The gradient is the rise and fall along the length of the road for the horizontal. Gradients are the most important thing in constructing road alignment. Without the gradient, it would not be possible to make the road alignment. Majorly there are four types of gradient in the road alignment Ruling gradient, limiting gradient, exceptional gradient, and minimum gradient.
The Gradient of Road Alignment
Hello, friends today we will talk about the Gradient of road Alignment. If you already know about the alignment gradient that’s good if you don’t know about the gradient of road alignment this article is for you. so stay tuned till the end.
The gradient is the essential component of road alignment. More than a more usable component of the road is the gradient. The road has been upgraded and downgraded the gradient for the proper management of road alignment. The rise and fall of road alignment concern the road’s horizontal alignment. The gradients are expressed in ratio and percent (%). Like, 1 in x (1 vertical to x horizontal unit).
The objective of the gradient of road alignment
- To be safe and comfortable while traveling in a vehicle
- Do not collect water anywhere on the road and send water towards drainage easily
- So that there is no damage erosion on the road
- To increase the load-carrying capacity of the road and for long life
- To reduce fuel consumption
Upgrade or ascending gradient
It is the vertical displacement from a lower level to a higher level, then the vertical displacement becomes positive, called the upgrade gradient.
Downgrade or descending gradient
It is the vertical displacement from a higher level to a lower level, then the vertical displacement becomes a negative which is called the downgrade gradient.
Major 4 types of Gradient
Rolling gradient
It is also called a design gradient. The maximum gradient within which the road designer attempts to design the vertical gradient of the road profile.
Limiting gradient
A limiting gradient is a type of gradient used where a place’s topography adopts a steeper gradient. The place where adopting a steeper gradient than the rolling and limiting gradient is used.
Exceptional gradient
In some extraordinary situations, exceptional may be unavailable to provide steep gradients at least for short stretches in such cases exceptional gradients used should be limited only for the short stretch not exceeding about 100 meters at the stretch.
Minimum gradient
The minimum gradient is a vital gradient such a type of gradient is used where occurs a problem of drainage. One of the levels of the road where becomes a drainage problem then the minimum gradient is provided in the road such type of gradient is minimum gradient.
Conclusion
Rate of rising and fall along the lengths of road alignment concerning the horizontal road alignment.
Expressed in the form of ratio and percent%
Gradient rising=Positive Gradient
Gradient Falling =Negative Gradient
Many types of gradients are used in road alignment. Followings are the main type of gradient for road alignment.
This is done to compensate for the loss of tractive effort due to the curve.
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Note: The reduction of the gradient at the horizontal curve is called grade compensation.
