Length of a Circular Horizontal Curve
Easygeometric designhorizontal curve
A circular horizontal curve has a deflection angle of 32° between its tangents and a radius of 450 m. The length of the curve is most nearly:
- A126 m
- B251 m
- C283 m
- D450 m
Show solutionHide solution
Answer: B. 251 m
The curve length is the arc subtended by the deflection angle: L = RΔ with Δ in radians. Converting, Δ = 32° × π/180 = 0.5585 rad, so L = 450(0.5585) ≈ 251 m. Forgetting to convert degrees to radians is the classic slip here and produces a nonsensical result, and using the chord rather than the arc understates the length.
Practice this deckUntimed, one problem at a time, with your progress saved.
Related problems
- Superelevation Rate for a Highway Curve · Transportation
- Stopping Sight Distance on a Level Road · Transportation
- Traffic Flow Rate from Density and Speed · Transportation