Überhöhen

Überhöhen is a German term used mainly in technical and engineering contexts. It refers to the deliberate increase of the height of one component relative to another reference level, typically on curved alignments. The noun most commonly used for the parameter is Überhöhung (also seen as Überhöhe in some contexts). The concept is central in the design of transportation routes, especially railways and roads.

In railway engineering, Überhöhung describes the vertical difference between the outer and inner rails on a curve. The purpose is to counteract the lateral forces acting on a train as it travels at speed, improving stability and reducing the risk of slipping or derailment. The amount of Überhöhung depends on the curve radius, track gauge, anticipated speed, wheel-rail interaction, and environmental conditions. Design practices balance achieving sufficient banking with limits imposed by track geometry, loading, drainage, and clearance.

In road engineering, the counterpart is the superelevation or banking of the roadway crown on curves. Here the outer edge of the road is raised relative to the inner edge to help vehicles negotiate the curve safely. Values are chosen based on speed, curve radius, cross-slope requirements, drainage, and winter maintenance considerations. Transitions into and out of the elevated section are designed to be gradual to minimize abrupt changes in vehicle dynamics.

Beyond transportation, the verb überhöhen can simply mean to heighten something beyond its normal level in a general sense, though its technical use is most common in discussions of curve geometry and vehicle dynamics.