Civil Engineering Survey Review, 3ed

| Symbols | |
|---|---|
| PI | Point of Intersection. |
| I | Intersection angle at PI (= Central angle). |
| T | Tangent distance from BC to PI (or from EC to PI). |
| E | External distance, distance from PI to midpoint of curve. |
| M | Middle ordinate, distance from midpoint of curve to midpoint of long chord. |
| L | Length of curve, distance from BC to EC along the arc. |
| BC | Beginning of curve. (also termed PC) |
| EC | End of Curve. (also termed PT) |
| O | Radius Point (center of radius). |
| LC | Length of the Long Chord. |
| R | Radius of the curve |

There are two types of horizontal curves: Circular Arcs and Spirals. A circular arc connecting two tangents is a simple curve. Easement curves are used to lessen the sudden change in curvature at the junction of a tangent and a circular curve.
A spiral makes a good easement curve.
There are two definitions of Degree of Curve :
The CHORD definition is used in railroad practice.
The ARC definition is used for highway work.

The DEFLECTION ANGLE formed by a tangent and chord is equal to one-half the angle of the intercepted arc. This is illustrated in the following figure:

Given a curve with a radius R = 350 ft, calculate the deflections to each full station and the E.C. (End of Curve). The B.C. (Beginning of Curve) is station 12+13.22
| Station | Deflection |
|---|---|
| B.C. 12+13.22 | |
| 13+00 |
|
| 14+00 |
|
| 15+00 |
|
| E.C. 15+19.96 |
|
Solutions:

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The deflections to each station:
| Station |
|---|