Engineering Commons^™

Evaluation Of Diamond Grade Reflective Sheeting, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this project was to monitor the performance of the diamond grade sheeting when used on both typical traffic signs and construction signs. The durability, appearance, and reflectivity of the signs were monitored. Diamond grade sheetings used on typical traffic signs were evaluated over a two-year period with construction signs evaluated over an 18-month period.

Diamond grade sheeting was found to provide increased reflectivity compared to high intensity sheeting with no problems noted related to durability or appearance. However, the cost of the diamond grade sheeting would limit its use to situations where brighter, wider-angle reflective sheeting is …

Evaluation Of Stamark Brand Bisymmetric 1.75 Grade Pavement Marking Tape, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this project was to evaluate the performance of Stamark Brand Bisymmetric 1.75 Grade pavement Marking Tape (Series 320) on a large-scale installation on Interstate 24 in McCracken County. The evaluation consisted of periodic inspection of the tape to determine its durability, appearance, and reflectivity.

The tape has demonstrated good performance after two years in service. No durability problems were noted. While the appearance of the tape was not as bright as a typical traffic paint, it was adequate. The tape has maintained a high level of reflectivity. The performance of the material would potentially warrant additional use …

Long-Term Evaluation Of Durable Lane Delineation Materials, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this report was to summarize the long-term performance of several types of durable lane delineation materials. Polyester paint was determined to be an effective durable lane material with most use of this material being on asphaltic concrete surfaces having an average daily traffic of under 10,000. Extruded thermoplastic was also determined to be an effective durable lane delineation material with its cost limiting its use to higher volume asphaltic concrete surfaces. Either the hydrocarbon or alkyd thermoplastic formulation could be used but the alkyd formulation was observed to maintain a higher reflectivity. While not classified as a …

Evaluation Of Construction-Zone Pavement Marking Materials, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to evaluate available foil-back and removable tapes as well as one new construction-zone raised pavement marker and to recommend materials that should be included on approved lists for use by the Kentucky Department of Highways. Tapes were placed on transverse test sections and the reflectivity, durability, and appearance were observed.

Tapes to be included on the approved lists for foil-back and removable tapes were recommended. Tapes manufactured by 3M, Flex-0-Lite, and Swarolite were included on the list of acceptable foil-back tapes. Recommended removable tapes were the 3M and Cataphote removable tapes. The Astra Optics …

Evaluation Of Extruded Thermoplastics As Lane Delineation, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study involved an evaluation of large-scale installations of both hydrocarbon and alkyd extruded thermoplastics as lane delineation on sections of interstate highways having open-graded surfaces. The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of thermoplastics as lane delineation and to compare the performance of hydrocarbon versus alkyd formulations.

Data were collected on a periodic basis over an 18-month period. Data collection consisted of daytime observations of the appearance and durability of the thermoplastic material along with reflectivity measurements using a portable retroreflectometer.

The evaluation revealed that both the hydrocarbon and alkyd extruded thermoplastic material maintained their appearance, …

Evaluation Of Epoxy Thermoplastic Pavement Marking Material, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to evaluate the field performance of epoxy thermoplastic (ETP) as a pavement marking material and to compare it to a control marking material, which was alkyd traffic paint. A test installation of ETP along with the regular traffic paint was placed on KY 841 in Jefferson County and evaluated over an 18-month period. Data collection consisted of daytime observations and rating of the material's appearance and durability and nighttime observations and rating of its nighttime visibility. Reflectivity measurements were also collected using a portable retroreflectometer.

The appearance (color) of the ETP remained good over …

Evaluation Of Construction-Zone Pavement Marking Materials, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this study were to evaluate available foil-back and removable tapes as well as construction-zone raised pavement markers and to recommend materials that should be included on approved lists for use by the Kentucky Department of Highways. Tapes and markers were placed on transverse test sections and the reflectivity, durability, and appearance were observed.

Tapes to be included on the approved lists for foil-back and removable tapes were recommended. Tapes manufactured by 3M, Flex-O-Lite, Cataphote, and Swarolite were included on the list of acceptable foil-back tapes. Recommended removable tapes were the 3M and Cataphote removable tapes. Stimsonite 66 …

Evaluation Of Snowplowable Marker Installations, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The first large-scale contracts for the installation of snowplowable markers were awarded in 1984 and 1985. Stimsonite 96 and recessed markers were installed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the installations. Durability and reflectivity results show that both the recessed markers and Stimsonite 96 markers have performed effectively as snowplowable markers. The recessed markers should continue to be used only on four-lane highways constructed to high geometric standards with the Stimsonite 96 markers installed on the majority of highways.

Evaluation Of Durable Crosswalk And Stopbar Marking Materials, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to find the most cost-effective durable marking material to provide long-lasting stop bars and crossbars. Three materials were tested: 1) 3M Stamark tape, 2) Prismo preformed tape, and 3) extruded thermoplastic (hydrocarbon and alkyd). The various test installations were in place for between 6 and 30 months.

The alkyd-resin thermoplastic material was found to be the most cost-effective I material. The preformed tapes cost two to three times as much as the thermoplastic material while not providing as durable a material when used in this application.The alkyd-resin material maintained its appearance better than the …

Evaluation Of Durable Lane Delineation Materials, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of the study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of available marking materials by means of field tests and to make recommendations concerning the optimum lane delineation materials based on these tests. Materials tested include 100-percent solid epoxy paint, polyester paint, extruded thermoplastic, 3M Stamark tape, 3M Bisymmetric tape, EPOFLEX, solvent epoxy paint, chlorinated rubber traffic paint, and alkyd traffic paint. The test installations have been in place up to four years. The evaluation concerned the durability, reflectivity, and appearance of the materials. Based on current data, expanded use is warranted for 1) polyester paint on lower-volume asphaltic concrete …

Evaluation Of Construction Zone Pavement Marking Materials, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objectives of this report were to evaluate all available foil-back and removable tapes as well as construction zone raised pavement markers and to recommend materials that should be included on approved lists for use by the Kentucky Department of Highways. The tapes were placed on transverse test sections and as lane lines and the reflectivity, durability, and appearance were observed. The markers were observed at test sections as well as at construction sites.

