Difference in r value and K value equations


  
 Applies To 
  
 Product(s):InRoads, GEOPAK, MX
 Version(s):08.11.09.493+
 Environment: N/A
 Area: Vertical Geometry
 Subarea: 
 Original Author:Kevin McDonald, Bentley Technical Support Group
  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Problem:

We (Technical Support) are sometimes asked why the r value for a vertical parabolic curve is off by a factor of 100, when it appears (by looking at the equations) to be the reciprocal of the K value.

 

Solution:

The difference between the two equations is the length value used in each.

For K value: K = l / (g2 - g1) where l = length of curve

For r value: r = (g2 - g1) / L where L = length of curve in stations

Therefore, with a unit station length = 100, r = 100 * ( 1 / K )