Escolar Documentos
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Cultura Documentos
August 2009
Revised 2013
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Spiral Curves Made Simple
2
HISTORY
Spiral curves were originally designed for the Railroads to smooth the transition from a
tangent line into simple curves. They helped to minimize the wear and tear on the tracks. Spiral
curves were implemented at a later date on highways to provide a smooth transition from the
tangent line into simple curves. The highway engineers later determined that most drivers will
naturally make that spiral transition with the vehicle; therefore, spiral curves are only used on
highways in special cases today.
Because they were used in the past and in special cases today, we need to know how to
calculate them.
From the surveyors perspective, the design of spiral curves has already been determined by
the engineer and will be documented on existing R/W and As-built plans. All we have to do is
use the information shown on these plans to fit the spiral curve within our surveyed alignment.
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
3
REFERENCES
There are many books available on spiral curves that can help you know and understand how
the design process works. It can get complicated when you dive into the theory and design of
spiral curves.
My reference material includes the following books:
Railroad Curves and Earthwork; by C. Frank Allen, S.B.
Route Surveying and Design; by Carl F. Meyer & David W. Gibson
Surveying Theory and Practice; by Davis, Foote & Kelly
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
4
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
5
COURSE OBJECTIVE
This course is intended to introduce you to Spiral Curve calculations along centerline
alignments.
It is assumed that you already now how to calculate simple curves and generate coordinates
from one point to another using a bearing and distance.
Offsets to Spiral Curves and intersections of lines with Spiral Curves will not be discussed in
this lesson. These types of calculations will be addressed in a future lesson.
You can check your calculations using the online Spiral Calculator at:
http://www.cc4w.net/spiral/index.aspx
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
6
EXAMPLE SPIRAL
Included are two example spiral curves from ADOT projects. The one that we will be
calculating contains Equal Spirals for the Entrance and Exit on both sides of the main curve.
The second example contains Unequal Spirals for the Entrance and Exit and a Transitional
Spiral between two main curves with different radii. We will look at the process used to
calculate this example but we will not be doing any calculations.
The example spiral that we will be calculating is from the ADOT project along S.R. 64 as
shown on sheet RS-17 of the Results of Survey.
We will walk through each step to calculate this spiral.
Note: My career started 30 plus years ago, before GPS and computers. I did all my
calculations by hand and I teach my staff to do the calculations by hand so that they will have
a thorough understanding of the mathematical process. I am a big advocate of technology
and use it exclusively. I also have a passion for the art of surveying mathematics, therefore I
feel that everyone should know how to do it manually. I feel that my staff has a better
appreciation for technology by having done the calculations manually, at least once, before
they rely on a computer to do it for them.
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
7
No. 1
Gather your known information for
the spiral curve.
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
8
The key information needed is the Degree of Curvature and the Spiral length.
D=20000 and Ls=200.00
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
9
No. 2
Your tangent lines should be defined either by survey or record information. Sketch your tangent
lines and Point of Intersection. Add the bearings for the tangent lines and calculate the
deflection at the P.I. As shown below, the deflection is 362916.
131411 + 231505 = 362916
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
10
No. 3
The following
are spiral
formulas that
have been
derived from
several
reference
materials for
spiral
calculations that
will be utilized
for this lesson.
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
11
No. 3 continued
Next we will calculate the tangent distance (Ts) from the T.S. to the P.I.
Use the following formulas to calculate Ts.
Delta(t) = 36-29-16(dms) ~ 36.48777777(ddd)
D = 2-00-00(dms) ~ 2.0000(ddd)
Ls = 200.00
R = 5729.578 / D = 5729.578 / 2.0000 = 2864.789
a = (D * 100) / Ls = (2.0000 * 100) / 200.00 = 1.00 (Checks with record data)
o = 0.0727 * a * ((Ls / 100)^3)
o = 0.0727 * 1 * ((200.00 / 100)^3) = 0.5816
t = (50 * Ls / 100) (0.000127 * a^2 * (Ls / 100)^5)
t = (50 * 200.00/100) (0.000127 * 1^2 * (200.00 / 100)^5 = 99.9959
Ts = (Tan(Delta(t) / 2) * (R +o)) + t
Ts = (Tan(36.48777777 / 2) * (2864.789 + 0.5816)) + 99.9959 = 1044.515
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
12
No. 3 continued
Calculate the Northing and Easting for the Tangent to Spiral (T.S.) & Spiral to Tangent (S.T.)
Use coordinate geometry to calculate the Latitude and Departure for each course and add them to
the Northing and Easting of the Point of Intersection (P.I.) to get the Northing and Easting for the T.S.
and S.T.
