What is the crown and camber of the road?

Crown and Camber of the Road

In road construction, crown and camber refer to the shape of the road surface across its width, designed to ensure proper drainage and improve vehicle stability.

Crown

The crown of the road is the highest point of the road surface, located in the center. It slopes gradually towards both sides of the road, creating a shape similar to an inverted “V”. The purpose of the crown is to channel water runoff to the sides, preventing it from pooling on the road surface.

Straight Camber

Also known as “crowned camber,” straight camber is the most common type of camber used in road construction. It features a central elevated section that slopes towards both road edges, forming a peak. This design is suitable for roads with minimal traffic, as it effectively channels water runoff without the need for more complex cambering.

The amount of crown or camber is determined by several factors, including:

• Traffic volume: Roads with higher traffic volumes require more pronounced cambering to ensure proper drainage.
• Road surface: Smooth road surfaces require less camber than rough surfaces.
• Climate: Roads in areas with heavy rainfall or snowfall require more camber to prevent water accumulation.

The crown and camber of the road play an important role in maintaining road safety and drivability. Proper drainage prevents water from pooling on the road surface, reducing hydroplaning risk. Additionally, the camber helps vehicles maintain stability by providing a slight lateral force that counteracts centrifugal force, preventing cars from sliding off the road on curves.

In summary, the crown and camber of the road are designed to improve drainage and vehicle stability. Straight camber, with its central elevated section sloping towards the edges, is commonly used on roads with minimal traffic and is effective in channeling water runoff.