In hill-road cross-drainage and surface drainage practice, are pavements generally provided with a two-sided camber? Choose the statement that best reflects common practice.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Hill roads are seldom provided a camber

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Camber is the two-sided cross slope often used on level terrain to shed water to both sides. Hill roads, however, have distinct drainage needs because of steep hillside and valley sides, catch-water drains, and frequent super-elevation on curves.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Typical two-lane hill road with an uphill (hillside) and a downhill (valley) edge.
  • Surface water needs to be intercepted efficiently to protect the pavement and slopes.
  • Superelevation on horizontal curves is designed independently of camber.


Concept / Approach:
On hill roads, a single cross-fall toward the hillside or toward adequate drainage facilities is commonly adopted rather than a traditional two-sided camber. Camber is “seldom” provided because the terrain naturally dictates a one-way slope and the use of catch-water drains on the uphill side and side drains on the valley side.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify drainage objective: move water off the carriageway quickly and safely.Apply hill-road practice: one-way cross slope and catch-water drains, with super-elevation where curves require it.Therefore, “Hill roads are seldom provided a camber.”


Verification / Alternative check:
Standard hill-road guidelines emphasize one-way cross slope and cut-off drains; camber is not a typical default on such sections.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Options (a) and (b) incorrectly associate camber with specific curve types; super-elevation, not camber, governs on curves. (d) is incorrect because (c) reflects the accepted practice.



Common Pitfalls:
Equating camber with any cross-fall; misapplying plain-terrain principles to mountainous terrain.



Final Answer:
Hill roads are seldom provided a camber

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