The 'grade compensation' on horizontal curves for railways and highways means:
Choose the correct answer
Increasing gradient on curves to compensate for slower speeds
Reducing ruling gradient on horizontal curves to compensate for centrifugal force that effectively steepens the grade
Adding extra width to carriageway on curves
Only increasing super elevation without grade change
Correct Answer
B. Reducing ruling gradient on horizontal curves to compensate for centrifugal force that effectively steepens the grade
AI Detailed Explanation & IS Code Reference
Unlock the reasoning, formula path and code-linked notes inside your student dashboard.
Grade compensation (IRC:38 / RDSO): on sharp horizontal curves, maximum permissible gradient is REDUCED because: centrifugal force + grade force = combined effect reduces effective tractive force and increases braking requirement. Compensation: reduce ruling gradient by: (1) 30/R % for roads (R in m); (2) 0.04% per degree of curve for railways (IR). Otherwise vehicles struggle on combined grade + curve.
ScoreCardAI links this solution with subject, topic and difficulty signals so your scorecard can identify weak areas after a full mock test.
Practice more Civil Engineering questions
This MCQ belongs to JE Level Premium Test Series. Full tests include timed attempts, rank comparison and subject-wise analysis.