- 2077 Chaitra · 3 marks
Camber versus superelevation
Short answer
Camber is a two-way cross slope on straights for drainage (2-3%), while superelevation is a one-way inward slope on curves to counteract centrifugal force (up to 7-10%). Camber depends on rainfall and surface; superelevation depends on speed, radius, and friction. On flat curves, superelevation equals camber.
Differentiate between camber and superelevation.
| Basis | Camber | Superelevation |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Cross slope with a crown, centre higher than the edges | Raising the outer edge above the inner edge at a curve |
| Where provided | Straight sections | Horizontal curves |
| Purpose | Drain rainwater from the surface | Counteract centrifugal force |
| Shape | Two-way slope (parabolic, straight) | One-way slope to the inside |
| Magnitude | 2-3% (depends on surface) | Up to 7% (10% in hills), |
| Depends on | Rainfall, surface type | Speed, radius, friction |
| Maximum | Limited by driving comfort | Limited by slow vehicles and friction |
The two are different, but where a curve is flat, the superelevation is at least equal to the camber.
✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)
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