Practical No.
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Ranging a Circular Curve by Offset from Long Chord
Course: Surveying & Geomatics
Program: B.E. Civil Engineering
Semester: IV
Duration: 2 Hours
1. Aim:
To set out a circular curve using the method of offsets from the long chord.
2. Apparatus Required:
Sr. No. Instrument/Item Quantity
1 Chain or Tape (30 m) 1
2 Pegs As required
3 Ranging Rods 3–5
4 Arrows As required
5 Cross Staff or Optical 1
Square
6 Mallet 1
3. Theory:
A circular curve is a curve of constant radius connecting two straight lines. One method of
setting out a circular curve is by offsets from the long chord, which involves:
- Calculating offsets perpendicular to the long chord from its midpoint to the arc.
- The curve is assumed to be symmetrical about its center point.
- The offsets are determined using the formula derived from the geometry of a circle.
Offset Calculation Formula:
For a circular curve of radius R and length of long chord L, the offset O at a distance x from
the midpoint is given by:
O = R - √(R² - x²)
Where:
O = Offset from chord to arc at distance x from the midpoint
R = Radius of the curve =50 m
x = Distance from the midpoint of the chord
Alternatively, for ease in practical use, approximate offsets at equal intervals may be used
using simplified or tabulated values.
4. Procedure:
1. Mark the two end points of the long chord on the ground (points A and B).
2. Measure and mark the midpoint of the chord (point M).
3. Divide the chord AB into equal intervals on both sides of M.
4. At each interval point, erect a perpendicular to the chord using a cross staff or optical
square.
5. Measure the offset (calculated using the above formula) from the chord to the arc and fix
the peg at that offset point.
6. Repeat this process for all interval points.
7. Join all the offset points smoothly to form the arc of the curve.
5. Observation Table:
Radius (R) = 50 m
Long chord (L) = 30 m
Mid point at L/2=15 m
Let’s divide the chord into equal intervals of 5 m from the midpoint.
So values of xxx = 0, 5, 10, 15.
O = R- √𝑅 2 − 𝑥 2
Station Distance from Offset (O) Offset (O) Remarks
Midpoint (x) (calculated) (measured)
A (Mid) 0 0.000
0.000 Midpoint
B1 0.251 0.260
5 (Left)
B2 1.010 1.025
10 (Left)
B3 15 (Left) 2.307 2.290
End point
C1 0.245
5 (Right) 0.251
C2
10 (Right) 1.010 0.995
C3
15 (Right) 2.307 2.320 End point
6. Result:
The circular curve was successfully set out using the offset from long chord method. The
pegs accurately represent the curve on the ground.
7. Conclusion:
This method is simple and suitable for short radius curves in field conditions where high
precision is not required. The success of this method depends on accurate measurement of
offsets and perpendiculars.
8. Precautions:
- Ensure the chain is straight while measuring.
- Set the pegs perpendicular to the chord accurately.
- Use the same units throughout the calculation.
- Ensure ground is level or compensate if not.
9. Viva Questions:
1. What is a circular curve?
2. Why is the offset from the long chord method suitable for field use?
3. What is the formula used for offset calculation?
4. What are the limitations of this method?
5. Can this method be used for large radius curves?
