Main Article Content
Abstract
As per IRC SP087 -2013, standard right of way i.e. minimum width for 6 lane national highways in plain areas is 60 meters. The ruling design speed, as per provisions contained in IRC 38 for plain terrain, is 100 kmph and minimum design speed is 80 kmph. The geometric design of horizontal curves on national highways involve, fixation of ruling gradient, super elevation, design speed, and a minimum level of comfort to be maintained. However, it has been observed that the design speed of the vehicle gets reduced on horizontal curves because of restriction in width or right of way. Many a times, it is not possible to maintain the desired design speed on such curves for a given level of comfort. Very few studies have been conducted to ascertain the effect of width on the speed of vehicles at horizontal curves for six lane national highways. This paper examines the relationship between speed and width of horizontal curves and effect of speed on the lateral shift of vehicles. This has been demonstrated by conducting a study at horizontal curve on six lane national highway near Jalandhar city. All the data recorded were compared with theoretical calculations.