The equations for vertical curves, such as those for parabolic curves, are typically included in the green book and are often used in transportation engineering design. The practice problems and solutions in this video may be similar to the types of problems found on the Civil PE exam. It's important to note that while the green book is a commonly used reference manual, the specific content of the PE exam is determined by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), and may cover a broader range of topics than what is included in the green book. Therefore, it is important to review the exam specifications provided by NCEES and study a variety of sources to prepare for the exam.
Interesting, but you are going to waste too much time doing it this way. If you realize the area under the diagram of grades is the elevation, then: 1) make a diagram of the grades. Horizontal axis will go from 10000', to 10400' [given], therefore L = 400'. Vertical axis from 0.02 (2%) to -0.045 (-4.5%) [given]. Draw a line from 0.02 to -0.045. Do you visualize the triangles?, good. Then: 2) Calculate the horizontal distance to the summit of the parabole (which is where the grade line crosses the horizontal axis). Doing a simple triangle equivalency: (0.02)/x = (0.045+0.02)/400', x = 123.07', so that station would be 10000’ + 123.07’ = 10123.07’ => STA 101+23. If you need other distances use triangle equivalencies. If you need to calculate an elevation, add or subtract the corresponding area under the 'curve' (line) from any point of reference to the required point, for example to calculate the elevation at the summit: [EL PVC] 59' + (1/2)*(0.02)*(123.07') = [EL Summit] 60.23'. You can do the same again to reach the elevation of any other point.
![Vertical Design: Symmetrical Vertical Curve Formulas and Examples | NCEES Civil Exam [Section 5.3.1]](/img/1.gif)
Thank you for the video. I'm taking PE this year, and this video helped a lot in refreshing my memory on vertical curves.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome video I understand this more clearly now
Glad to hear it!
Would these equations be in the green book or any standards that are used on the exam?
The equations for vertical curves, such as those for parabolic curves, are typically included in the green book and are often used in transportation engineering design. The practice problems and solutions in this video may be similar to the types of problems found on the Civil PE exam.
It's important to note that while the green book is a commonly used reference manual, the specific content of the PE exam is determined by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES), and may cover a broader range of topics than what is included in the green book. Therefore, it is important to review the exam specifications provided by NCEES and study a variety of sources to prepare for the exam.
Thank you for going through this....very straight forward, short video, with the right information!
Glad to hear it was helpful!
Thank you for this video! Would it be possible for you to do this video using the new P.E. Civil Reference Manual 1.1? Thank you!
We'll take a look at it - the CBT manual?
@@PassthePEExam yes, thank you!
Great video, Anthony. I would love more videos geared towards the Transportation section.
Great will try to provide more.
Great explanation
@Fohrenbach Thank you for the positive feedback!
Interesting, but you are going to waste too much time doing it this way. If you realize the area under the diagram of grades is the elevation, then:
1) make a diagram of the grades. Horizontal axis will go from 10000', to 10400' [given], therefore L = 400'. Vertical axis from 0.02 (2%) to -0.045 (-4.5%) [given]. Draw a line from 0.02 to -0.045. Do you visualize the triangles?, good. Then:
2) Calculate the horizontal distance to the summit of the parabole (which is where the grade line crosses the horizontal axis). Doing a simple triangle equivalency: (0.02)/x = (0.045+0.02)/400', x = 123.07', so that station would be 10000’ + 123.07’ = 10123.07’ => STA 101+23.
If you need other distances use triangle equivalencies. If you need to calculate an elevation, add or subtract the corresponding area under the 'curve' (line) from any point of reference to the required point, for example to calculate the elevation at the summit: [EL PVC] 59' + (1/2)*(0.02)*(123.07') = [EL Summit] 60.23'. You can do the same again to reach the elevation of any other point.
Thanks for your input on this Stephanie.
Thanks !
Welcome!