The Transition curves in vertical alignment as a method for reducing fuel consumption

This paper presents a new approach to the fuel consumption reduction. This approach is based on vertical curve designs based on transition curves. The work presents selected curves, which are used for this purpose. Moreover, the results of comparative studies are shown for these curves, carried out in order to compare the possible reduction of fuel consumption in vertical curves designed using both conventional and proposed methods. Numerical studies were based on German engineering guidelines. In the case of vertical arcs formed by transition curves, fuel consumption indexes prove to be significantly lower than in curves based on a grade line consisting of straight lines with parabolic arcs. The obtained results indicate the advisability of forming vertical curves using transition curves.