Vehicle Turning Path Layouts

Vehicle Turning Path Layouts

Description
Description

Vehicle turning paths, also known as turning radii, refer to the space a vehicle requires to make a turn. This concept is crucial in urban planning and design, affecting everything from the width of roads and driveways to the layout of parking lots and intersections. The turning radius varies based on vehicle size – a compact car needs less space than a large truck.

Planners use this concept to ensure roads and parking areas can accommodate the turning needs of different vehicles. For example, a parking lot might have wider lanes to allow for the broader turning radius of delivery trucks. In urban design, understanding turning paths is key for creating efficient, safe traffic flow and ensuring that all types of vehicles can navigate the space comfortably and safely.

History
History

The concept of vehicle turning paths has been integral to transportation design since the advent of motor vehicles. Initially, with fewer and smaller vehicles on the road, the need for precise calculations of turning radii was less critical. However, as vehicle sizes and traffic volumes increased, the importance of accurately designing roads and intersections to accommodate various turning radii became apparent.

Engineers began developing more sophisticated methods to determine the space different vehicles required to turn safely, ensuring smoother traffic flow and reducing accidents. This led to standardized guidelines for road, intersection, and parking lot designs, tailored to the turning capabilities of a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to large trucks.

Future
Future

In the evolving landscape of urban transportation, vehicle turning path layouts are likely to adapt to changing vehicle technologies and urban designs. With the rise of autonomous vehicles, turning paths may become more precise and efficient, reducing the need for extra space for human error. The increasing popularity of smaller, more agile electric vehicles could lead to narrower lanes and tighter turning arcs in urban areas.

Meanwhile, cities might redesign streets to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle traffic, potentially altering traditional vehicle turning paths to accommodate these changes. This shift would reflect a broader move towards more sustainable, people-centric urban environments, with vehicle turning paths playing a crucial role in this transition.

Common Questions
Common Questions
How is a turning circle measured?

A vehicle’s turning circle is the radius (or diameter) measured by the outer wheels of the vehicle while making a complete turn.

What car has the smallest turning radius?

The smart fortwo (2016) has the smallest turning radius of a passenger vehicle at a radius of 22’10” | 6.9 m.


What is a typical turning circle for a passenger car?

A turning radius of 34’-35’ | 10.4-10.7 m is common for passenger cars today.

Layouts

* Under Development *

Semi-Trailer Truck - 40' WB
Dimensioned plan drawing of the required layout and turning radius for a Semi-Trailer Truck with a 40' wheelbase

The turning path of a Medium-sized Semi Truck measures the minimum possible turning radius necessary for performing a u-turn in a vehicle with a 40’ (12.2 m) wheelbase.

Measuring the inner and outer radii of the 180° turn, a minimum inner radius of 19’4” (5.9 m) and minimum outer radius between 40’-40’10” (12.2-12.4 m) should be provided for medium-sized semi trucks.

The turning path of a Medium-sized Semi Truck measures the minimum possible turning radius necessary for performing a u-turn in a vehicle with a 40’ (12.2 m) wheelbase.

Measuring the inner and outer radii of the 180° turn, a minimum inner radius of 19’4” (5.9 m) and minimum outer radius between 40’-40’10” (12.2-12.4 m) should be provided for medium-sized semi trucks.

Semi-Trailer Truck - 40' WB
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Outer Radius: 40’-40’10” | 12.2-12.4 m
Inner Radius: 19’4” | 5.9 m

Vehicle Wheelbase: 40’ | 12.2 m
Vehicle Length: 45’6” | 13.87 m
Vehicle Width: 8’ | 2.44 m

Drawings include:
Semi-Trailer Truck (40' Wheelbase) Turning Paths plan

Downloads

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3D Downloads

Passenger Turning Path - 90°
Dimensioned drawing of measuring the turning path and radius for a passenger vehicle to make a 90° turn

The 90° turning path of a passenger vehicle measures the minimum possible turning radius needed when designing parking, loading, and drop-off spaces.

