this point has been laid out from the P.C., the instrument is then
transferred the PRC. With the transit at the PRC and a reading equal to the total deflection angle from
the PC to the PRC, the PC is back-sighted if the line of sight is rotated about the vertical axis until
horizontal circle reading becomes zero, this line of sight falls on the common tangent. The next simple
curve could be laid out on the opposite side of this tangent by deflection angle method.

APPLICATION
Reversed Curve, though pleasing to the eye, would bring discomfort to motorist running at
design speed. The instant change in direction at the PRC brought some safety problems. Despite this
fact, reversed curves are being used with great success on park roads, formal paths, waterway channels,
and the like. They are also useful when laying out such things as pipelines, flumes, and levees. The
surveyor may also use them on low-speed roads and railroads. They cannot be used on high-speed roads
or railroads since they cannot be properly super elevated at the PRC. They are sometimes used on
canals, but only with extreme caution, since they make the canal difficult to navigate and contribute to
erosion.
ELEMENTS OF A REVERSE CURVE
PC = Point of Curvature
PT = Point of Tangency
PRC = Point of Reversed Curvature
T1 = length of tangent of the first curve
T2 = length of tangent of the second curve
V1 = vertex of the first curve
V2 = vertex of the second curve
I1 = central angle of the first curve
I2 = central angle of the second curve
Lc1 = length of first curve
Lc2 = length of second curve
L1 = length of first chord
L2 = length of second chord
T1 + T2 = length of common tangent measured from V1 to V2

TYPES OF REVERSE CURVES

1. Reversed Curve with Nonparallel Tangents

2. Reversed Curve with Parallel Tangents

 3. Converging Tangents

4. Intermediate Tangents

FORMULAS
- similar with the formulas used in Simple Curves.

REFERENCES
Besavilla, V. (1984). Surveying for Civil and Geodetic Licensure Exam.
Puerto Princesa, Cebu City, Philippines: VIB Publisher

Verterra, R. (2017). Compound and Reversed Curves.

Retrieved from: mathalino.com on October 6, 2017

Department of the Army. (2012). Construction Surveying.

Washington, DC, USA: AREA and the Macmillan Publishing Co., Inc.

Turla, K. (2013). Horizontal Curves.

Retrieved from: slideshare.net on October 6, 2017