Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): Road camber helps in surface drainage.
Reason (R): In a curved road alignment, super elevation serves the purpose of camber.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

• A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
• B. Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
• C. (A) is correct but (R) is not correct
• D. (A) is not correct but (R) is correct

Hint:

On a straight road, we use Camber. On a curved road, we transition the Camber into Super-elevation. Both ensure water doesn't stay on the road!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Concept: Camber and super-elevation are key elements of the transverse profile of a road.

Step 1: Analyze Assertion (A).
Camber is the transverse slope provided to the road surface to drain off the rain water from the pavement surface to the side drains. Without camber, water would pond on the road, causing hydroplaning and damaging the pavement layers. Thus, (A) is correct.

Step 2: Analyze Reason (R).
On horizontal curves, the outer edge of the pavement is raised with respect to the inner edge (super-elevation) to counteract centrifugal force. Because the entire width of the road is sloped toward the inner edge, rain water naturally drains off to the inside. Consequently, a separate camber is usually not needed on the outer half of the curve. Thus, (R) is correct.

Step 3: Explanation check.
The fact that super-elevation can replace camber on curves (R) reinforces the idea that the primary goal of these slopes (including camber) is to ensure drainage while managing vehicle dynamics. (R) explains how the drainage function of camber is maintained even when the geometry changes.