This option is for putting the curves on your road centreline path. You can specify a constant radius curve, and optionally have lead-in and lead-out spiral transitions.

You can change the road centreline path at any time during the design process. Site3D will work out all the knock-on effects and update your site accordingly.

On the Road Tools button road tools toolbar, click the Centreline Arc button add arc button.

Example of adding a centreline curve

Click on an IP point, or existing curve, and you'll see the filleting arc passing through the cursor position. Move the mouse to resize the arc, and click to place it.

Radius

You can select an exact radius (or specify lead-in/out spiral transitions) by right-clicking the mouse and selcting Enter Radius from the menu.

Centreline Add Arc right-click menu Centreline Arc properties Window

You can enter a specific radius, or select the maximum radius which is shown. The maximum radius will fillet the angle with a curve stretching all the way to the nearer of the neighbouring IP positions.

Transitions

If you want a spiral transition at either end of the curve then click the box for Entry Transition and/or Exit Transition. The transition is a broad spiral which starts at infinite radius on the straight part of the road and increases in radius to meet the circular curve. Transitions are often required for main highways, whereas small roads in housing estates do not. You can specify the length of the required transition, or the RL value (inner curve radius multiplied by the length over which the transition takes place).

Example of a curve with spiral transition

Lock Path

The Lock Path option is available in the right-click menu. Setting an arc to have a locked path affects what happens when you move either of its neighbouring IPs.

Example of Arc Path Locked

With the arc path locked the arc will maintain its centre point and stretch/contract in length to meet tangentially with the neighbouring IP which is moving. The IP associated with the arc will move its position. Note: You cannot use transitions when the arc path is locked.

 

Example of Arc Path Unlocked

With the arc path unlocked the arc IP position will be maintained and the arc position moves such that it meets tangentially with the straight lines to its neighbouring IP positions.



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