SETTING OUT SIMPLE CIRCULAR CURVE BY OFFSETS OR

ORDINATES FROM LONG CHORD

Aim:

To set out a simple circular curve by method offset from a long cord.

Instruments required:

Theodolite, Chain, Ranging rods, Arrows, and pegs

Description:

Curve is defined as an arc provided between intersecting straight to negotiate a

change in direction, the provision of a curve makes the change of direction not
only easy and smooth but also safe and comfortable, the straight or the tangent is
the lines connected by the curve and they are tangential to the curve, the curvature
is usually provided by simple curve.

Simple curve:

A simple curve is defined as a circular curve of a single radius connecting two

straight.

Procedure:

1. Let AB & BC Be Two Tangents Meet At A Point B.

2. Calculate The Tangent Length BT1 By Marking The Equidistance Points On
The Tangent Line BA & BC By Means Principle Of Isosceles Triangle.
3. Mark The Tangent Points T1 And T2 On A Line BA & BC From B
4. Join The Points T1 & T2 And Mark The MidPoint On Long Chord (T1, T2)
Denoted As D, The Curve Will Be Symmetrical From Both Side Of Point D.
5. Calculate The Mid Ordinate Oo By Using Formula
 √

6. The Ordinates Were Calculating For The Left Half At Some Regular
Intervals.
7. Points 1,2,3 & 4 Are Marked With Pegs Along The Long Chord As Shown
In Figure. Ordinates O1, O2, O3 & O4 Are Calculated From The Given
Formula

√ -(R-Oo)

8. Perpendicular Are Set Out At Points 1,2,3 And 4. The Calculated Ordinates
O1, O2, O3 & O4 Identified Along These Perpendiculars And Points P1,P2, P3
& P4 Are Marked With Pegs.
9. Follow The Same Procedure For The Right Half And Mark The Points
P1՛,P2՛,P3՛ & P4՛
10.All These Points P1,P2, P3 ….. And P1՛,P2՛,P3՛….. Are On The Curve. These
Points Are Join By Rope Or The Thread To Show The Shape Of Curve
Along The Alignment (Center Line) Of The Project.