Assessment of horizontal curves of an existing road using reliability concepts

2005 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1030-1038 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomás Echaveguren ◽  
Marcelo Bustos ◽  
Hernán de Solminihac
Keyword(s):  
High Impact ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Maximum Speed ◽  
Operating Speed ◽  
Skid Resistance ◽  
Operational Conditions ◽  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Margin Of Safety ◽  
Design Speed ◽  
Curve Radius

Horizontal curves on road are commonly analyzed under design speed point of view, where it is assumed that the maximum speed of a vehicle in a curve is the design speed. The empirical evidence has demonstrated that when the design speed is low, the operating speed tends to be higher. This happens because of an available remaining lateral (or transverse) friction for speeds over design speed. This condition is determined by a speed limit, obtained from the demand and supply equilibrium of friction of a pavement. The difference between operating and design speeds is usually considered as the margin of safety of a horizontal curve on a road. In this study, a methodology to determine the margin of safety of an existing curve is proposed. The methodology is based on the reliability theory by which reliability of operational conditions can be analyzed by using a reliability index as a margin of safety. A case study for light vehicles is evaluated to determine high impact variables over reliability, such as, macrotexture, skid resistance, curve radius, and superelevation. The results obtained in this study demonstrated that curve radius, skid resistance, and macrotexture are variables with high impact over failure probability. In constrast, superelevation has little effect on the failure probability.Key words: reliability, horizontal curves, operating speed, skid resistance, pavement texture.

scholarly journals Truck stability on different types of horizontal curves combined with vertical alignments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Essam Mohamed S. A. E. A. Dabbour
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Vehicle Stability ◽  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Current Design ◽  
Single Compound ◽  
Margin Of Safety ◽  
Design Speed

The combination of horizontal curves with vertical alignments is commonly used in different classifications of highways; either on highway mainstream or on highway interchange ramps. The horizontal curves, combined with vertical alignments, may be single, compound or reverse horizontal curves. The current design guidelines do not adequately investigate vehicle stability on such three-dimensional (3D) alignments. Computer software that simulates vehicle behaviour on different geometrical alignments was employed to investigate vehicle stability on such 3D alignments. It was found that vehicle safety is questionable, especially for larger vehicles on reverse curves associated with vertical alignments. The critical speed, where the vehicle starts to rollover or skid, was found to be close to design speed for those 3D alignments. Design aids were then developed to address the recommended solutions to maintain the margin of safety required.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Horizontal Curve Radius Effect on Driving Speed in Two Lane Rural Road. Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 252-270
Author(s):  
Mindaugas Šeporaitis ◽  
Viktoras Vorobjovas ◽  
Audrius Vaitkus
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Speed Limit ◽  
Operating Speed ◽  
Horizontal Curve ◽  
Design Standards ◽  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Road Design ◽  
Driving Speed ◽  
Design Speed

This paper presents a case study of driving speed at horizontal curves in the regional road. The literature review of operating speed at horizontal curves in regional roads expresses the difference between design speed and driving speed. Driving speed was measured in ten horizontal curves on regional road No. 2610. Collected data was compared to the design speed, various design standards, and Operating Speed Prediction Models for traffic in low-volume roads. Based on result analysis, was proposed initial adjusted minimum radius of the horizontal curve based on operating speed. It is justified that proposed corrections based on operating speed ensure a credible speed limit effect on road safety. The performed experiment showed different tendencies comparing measured driving speed with permitted and design speeds. It was determined that dependent on specific curved section drivers tend to exceed posted speed limit from 17% to 98% of cases, and from 41% to 100% − the design speed in the horizontal curve. This research led to identifying the limitations of experimental research methodology. These limitations are related to experimental Site selection with different combinations of alignment elements, traffic, and accident data. A pilot study showed significant results and gave essential insights into the full-scale research plan. The results are expected to benefit both other researchers and the organisations responsible for the development and implementation of normative technical documents for road design.

scholarly journals Evaluation of design consistency on horizontal curves for two-lane state roads in terms of vehicle path radius and speed

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 127-135
Author(s):  
Biljana Maljković ◽  
Dražen Cvitanić
Keyword(s):  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Percentage Difference ◽  
Friction Factors ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Design Speed ◽  
Vehicle Path ◽  
Design Consistency ◽  
Side Friction ◽  
Curve Radius ◽  
The Impact

