Parabolic Curves/ Vertical Curves SYMMETRICAL PARABOLIC CURVE

Used to provide gradual change between two adjacent vertical grade lines. This curve is a
parabola. Among all the curves parabolic curves offer smooth transition because its second
derivative is a constant.

Remember that a parabola with vertex at the origin, the equation is

𝑥2
𝑥 2 = 4𝑎𝑦 𝑜𝑟 𝑦 =
4𝑎

Elements of Vertical Curve

 PC = point of curvature, also known as BVC (beginning of vertical curve)

 PT = point of tangency, also known as EVC (end of vertical curve)
 PI = point of intersection of the tangents, also called PVI (point of vertical
intersection)
 L = length of parabolic curve, it is the projection of the curve onto a horizontal
surface which corresponds to the plan distance.
 S1 = horizontal distance from PC to the highest (lowest) point of the summit (sag)
curve
 S2 = horizontal distance from PT to the highest (lowest) point of the summit (sag)
curve
1 1
 h1 = vertical distance between PC and the highest (lowest) point of the summit (sag) 𝑎= 𝑔1𝐿 , 𝑏= 𝑔2𝐿
curve 2 2
 h2 = vertical distance between PT and the highest (lowest) point of the summit (sag)
curve
 g1 = grade (in percent) of back tangent (tangent through PC)
 g2 = grade (in percent) of forward tangent (tangent through PT) Neglecting the sign of g1 and g2
 A = change in grade from PC to PT 𝑔1𝐿 𝑔2𝐿
𝑆1 = , 𝑆2 =
 a = vertical distance between PC and PI 𝑔1 + 𝑔2 𝑔1 + 𝑔2
 b = vertical distance between PT and PI
 H = vertical distance between PI and the curve Other Formula
12
Symmetrical Parabolic Curve - The vertical curve is composed of a single parabolic curve. 1 𝑥 2 (2 𝐿)
Properties of Parabolic Curve and its Grade Diagram 𝐻 = 𝐿(𝑔1 + 𝑔2) & =
8 𝑦 𝐻

1. The length of parabolic curve L is the horizontal distance between PI and PT.
2. PI is midway between PC and PT.
3. The curve is midway between PI and the midpoint of the chord from PC to PT.
4. The vertical distance between any two points on the curve is equal to area under the
grade diagram. The vertical distance c = Area.
5. The grade of the curve at a specific point is equal to the offset distance in the grade
diagram under that point. The grade at point Q is equal to gQ.