1.

TITLE
Setting out a Compound Curve on the Ground
2. OBJECTIVE
After the field operations, the students should know the method/s of laying
out a compound curve using either the three (3) methods (Deflection, Offset
from the Tangent, and Offset from the Long Chord) or combination of 2 or 3
methods on the ground.

3. MATERIALS
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.

Theodolite/Total Station with Tripod

Steel Tape
Range Poles/Stadia Rods
Marker (Chalk)

4. PROCEDURES
4.1. Setting out a Compound Curve on the Ground
4.1.1

Prior to the field operations, prepare the necessary survey data in

setting out the simple curve, such as: a. Length of the curves (L c1,
Lc2)
b. Length of the tangent distance(T 1,T2)
c. Length of the long Chord (L)
d. Station PC e.
Station PCC f.
Station PT

g. Intersection angles (I1, I2) h.

Radius of the curve (R)
i. Degree of the curves (D 1 and D2, using arc basis) j.
Deflection angle
k. Components of offsets from the long chord l. Possible
number of full stations and plus stations
m. Components of Y and X and Y and X for the backward and
forward tangents, respectively.

4.1.2

During the field operation, set and level the instrument over the
intersection of two (2) tangents distance T1 and T2 and take a
back azimuth shot on the back tangent then measure the
necessary distance from the occupied station to locate 1 st vertex.

4.1.3

Measure a tangent distance T from the vertex to locate and set a

1

hub at PC.

4.1.4.

Swing the instrument towards the direction of the forward tangent

and measure the distance to locate the 2nd vertex.

4.1.5.

Measure the tangent distance T2 from that vertex to locate and

set out station PT.

4.1.6.

Set and level the instrument at station PC with horizontal circle

reading at exactly 000000 and bisect the 1 st vertex. Set the
station of the first curve.

4.1.7.

Set and level the instrument at station PCC and bisect the station PC
with instrument in the reverse position and sight the 2 nd angle. Set
station for the second curve.

4.1.8.

After marking all the points on the ground, set out the compound
curve by connecting the points smoothly using a marker. Take
photographs for documentation.

5. ILLUSTRATION

P.C.C
Lc1=12m

COMMON
TANGENT
Lc2=12m
P.T.

P.C.

I2=6
D=5
R1=229.1832m

I1=3

D=10
R2=114.5916m

6. DATA TABULATION
Table 6-1 Data for different stations and their deflections
Sta 1

Sta 2

1
2
3
4
5
6

2
4
6
8
10
12

7. PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS

Lc1=12m; D1=
Lc2=12m; D2=10

180-9=171

From the data computed, we can observe that the deflection on the second
curve is a lot greater the first curve. Also, it is observable that in every
station, the deflection is increasing.
8. REMARKS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
We, the students who conducted the field work on setting out the
compound curve on the ground noticed that compound curves we
made is composed of two different curves of different degree. We
made the computation first in order to have the necessary data to plot
the curve on the ground. This is the third field work we have
accomplished, making it easier for us to set up the total station in no
time. The degree of the second curve is twice the degree of the first
curve, but still has little degree for us to see a huge difference on the
curve we have plotted. Furthermore, using chalk as a marker in the ST
grounds is a little difficult for the surface is quite smooth. As a
recommendation for the future undertakers of this subject, we suggest
them to do the same thing we did in this field work: to compute the
necessary data and draw the final output. The raw data and data
computed will guide them as they plot the compound curve on the
ground.

9. DOCUMENTATION

Picture 9-1 Measuring the Tangent in station

of the curve atST Quadrangle

Picture 9-2 Measuring the displacement of each of

station of the curve

Picture 9-3 Marking a point on

each of the station

Picture 9-4The result of each station

will be the Curve