What are the Advantages of superelevation in road?
What are the Advantages of superelevation in road?
Superelevation, also known as banking, offers a number of advantages when implemented on roads with curves:
Safety
- Reduced risk of skidding and rollover: When a vehicle travels on a curve, it experiences an outward force called centrifugal force. Superelevation counteracts this force by tilting the road inwards, allowing vehicles to navigate the curve at higher speeds without losing traction or rolling over. This is especially important in wet or icy conditions.
- Reduced lateral forces: By balancing the outward force with the inward tilt of the road, superelevation reduces the lateral forces acting on vehicles. This makes it easier for drivers to maintain control and reduces the risk of accidents.
Efficiency
- Higher safe speed: On properly designed curves with adequate superelevation, vehicles can travel at higher speeds safely. This can improve traffic flow and reduce travel time.
- Reduced driver fatigue: When drivers don’t have to constantly fight the steering wheel to maintain control on a curve, they experience less fatigue, leading to safer and more enjoyable journeys.
Other benefits
- Improved drainage: Superelevation can help drain rainwater off the road surface more effectively, reducing the risk of aquaplaning and improving visibility in wet conditions.
- Reduced maintenance costs: By distributing vehicle weight more evenly across the road surface, superelevation can reduce wear and tear on the pavement, leading to lower maintenance costs.
However, it’s important to note that superelevation also has some limitations
- Cost: Implementing and maintaining superelevation can be more expensive than flat roads.
- Limited effectiveness: Superelevation is most effective for curves within a certain speed range. On very sharp curves or at very high speeds, it may not be sufficient to prevent accidents.
- Driver awareness: Drivers need to be aware of superelevation and adjust their speed accordingly. Entering a curve too fast or too slow can be dangerous.
Overall, superelevation is a valuable tool for improving safety, efficiency, and comfort on curved roads. However, it’s important to consider the specific context of a road when deciding whether or not to implement it.