Which camber profile is commonly provided on pavements to drain water effectively while ensuring smooth vehicle operation?

Introduction / Context:
Camber is the cross slope given to the pavement to facilitate quick drainage and prevent water infiltration into the layers. The chosen profile affects ride comfort, steering stability, and wear patterns.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Paved highway surfaces (bituminous or cement concrete).
• Objective: uniform drainage and comfortable steering transition near the crown.

Concept / Approach:
A parabolic camber provides a gentle change in cross slope from the crown to the edges. This minimizes steering disturbance at the crown compared with piecewise straight slopes and avoids the discontinuities of sharp breaks.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Compare profiles: straight-line camber can produce a kink at the crown; parabolic profile offers smooth slope change.Modern practice favors parabolic camber for paved roads to improve safety and comfort.Thus, select Parabolic method.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard drawings for bituminous and concrete pavements typically show parabolic or near-parabolic cross-falls, especially on high-speed facilities, confirming best practice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Straight-line and mixed profiles may work on low-speed or WBM surfaces but are less smooth.
• Elliptical or circular cambers are uncommon in routine design and detailing.

Common Pitfalls:

• Using a straight break at the crown that causes steering “pull.”
• Providing insufficient camber leading to water film and skidding.

Final Answer:
Parabolic method