---
title: "Camber versus superelevation"
subject: "Transportation Engineering I"
chapter: 3
key: "semester_6/transportation_engineering_i:camber-vs-superelevation"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_6/transportation_engineering_i/camber-vs-superelevation
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Camber versus superelevation

Transportation Engineering I · Chapter 3: Geometric Design of Highway

- Asked in: 2077 Chaitra, 3 marks
- Video: [Superelevation - Purpose - Design &  How To Calculate It?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xevttuD7i_Q) — Engineering Infinity
- 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-vs-superelevation
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_6/transportation_engineering_i/chapter-3

## Question

Differentiate between camber and 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.

## Answer

| 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), $e = V^2/225R$ |
| 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.

## Check yourself

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

1. Camber is provided on __, superelevation on __.
   A. straights; horizontal curves
   B. horizontal curves; straights
   C. bridges; tunnels
   D. hills; plains
   Answer: A. Camber drains straights; superelevation is on curves. (Key point: Where provided)

2. The purpose of superelevation is to
   A. drain rainwater
   B. counteract centrifugal force
   C. widen the road
   D. reduce gradient
   Answer: B. Raising the outer edge provides a weight component against centrifugal force. (Key point: Purpose)

3. Which statement is correct about shape?
   A. Both are one-way slopes
   B. Camber is one-way; superelevation has a crown
   C. Camber is a two-way slope with a crown; superelevation is a one-way slope inwards
   D. Both have crowns
   Answer: C. Camber slopes both ways from the crown; superelevation slopes one way towards the inside of the curve. (Key point: Shape)

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