Measuring the inner and outer radii of the 90° turn, a minimum inner radius of 11’6” (3.5 m) and minimum outer radius of 19’2” (5.85 m) should be provided. Though the turning path requires a width of only 7’6” (2.3 m), additional clearances should be provided whenever possible to accommodate a larger variety of car sizes and driver abilities.

The 90° turning path of a passenger vehicle measures the minimum possible turning radius needed when designing parking, loading, and drop-off spaces.

Measuring the inner and outer radii of the 90° turn, a minimum inner radius of 11’6” (3.5 m) and minimum outer radius of 19’2” (5.85 m) should be provided. Though the turning path requires a width of only 7’6” (2.3 m), additional clearances should be provided whenever possible to accommodate a larger variety of car sizes and driver abilities.

Passenger Turning Path - 90°
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Outer Radius: 19’2” | 5.85 m
Inner Radius: 11’6” | 3.5 m
Path Width: 7’6” | 2.3 m minimum

Vehicle Wheelbase: 8’10” | 2.7 m
Vehicle Length: 15’6” | 4.74 m
Vehicle Width: 5’9” | 1.76 m

Drawings include:
Passenger Vehicle 90° Turning Path plan

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Passenger Turning Path - 180°
Plan drawing with dimensions for the radius required for a passenger vehicle to make a 180° turn

The 180° turning path of a passenger vehicle measures the minimum possible turning radius for use when designing spaces for u-turns or turn-arounds within streets, parking lots, drop-offs, or service areas. Turning paths can use either curb-to-curb or wall-to-wall measurements based on whether the turning circles are calculated based on the outer tire or the outer front overhang. Additional clearances should be provided whenever possible to accommodate a larger variety of car sizes and driver abilities.

Measuring the inner and outer radii of the 180° turn, a minimum inner radius of 14’5” (4.39 m) and minimum outer radius between 24’-25’6” (7.31-7.77 m) should be provided throughout the turn.

The 180° turning path of a passenger vehicle measures the minimum possible turning radius for use when designing spaces for u-turns or turn-arounds within streets, parking lots, drop-offs, or service areas.

Measuring the inner and outer radii of the 180° turn, a minimum inner radius of 14’5” (4.39 m) and minimum outer radius between 24’-25’6” (7.31-7.77 m) should be provided throughout the turn.

Passenger Turning Path - 180°
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Outer Radius: 24’-25’6” | 7.31-7.77 m
Inner Radius: 14’5” | 4.39 m

Vehicle Wheelbase: 11’ | 3.35 m
Vehicle Length: 19’ | 5.79 m
Vehicle Width: 7’ | 2.13 m

Drawings include:
Passenger Vehicle Turning Path 180° plan

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Single-Unit Truck | Bus - 20' WB
Dimensioned drawing showing the requirements for multiple turning angles of a Single Unit Truck or Bus with 20' wheelbase

The turning path of a Single-Unit Truck or Bus measures the minimum possible turning radius necessary for performing a u-turn in a vehicle with a 20’ (6.1 m) wheelbase.

Measuring the inner and outer radii of the 180° turn, a minimum inner radius of 28’4” (8.64 m) and minimum outer radius between 42’-43.5’ (12.8-13.26 m) should be provided for single-unit trucks and buses.

The turning path of a Single-Unit Truck or Bus measures the minimum possible turning radius necessary for performing a u-turn in a vehicle with a 20’ (6.1 m) wheelbase.

Measuring the inner and outer radii of the 180° turn, a minimum inner radius of 28’4” (8.64 m) and minimum outer radius between 42’-43.5’ (12.8-13.26 m) should be provided for single-unit trucks and buses.

Single-Unit Truck | Bus - 20' WB
Height:
Width:
Length:
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Outer Radius: 42’-43.5’ | 12.8-13.26 m
Inner Radius: 28’4” | 8.64 m

Vehicle Wheelbase: 20’ | 6.1 m
Vehicle Length: 30’ | 9.15 m
Vehicle Width: 8’ | 2.44 m

Drawings include:
Single Unit Truck | Buses (20' Wheelbase) Turning Paths plan

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads