SUPER ELEVATION
Superelevation, also known as banking or cant, refers to the transverse slope or tilt applied to a roadway surface along horizontal curves to counteract the centrifugal force experienced by vehicles as they negotiate the curve. Here's a detailed explanation of superelevation:
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- Full Superelevation: In full superelevation, the entire cross-section of the roadway is banked uniformly along the curve.
- Partial Superelevation: In partial superelevation, only a portion of the roadway, typically the outer lane, is banked, while the inner lane remains flat or at a lesser superelevation. Partial superelevation is often used on multi-lane highways to accommodate different vehicle speeds and turning movements.
Purpose: The primary purpose of superelevation is to improve vehicle stability, traction, and safety when traveling through horizontal curves. By banking the roadway surface, superelevation helps to reduce the tendency of vehicles to overturn or skid outward due to centrifugal force, especially at higher speeds.
Calculation: Superelevation is calculated based on factors such as design speed, curve radius, and friction coefficient. The degree of superelevation required increases with the design speed and tightness of the curve. It is typically expressed as a percentage of the roadway width or as a ratio of the rise in elevation to the horizontal distance along the curve.
Application: Superelevation is applied gradually along the length of a horizontal curve, with the highest point of elevation typically located at the curve's midpoint. The transition from normal cross-slope to superelevated cross-slope occurs over a specified distance known as the "transition length" or "easing-in" length. This gradual transition helps to minimize lateral forces on vehicles and provides a smooth transition for drivers.
Types of Superelevation: There are two main types of superelevation:
Design Considerations: The design of superelevation takes into account factors such as design standards, vehicle characteristics, traffic volume, drainage requirements, and environmental conditions. Engineers carefully calculate the appropriate degree of superelevation to ensure safe and comfortable passage for vehicles while minimizing the risk of skidding, overturning, or hydroplaning.
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Construction and Maintenance: Superelevation is constructed during the paving and surfacing stages of road construction, following precise design specifications and measurements. It requires periodic maintenance to ensure that the desired cross-slope is maintained and to address issues such as erosion, settlement, or pavement deterioration.
In summary, superelevation is an essential design feature of roadways, particularly on horizontal curves, aimed at enhancing vehicle safety and stability. It is a critical element of geometric design that helps to improve the overall performance and safety of transportation infrastructure.
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