Durable, cost-effective pavement markings phase I : synthesis of current research.

Thomas, Gary B.; Schloz, Courtney · 2001 · ROSA P / Iowa State University. Center for Transportation Research and Education

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Summary

This report presents the findings of Phase I of a research project sponsored by the Iowa Department of Transportation and the Iowa Highway Research Board, conducted by the Center for Transportation Research and Education at Iowa State University. The study addresses the need for durable, cost-effective pavement markings by synthesizing current research and practices from across the United States. The primary objective was to evaluate existing materials and methodologies to determine whether the State of Iowa should initiate its own test deck evaluation program or rely on existing national data. The research focuses on three core evaluation criteria: durability (resistance to abrasion and traffic), retroreflectivity (nighttime visibility via glass beads), and cost (initial and life-cycle expenses). The methodology involved a comprehensive review of literature and field studies conducted over the preceding five to seven years, including projects from Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Alaska, and the Transportation Research Board (TRB). The report analyzes four primary material types: preformed tape, paint (including water-based, alkyd, epoxy, and polyester), thermoplastic, and methyl methacrylate (MMA). Specific attention was given to the National Transportation Product Evaluation Program (NTPEP), a joint initiative by AASHTO and member states that tests materials across four climatological zones. The synthesis also examined installation processes, environmental regulations regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and the performance of materials under varying traffic and weather conditions. Key findings indicate that white markings consistently exhibit higher retroreflectivity than yellow markings, and durable materials like thermoplastic and tape maintain higher retroreflective values than paint. However, paint remains the least expensive option, though it degrades faster. South Dakota research identified water-based paint as the most cost-effective solution for rural environments, while tape was found to be significantly more expensive and susceptible to damage in urban areas. Alaska studies highlighted MMA as a superior material for extreme climates, offering high visibility and durability despite higher costs. TRB studies confirmed that brighter markings are detectable at greater distances, but increasing lateral separation between double center stripes did not significantly improve driver visibility. The report concludes that the State of Iowa should not embark on an independent test deck evaluation program at this time. Instead, it recommends that Iowa closely monitor the ongoing NTPEP evaluations. Materials that perform well in the NTPEP program should be considered for further field studies within Iowa. This approach leverages existing national data to inform decision-making, ensuring that pavement marking selections are based on comprehensive performance and cost-effectiveness metrics without duplicating efforts already underway at the national level.

Key finding

White pavement markings demonstrate substantially higher retroreflectivity than yellow markings, while paint remains the least expensive material despite degrading faster than thermoplastic and tape options.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Topics

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• signage environment
• vehicle conspicuity