Lists of tapes to be included on the approved lists for foil-back and removable tapes were recommended. Tapes manufactured by 3M and Flex-0-Lite were included on …

Evaluation Of Durable Lane Delineation Materials (Interim Report), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of the study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of available marking materials by means of field tests and to develop a policy for material selection of lane delineation based on these tests. Materials tested included: 100 percent solid epoxy paint, polyester paint, extruded thermoplastic, 3M Stamark tape, 3M Bisymmetric tape, EPOFLEX, solvent epoxy paint, and chlorinated rubber paint. Most test installations have been in place for over two years, and this interim report summarizes findings for that period. The evaluation will continue for another 18 months with recommendations presented in a final report.

Based on current data, expanded …

Evaluation Of Durable Crosswalk And Stopbar Marking Materials (Interim Report), Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study is to find the most cost-effective durable marking material to provide long-lasting stop bars and crossbars. Three materials were tested: 1) 3M Stamark tape, 2) Prismo preformed tape, and 3) extruded thermoplastic. The evaluation concerned the durability, reflectivity, and appearance of the materials. Test installations have been in place for about 18 months, and this interim report summarizes findings for that period. The evaluation will continue for another 18 months, and recommendations will be presented in a final report.

Based on current evaluations, the extruded thermoplastic material would be considered the most cost-effective material for …

Performance Evaluation Of Experimental Paint-Stripe Beads, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Eight experimental bead types in addition to Kentucky's currently used bead were applied with standard striping equipment at a field test location. Reflectivity measurements using a portable retroreflectometer were conducted, along with visual observations, to rate each bead type. The objective was to determine whether any of the experimental beads was superior to the currently used bead, and if so, would they be economically feasible for widespread use. The differences in bead types involved gradation, refractive index, and surface coating. Based on performance and economic considerations, it was recommended that Kentucky change its bead gradation specifications to correspond to that …

Development Of A Portable Retroreflectometer, Kenneth R. Agent, Jerry G. Pigman

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

There is a need for a portable retroreflectometer which can perform reflectivity measurements in the field . This could eliminate the need for subjective ratings or taking samples of materials from the field to test in the laboratory. This report describes the development of a portable retroflectometer (PRR).

A PRR was built with the objective of approximating the angles of incidence and divergence used in the ESNA Reflex-Photometer (ESNA). Tests showed a good relationship between readings taken with the PRR and ESNA. The recommendation was made that the PRR is suitable for use as a means of measuring reflectivity in …

Evaluation Of Snowplowable Markers, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this study was to evaluate available snowplowable markers under similar traffic and snowplowing operations. There were five different markers tested which included the following: 1) Stimsonite 96, 2) Dura-Brite, 3) recessed, 4) Kingray, and 5) Prismo Roadstud.

The Stimsonite 96, Dura-Brite, and recessed markers were found to be acceptable snowplowable markers. All three of these markers were found to have adequate reflectivity during both dry and wet nighttime conditions. This reflectivity was maintained over the test period and the markers proved to be durable when subjected to snowplow operations. However, considering all available input, the recessed marker …

Evaluation Of Pavement Tape As Lane Delineation, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study involved the field testing of four types of pavement tapes, all manufactured by the 3M Company. The tapes evaluated included Scotchlane, Stamark Removable, Stamark, and an experimental tape. The experimental tape had an extremely high initial reflectivity but poor durability, which would preclude use in its present form. The remaining tapes exhibited good durability when used as lanelines and edgelines. The Scotchlane tape exhibited the best long-term reflectivity. The Stamark tape does not provide sufficient reflectivity and could not be used in areas where delineation would be critical. The Stamark Removable tape was easily removed manually after one …

Evaluation Of Raised Pavement Markers, Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operational applicability of raised pavement markers and to determine their effectiveness with respect to brightness and durability. Seven different types of markers were evaluated. The primary application of markers in this study was as a supplement to lane lines. They were also used as a traffic control measure at lane drops, as delineation for hazardous curves, and as directional arrows.

Luminosity and durability were monitored for approximately one year. It was found that raised pavement markers can be a very effective method of roadway delineation. Markers evaluated had varying levels of …

Raised Pavement Markers As A Traffic Control Measure At Lane Drops [No. 384], Jerry G. Pigman, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Raised pavement markers are an effective means of reducing erratic movements at lane-drop locations, particularly under nighttime driving conditions. The cost of raised pavement markers and their installation is nominal ($150 per location). It is recommended that raised pavement markers be installed at other lane-drop locations. Markers installed at locations described in this study have not been in place for a sufficient time to determine their durability; however, reports from other states indicate their durability is sufficient to render them economical. If raised pavement markers are installed routinely, steps should be taken to insure they are not damaged by snowplow …

High-Intensity Reflective Materials For Signs, Rolands L. Rizenbergs

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Field observations and laboratory tests and evaluations were conducted on High-Intensity and Engineering grade materials (Scotchlite), manufactured by the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, and were compared in regard to reflectivity, durability, and cost.

The High-Intensity type materials were found to have outstanding performance characteristics in comparison to Engineering Grade materials. The material significantly enhances sign legibility under low-beam illumination, and accelerated weathering tests showed superior durability.