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Examoogle • User • info@examoogle.com • EE-2024-8821
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Exceptional Gradient should not be provided in a length more than
20 m
50 m
75 m
100 m
100 m
According to IRC (Indian Roads Congress) standards for geometric design of highways, an exceptional gradient should not be provided for a length exceeding 100 meters at a stretch. This restriction is enforced to prevent excessive engine strain and safety hazards due to vehicle overheating or loss of control.
According to IRC (Indian Roads Congress) standards for geometric design of highways, an exceptional gradient should not be provided for a length exceeding 100 meters at a stretch. This restriction is enforced to prevent excessive engine strain and safety hazards due to vehicle overheating or loss of control.
Lmax=100 m — Maximum allowable length for exceptional gradient per IRC standards
The principle relies on minimizing the duration for which a vehicle operates on a gradient steeper than the limiting gradient. By limiting the distance to 100m, engineers ensure that heavy vehicles do not lose excessive momentum and maintain operational safety while navigating steep sections of the terrain.
Exceptional gradient is steeper than the limiting gradient.
It is only used in extremely difficult terrain where providing a flatter gradient is cost-prohibitive.
Length limit ensures safety and vehicle performance.
Minimum gap of 100m between two successive exceptional gradients is usually recommended.
Reduced excavation cost in mountainous terrain
Effective utilization of challenging topography
Increased risk of vehicular accidents
Higher fuel consumption and engine wear
Hill road construction
Sharp terrain transitions
The limiting gradient is generally restricted to 6% in plain terrain.
The exceptional gradient is usually 1% or 2% steeper than the limiting gradient.
Option A, B, and C are incorrect because they provide length constraints below the threshold mandated by Indian design codes.
D is correct — The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) specifies that an exceptional gradient should not exceed a length of 100 meters.
Always remember the hierarchy: Ruling Gradient < Limiting Gradient < Exceptional Gradient. Exceptional gradient is the last resort in design.