Roadway vertical alignments are a combination of various parabolic curves and connecting tangent grades. Along with the roadway cross section (lanes and shoulders, curbs, medians, roadside slopes and ditches, sidewalks) and horizontal alignment (tangents and curves), the vertical alignment (grades and vertical curves) helps provide a three-dimensional roadway model. Its ultimate goal is to provide a safe, smooth-flowing facility that is crash-free.

In todays environment, designers must do more than apply design standards and criteria to solve a problem. They must understand how various roadway elements contribute to safety and facility operation, including the vertical profile.

This 1-hour course focuses on the geometric design of vertical alignments for modern roads and highways. Upon course completion, you should be familiar with the general design of these alignments. The course objective is to give engineers and designers an in-depth look at the principles to be considered when designing roadway vertical alignments.

  Become familiar with different types of sight distances (Stopping, Decision, Passing, Intersection)

  See the advantages of using parabolic curves

  Understand various vertical alignment elements and their design

(Grades, Climbing lanes, Passing opportunities, Emergency escape ramps)

  Learn the design principles for sag and crest vertical curves

  Be familiar with the general controls for vertical alignments

  Understand the importance of coordinating horizontal and vertical curves

  Be exposed to AASHTO Design Guidelines