Due to less sight distance at uphill gradients, the speed of traffic is generally controlled by these heavy vehicles.This is particularly important in roads where the proportion of heavy vehicles is significant. The effect of gradient on the vehicular speed is considerable.Before finalizing the gradient of the road, it is important that the construction cost, vehicular operation cost, and the practical problems that may arise on the site also have to be considered.Gradients are very helpful on curved roads in flat terrain where drainage problem arises.The gradient also helps to drain off rainwater from the surface of the roads.Gradient allows movement of the vehicle on the vertical curves smoothly.It is essential to give properly required gradient to the road along the length of its alignment with respect to horizontal. The gradient is the most important part of the construction of roads.To make the earthwork required for the road construction economic by balancing cutting and filling.To construct the side drains economically.To provide effective drainage of rainwater, especially when the pavement is provided with the curbs.To connect the two stations or points with each other, which are located at different levels.

Gradient = (Vertical distance / Horizontal distance) x 100Īlso, read: What is Bitumen And Bitumens Types Purpose of Providing Gradient to the Roads

Gradient definition