Section 718 — Traffic Signing and Marking Material

718.01Retroreflective Sheeting. Conform to ASTM D4956, including supplementary requirements. Clean and degrease the face of the metal panels using methods recommended by the manufacturer before applying retroreflective sheeting. Wipe plastic panels clean with a slightly dampened cloth be fore applying retroreflective sheeting. Provide retroreflective sheeting conforming to Table 718-1. Table 718-1

Retroreflective Sheeting Types

Application Description Sheeting Types

Permanent Roadside signs Type III, IV, VIII, IX, or XI prismatic retroreflective sheeting. Use fluorescent yellow -green sheeting for signs associated with school buses, schools, and related supplementary plaques.

Permanent Multilane or overhead

guide signs Type III or Type IV prismatic retrore flective sheeting for the background and Type IX or Type XI retroreflective sheeting for the legend.

Permanent Parking lot and non -

roadway signs Types I and Type II retroreflective sheeting may be used. Temporary Signs Type III, IV, VIII, IX, or XI prismatic retroreflective sheeting. Use fluorescent sheeting for orange signs. For roll -up signs, use fluorescent Type VI retroreflective sheeting. Temporary Barricades Type III, IV, IX, or XI retroreflective sheeting.

Temporary Cones and tubular

markers Type III or Type VI retroreflective sheeting. Temporary Drums Type III or Type VI retroreflective sheeting. Temporary Flagger paddles Type III, IV, VIII, IX, or XI retroreflective sheeting. Temporary Vertical panels Type III, IV, VIII, IX, or XI retroreflective sheeting.

718.02Legends and Borders. Form letters, numerals, and other units to provide a continuous stroke width with smooth edges. Make the surface flat and free of warp, blisters, wrinkles, burrs, and splinters. Do not fabricate lette rs, numerals, arrows, symbols, or borders using a red screen ink process. Conform to one of the following techniques:

(a)Type L- 1 (screen process). Apply letters , numerals, arrows, symbols, borders, and other features on the sign background by direct or reverse screen process. Apply messages and borders of a color darker than the sign background by the direct process. Apply messages and borders of a color lighter than the sign background by the reverse screen process. Apply screen inks for use on the vari ous types of retroreflective sheeting. Apply ink that has the same durability and color as specified for that type of retroreflective sheeting. Apply black screen ink until opaque on retroreflective sheeting. Provide a uniform color and tone, with sharply defined edges of legends and borders. Do not allow running, streaking, or sagging. 845 Air dry or bake the signs after screening to provide a smooth hard finish.

(b)Type L- 2 (transparent films). Apply letters, numerals, arrows, symbols, borders, and other feature s on the sign background with colored transparent films. Select durable, electronically cuttable films coated with a transparent pressure- sensitive adhesive protected by a removable liner. Use transparent films recommended by the manufacturer within the color requirements specified for the retroreflective sheeting.

(c)Type L- 3 (direct applied characters). Cut letters, numerals, arrows, symbols, borders, and other features from black opaque or retroreflective sheeting of the color specified. Apply characters to the sign background. Use the same sheeting manufacturer for both the sign legend, border, and background. Use colors specified in the plans or the MUTCD, Standard Highway Signs, Including Pavement Markings and Standard Alphabets and material conforming to Subsection 718.01.

718.03Panels. Package sign panels in protective material and transport in a vertical position. Provide sign panels that show the manufacturer’s name and date of manufacture on the back. Conform to the following:

(a)Plywood. Provide exterior Grade B -B high- density overlay plywood or better conforming to NIST Voluntary Product Standard PS 1, Structural Plywood. Use ½ -inch thick plywood for sign panels with a facial area 24 by 24 inches or less and the horizontal dimension no greater than the vertical dimension. Use ¾-inch thick plywood for larger panels.

(b)Steel. Provide continuous coated (galvanized) 0.08- inch sheet steel blanks conforming to ASTM A653 and zinc coating designation G90. Provide panels with a substantially plane surface. Do not use twisted or buckled panels. (c) Aluminum. Provide panels conforming to ASTM B209, alloy 6061- T6 or 5052-H38. Fabricate temporary panels and permanent panels smaller or equal to 30 by 30 inches from 0.080-inch- thick aluminum sheets. Fabricate larger permanent panels from 0.125-inch- thick aluminum sheets. Provide blanks without laminations, blisters, open seams, pits, holes, or other defects that may affect their appearance or use. Use blanks with uniform thickness and t hat are commercially flat. Join extruded aluminum panel sections with panel nuts, bolts, and washers to achieve the desired sign size. Use 6 - and 12- inch plate heights to achieve the sign panel vertical dimensions in increments of 6 inches. Do not include more than one 6-inch plate per sign.