Experimental investigation was conducted on a 24 km long segment of the two-lane state road to collect the driver behavior data. The research involved 20 drivers driving their own cars equipped with the GPS device. Considering the impact of path radius and speed on the side friction demand, the design consistency on horizontal curves was evaluated by determining the margins of safety. The analysis showed that the vehicle path radii were mainly smaller than curve radius, on average for 12%. Regression analysis indicated that the percentage difference between the curve radius and vehicle path radius is not affected by the speed, speed differential and geometric characteristics of the curve and surrounding elements. Two different margins of safety were analyzed. One is the difference between maximum permissible side friction (based on design speed) and side friction demand, while another is the difference between side friction supply (based on operating speed) and side friction demand. Generally, demands exceeded supply side friction factors on curves with radii smaller than 150 m, whereas “poor” conditions (in terms of Lamm’s consistency levels) were noted for curves under approximately 220 m. Both values are very close to the critical radius below which higher accident rates were observed according to several accident studies. Based on the results of the research, it is proposed to use a 12% smaller curve radius for the evaluation of margin of safety and that curves with radii smaller than 200 m should be avoided on two-lane state roads outside the built-up area.

scholarly journals KELIO TRASOS HORIZONTALIŲJŲ KREIVIŲ ĮTAKA TRANSPORTO SRAUTO GREIČIUI / INFLUENCE OF ROAD ALIGNMENT HORIZONTAL CURVE ON TRANSPORT FLOW OPERATING SPEED

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (0) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Mindaugas Šeporaitis ◽  
Viktoras Vorobjovas
Keyword(s):  
Road Network ◽  
Operating Speed ◽  
Horizontal Curve ◽  
The Road ◽  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Legal Documents ◽  
Transport Flow ◽  
Design Speed ◽  
Side Friction ◽  
Curve Selection

Geometric parameters of road alignment are fundamental elements defining permissible speed and vice versa. Unlike permissible speed, determined operating speed in upgrade projects has a significant impact on the safe movement of transport on the roads. The article reviews the composition of the regional road network in Lithuania, the design speed, the permitted speed, the practical problems of applying the geometry parameters of the road alignment according to the legal documents valid in Lithuania, methods of horizontal curve selection in Lithuania and other countries are analysed in more detail. Comparative initial calculations of horizontal curves were performed using different side friction coefficients. Review summary of analysis conducted and statements are prepared for discussion.

scholarly journals Truck stability on different types of horizontal curves combined with vertical alignments

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Essam Mohamed S. A. E. A. Dabbour
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Computer Software ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Vehicle Stability ◽  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Current Design ◽  
Single Compound ◽  
Margin Of Safety ◽  
Design Speed

The combination of horizontal curves with vertical alignments is commonly used in different classifications of highways; either on highway mainstream or on highway interchange ramps. The horizontal curves, combined with vertical alignments, may be single, compound or reverse horizontal curves. The current design guidelines do not adequately investigate vehicle stability on such three-dimensional (3D) alignments. Computer software that simulates vehicle behaviour on different geometrical alignments was employed to investigate vehicle stability on such 3D alignments. It was found that vehicle safety is questionable, especially for larger vehicles on reverse curves associated with vertical alignments. The critical speed, where the vehicle starts to rollover or skid, was found to be close to design speed for those 3D alignments. Design aids were then developed to address the recommended solutions to maintain the margin of safety required.

A model for estimating advisory speeds for horizontal curves in two-lane rural roads

2013 ◽  
Vol 40 (12) ◽  
pp. 1234-1243 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomás Echaveguren ◽  
Sergio Vargas-Tejeda
Keyword(s):  
Field Data ◽  
Lateral Acceleration ◽  
Operating Speed ◽  
Bank Angle ◽  
Rural Roads ◽  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Driving Speed ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Advisory Speed ◽  
Design Speed

Horizontal curves are designed using a design speed, which is the speed used to determine the geometric features of highways. In sharp curves, drivers sometimes exceed the design speed. Depending of the difference between design speed and operating speed, drivers can face risky situations, which can be mitigated using signs informing drivers of advisory speeds. Advisory speeds at the horizontal curves are normally estimated as a function of the lateral acceleration for a maximum driving speed, at which comfort is low. This paper proposes an analytical model to estimate advisory speeds based on ball-bank readings and consistency concepts. Field data were obtained using a digital ball-bank indicator, an accelerometer, and a GPS logger. Readings were obtained on 24 test sections at speeds between 40 and 110 km/h. The model proposed yields an advisory speed value and a limit ball-bank angle that require consistent behavior of drivers.

Design Speed, Operating Speed, and Posted Speed Survey

1996 ◽  
Vol 1523 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay Fitzpatrick ◽  
Brian Shamburger ◽  
Dan Fambro
Keyword(s):  
Functional Class ◽  
Warning Signs ◽  
Speed Limit ◽  
Operating Speed ◽  
Worst Case ◽  
Highway Design ◽  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Design Speed ◽  
Transportation Departments ◽  
The City

