In vertical alignment terms, the Point of Vertical Intersection (PVI) has what relationship to the highest point on a crest vertical curve?

In vertical alignment terms, the Point of Vertical Intersection (PVI) has what relationship to the highest point on a crest vertical curve?

• A. Cannot determine
• B. Lower
• C. Equal
• D. Higher

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that the Point of Vertical Intersection is where the two straight grade lines would meet if the curve weren’t there. A crest vertical curve is shaped like an inverted U (concave downward), so the left coming grade slopes upward toward the crest and the right leaving grade slopes downward away from it. When you extend those two grade lines, they intersect above the crest peak. In a symmetric crest, the intersection lies clearly above the highest point of the curve, meaning the PVI is higher than the crest’s maximum elevation. So the correct relationship is that the PVI is higher than the highest point on the crest vertical curve.

The key idea is that the Point of Vertical Intersection is where the two straight grade lines would meet if the curve weren’t there. A crest vertical curve is shaped like an inverted U (concave downward), so the left coming grade slopes upward toward the crest and the right leaving grade slopes downward away from it. When you extend those two grade lines, they intersect above the crest peak. In a symmetric crest, the intersection lies clearly above the highest point of the curve, meaning the PVI is higher than the crest’s maximum elevation. So the correct relationship is that the PVI is higher than the highest point on the crest vertical curve.