Field Work 6: Laying of a

Symmetrical Parabolic
Curve Using Transit and
Tape

Submitted by:
Name: Nylah S. Landrito
Course and Section: CE121F/B2
Group Number: 5
Student Number: 2013103449
Chief of Party: Royell B. Petterson
Date of Fieldwork: 10 November 2015
Date of Submission: 25 November 2015

Submitted to:
Instructor: Engr. Ira Balmoris
GRADE
Introduction

Parabolic, instead of circular, arcs may be used for horizontal curves. Where
the curves are flat, there is no discernible difference between the two types.
However, a parabola cannot be staked out readily by the defection – angle
method. Moreover, determination of the radius of curvature at any point requires
higher mathematics, thus complicating related calculations. For this reason,
parabolic curves on horizontal planes are restricted to such locations as park
drives and walks where they may be easily located. For curves in a vertical plane,
the situation is the reverse. Here, parabolic arcs are almost always used because
elevations can be computed much more easily than on circular arcs. The vertical
curve used is a portion of a vertical-axis parabola. Symmetrical parabolic curve
does not necessarily mean the curve is symmetrical at L/2, it simply means that
the curve is made up of single vertical parabolic curve.

Surveyors and engineers have traditionally used the term vertical curve to
describe the use of parabolic curves in design work. They are used for transitions
from one straight grade to another in designing crowns for pavements,routes such
as highways and railways, as well as dam spillways and landscape design. Most
often vertical curves are used to improve the comfort, safety and appearance of
routes. They are just as crucial to good work as horizontal curves. Unlike a circular
curve a vertical curve does not have a constant radius at all points along the
curve. Nevertheless it does have a quality that is very useful indeed. This quality is
expressed by the general equation of a parabola: y = ax2 ; in a vertical curve, the
offsets from a tangent to the curve always vary as the square of the distance
along the tangent from the point of tangency.
Objectives and Instruments

Objectives:
1. To familiarize oneself with the elements of horizontal and vertical
parabolic curve
2. To lay a horizontal parabolic curve by using tangent offset method
3. To master the skill in leveling, orienting and using the transit/theodolite
effectively
4. To work harmoniously with one’s groupmates and efficiently perform the
required task

Instruments:

usually painted in alternating red and white color.

Used by engineers for sighting and supports for
measuring by tape

Range Poles

used for marking points while measuring

(soft ground)

Marking Pins
 used to measure distances with a maximum of 50
meters

50-m tape

An instrument used to measure and to lay out vertical

and horizontal angles, distance, directions, and
differences in elevation.

Transit
Procedure and Computations

Procedure:
1. The professor gives the following data:
Length of the parabolic curve = 22 m g1= 1
Full station = 2 m g2 = -2
Sta. of PVI (Point of Vertical Intersection) = 0 + 013
Elev. PVI = 100
Preferably not in full station
Note: Exaggerated value of the grade slopes must be used for small
parabolic curves to magnify the parabolic shape

2. Compute the elements of the parabolic curve given the data above.
Note that the nomenclature of the parabolic curve adopts that of a
simple curve with the additional V for vertical on the middle of the
abbreviations or on a subscript.
Set the reference point at PVC which must have a (0,0,0) coordinate.
Solve for:
L
Elev. PVC=Elev. PVI ±g1 (2)

The distances of each intermediate point must be based on PVC using

the figure 1. If you are using the second figure, the distance of each
intermediate point is based on either PVC or PVT.
Just indicate the different % of grade you are using
y1 H
=
x1 L 2
( )
2

3. Set and level the transit at PVC (Point of Vertical Curvature). Level the
telescope and set the horizontal and vertical vernier to zero.
4. Assign a datum line. Sight the location of vertex PVI following the given
value of g1 and mark the location on the ground assuming PVC is at
(0,0,0) origin. The horizontal angle on the transit is computed as:
-1 g
∅= tan (100
1
)

5. Position the PVI at half the length of the parabolic curve.

6. Locate the intermediate points at full stations on the datum line (coplanar
with PVC). Note: in most cases, there will be equal numbers of
intermediate stations on both sides of the PVI.

7. Mark using marking pins/chalk on the ground, the individual tangent offset
of each intermediate points from the back and forward tangents.

8. (OPTIONAL – TO SEE HOW A VERTICAL PARABOLIC CURVE MAY LOOK LIKE)

After laying the parabolic curve on the ground, use nylon ropes with
lengths equal to the tangent offsets and trace each point by tying each
marking pin or any stone on the assigned tangent line to the back and
forward tangents.