At some locations, the posted speed limit, based on 85th percentile operating speed, exceeds the roadway's design speed. This situation is a result of the fact that criteria used in highway design incorporate a significant factor of safety, that is, roadways are designed for near worst-case conditions. When this situation occurs, however, liability concerns can arise although drivers can safely exceed the design speed. A mail-out survey for state, city, and county transportation departments was conducted to document concerns and difficulties the engineering profession is experiencing with the relationships among design speed, operating speed, and posted speed. The factors most frequently considered when selecting design speed are anticipated operating speed and/or posted speed; however, these were not the most common factors selected by respondents. Urban versus rural and functional class were selected more often by the state respondents, whereas cross section was selected more often by the city/county respondents. Most respondents indicated that a ball bank indicator is used to set advisory speeds on horizontal curves. Many respondents expressed the desire to have a new procedure for selecting advisory speeds. Several agencies acknowledged that they have or have had sites with an operating speed greater than the design speed. The most frequent action taken was to install advance warning signs. Few respondents stated that they reduce the posted speed limit to match the design speed. Although few lawsuits involving the posted speed/design speed issue have occurred, liability concerns still exist. Several respondents provided comments that indicated their concern with current definitions and procedures.

Operating Speed on Suburban Arterial Curves

1997 ◽  
Vol 1579 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kay Fitzpatrick ◽  
C. Brian Shamburger ◽  
Raymond A. Krammes ◽  
Daniel B. Fambro
Keyword(s):  
Curvilinear Relationship ◽  
Horizontal Curve ◽  
Rural Highways ◽  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Flow Speeds ◽  
Scatter Plots ◽  
Control Section ◽  
Design Speed ◽  
Curve Radius ◽  
Best Fit

Free-flow speeds were collected at both a control section and a curve section at 14 surburban sites with horizontal curves and 10 suburban sites with vertical curves. The scatter plots of the 85th percentile speed versus approach density indicate that when the approach density is between 3 and 15 approaches per km, approach density does not influence speed. Regression analysis indicated that the curve radius for horizontal curves and the inferred design speed for vertical curves can be used to predict the 85th percentile speed on curves for vehicles on the outside lane of a four-lane divided suburban arterial. For horizontal-curve sites, a curvilinear relationship exists between curve radius and the 85th percentile speed. A linear relationship provided the best fit between the inferred design speed and the 85th percentile speed for the vertical curve sites. For the horizontal and vertical curve sites, the speed at which 85th percentile speed becomes less than the inferred design speed is lower for suburban arterials than for rural highways. Drivers on suburban horizontal curves operate at speeds greater than the inferred design speed for curves designed for speeds of 70 kph or less, whereas on rural, two-lane roadways, drivers operate at speeds greater than the inferred design speed for curves designed for speeds of 90 kph or less. For vertical curves, the speeds at which drivers operate greater than the inferred design speed are 90 kph for suburban arterials and 105 kph for rural highways. These results are within 12 kph of the observed 85th percentile speeds on nearby control sections (approximately 80 kph for suburban arterials and 100 kph on rural highways).

Cross-Sectional Study of Vehicle Speeds on Rural Four-Lane Highway Curves

2020 ◽  
Vol 2674 (10) ◽  
pp. 15-27
Author(s):  
Michael P. Pratt ◽  
Srinivas R. Geedipally ◽  
Minh Le
Keyword(s):  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Crash Rates ◽  
Operational Characteristics ◽  
Document Models ◽  
Traffic Volumes ◽  
Central Texas ◽  
Design Speed ◽  
Curve Radius

Research has consistently shown that horizontal curves are often associated with increased crash rates compared with similar tangent highway sections. These crashes are often related to speed and the difficulty of judging the severity of the curve. Curve speed models are used for a variety of applications, including assessing operational characteristics, evaluating design speed, conducting spot safety analyses, and setting curve advisory speeds. However, most of the documented curve speed models apply to rural two-lane highways, while relatively few models have been developed for rural multilane highways. These types of highways may exhibit different driver behavior in curves because of their more generous geometric design and higher traffic volumes. The objective of this paper is to document models that have been developed for several types of rural four-lane highways, including undivided highways, divided highways, and freeways. The authors developed models that account for geometric characteristics like curve radius, superelevation rate, and deflection angle, as well as operational characteristics like approach tangent (TN) speed. These models were calibrated using a database of about 46,000 vehicles across 29 horizontal curve sites in central Texas.

Safety at Curves and Road Geometry Standards in Some European Countries

1996 ◽  
Vol 1523 (1) ◽  
pp. 99-106 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Brenac
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
National Standards ◽  
European Countries ◽  
Design Standards ◽  
The Road ◽  
Horizontal Curves ◽  
Road Design ◽  
Road Geometry ◽  
Design Speed ◽  
Curve Geometry

This paper deals with safety at horizontal curves on two-lane roads outside urban areas and the way the road design standards of different European countries account for this safety aspect. After a review of some research results, the main aspects of curve geometry and the curve's place in the horizontal alignment are analyzed. The main conclusions are that the traditional design speed approach is insufficient and that formal complementary rules in road design standards, especially to improve compatibility between successive elements of the alignment, must be introduced. If such complementary rules already exist in some national standards, they are neither frequent nor homogeneous throughout the different countries, and it seems that they are not based on sufficiently developed knowledge.

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