Test Yourself: Replace the Reverse Curve

A 311Kb PDF of this article as it appeared in the magazine—complete with images—is available by clicking HERE

The surveyor is asked to realign the dangerous reverse curve system shown. The PI locations and the tangent directions are to remain fixed. The reverse curves are to be replaced by two circular curves with the same radii. And, the two curves must be separated by a distance of 100.00 feet. (That is the distance from PT1 to PC2 is to be 100.00 feet.) Compute the radii of the replacement curves.

See the PDF for a sketch.

For the solution to this problem (and much more), please visit our website at: www.amerisurv.com. Good luck!

Dr. Richard Elgin is semiretired, working parttime for Archer-Elgin Surveying and Engineering, LLC in Rolla, Missouri. He also is an Adjunct Professor of Civil Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Dick is a practitioner, professor, researcher and author.

A 311Kb PDF of this article as it appeared in the magazine—complete with images—is available by clicking HERE