---
title: "Advantages of camber"
subject: "Transportation Engineering I"
chapter: 3
key: "semester_6/transportation_engineering_i:camber-advantages"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/transportation_engineering_i/camber-advantages
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Advantages of camber

Transportation Engineering I · Chapter 3: Geometric Design of Highway

- Asked in: 2081 Chaitra, 3 marks
- Video: [What Is Camber in Road |  Types of Camber | Advantages of Camber in Road || By CivilGuruji](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0brPjSqzfb8) — The Institute of Construction Managment 
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/transportation_engineering_i/camber-advantages
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/transportation_engineering_i/chapter-3

## Question

What are the advantages of providing camber?

## Short answer

Camber provides quick drainage of rainwater, protecting pavement and subgrade from water damage, reducing potholes and maintenance costs. It improves skid resistance by minimizing water film, enhances lane discipline, and improves road appearance. Excessive camber is avoided due to discomfort and safety issues.

## Answer

**Camber** is the cross slope given to the carriageway on straights to drain rainwater. Its advantages:

1. **Quick drainage:** surface water runs to the side drains, so the pavement dries faster.
2. **Protects the pavement and subgrade:** less water enters the pavement layers and subgrade, so strength and life are preserved; fewer potholes.
3. **Better skid resistance:** reduces water film, aquaplaning and accidents in rain.
4. **Reduces maintenance cost.**
5. **Improves the appearance** of the road.
6. **Lane discipline:** the slope helps drivers keep to their own side of the crown.

(Excess camber is disadvantageous, so values are limited.)

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. What is camber?
   A. Raising the outer edge on a curve
   B. The cross slope given to the carriageway on straights to drain rainwater
   C. The longitudinal slope of the road
   D. Widening on curves
   Answer: B. Camber is the transverse slope on straight sections for drainage. (Key point: Camber definition)

2. How does camber protect the pavement?
   A. It increases traffic
   B. It makes the road wider
   C. It reduces water entering the pavement layers and subgrade, preserving strength
   D. It removes the need for shoulders
   Answer: C. Quick drainage keeps water out of the pavement and subgrade, reducing potholes and maintenance. (Key point: Protection of pavement)

3. A safety benefit of camber is
   A. less water film and aquaplaning in rain
   B. higher speeds on curves
   C. no need for markings
   D. removal of kerbs
   Answer: A. Less water on the surface improves skid resistance. (Key point: Safety)