Which term describes the location on a vertical alignment representing the first point of tangency of a vertical curve?

• A. PVC - Point of Vertical Curvature
• B. PVI - Point of Vertical Intersection
• C. PVT - Point of Vertical Tangency
• D. Movable Bridge

Answer: (A)

In vertical alignment design, a vertical curve smoothly connects two straight grades. The point where the curve starts to bend and becomes tangent to the incoming grade is the Point of Vertical Curvature. This marks the onset of curvature, before the slope fully transitions to the final grade at the end of the curve, which is the Point of Vertical Tangency. The Point of Vertical Intersection is just the theoretical intersection of the extended grade lines, not a point on the actual curve. The term Movable Bridge isn’t related to this concept.