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
13
No. 4
Calculate the spiral chord distance (Chord) and deflection angle (Def).
Chord = (100 * Ls / 100) (0.00034 * a^2 * (Ls / 100)^5)
Chord = (100 * 200.00 / 100) (0.00034 * 1^2 * (200.00 / 100)^5) = 199.989
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
14
No. 5
Calculate the spiral delta and tangent distance to the Spiral Point of Intersection (SPI).
Delta(s) = 0.005 * D * Ls = 0.005 * 2.0000 * 200.00 = 2.0000(ddd) ~ 2-00-00(dms)
u = Chord * Sin(Delta(s) * 2 / 3) / Sin(Delta(s))
u = 199.989 * Sin(2.0000 * 2 / 3) / Sin(2.0000) = 133.341
Calculate Northing and Easting of SPI.
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
15
No. 6
Calculate the radial line and radius point for the main curve.
Calculate the back deflection from the S.C. to the SPI is as follows:
Delta(s) Def = Back Def
2.0000 0.666666 = 1.333334(ddd) ~ 1-20-00(dms)
Using the Back Def and chord bearing calculate the tangent bearing at the S.C. then perpendicular from
the tangent line calculate the radial line. Do this for the C.S. as well. Calculate the Radius point from the
S.C. and C.S. You should come up with the same coordinates. If not, then something is wrong. Recheck all of
your calculations.
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
16
No. 7
Using the radial bearings calculate the Main Curve Delta of 32-29-16(dms) ~ 32.487777(dms)
Now add the Spiral Delta as follows:
Delta(t) = Delta(s) + Delta(m) + Delta(s)
Delta(t) = 2-00-00 + 32-29-16 + 2-00-00 = 36-29-16 this should equal the deflection in Step
2.
Calculate the arc length for Main Curve
Lm = (Delta(m) * R * pi) / 180
Lm = (32.487777 * 2864.789 * 3.141592654) / 180 = 1624.389
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
17
Be aware that you may have some slight differences in the coordinates, distances and stationing due
to rounding errors.
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
18
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
19
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
20
MicroStation tools
and manual
calculations were
used to solve for
curves 13, 14 &
15.
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
21
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
22
Calculating spiral curves does not have to be complicated. Once you understand the elements needed
and methodically step through the process, you will obtain consistent results and might even have fun
while doing it.
I hope that this presentation will debunk some of the myths that spiral curves are complicated and
difficult to work with and will not make your hair turn gray.
The Appendix contains full size PDF sheets that you can printout for your reference material.
August 2009
Spiral Curves Made Simple
23
APPENDIX
August 2009
? s
s ?
?m
.
.C
P
d
T
R
e
R
a
S
S
t
t
n n
T
T
c
g e
je
e "t g
n C n
o
t h " a
r
o T
r
P
d
L " s
f s o C L
e "
C
D "u
S
S
"
DEFINITIONS
X S
P Y
I ?s = Spiral Delta
T s
s T ?m = Main Curve Delta
Lm ?t = Total Curve Delta
Ls = Length of Spiral
Lm = Length of Main Curve
Lt = Length of Total Curve
Delta(t) = Delta(s) + Delta(m) + Delta(s) a = Rate of Change per 100
Delta(s) = 0.005 * D * Ls "o" = Radial Offset
Lm = (Delta(m) * R * pi) / 180 "t" = Projected curve P.C.
Lt = Ls + Lm + Ls R = Radius of Main Curve
R = 5729.578 / D ?t D = Degree of Curve
a = (D * 100) / Ls PI
Def = Deflection from
"o" = 0.0727 * a * ((Ls / 100)^3) Begin Spiral
"t" = (50 * Ls / 100) - (0.000127 * a^2 * (Ls / 100)^5) Ts = Tangent Length
Ts = (TAN(Delta(t) / 2) * (R + "o")) + "t" (In Degrees) of Total Curve
Chord = (100 * Ls / 100) - (0.00034 * a^2 * (Ls / 100)^5) PI = Point of Intersection
Def = (a * L^2 )/ 60000 of Total Curve
X = Chord * Cos(Def) TS = Tangent to Spiral
Y = Chord * Sin(Def) SC = Spiral to Curve
"u" = Chord * Sin(Delta(s) * 2 / 3) / Sin(Delta(s))
SPIRAL DIAGRAM
CS = Curve to Spiral
ST = Spiral to Tangent
spiral.dgn
3617
RESULTS OF SURVEY
1/4 Cor. 3620
Fd. 3" GLO Cap 1/4 Cor. 3619 Sec. Cor. 1/4 Cor.
