Curve staking

Equal-tangent crest vertical curve: grade elevations and the high point

A 600 ft crest curve joining a +3.20 percent grade to a −2.40 percent grade is reduced to a grade sheet at full stations, with the high point located and the K value reported.

Apply· about 22 minutes by hand· 5 steps

Given

  • An equal-tangent parabolic vertical curve on a highway profile.
  • Grade in g₁ = +3.20 percent; grade out g₂ = −2.40 percent.
  • Curve length L = 600.00 ft, measured horizontally.
  • PVI at station 34+50.00, elevation 852.40 ft.
  • Grade elevations are wanted at every full station, plus the BVC, EVC and the high point.
  • Elevations to 0.01 ft; stations in 100 ft US customary form.

Required

  • Stations and elevations of the BVC and the EVC.
  • The algebraic grade change, the rate of change of grade, the K value and the external offset.
  • Station and elevation of the high point.
  • A grade sheet at full stations.

Work it through yourself before reading on - the solution below shows every step, so there is no way to skim it without giving the answer away.

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