(d)Plastic.

(1)Non-reinforced plastic. Provide polycarbonate material that is ultraviolet stabilized for outdoor weathering and will accept adhesives, coatings, and retroreflective sheeting material. Fabricate panels smaller or equal to 24 by 24 inches from 0.08 -inch- thick plastic blanks. Fabricate larger panels from 0.125-inch- thick plastic blanks. Provide panels that are flat and free of buckles, warps, and other defects. Do not allow a gap between adjacent panels greater th an ⅝ inch where multiple panels adjoin. Attach reinforcement stiffeners on the back of panels larger than 24 by 24 inches rigidity and mounting on supports.

(2)Reinforced plastic (fiberglass). Provide panels made from fiberglass reinforced thermoset polyester acrylic modified laminate sheets. Provide sign panels ultraviolet stabilized for outdoor weathering ability that will accept adhesives, coatings, and retroreflective sheeting material. Provide sign panels free of visible cracks, pinholes, foreign inclusions, or surface wrinkles that would affect implied performance, alter the specific dimensions of the panel, or otherwise affect the sign panels serviceability. Fabricate fiberglass reinforced panels conforming to the following mechanical and physical proper ties:

(a)Average tensile strength, ASTM D638 10,000 psi minimum

(b)Average tensile modulus , ASTM D638 1,200,000 psi minimum

(c)Average flexural strength, ASTM D790 20,000 psi minimum

(d)Average flexural modulus , ASTM D790 1,200,000 psi minimum

(e)Average compression strength, ASTM D695 32,000 psi minimum

(f)Average compression modulus , ASTM D695 1,400,000 psi minimum

(g)Punch shear , ASTM D732 13,000 psi minimum

(h)Thickness 0.13±0.004 in

(i)Size, dimension less than 12 ft, ASTM D3841 ±0.12 in

(j)Squareness per 12 ft of length, ASTM D3841 ±0.12 in

(k)Surfaces, top and bottom Smooth

(l)Color, visually uniform gray, Munsell color system N7.5 to N8.5

(m)Coefficient of linear thermal expansion, ASTM D696 0.000004 in/in/°F maximum

(n)Flame resistance (extent of burning), ASTM D635 1 in maximum

(o)Weather resistance, ASTM D3841 Grade 1 or 2

(e)Extruded aluminum. Provide panels conforming to ASTM B221, aluminum alloy 6063T6. Conform to Subsection 718.03(c) for panel thickness and fabrication. The maximum allowabl e deviation from flat on the face is 0.05 inch per foot. 847 718.04 Sign Posts. Provide sign posts that are straight, smooth, and without defects affecting strength, durability, or appearance. Conform to the following:

(a)Wood. Provide posts conforming to AASHTO M 168. Treat the posts according to Category 4A of the AWPA Standard U1- UC4A, Ground Contact, General Use for waterborne preservative treatments ammoniacal copper arsenate (ACA), ammoniacal copper zinc arsenate (ACZA), or chromated copper arsenate (CCA).

(b)Galvanized metal. Conform to the following:

(1)U-channel steel. Provide flanged, channel, galvanized steel posts conforming to ASTM A499, Grade 60 and the following:

(a)Punching. Starting 1 inch from the top and extending the full length of the post, drill or punch ⅜- inch holes on 1- inch centers along the centerline of the bottom of the U. Remove burrs and sharp edges. (b) Galvanizing after punching AASHTO M 111

(2)Square tubular steel. Provide square tubular galvanized steel posts conforming to ASTM A1011, Grade 55 and the following:

(a)Punching. Starting 1 inch from the top and extending the full length of the post, drill or punch 7/16-inch holes on 1- inch centers along the centerline of all four sides, in true alignment and opposite each other directly and diagonally. Remove burrs and sharp edges. (b) Galvanizing after punching ASTM A123 or ASTM B695

(c)Aluminum. Provide standard shapes and thicknesses conforming to ASTM B221, alloy 6061-T6, 6351-T5, 6063-T6, or 6005- T5.

