übergangskurve

Übergangskurve, which translates to "transition curve" in English, is a term used in civil engineering and surveying to describe a curve that smoothly connects two straight lines or two other curves. Its primary purpose is to ensure a gradual change in direction, thereby improving the comfort and safety of road or railway users.

In the context of road and railway design, übergangskurven are essential for transitioning from a straight tangent to a circular curve, or between two circular curves of different radii. Without them, vehicles would experience a sudden jolt as they enter or leave a curve, leading to discomfort and potentially loss of control. The use of übergangskurven allows for a gradual increase and decrease in the centrifugal force acting on a vehicle, making the transition smoother.

Common mathematical forms used for übergangskurven include the clothoid (also known as the Euler spiral) and the cubic parabola. The clothoid is particularly favored because its curvature varies linearly with its length, which provides a constant rate of change of acceleration, ideal for vehicle dynamics. The design of an übergangskurve considers factors such as the design speed, the radius of the main curve, and the desired rate of change of lateral acceleration.

The implementation of übergangskurven is crucial for the overall geometric design of transportation infrastructure. They contribute significantly to ride quality, passenger comfort, and traffic safety by mitigating abrupt changes in direction and associated forces.