Fd. 3" GLO Cap
7
on 2 1/2" IP, 1.2 up, Sec. Cor. Not searched for Not searched for
11
on 2 1/2" IP, .3 up, 3673
1916 Fd. 3" GLO Cap
35
4038
11
35
1/4 Cor.
SHEET RS-16
1916
2
on 2 1/2" IP, .3 up,
2
1/4 Cor.
COCONINO CO.
Fd. 3" GLO Cap
1916 3
on 2 1/2" IP, 2.0 up, Fd. 3" GLO Cap
10
34
on 2 1/2" IP, 1.5 up,
3
34
In Mound of Stones EXIST R/W \
10
In Mound of Stones,
SHEET RS-18
HOWARD LAKE 1916
CURVE DATA 1916
2640.32
4385
PI 2191+29.21
4518
2639.27
2641.05
C1/4 Cor. TOTAL CURVE
6
Not searched for
Calculated ?=362916" LT
By Intersection T=1044.51
N001145"E L=2024.39
34
T.25N. R.2E. 34
27
34
2644.85
10
15
10
10
N001
145"E 2636.55 N001
037"E 2640.76 N001
037"E 2641
.68
3
3
N001
047"E 5276.30
3
MAIN CURVE
HOWARD ?=322916" LT
S89 5843"E 2634.88
T.24N. R.2E.
5
3674 D=020000"
PI 2072+08.96 4375
R=11470.46 4374
3632
3656 BOOK 15 PAGE 89
100
.70
.70
9
09
Ex 4414 5
.0
i
stR/W \ 4471
9.
4393
+ 84
+ 84
4529
09
4380
0
2 4382
+
+
627.39
2180
01
S0 4480 4
2182
3637 30
99
349"W 4947.1
9
100
3629
22
21
3664
S.
R.
27
34
64
34
4526
34
104 3655
10
10
15
T.S.
10
.
.
S.C.
4883
3
501.23
T
S
4 3
4466 6 N001
156"E
S.
C.
4379 4469 4472 3669 4478 1407.91
2638.74
E
5"
33
28
33
N001029"E 0
4
33
9
N
4
001
9
N001
91
5 "E 2631.
6 6 N001
136"E 2640.58 213"E 489.89
9
5
16
1 08
2650.96 2639.71 4527 3 . See
.54
4473 S2 3 0
4468 S1 4530 8
3663 31 Detail
.58
4 11" N001138"E
P.C. 2143+ 00
W 2 4395 4390
767 "3"
3624 .1
+ 17
2 2640.31
3626 3625 3675 3676
17
Sec. Cor. See Detail "1"
1/4 Cor.
153
9.
Sec. Cor. 1/4 Cor. 4386
Fd. 3" GLO Cap, 3671
100
Fd. 3" GLO Cap,
3
Fd. 3" GLO Cap Fd. 3" GLO Cap,
. 2
on 2 1/2" IP, .5 up,
+
100
on 2 1/2" IP, 3.0 up,
09
on 2 1/2" IP, 1.0 up, on 2 1/2" IP, .2 up, 4523 4387 4532
1916
3
P.T
1916 3665
22
1916 1916
C.
Fd. 3" GLO Cap,
P.
4524 4479 4533
RANCH PHASE 1 on 2 1/2" IP, 2.5 up,
.54
1916
4
UNIT 5
P.T. 2084+ 06
3633 Not
4383 ?=101022" RT DETAIL "3"
3
T=1562.06 searched
4376 P.O.T. 2084+14.20 D=010001" for
L=3115.57
P.O.T. 2162+29.09
4
S895001"E
T=509.86 R=17197.05 4396
66.58
16
L=1017.04
9
4
9
4377
P.O.T. 2165+24.04
R=5728.24 4381
3636 4384
3682
4462 4463 4475 1/4 Cor.
3635 C1/4 Cor.
Fd. 5/8"
NE
DETAIL "1" SFNF
Rebar .4 up
MATCH LI
Position not
DETAIL "2" Added Tag 3683
calculated
PLS 19817 1/4 Cor.