(d)Corrosion resistant (weathering) steel. Provide posts conforming to ASTM A588 or ASTM A242. Zinc -coat the embedded portion of the corrosion resistant steel post according to ASTM A123.

718.05Delineator and Object Marker Posts. Conform to the following:

(a)Wood. Provide 4- by 4-inch wood posts conforming to Subsection 718.04(a).

(b)Steel. Provide flanged U -channel steel posts weighing at least 2 pounds per foot and conforming to ASTM A36. Galvanize according to AASHTO M 111. (c) Alum inum. Provide standard shaped ⅛- inch thick aluminum posts conforming to ASTM B221, alloy 6063- T6.

(d)Plastic. Provide flexible delineator posts made with high -impact resistant polymer material.

718.06Hardware. Provide galvanized steel or aluminum alloy lag screws, washers, clip angles, wood screws, shear plates, U -bolts, clamps, bolts, nuts, and other fasteners. For high- strength steel bolts, nuts, and washers, conform to Subsection 717.01(e). Galvanize steel hardware according to AASHTO M 232. For aluminum alloy bolts, nuts, and washers, conform to Subsections 717.10 and 717.11 as applicable. For neoprene or nylon washers, provide ⅛- inch thick by 1 -inch minimum outside diameter with maximum allowable ap plied torque of 480 inch-pounds.

718.07Delineator and Object Marker Retroreflectors. Provide retroreflectors that are ready for mounting.

(a)Acrylic plastic lens. Provide an acrylic plastic lens with a minimum dimension of 3 inches with prismatic optical elements and a smooth, clear, transparent face. Fabricate the back from similar material and fuse it to the lens around the entire perimeter to form a homogenous unit. Seal the units against the intrusion of foreign material. Conform to Table 718-2 regardless of the orientation angle. Table 718-2 Minimum Coefficient of (Retroreflective) Luminous Intensity (R I)(1)

Candelas per Foot -candle

Observation

Angle Entrance

Angle White(2) Yellow Red 0.1° 0° 115 70 30 0.1° 20° 45 25 12

(1)See ASTM E808.

(2)Crystal, clear, or colorless are acceptable color designations . Mount the retroreflector unit in a housing fabricated from 0.063- inch ASTM B209, aluminum alloy 3003-H- 14 or similar, or from 0.064- inch cold rolled and hot -dip galvanized steel. Provide antitheft attachment hardware.

(b)Retroreflective sheeting. Provide a prismatic retroreflective sheeting with a minimum dimension of 3 inches and with a Class 1 or Class 2 adhesive backing conforming to Subsection 718.01. Attach the sheeting to an aluminum or plastic support panel ( target plate) of the size and dimension specified.

718.08Solventborne Pavement Markings. Provide VOC -compliant solventborne paint with a VOC of 1.25 pounds per gallon or less. Provide yellow pigment without lead, chrome, or other heavy metals as defined by the EPA.

718.09Waterborne Pavement Markings. Provide an acrylic water -based, ready -mixed paint conforming to AASHTO M 348.

(a)Composition. Provide a paint composed of resin solids of 100 percent acrylic polymer with the exact formulation determined by the manufacturer. Conform to the following:

(1)Pigment, ASTM D3723 45 to 55 percent by mass

(2)Lead, chromium, cadmium, or cobalt, ASTM D3335 and ASTM D3718 0 percent by mass

(3)VOC, EPA Method 24 20.0 oz/gal maximum 849 (4) Density of paint, ASTM D1475 12.0 lb/gal minimum

(b)Viscosity. ASTM D562 80-95 Krebs units

(c)Drying time.

(1)Dry to no pickup, ASTM D711 10 minutes maximum

(2)Drying to no track, ASTM D713 90 seconds maximum

(d)Flexibility. ASTM D522, using the ¼- in cylindrical mandrel No cracking or flaking

(e)Contrast ratio. ASTM D2805, contrast ratio at 319 square feet per gallon spreading rate 0.96 minimum

(f)Color.

(1)White, ASTM D1729 Match FHWA standard highway white

(2)Yellow, ASTM D1729 Match FHWA standard highway yellow

(g)Daylight reflectance (without glass bead).

