CE 410 Engineering Surveys

Module 3
Reversed Curves
It is considered undesirable that reversed curves should be used on main lines, or where trains are to be run at any considerable speed.
The marked change in direction is objectionable, and an especial difficulty results from there being no opportunity to elevate the outer
rail at the P.R.C. The use of reversed curves on lines of railroad is therefore very generally condemned by engineers. For yards and
stations, reversed curves may often be used to advantage, also for street railways, and perhaps for other purposes. – Railroad curves and
Earthworks by C. Frank Allen

Elements of Reversed Curve

PC = point of curvature

PT = point of tangency
PRC = point of reversed curvature
T1 = length of tangent of the first curve
T2 = length of tangent of the second curve
V1 = vertex of the first curve
V2 = vertex of the second curve
I1 = central angle of the first curve
I2 = central angle of the second curve
Lc1 = length of first curve
Lc2 = length of second curve
L1 = length of first chord Reversed Curve
L2 = length of second chord
T1 + T2 = length of common tangent measured from V1 to V2

Finding the stationing of PT

Given the stationing of PC

Sta PT = Sta PC + 𝐿𝑐1 + 𝐿𝑐2

Given stationing of PI

Sta PT = Sta V1 – 𝑇1 + 𝐿𝑐1 + 𝐿𝑐2

Reversed Curve for Nonparallel Tangents

The following figure is an example reversed curves of unequal radii connecting non-parallel tangents.

Reversed Curves for Nonparallel Tangents

Reversed Curve for Parallel Tangents
The figure below is an example of reversed curves of unequal radii connecting two parallel roads.

Reversed Curves for Parallel Tangents

Illustrative Example:

1. Two parallel tangents 10 m apart are connected by a reversed curve. The chord length from the P.C. to the P.T. equals 120 m.
a. Compute the length of tangent with common direction.
b. Determine the equal radius of the reversed curve.
c. Compute the stationing of the P.R.C. if the stationing of 𝑉1 at the beginning of the tangent with common direction is 3 + 420 m.

2. In a railroad layout, two parallel tracks is connected with a reversed curve of unequal radii. The central angle of the first curve is 16ᵒ
and the distance between parallel tracks is 27.60 m. The stationing of the P.C. is 15 + 420 and the radius of the second curve is 290 m.
a. Compute the length of the long chord from P.C. to P.T.
b. Compute the radius of the first curve.
c. Compute the stationing of the P.T.

3. Two tangents converge at an angle 30ᵒ. The direction of the second tangent is due east. The distance of the P.C. from the second
tangent is 116.50 m. The bearing of the common tangent is S40ᵒE.
a. Compute the central angle of the first curve.
b. If a reversed curve is to connect these two tangents, determine the common radius of the curve.
c. Compute the stationing of the P.T. if P.C. is at station 10 + 620.