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Elevation on a Parabolic Vertical Curve

Mediumgeometric designvertical curve
A parabolic vertical curve is 400 m long with an entry grade of +3% and an exit grade of -2%. The elevation at the beginning of the curve is 240.0 m. The elevation at the end of the curve is most nearly:
  1. A236.0 m
  2. B242.0 m
  3. C246.0 m
  4. D252.0 m
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Answer: B. 242.0 m

Work along the tangents through the point of vertical intersection, which lies at L/2 = 200 m from each end. Rising at 3% for 200 m gives 240.0 + 0.03(200) = 246.0 m at the PVI. Falling at 2% for the next 200 m gives 246.0 − 0.02(200) = 242.0 m at the end of the curve. Applying the entry grade across the full 400 m gives 252.0 m and ignores the grade change.
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