9. Drop the entire assembly on a vertical wall holding only the point on the
tangent line coinciding with the PVI. Tie both ends of the tangent line
(PVC and PVT) at two points having different elevations (as assigned) to
verify the accuracy of the parabolic curve that has been traced and
transformed from a horizontal parabolic curve into a vertical parabolic
curve.
Computations:

Length of the parabolic curve = 22 m g1= 1

Full station = 2 m g2 = -2
Sta. of PVI (Point of Vertical Intersection) = 0 + 013
Elev. PVI = 100
Preferably not in full station

1
H= L(g1 - g2 )
8
1
H= (22)(1-(-2))
8
H = 8.25 m

Tangent offsets:
y1 8.25
=
12 112
y1 = 0.07 m
y2 8.25
2
=
4 112
y2 = 1.09 m
y3 8.25
2
= 2
7 11
y3 = 3.34 m

Tangent elevations: Elevation = tangent elevation – tangent offset

Station 1: 1tan45 ֯ = 1m 90 – 0.07 = 89.93 m

Station 2: 4tan45 ֯ = 4 m 93 – 1.09 = 91.91 m

Station 3: 7tan45 ֯ = 7 m 96 – 3.34 = 92.66 m

Final Data Sheet
Field Work 4: Laying of a Symmetrical Parabolic Curve Using Transit and Tape

Date: 10 November 2015 Group No.: 5

Time: 12 – 4:30 Location: Luneta
Weather: sunny Professor: Engr. Balmoris
DATA SUPPLIED:

Length of the parabolic curve = 22 m g1= 1

Full station = 2 m g2 = -2
Sta. of PVI (Point of Vertical Intersection) = 0 + 013
Elev. PVI = 100
Preferably not in full station

STATIONS DISTANCE
PERCENTAGE TANGENT TANGENT
STATIONS IN FROM ELEVATION
(% GRADE) ELEVATION OFFSETS
METERS PC/PT

PVC 0 + 002 100 89 89

1 0 + 003 1m 100 90 0.07 89.93
2 0 + 006 4m 100 93 1.09 91.91

3 0 + 009 7m 100 96 3.34 92.66

4 0 + 012 10 m 100 99 6.82 92.18
MID 0 + 013 11 m 100 100
5 0 + 015 13 m -200 102 11.52 90.48

6 0 + 018 16 m -200 105 17.45 87.55

7 0 + 021 19 m -200 108 24.61 83.39

PVT 0 + 022 22 m -200 111 33 78
Sketch:

Setting up the transit and marking

the first station

Stations were marked

(Datum line)

With the transit set at 45 ֯,

tangent elevations are sighted
and measured. Elevations on
the curve were measured
along the line of tangent
elevations

Tada!
Research and Discussion

Vertical curves are used to provide gradual change between two adjacent
vertical grade lines. The curve used to connect the two adjacent grades is
parabola. Parabola offers smooth transition because its second derivative is
constant. Recall from calculus that the first derivative is the slope of the curve. The
second derivative is obviously constant,which is interpreted as rate of change of
slope. This characteristic made the parabola the desirable curve because it offers
constant rate of change of slope.

Instead of circular arcs to join tangents, parabolic arcs have been proposed
and used in order to do away with the sudden changes in direction which occurs.
There are two types of vertical parabolic curve and these are sag and summit
curves.
Sag curves are used where the change in grade is positive, such as valleys, while
crest curves are used when the change in grade is negative, such as hills. Both
types of curves have three defined points: PVC (Point of Vertical Curve), PVI (Point
of Vertical Intersection), and PVT (Point of Vertical Tangency). Both types of curves
are in parabolic form. Parabolic functions have been found suitable for this case
because they provide a constant rate of change of slope and imply equal curve
tangents.

A smooth transition between constant grades is necessary because if it were

not ameliorated the rate of change would be too abrupt. The most significant
strength of the vertical curve is its constant rate of change. In fact, this constant
rate of change is the key to the calculation of a vertical curve. Offsets from the
tangent to a the vertical curve, the tangent offsets, are proportional to the
squares of the distances from the point of tangency. That point of tangency may
be the point of vertical curvature, PVC, or the point of vertical tangency, PVT.

The length of a vertical curves over crests or into sags are generally governed
by the algebraic difference of the intersecting grades. In the design of highways
the controlling factor is usually visibility. In railroads it is rate of change of grade
that is more critical. Vertical curves should have sufficient length to hold the rate
of change of grade to a minimum. When this goal is achieved efficiency, smooth
riding, and pleasing appearance are maximized. For example in the Burlington
Northern Santa Fe Design Guidelines for Industrial Track Projects, March 2004,
page 4 it is stated, “Vertical curves must be provided at break points in profile
grade. The rate of change shall not exceed 2.0 in summits or sags.” On highways,
the length of a vertical curve is governed by sight distances based on a
consideration of the speed and safety of traffic.
Conclusion

In this field work, we were able to lay out a symmetrical parabolic curve by
tangent-offset method. I have learned the differences between circular and
parabolic curves and situations when to use them. Also, I have learned how to
compute the elements of parabolic curves. Knowing the elements of both vertical
and horizontal parabolic curves, it is easier to visualize the resulting curve. The
moment we followed the uncomplicated procedure, everything went well. This
field work although we have nothing to compare our results, seem to be
successful because of the shape of the laid out curve. This field work could have
been easier if we were able to borrow a theodolite because most of us are used
to it and I must say that it is more convenient. This may be improved if values are
to be measured more accurately.