9
Fd. 3" GLO Cap
NE
8
1916 0 250 500
MATCH LI
Scale
064rw185_rs17.dgn
LEGEND C.O. NO. DATE BY DESCRIPTION OF REVISIONS RIGHT OF WAY PLANS SECTION
SURVEY Aug 2008
DATA TABLE HIGHWAY NAME: PRELIMINARY
DRAWN/DATE Jordan/Nov 08 WILLIAMS-GRAND CANYON-CAMERON NOT FOR
5 Calculated CONSTRUCTION
302 Set Monument 301 FEDERAL AID NO.:
6 position ADOT REVIEW Ken Richmond OR RECORDING
UNASSIGNED --Created--
300 Found Monument Existing ADOT R/W
HUBBARD 480-892-3313 7/31/2009
PROJECT NO.:
Gilbert, AZ
monument ENGINEERING 9:50:11 AM
jcrume@heaz.us Job # 08121 064 CN 185 H7142 01R
SFNF Seacherd For Not Found ROUTE NO.: LOCATION:
.- -.
36 2916"
P.I.
S.T
T.S
Ts N = 1628472.20977166
1
044 4
51
. 0 44. E = 622856.942620664
51
36 2916"
4 1
Ts
N = 1630448.65338332
E = 622683.766192496 P.I.
N = 1629431.88935962
Controlling spiral curve data E = 622444.605199428
D = 2-00-00
Ls = 200.00
Spiral Chord
Spiral Chord
199.989
199.989
.
.
S.T
T.S
N = 1630253.45761247 N = 1628656.86232649
E = 622640.243104831 E = 622780.137138348
Ts N = 1628472.20977166
1
044 4
51
. E = 622856.942620664
.51 044
36 2916"
4 1
Ts
N = 1630448.65338332
E = 622683.766192496 P.I.
N = 1629431.88935962
Controlling spiral curve data E = 622444.605199428
D = 2-00-00
Ls = 200.00
Spiral Spiral
Spiral Chord
Spiral Chord
199.989
199.989
.
.
S.T
T.S
N = 1630253.45761 N = 1628656.86232
E = 622640.24310 E = 622780.13713
N = 1630448.65338
E = 622683.76619 Ts N = 1628472.20977
1
044 4
51
. E = 622856.94262
.51 044
36 2916"
133.341 4 1
Ts
133.341
SPI
N = 1630318.8546 SPI
P.I.
E = 622653.2352 N = 1628594.7212
E = 622804.3042
N = 1629431.88935
Controlling spiral curve data E = 622444.60519
D = 2-00-00
Ls = 200.00
T.S.
S.C.
Def
Detail
N.T.S. Back Def
Spiral Chord
Spiral Chord
199.989
199.989
.
.
S.T
T.S
.
N = 1630253.45761 N = 1628656.86232
.
C.S
S.C
E = 622640.24310 E = 622780.13713
N = 1630448.65338
E = 622683.76619 Ts N = 1628472.20977
1
044 4
51
. E = 622856.94262
.51 044
36 2916"
133.341 4 1
Ts
133.341
SPI
N = 1630318.8546 SPI
P.I.
E = 622653.2352 N = 1628594.7212
E = 622804.3042
1444
1335
ST 1
66+43. 1340
12
1430
"
.5
12
.4"
1338
52
811
26
10 4
1332
AHD
a=1 2/3
0"
4.23
00. Ls=360.00
25 ?=104800"
24
1
TS= 42
1"
35
1.
35 1429
0
4 CS
8. 1
6
0" 2+
04
4" .
0 83
0 .1
2
21
16
55
1339
15
10
47
4 S
C
7. 16
5 0+
"
"
15
.0
.3
0
C 4
0
S 1251
18
15
24 9+
0
K
3
4
.0
8 5
B
00 5
.3
15
.9"
4
1425 4
+
.4
0
14
45
D.O.C. Arc: 6-00-00
S
2
Radius: 954.93
T
=
1337
S
Transitional Spiral Delta Angle: 16-04-01 (LT)
T
(Table D-55.30) 1935 Tangent length: 134.78
031
7 a=1 2/3 Arc length: 267.78
59.1
"
0
1336
?=31800"
14
75
3+
+ 88.34
SC 148+ 48.34
14
1330 1428
SC
1423
a=1 2/3
CS 147
Ls=360.00
1
?=104800"
.9
13
2
T
64
S
=
=
5
0
S
4
T
.9
3
1426 B
K
Transitional Spiral
(Table D-55.30)
1331 a=1 2/3
Ls=60.00
1427 ?=31800"
TONTO
14E.
R. ** END UN
.1S. EQUAL
SPI H
MATC
LI
T RAL C
URVE
N07 3216"E 4
NE
S 4.24
S.
T .1 SHEE
6 66+4 3. T RS
1
2 -9
EXIST R/W \ 7
SE C ?=160401" LT
Y ?=104800"
COUNT
AHD**
ILA D=60000" L=360.00
G
M ATCH
*
T=134.78 SPI 1429
216"E
S
L=267.78
5.23
E
V
R=954.93 1338
N07 3
LI
U
C.S.
