Superelevation is the banking of a roadway at a curve to counteract the lateral acceleration experienced by vehicles, enhancing safety and comfort. It is a critical design feature in transportation engineering that helps maintain vehicle stability and reduces the risk of skidding or overturning on curves.

Superelevation

Banking of a roadway

Curves in transportation engineering

Lateral acceleration refers to the rate of change of velocity of an object moving along a curved path, perpendicular to its direction of motion, commonly felt as the 'sideways' force in vehicles during turns. It is a crucial factor in vehicle dynamics, affecting stability, handling, and passenger comfort, and is directly related to the centripetal force required to maintain circular motion.

Lateral Acceleration

Vehicle stability refers to the ability of a vehicle to maintain its intended path and resist unwanted changes in motion, especially during dynamic maneuvers such as cornering, accelerating, or braking. It is crucial for ensuring safety and control, relying on a combination of mechanical design, electronic stability systems, and driver input to prevent rollovers, skids, and loss of control.

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