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GATE 2021 CE (CE1) – Question 24

Transportation Infrastructure · Geometric design of roadways: cross-section, sight distance, alignments · 1 mark · Multiple choice

The most commonly designed highway vertical curve is

  1. circular, single radius
  2. circular, multiple radii
  3. parabolic
  4. spiral

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Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (C) parabolic

Explanation

A parabolic vertical curve provides a constant rate of change of gradient along the roadway. Its simple quadratic elevation equation supports smooth transitions and straightforward setting out. Highway summit and valley vertical curves are therefore commonly **parabolic (C)**.