1. What is Central Angle of Curve?

The Central Angle of Curve is the deflection angle between tangents at the point of intersection of tangents in a circular curve. It is a fundamental parameter in road design and railway engineering.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• Tangent Distance — Distance from point of intersection of tangents to point of curvature (m)
• Radius of Circular Curve — Radius of the circular curve (m)
• sin(1/2) — Sine function of half angle

Explanation: This formula calculates the central angle based on the tangent distance and radius of the circular curve, using trigonometric relationships.

3. Importance of Central Angle Calculation

Details: Accurate calculation of the central angle is crucial for proper road and railway alignment design, ensuring smooth transitions between straight sections and curves.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter tangent distance and radius in meters. Both values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What units should be used for input values?
A: Both tangent distance and radius should be entered in meters (m) for consistent results.

Q2: What is the typical range for central angles in road design?
A: Central angles typically range from a few degrees to over 100 degrees, depending on the road design requirements and terrain.

Q3: How does radius affect the central angle?
A: For a given tangent distance, a larger radius will result in a smaller central angle, and vice versa.

Q4: Can this formula be used for both horizontal and vertical curves?
A: This formula is primarily used for horizontal curves in transportation engineering.

Q5: What are the limitations of this calculation?
A: The calculation assumes a perfect circular curve and may need adjustments for spiral transitions or compound curves in complex designs.