Radius of Curve given Length of Curve and Deviation Angle Calculator

Radius of Curve Formula:

\[ R = \frac{L_s}{N} \]

Radius of Curve: m

1. What is Radius of Curve Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the radius of a curve based on the length of the curve and the deviation angle.

Purpose: It helps civil engineers and surveyors determine the appropriate curve radius for road design and construction projects.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

\[ R = \frac{L_s}{N} \]

Where:

\( R \) — Radius of Curve (meters)
\( L_s \) — Length of Curve (meters)
\( N \) — Deviation Angle (radians)

Explanation: The radius is calculated by dividing the length of the curve by the deviation angle in radians.

3. Importance of Radius Calculation

Details: Proper curve radius calculation ensures safe vehicle operation, appropriate sight distances, and comfortable driving conditions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the length of curve in meters, deviation angle in radians, and optional tolerance percentage (±5%). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should I use for inputs?
A: Length should be in meters and angle in radians. Convert degrees to radians if needed (1° = π/180 radians).

Q2: What's the purpose of the tolerance field?
A: The tolerance allows for a percentage adjustment (±5%) to account for construction variations or design requirements.

Q3: What's a typical deviation angle for roads?
A: Deviation angles vary but typically range from 0.1 to 0.5 radians (≈5.7° to 28.6°) for most highway curves.

Q4: How does curve radius affect driving?
A: Smaller radii require lower speeds, while larger radii allow higher speeds and provide better visibility.

Q5: What's the minimum radius for highways?
A: Minimum radius depends on design speed, but typically ranges from 100m for low-speed roads to 1000m+ for freeways.