Reverse Curve Definition
A reverse curve, also known as a C-curve or a vertical reverse curve, is a compound curve formed by two circular arcs. These arcs connect points or segments that curve in opposite directions.
Key Characteristics of a Reverse Curve
Understanding the components of a reverse curve is crucial:
- Two Circular Arcs: It fundamentally consists of two distinct circular arcs joined together.
- Radii Options: These arcs can either have the same radius or different radii. This flexibility allows for adaptation to various site conditions.
- Center of Curvature Position: The defining feature is that the centers of curvature for these two arcs lie on opposite sides of the common tangent. The common tangent is the line that is tangent to both arcs at their point of connection (the Point of Reverse Curve or PRC).
Why Option 4 is Correct
Option 4 accurately describes a reverse curve:
- It correctly states the curve involves two circular arcs.
- It includes the possibility of both same or different radii for these arcs.
- Crucially, it specifies that the centers of curvature are on the opposite side of the common tangent, which distinguishes it from other types of curves and incorrect definitions.
Other options are incorrect because they either restrict the radii unnecessarily (options 2 and 3) or incorrectly place the centers of curvature on the same side of the tangent (options 1 and 2).
Important Questions from Curves
The radius of a simple circular curve is 300m and the length of its specified chord is 20 m, The degree of the curve is:
Which of the following methods is NOT commonly used in setting out circular curves?
A curve which consists of two circular arcs of same and different radii having their centres to the different sides of the common tangent is called:
The tangent length for a simple curve is 10 m. the chainage of point of intersection is 344.465 m. The chainage of starting point of curve is:
In India, the standard chord length used in curves is:
