Switchback Design

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FRST 557

Lecture 9c

Switchbacks
Vertical and
Horizontal Design J u s t g iv e it o n e tr y , a n d if it
d o n ’t w o r k w e ’ll c a ll in th e
r o a d c r e w to fix ‘e r u p

Lesson Background and Overview:

Switchbacks are unique curves for


several reasons. A switchback that truly
reverses direction of the road by 180º
does not have a point of intersection. The
back and forward approach tangents are
an infinite distance, parallel and
separated by the distance of twice the curve radius.
Because switchbacks are often located on fairly steep side hills, they require the
incorporation of vertical design with the horizontal design to ensure that the switchback
grade is within allowable standards.

Lesson Objective:

When you have completed this lesson and the associated assignment, you will be able to
properly design and survey a switchback with proper vertical and horizontal alignment.

Lesson Preparation:

This lesson uses the principles of curve design as was covered in the previous lessons of
this module.

What is a switchback?

A switchback is a curve that completely reverses the direction of a road. It typically is


used in steep topography where the ground slope between two control points is greater
than the allowable grade of the road. A switchback lengthens road to allow more gain in
elevation while maintaining the allowable grade.
FRST 557 – Lecture 9c - Switchbacks

Switchbacks are not a


desirable road feature and should be avoided if possible.
They:
- reduce traffic speed
- result in high site disturbance due to large excavations & fills
- create a high road density
- are expensive to construct and maintain

What are some desired attributes of a switchback?

Because switchbacks are normally constructed in steep or otherwise unique situations for
a special purpose, and because they often are constructed with the minimum possible
radius:
 Grades should be reduced from that of the tangents to minimize braking
requirement and to maximize vehicle control.
 Visibility needs to be maximized.
 Consideration should be made to providing for vehicles passing and possibly
for stopping above the curve.

Proper provision for a switchback early in the curve design will save expensive work
later.

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FRST 557 – Lecture 9c - Switchbacks

What common mistake is made when designing a switchback?

Taking an example of a road being located on a 20% side hill, a reconnaissance line is
located at 7% and reaches the desired switchback location and then reverses direction as
illustrated. The desired switchback grade is also 7%.

7%

7%

An attempt to locate the switchback inside the tangents (as would usually be done with a
curve) would produce the following results. Note that, for consistency in the switchback
illustrations, the curve is illustrated as if I = 180 rather than a lesser intersection angle.

INCORRECT SWITCHBACK LAYOUT


(EXCEEDS DESIGN GRADE OF 7% FOR ROAD & CURVE)

Radius of Curve R = 25m


Elevation Difference E 7%
Design Grade G = 7%
E Across Slope EC Side Slope S = 20%
= 2R(S)
(2)(25)(0.20) = 10m R
Plan View Length of Curve
Desired E on Grade L=()(R)=(3.141)(25)=78.5m
= L(G)
(78.5)(.07) = 5.5m BC
7%

30
7%
25
20 EC
(10/78.5) = 12.7%
Profile 15
10 7%
View 7%
5
BC
0
0 50 100 178.5 228.5 278.5

A curve of 78.5m length climbing at 7% can only climb an elevation difference of 5.5m.
The actual elevation difference is 10m.
If no consideration is made for the vertical design, a 25m-radius curve as illustrated
would result in an inability to construct the road to the 7% standard because of an
excessive elevation difference between the BC and EC.

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FRST 557 – Lecture 9c - Switchbacks

How is this corrected?

Considering the vertical design illustrated here, it is recognized that the length of the
switchback must be increased so that E=10m can be gained at a 7% grade.
The curve (L=78.5m) climbs only 5.5m (at 7%), therefore the curve must be extended by
a sufficient length to gain the 4.5m shortage.

CORRECT SWITCHBACK LAYOUT


(MEETS DESIGN GRADE OF 7% FOR ROAD & CURVE)

Radius of Curve R = 25m


Elevation Difference E 7%
Design Grade G = 7%
E Across Slope O% EC Side Slope S = 20%
= 2R(S) 32.2m
(2)(25)(0.20) = 10m R
Plan View Length of Curve
Desired E on Grade L=()(R)=(3.141)(25)=78.5m
= L(G) 32.2m
(78.5)(.07) = 5.5m O% BC
7%
18
2.25m CUT
Profile 16
14
View 12 7%
10
2.25m FILL EC
8
7%
6
4 7%
Elev.

2 BC
0
0 50 100 150 200 250
HD Ground Grade

If equal length approach and exit tangents are added to the curve at a 0% grade, the 4.5m
elevation can be gained in an additional total of 4.5/G=64.3m which is divided in two to
be added equally before the BC and after the EC.
In order to maintain the 7% grade when constructed, the final road would be on a fill at
the lower end of the switchback and in an excavation of the upper end.

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FRST 557 – Lecture 9c - Switchbacks

More examples

Although topography and more sophisticated considerations may be added to this design
problem, we will continue to consider a few more examples with the equal length
approach and exit extensions. We will also assume that the objective design grade is
maintained through the entire extended switchback from BSB (beginning of
switchback) to ESB (end of switchback).

Road Grade 15% 15% 15%


Switchback Grade 5%
Radius 15m PLAN VIEW
Side Slope 40%
ESB BSB
HOW MUCH A
A
LEVEL GRADE?
5%
EC =z BC

R
L=  R
E from
BC to EC at 5% Grade
L =( 15) (5/100) = 2.4m
E from EC
BC to EC on Slope CUT
=(2)(15) (40/100) = 12 m 4.8
12m
2.4
Required Level Grade
FILL 4.8
4.8/z = 5/100
R R
z = 96m BC
5%
4.8m
X-SECTION VIEW A-A
z = 96m

In this example the elevation difference between BC and EC is 12m.


The curve, at 5% grade will climb only 2.4m, which means that the P-Line 0% entry and
exit extensions must supply sufficient length to climb 9.6m.

Each extension will provide for one half of this difference (4.8m) and at a grade of 5%,
each extension will be 96m in length.

Although not covered here, more detailed planning might consider designing in a
horizontal and vertical curve at the BSB and ESB. An experienced road planner might
also design for a different grade for the extensions.

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FRST 557 – Lecture 9c - Switchbacks

Road Grade 16% 16% 16%


Switchback Grade 10%
Radius 15m PLAN VIEW
Side Slope 55%
ESB BSB
HOW MUCH A
A
LEVEL GRADE?
10%
EC =z BC

R
L=  R
E from
BC to EC on grade
L =( 15) (10/100) = 4.7m
EC
E from
BC to EC on slope 5.9m
16.5m
=(2)(15) (55/100) = 16.5m
4.7m
Required Level Grade
5.9/z = 10/100 5.9m
z = 59m R R
BC
10%
5.9m
X-SECTION VIEW A-A
z = 59m

This example illustrates a steeper side slope, a smaller radius curve and a compromised
steeper curve grade.

Level P-Line entry and exit extensions of 59m each would be constructed at 10% grade
as would the curve. The constructed cut and fill at the centerline of BC and EC are equal
at 5.9 meters.This example as illustrated would result in a sudden 6% grade change at
BSB and ESB. The vertical curve needed at these points would take part of each
extension.

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FRST 557 – Lecture 9c - Switchbacks

Constructed Switchback

Even well engineered switchbacks such as the one pictured here must be closely
supervised during construction. The tendency is to not sufficiently cut and fill according
to the design and to over-steepen the curve.

How is the horizontal switchback curve designed?

Because of trees, brush, and other obstacles often found in forest surveying, the Moving
Forward Method is probably the most frequently used method.
For the experienced surveyor, an understanding of this method can facilitate establishing
an adequate curve during reconnaissance or P-Line surveys, thus saving later revisions.
This is accomplished with quick calculation of the 0% approach tangent, memorized
deflection angles for the minimum radius switchback, and paced in distances.

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FRST 557 – Lecture 9c - Switchbacks

Horizontal Design of Switchback


Deflection Angle Method - Moving Forward
R = 20m
L = R = 62.8m

BC = 1+100 EC = 1+162.8
BC EC

Az = 0º Az = 180 º

The horizontal design of a switchback is like any other curve except that, with no Point of
Intersection (PI), the value of the Intersection/Central angle (I) is considered to be 180º.

Because of the small radius, it is often preferable to measure shorter arc (or chord)
lengths. Increments of 5 meters will usually make the two units identical, when rounded
to a decimeter.