7
Ts= 42
*
2 1
NE
62+
134
BAC
NIC
L
.T. 83
B. .1
A
2
EXIST R/W \ 5 N1
IR
82
SCE
SET
P
16" 1339
0"
CURVE DATA E
S
SPIRAL T
0
S
L
R
NATIONAL A .C
A
PI ------
40
a=1.67 N L . 1499
66*
U
IT .T 160
Q
IO .
?=244801" LT B +
28
E
?=31800" N . 15.
N
A N 1501
L 3 3
U
D=60000" L=60.00 S 4 4
4 C P 2
66*
IN
.S IR 41 1
00
T=209.96 SPI 1428 L. . A 5"
G
8 1904 1 T 15 L
E
E
EXIST R/W \ .B 9+ *
B
L=413.34 *
. 5 * 1
00 1251
SPIRAL CURVE DATA N 5 6
6" **
R=954.93 1332 3 3 .3
7
0
4
K
42
.0
SPI=1905
a=1.67
E
12 B
1422 PI ------ 1
*
15
K
SPIRAL 1498
SHEET
5
134
BAC
1
NIC
"E
44
?=104800"
0
?=552100" LT
14
S PI=1 9 2 1
N 5.
a=1.67 1524
SCE
SET
L=360.00
4
.
6
D=50000"
2
.S
3
?=31800"
s=
T
S
4
SPI 1426
T=600.98
T
RS-7
1901 8 L=60.00
1903 1337
0 1527
2
L=1107.00 5
4 SPI 1427 1525
4
" R=1145.92 1335
E
E
4"
IRAL ***
2
0
1. 1500
4
.0
6
7
45"E
1336
75
50
1916
3
3+
S =1
PI 922
.3
45"E
1526
S5
1423
14
33
7+ 88.3
S83 38
13
TRANSITIONAL SP
S
C.
6+
B.
4
C
S
S.C. 148+ 48.34
*
L.T.B. S86 56
E
1330 1935
E
S.
*
T.
13
*
N
1
T
IC K
B
L.
.9
S.
C.S. 14
A
1900 SPI=1918
2
L.T.B.
C.
SPI=1902
64
66
s=
*
S
1
T
4
8
0
66
2
*
1913 4
3
4
.3
CURVE DATA T S =1
PI 99
1
9
s=
13
13
S
PI 133+46.70 1248 5
4
.
C
1331
S
4
.T
E
E
.9
*
N
E
S
T
3 1531
I
6"
C
TOTAL CURVE SPIRAL SPI=1915
60
A
1
B 1528 .
C
K .S
K
12
?=620830" RT a=1.67
*
* U \
2 4 W
6
1914
R/
3
T=758.58 ?=104800" 1333 t
N
s
i
1334 Ex FOREST
L=1395.69 L=360.00 3 0"
10
Ts=32 2
SPI 1425 1249 5.1
4A HD* 58
MAIN CURVE *
S852 644 S8
"E 52644"E
37
?=403230" 24 1934 Ts=642
00 .91
**
"
D=60000"
1530 1250
L=675.69 1529
R=954.93 1421
S =1
PI 920
INCLUDES A 132 RIGHT OF WAY WHEREIN THE ROAD WILL BE IN OFFICE AND FIELD. 060rw236_rs08.dgn
CONSTRUCTED OUTSIDE OF THE 132 RIGHT OF WAY, NO IMPROVEMENTS DRAWN/DATE J Crume/2006 PHOENIX - GLOBE PRELIMINARY
OTHER THAN THE FENCES SHALL BE CONSTRUCTED BY THE STATE Calculated NOT FOR
302 Set Monument 301 FEDERAL AID NO.:
EXCEPT BY AGREEMENT WITH THE FOREST SUPERVISOR. position ADOT REVIEW C. Woodford CONSTRUCTION
Unassigned OR RECORDING
A 400 WIDE SCENIC STRIP OF "SET BACK" WHEREIN NO CONSTRUCTION
300 Found Monument Existing R/W monument HUBBARD 480-892-3313
--Created--
OTHER THAN THAT NECESSARY TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HIGHWAY PROJECT NO.:
Gilbert, AZ
ENGINEERING 8/14/2009
WILL BE ALLOWED, EXCEPT BY SPECIAL PERMIT FROM THE FOREST SERVICE. jcrume@heaz.us Job # 26015 060 GI 236 H6140 01R
8:19:50 AM
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