The Transportation Highways Horizontal Curve Calculator is an essential tool for transportation engineers and road designers involved in highway projects. It helps determine the radius, length, and other parameters of horizontal curves, ensuring safe and efficient road alignments.
How to Use
- Enter the design speed of the road segment in miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h).
- Input the desired rate of superelevation, which is the banking of the roadway to counteract centrifugal forces.
- Specify the side friction factor, which accounts for the effect of tire-road friction during curve negotiation.
- Click the “Calculate” button to obtain the recommended parameters for the horizontal curve.
Benefits of Using the Transportation Highways Horizontal Curve Calculator
- Safe Road Alignments: Ensure appropriate horizontal curve parameters for safe and comfortable driving conditions.
- Efficient Design: Optimize road design by determining the ideal curve radius and length to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
- Compliance with Standards: Design highways that adhere to recommended design criteria and transportation guidelines.
Important Considerations
- Superelevation Limitations: The calculator assumes a maximum allowable rate of superelevation based on standard guidelines.
- Engineering Judgment: Professional engineering expertise and local regulations should be considered during road design.