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FRST 557 – Lecture 9c - Switchbacks

Horizontal Design of Switchback


in = (180 n ) / (R) dn =( in-1 / 2) + (in/2) cn = 2Rsin(in /2)

Curve Design Table - Deflection < Moving Forward


Station  Central < i c d Azimuth

0.0 0.0
1+100 BC
5.0 14.3 5.0 7.2 7.2
1+105
5.0 14.3 5.0 14.3 21.5
1+110
5.0 14.3 5.0 14.3 35.8
1+115
5.0 14.3 5.0 14.3 50.1
1+120
5.0 14.3 5.0 14.3 64.4
1+125
5.0 14.3 5.0 14.3 78.7
1+130
5.0 14.3 5.0 14.3 93.0
1+135

Horizontal Design of Switchback - continued


in = (180 n ) / (R) dn =( in-1 / 2) + (in/2) cn = 2Rsin(in /2)

Curve Design Table - Deflection < Moving Forward


Station  Central < i c d Azimuth

14.3 93.0
1+135
5.0 14.3 5.0 14.3 107.3
1+140
5.0 14.3 5.0 14.3 121.6
1+145
5.0 14.3 5.0 14.3 135.9
1+150
5.0 14.3 5.0 14.3 150.2
1+155
5.0 14.3 5.0 14.3 164.5
1+160
2.8 8.0 2.8 11.2 175.7
1+162.8
0.0 0.0 0.0 4.0 179.7
Correct to 180.0

Note that in this example, there is an accumulated rounding error in the azimuth. This is
common and is less than the level of precision of the instruments normally used to
measure these angles.

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FRST 557 – Lecture 9c - Switchbacks

Horizontal Design of Switchback – Moving Forward


050.1 º 064.4 º
078.7 º
035.8 º
1+130 1+135
021.5 º 1+125 093.0 º
1+140
007.2º 1+120
1+145
107.3 º
1+115
1+150
1+110
121.6 º
1+155
1+105
14.3º
 = 5m 135.9 º
1+160
EC
1+100 BC 1+162.8
R=20m
150.2 º

Az =180º
Az = 0 º

164.5 º

175.7 º

The L-Line survey is completed in the same way as the deflection angle moving forward
method as used in Lesson 5d. The other methods of curve design can also be used for
switchbacks.

How do I handle variations in topography?

There are two key objectives in designing a switchback:


1. The horizontal length of the structure (from BSB to ESB) must be sufficient when
matched with the difference in elevation from BSB to ESB so that, when
constructed, the road will have the design grade. (
2. As close as possible, the volume of earth in the excavation should balance the
volume of fill.
If contours are not perfectly parallel, the curve portion of the switchback could be slightly
more or less than 180 degrees. This could happen if the controlling ΔE is between the
BC and EC and the survey approaches both need to be at zero percent. If the controlling
ΔE is between BSB and ESB, then the planned Azimuths can be followed. In the latter
case, one or both of the approaches may not be 0%, but because the ΔE and L+2Z are as
planned, then G will also work out.

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FRST 557 – Lecture 9c - Switchbacks

And a last word

By understanding the vertical design of switchbacks, and by remembering the deflection


angles for minimum radius curves, switchbacks can be paced in during reconnaissance
and/or surveyed in during the P-line traverse. Some experience in this area can save
costly L-line surveys later.

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FRST 557 – Lecture 9c - Switchbacks

SWITCHBACKS (supplemental)

In addition to the curve layout, switchbacks need to consider the problem of reducing the
steep road grade that result from having to turn the road directly down slope in the curve.
This is accomplished by providing for a break in the surveyed grade before and after the
curve portion of the switchback. The following illustration and table provide some
guidelines for determining the length (Z) of level (0%) surveyed grade to provide for a
switchback grade of 8%. This example produces a constant grade (G) from BSB to ESB.

Curve Grade = G
(as decimal) PLAN VIEW
Radius = R
Side Slope = S
(as decimal) ESB BSB
HOW MUCH
A LEVEL GRADE? A
EC =Z BC

R
L=  R
X-SECTION VIEW A-A

L
EC

CUT = GZ
=2SR
=GL = G R
FILL = GZ

BC
R R

The formula used to determine Z is:


SR  R
Z  
G 2

Extension (Z) of Switchback Curve to Produce an 8% Road Grade

Curve Side Slope (S)


Radius
R 14% 16% 18% 20% 22% 24% 26% 28% 30% 32% 34% 36% 38% 40%
16 2.9 6.9 10.9 14.9 18.9 22.9 26.9 30.9 34.9 38.9 42.9 46.9 50.9 54.9
18 3.2 7.7 12.2 16.7 21.2 25.7 30.2 34.7 39.2 43.7 48.2 52.7 57.2 61.7
20 3.6 8.6 13.6 18.6 23.6 28.6 33.6 38.6 43.6 48.6 53.6 58.6 63.6 68.6
22 3.9 9.4 14.9 20.4 25.9 31.4 36.9 42.4 47.9 53.4 58.9 64.4 69.9 75.4

Consideration must also be given to the vertical curve design. Sufficient road length is
needed for transition of the grade of the switchback approaches to the grade of the
switchback.

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