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Cross Slope Formula:
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Cross slope is the percentage of slope measured perpendicular to the direction of travel. It's a critical measurement in civil engineering, road design, and accessibility planning to ensure proper drainage and accessibility.
The calculator uses the cross slope formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the slope percentage by dividing the elevation difference by the width and multiplying by 100 to convert to a percentage.
Details: Proper cross slope is essential for water drainage on road surfaces, sidewalk accessibility for people with disabilities, and preventing water accumulation that can damage surfaces or create hazardous conditions.
Tips: Enter elevation difference and width in feet. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will compute the cross slope percentage.
Q1: What is the maximum allowable cross slope for ADA compliance?
A: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires cross slopes to be no greater than 2% (1:50) for accessible routes.
Q2: How does cross slope differ from longitudinal slope?
A: Cross slope is measured perpendicular to the direction of travel, while longitudinal slope is measured parallel to the direction of travel.
Q3: What units should I use for measurement?
A: While this calculator uses feet, the formula works with any consistent units (e.g., meters, inches) as long as both measurements use the same unit.
Q4: Why is cross slope important for drainage?
A: Proper cross slope ensures water flows off the surface rather than pooling, which prevents surface deterioration and hazardous conditions.
Q5: How often should cross slope be measured on existing surfaces?
A: Regular measurements are important for maintenance, especially after construction, repairs, or when addressing drainage issues.