Camber in Road Construction: Types, Purpose, and Design Recommendations

What Is Camber in Road?

It’s mostly found in the highways the median part of the road surface is elevated with regards to the edges. This slope from the diagonal direction is known as the Camber. The purpose of the camber is to drain out the rainwater from the road surface around the edges.

Camber is the slope provided to the road surface at the transverse direction to drain off the rainwater out of the road surface. It is also known as the cross slope of the road.

The rate of camber is normally indicated by 1 : n ( 1 in n ) (1 vertical to n horizontal) or in proportions as n % (for instance, 1 in 50 or 2 %).

The design values of cambers are primarily based on the type of pavement and also on the average amount of rainfall in the area. Steep cambers are useful for eliminating surface water.

But they’re not recommended since they will wear down the surface. Normally, cambers of slope 2 to 3% are arranged. On straight sections of roads, they’re shoulders with higher cross fall relating to that of the carriageway by 0.5%.

 Types of Camber 

1. Composite camber.
2. Sloped or Straight camber.
3. Two straight line camber.
4. Barrel camber.

#1. Composite Camber.

Composite camber might be composed of partly parabola and partly straight line or two straight lines having different slopes.

Generally, the central part of the road is made parabolic and provided with straight slopes near edges. This helps to decrease in intensity of pressure by increasing the contact area of the wheel.

#2. Straight Camber or Sloped Camber

This type of camber is provided by meeting two straight surfaces in the crown. Crown is the central and top most point in the surface of the road. The edge shape produces inconvenience to the traffic, so it isn’t used in general.

#3. Two Straight Line Camber.

It consists of both straight lines steeper near the edges and flatters near the crown. This type of camber is considered to be the best for Indian roads.

#4. Barrel Camber.

It consists of a continuous curve, either parabolic or elliptical. This type of camber is preferred for roads used by fast-moving vehicles.

Why Is Camber Provided In Road?

1. To protect the road by preventing the entry of surface water to the subgrade soil through the pavement.
2. To prevent the entry of water to the bituminous pavement layers.
3. To remove the rainwater from the pavement surface as quickly as possible and to allow the pavement to get dry soon after the rain.

Advantages of Camber in Road

This prevents rainwater to accumulate at local shrinkages or depressions and forming water pools around the road surface that are disagreeable to the public as well as to the road structure.

Camber provides quick drainage of rainwater and so saves the foundation course of this road structure from weakening from the percolation of rainwater to it through the road surface.

Method of Providing Camber in Road

Normally, the camber is provided on the straight roads by raising the center of the carriageway with respect to these edges, forming a crown or highest point on the center-line.

At horizontal curves with superelevation, the surface drainage is effected by raising the outer edge of the pavement with respect to the inner edge while providing this desired superelevation.

The rate of camber or cross slope is generally designed by 1 in n, which means the transverse slope is at ratio 1 vertical to”n” horizontal. Camber can be expressed in percentage. If the camber is n%, the cross slope is n in 100.

Recommended Values of Camber in Road For Different Types of Road surface by IRC: 

A drawback of Providing Excessive Road Camber Height

1. It reduces the road width as everyone will try to move in the middle of the road.
2. The road will wear and tear on the edges.
3. The passengers feel they unbalance and discomfort during the journey.
4. Chances of accidents will increase.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) about Road Camber

What exactly is road camber?

Road camber refers to the transverse slope provided on the road surface, typically in highways, where the median is elevated compared to the edges. This slope facilitates the drainage of rainwater from the road surface.

Why is camber important in road construction?

Camber plays a crucial role in road construction by ensuring effective drainage of rainwater, preventing water accumulation, and maintaining the integrity of the road structure.

What are the different types of road camber?

Road camber can be categorized into various types including composite camber, straight or sloped camber, two straight line camber, and barrel camber, each with its unique characteristics and applications.

How is road camber designed and implemented?

Road camber is designed based on factors such as the type of pavement and average rainfall in the area. It is typically achieved by raising the center of the road with respect to the edges, forming a crown, or by adjusting the slope on curved sections of the road.

What are the benefits of road camber?

Road camber helps prevent water accumulation, protects the road structure from damage caused by water infiltration, and facilitates quick drainage, thereby enhancing road safety and durability.

Are there any drawbacks to excessive road camber?

Excessive road camber can lead to reduced road width, increased wear and tear on the edges of the road, discomfort for passengers, and potentially higher risks of accidents due to an uneven road surface.

How is the rate of camber expressed?

The rate of camber is typically indicated as a ratio (1

) or as a percentage. For example, a camber of 1 in 50 means that for every 50 units of horizontal distance, there is a 1-unit rise vertically.

What are the recommended values of camber for different types of road surfaces?

The recommended values of camber vary depending on the type of road surface and the prevailing conditions such as the amount of rainfall. Design guidelines provide specific camber values for various road surfaces to ensure optimal performance.