Designing Smooth Road Grade Transitions

Vertical curves are parabolic transitions that connect different grades on highways and railroads. They help create a smooth alignment between the back tangent and the forward tangent. The back tangent is the first grade, and the forward tangent is the next grade.

These curves may be symmetrical ...

Vertical curves provide smooth transitions between varying grades on highways and railroads, improving safety and comfort. 

These curves are parabolic and can be symmetrical or nonsymmetrical, depending on the lengths of the tangents.

They connec...