1. What is Mid Ordinate When Offsets From Long Chord Is Used For Setting Out?

The Mid Ordinate is the distance from the midpoint of the curve to the midpoint of the chord. It is used in surveying and civil engineering for setting out curves, particularly when offsets from the long chord method are employed for curve layout.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Mid Ordinate formula:

Where:

• \( M \) — Mid Ordinate (m)
• \( R \) — Radius of Curve for Mid Ordinate (m)
• \( C \) — Length of Long Chord (m)

Explanation: The formula calculates the vertical distance from the midpoint of the chord to the arc of the circle, based on the radius and chord length.

3. Importance of Mid Ordinate Calculation

Details: Accurate mid ordinate calculation is crucial for precise curve setting in road construction, railway alignment, and other civil engineering projects where curved layouts are required.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the radius of the curve and the length of the long chord in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the practical application of mid ordinate calculation?
A: It is used in field surveying to set out curves accurately by establishing offset points from the long chord.

Q2: How does mid ordinate relate to curve geometry?
A: The mid ordinate represents the maximum distance between the chord and the arc of a circular curve.

Q3: Can this formula be used for any circular curve?
A: Yes, this formula applies to all circular curves where the radius and chord length are known.

Q4: What units should be used for input values?
A: The calculator uses meters for both radius and chord length, but any consistent unit system can be used as long as both inputs use the same units.

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: The formula assumes a perfect circular curve and may not account for real-world variations in terrain or construction tolerances.