Types Of Road Camber- Advantages And Methods Of Providing Camber

Camber refers to the slope on a road surface, angled sideways to ensure rainwater drains away effectively. It’s also known as the cross slope of the road. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various types of camber used in roads.

Importance of Camber in Roads

Camber serves several crucial purposes:

• Preserving Road Integrity: It safeguards the road by preventing surface water from seeping into the subgrade soil beneath the pavement.
• Protecting Pavement Layers: Camber also acts as a barrier, preventing water from infiltrating the bituminous layers of the pavement.
• Ensuring Swift Drainage: Its primary function is to swiftly remove rainwater from the road surface, allowing it to dry promptly after rainfall.

Types of Camber in Roads

1. Sloped or Straight Camber : This type comprises two straightforward slopes running from the edges and meeting at the center of the carriageway. It’s straightforward to construct and maintain.

2. Parabolic or Barrel Camber : Barrel Camber involves a continuous curve, often elliptical or parabolic. This design results in a flat central road surface, sloping more steeply towards the edges. It’s favored by fast-moving vehicles and recommended for urban roads due to its superior drainage properties. However, it is more challenging to construct and upkeep. The steeper edges can also be less user-friendly and tend to wear down quickly, necessitating additional kerbs.

3. Composite Camber : This camber type combines two straight slopes from the edges with a parabolic or circular crown in the center. It strikes a balance between ease of construction and effective drainage.

Advantages of Camber

• Efficient Drainage: Camber ensures rainwater is promptly drained, safeguarding the road’s foundation from weakening due to water percolation.
• Preventing Puddles: It prevents rainwater from pooling in local depressions, which can be inconvenient for both the public and the road structure.

Installing Camber

Camber is typically established by elevating the center of the carriageway in straight roads, creating a peak at the centerline. For horizontal curves with superelevation, the outer edge of the pavement is raised in comparison to the inner edge, maintaining the desired superelevation. Camber is often specified using a ratio (1 in ‘n’) representing the transverse slope. It can also be expressed as a percentage (x%). For instance, if the camber is 2%, it means the cross slope is 2 in 100.

Recommended Camber Values by IRC for Different Road Surfaces

In conclusion, understanding the types and benefits of camber in roads is essential for efficient road design and maintenance. Proper camber implementation ensures the longevity and functionality of roadways, benefiting both commuters and the infrastructure itself.