IRC recommendation – extra widening for hill roads (curve radius = 150 m) According to Indian Roads Congress practice, the additional carriageway width (extra widening) to be provided on hill roads at a horizontal curve of radius 150 m is approximately:
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A0.5 m
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B1.5 m
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C0.0 m
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D2.0 m
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E1.0 m
Answer
Correct Answer: 0.5 m
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Vehicles require extra width on horizontal curves due to off-tracking and psychological clearance. On hill roads—where radii are often small and lane discipline is critical—IRC provides guidance for “extra widening.”
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Hill road with curve radius R = 150 m.
- Conventional design vehicle and lane width per IRC rural road standards.
- We seek the typical tabulated/derived extra widening.
Concept / Approach:Extra widening W is the sum of mechanical widening (due to off-tracking) and psychological widening (driver comfort). For moderate radii around 150 m, the required extra width is modest but non-zero—commonly about 0.5 m per carriageway in practice for two-lane hill roads.
Step-by-Step Solution:Recognize R = 150 m → moderate curvature.From standard practice/tables, select ≈ 0.5 m as typical extra width.Match the closest option → 0.5 m.
Verification / Alternative check:Design tables using W = nl^2/(2R) + C (where n depends on lanes, l is wheelbase, C is psychological allowance) produce values near 0.5 m for this radius with typical parameters.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 1.0–2.0 m: too large for R = 150 m under common lane widths and speeds.
- 0.0 m: underestimates need; vehicles do off-track on curves.
Common Pitfalls:Applying plain-terrain extra widening criteria to hill roads or ignoring psychological component at small radii.
Final Answer:0.5 m