Geometric design in hills (snow-free): select the minimum radius of curvature typically adopted for National/State highways in hilly regions that are free from snow.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 30 m

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Horizontal curvature is constrained by terrain, speed, friction, and super-elevation limits. In hilly regions (snow-free), lower design speeds are permitted, allowing smaller radii—but not so small as to compromise safety and comfort.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Hilly terrain, snow-free (so higher super-elevation caps than snow-bound areas).
  • National/State highway class.
  • Low-to-moderate design speeds common for hill roads.


Concept / Approach:
Minimum radius is guided by the balance of centrifugal force with side friction and super-elevation. For low design speeds typical in hill roads, practical minimum radii around 30 m are used for absolute controls, with higher values desirable where feasible.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Acknowledge lower speeds permit smaller R while respecting max e and f.Select the smallest safe and commonly adopted absolute minimum in the list.Choose 30 m as the accepted minimum for snow-free hill conditions among the given choices.


Verification / Alternative check:
Check against typical design tables: absolute minimum radii reduce as design speed reduces; 30 m often appears as the lower bound for constrained hill alignments.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
25 m is generally too small for highway classes; 33–60 m are feasible but the question asks for minimum—30 m matches the common absolute control for this context.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing desirable minimum with absolute minimum; ignoring snow-bound limitations on super-elevation.



Final Answer:
30 m

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