Challenges of Road Design in Areas with Complex Topography

Abstract

The geometric design of a road is made up of various elements that define the route of a vehicle and its interaction with the road, directly influencing fundamental aspects such as safety, speed, economy and traffic comfort. Its correct planning is essential to guarantee the functionality and operability of the road infrastructure.
This study performs a comparative analysis of the geometric design of the El Encano – Santiago road, contrasting it with the guidelines established in the geometric road design manuals issued by the National Institute of Roads (INVIAS) in 1998 and 2008. To this end, determining parameters such as horizontal and vertical alignment, visibility distances, design speed, cant transition and cross-section were evaluated, in order to identify the degree of regulatory compliance and possible deficiencies in the current design.
This study does not constitute a new design of the road, but a detailed analysis of its geometric composition, with the purpose of detecting inconsistencies and evaluating their impact on the safety and efficiency of vehicular traffic. From the analysis of the different parameters and their comparison with the regulatory standards, elements that do not comply with the established requirements were identified, which could generate operational and safety problems for road users.
The results obtained are presented through a systematic approach that includes a theoretical basis extracted from the INV-1998 and INV-2008 Geometric Road Design Manual, a rigorous methodological development and a quantitative analysis of the elements evaluated. Finally, conclusions and recommendations are established aimed at optimising the geometric design, prioritising the safety and efficiency of the road to improve mobility conditions and reduce the risks associated with its use.