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Durable, cost-effective pavement markings phase I : synthesis of current research.
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2001-06-01
[PDF-267.04 KB]
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Edition:Final report.
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Abstract:Pavement marking technology is a continually evolving subject. There are numerous types of
materials used in the field today, including (but not limited to) paint, epoxy, tape, and
thermoplastic. Each material has its own set of unique characteristics related to durability,
retroreflectivity, installation cost, and life-cycle cost. The Iowa Highway Research Board was
interested in investigating the possibility of developing an ongoing program to evaluate the
various products used in pavement marking. This potential program would maintain a database
of performance and cost information to assist state and local agencies in determining which
materials and placement methods are most appropriate for their use.
The Center for Transportation Research and Education at Iowa State University has completed
Phase I of this research: to identify the current practice and experiences from around the United
States to recommend a further course of action for the State of Iowa.
There has been a significant amount of research completed in the last several years. Research
from Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Ohio, and Alaska all had some common findings:
white markings are more retroreflective than yellow markings; paint is by-and-large the least
expensive material; paint tends to degrade faster than other materials; thermoplastic and tapes
had higher retroreflective characteristics.
Perhaps the most significant program going on in the area of pavement markings is the National
Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP). This is an ongoing research program
jointly conducted by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
and its member states. Field and lab tests on numerous types of pavement marking materials are
being conducted at sites representing four climatological areas. These results are published
periodically for use by any jurisdiction interested in pavement marking materials performance.
At this time, it is recommended that the State of Iowa not embark on a test deck evaluation
program. Instead, close attention should be paid to the ongoing evaluations of the NTPEP
program. Materials that fare well on the NTPEP test de cks should be considered for further field
studies in Iowa.
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