The GATE Grind

GATE 2016 CE (CE2) – Question 35

Geomatics Engineering · Distance and angle measurement, levelling, traversing, triangulation, total station · 1 mark · Multiple choice

A circular curve of radius R connects two straights with a deflection angle of 60°. The tangent length is

  1. 0.577 R
  2. 1.155 R
  3. 1.732 R
  4. 3.464 R

Practise this question in The GATE Grind →

Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: (A) 0.577 R

Explanation

The radius to the tangent point is perpendicular to the tangent. Bisecting the central deflection forms a right triangle with tangent length T=Rtan(Δ/2). At Δ60°, T=Rtan30°=R/sqrt3≈0.577R. Hence **A**.