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The radius of a circular curve calculation determines the radius of a circle based on the degree of curve. This is particularly important in road design, railway engineering, and other construction projects where curved paths are required.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: This formula converts the degree of curve measurement into the actual radius of the circular curve, accounting for the mathematical relationship between angular measurement and linear distance.
Details: Accurate radius calculation is crucial for proper road design, ensuring safe vehicle navigation, determining appropriate banking angles, and calculating superelevation requirements for curves.
Tips: Enter the degree of curve in radians. The value must be greater than zero. The calculator will compute the corresponding radius of the circular curve.
Q1: What is the degree of curve in road design?
A: The degree of curve is a measurement of the sharpness of a curve, defined as the central angle subtended by a 100-foot arc along the curve.
Q2: Why is 5729.578 used in the formula?
A: This constant represents (180 × 100)/π, which converts the degree of curve measurement from degrees per 100 feet to the radius in feet, then converted to meters.
Q3: How does radius affect vehicle speed on curves?
A: Larger radii allow for higher safe speeds, while smaller radii require lower speeds to maintain vehicle stability and safety.
Q4: Can this calculator be used for railway curves?
A: Yes, the same mathematical principles apply to railway curve design, though additional factors like train dynamics may need consideration.
Q5: What are typical radius values for different road types?
A: Highway curves typically have radii of 300-600 meters, arterial roads 150-300 meters, and local streets may have radii as small as 15-30 meters.