Autobahn Design Criteria?
11-11-2005, 06:53 PM
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As a Civil Engineer that works on Highway projects in the US, I was curious as to the criteria used for designing the high speed portions of the Autobahn. 
The US has AASHTO which will give you a suggested radius of a curve based on a design speed, and how to design the vertical curves (crest and valley) so that if you have enough time to stop once you see something ahead, maximum grades, etc.
Anything information regarding this stuff for the higher speed sections would be greatly appreciated.
The US has AASHTO which will give you a suggested radius of a curve based on a design speed, and how to design the vertical curves (crest and valley) so that if you have enough time to stop once you see something ahead, maximum grades, etc.
Anything information regarding this stuff for the higher speed sections would be greatly appreciated.
11-11-2005, 08:39 PM
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11-12-2005, 03:30 AM
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there is great movie about Autobahn on Discovery Channel.
As far as I remember it was the radius issue, very very thick layer of the construction layers and the asphalt, some places the highway is thick almost 2m (about 6.5 feet) to insure its flatnes and strenght during drastic temperature changes.
also one issue is the rain water management system, the water has to alsways go away in any place of the road.
And last safety cameras (not speeding one!!!) all over at each inch of the highway and progressive variable warning system of signs so the drivers can be constantly updated what is ahead.
That is about it as I remember
Now am I an engineer or what
As far as I remember it was the radius issue, very very thick layer of the construction layers and the asphalt, some places the highway is thick almost 2m (about 6.5 feet) to insure its flatnes and strenght during drastic temperature changes.
also one issue is the rain water management system, the water has to alsways go away in any place of the road.
And last safety cameras (not speeding one!!!) all over at each inch of the highway and progressive variable warning system of signs so the drivers can be constantly updated what is ahead.
That is about it as I remember
Now am I an engineer or what
11-12-2005, 03:51 AM
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11-12-2005, 08:44 AM
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The Autobahn is simply amazing, you would think that more accident will occur if they traval at such high speed.
11-12-2005, 01:45 PM
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There is some very good information, but looking for more detail.
I'll check through the links to see what I can find.
11-12-2005, 01:54 PM
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During my recent experience of the German Autobahns, 157mph 
I noticed how smooth the road surfaces were compared to the UK roads and also how other road users seemed to be prepared for 150mph+ traffic coming up behind them. Also noticed the lack of traffic and that most of the ones we drove down were dual carridgeways. I think the fact that you don't have to worry about the police and speed traps, on the deristricted parts, helps you concentrate more on driving and hence makes the whole autobahn experience safe and enjoyable. 
I noticed how smooth the road surfaces were compared to the UK roads and also how other road users seemed to be prepared for 150mph+ traffic coming up behind them. Also noticed the lack of traffic and that most of the ones we drove down were dual carridgeways. I think the fact that you don't have to worry about the police and speed traps, on the deristricted parts, helps you concentrate more on driving and hence makes the whole autobahn experience safe and enjoyable.
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