(1)White, ASTM D6628 84 percent relative to magnesium oxide standard

(2)Yellow, ASTM D6628 55 percent relative to magnesium oxide standard

(h)Bleeding ratio. ASTM D868. Determine reflectance according to ASTM E1347 immediately after drying. Divide the average of three reflectance readings of the paint over the bleeding surface by the average of three readings over the non- bleeding surface to determine the bleeding ratio.0.96 minimum

(i)Freeze- thaw stability. ASTM D2243 Initial viscosity ±5 Krebs units maximum

718.10High -Build Waterborne Pavement Mar kings. Conform to Subsection 718.09, except conform to Section 634 for film thickness.

718.11Epoxy Pavement Markings. Provide a 2 -component, 100 percent solids type system for hot-spray application conforming to the following:

(a)Pigments. Component A. Percent by mass.

(1)White.

(a)Titanium dioxide (TiO 2), ASTM D476, Type IV 18 percent minimum

(b)Epoxy resin, ASTM D1652 75 to 82 percent

(2)Yellow.

(a)Chrome yellow (PbCrO 4), ASTM D126 23 percent minimum

(b)Epoxy resin, ASTM D1652 70 to 77 percent

(3)Non-lead yellow.

(a)Titanium dioxide (TiO2 ), ASTM D476, Type II and Type III 14 percent minimum

(b)Organic yellow 7 to 8 percent

(c)Epoxy resin, ASTM D1652 75 to 79 percent

(b)Epoxy content. Component A. Mass per epoxy equivalent, ASTM D1652 Manufacturer’s target value ±50

(c)Amine value. Component B, ASTM D2074 Manufacturer’s target value ±50

(d)Toxicity. Toxic or injurious fumes at application temperature None

(e)Color. 15- mil film thickness specimen (cured).

(1)White, ASTM D1729 Match FHWA standard highway white

(2)Yellow, ASTM D1729 Match FHWA standard highway yellow

(f)Directional reflectance. (Without glass beads)

(1)White, ASTM E1347 84 percent relative to magnesium oxide standard

(2)Yellow, ASTM E1347 55 percent relative to magnesium oxide standard

(g)Drying time. 15-mil film thickness with glass beads (cured).

(1)Laboratory at 72 °F, ASTM D711 30 minut es maximum to no-pick- up condition

(2)Field at 77 °F, viewed from 50 ft, ASTM D713 10 minutes maximum to no-tracking condition

(h)Abrasion resistance. Wear index with a CS -17 wheel under a 35.3 oz load for 1000 cycles, ASTM D4060 82 maximum

(i)Hardness. Type D hardness with 72- hour cure at 72 °F, ASTM D2240 75 to 100 851 718.12 Thermoplastic Pavement Markings. Conform to A ASHTO M 249.

718.13Preformed Pavement Marking Tape. Conform to the following:

(a)ASTM D4505, Reflectivity Level I;

(b)Class 1, 2, or 3; and

(c)Skid Resistance Level A or B.

718.14Glass Beads. Conform to AASHTO M 247. Treat glass beads with an adherence coating according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

718.15Pavement Markers. Provide markers of uniform composition, without surface irregularities, cracks, checks, chipping, peeling, spalling, crazing, and other physical damage interfering with appearance, application, or durability. Provide precast markers in the form of a single -based spheroidal segment ending in a rounded or squared shoulder.

(a)Non-plowable. Conform to ASTM D4280.

(b)Plowable. Conform to ASTM D4383.

(c)Non-reflective. Provide ceramic, plastic, or thermoplastic markers that are 4±⅛ inches in diameter at the base, 11/16±⅟ 16 inch in height, and where the base of the marker does not deviate from a flat plane by more than ⅟ 16 inch.

718.16Temporary Pavement Markings.

(a)Preformed retroreflecti ve tape. Provide 4-inch- wide tape conforming to ASTM D4592, Type I (removable).

(b)Pavement markers. Provide temporary pavement markers conforming to ASTM D4280 or flexible pavement markers no more than 2 inches high, with retroreflective tape on both faces of the vertical section, that can retroreflect light from opposite directions, and has an adhesive on the base.

(c)Traffic markings. Conform to Subsection 718.08 or 718.09 as applicable.

718.17Epoxy Resin Adhesives. Provide epoxy resin adhesives conforming to AASHTO M 237 for bonding traffic markers to rigid and asphalt concrete pavements.

718.18Methyl Methacrylate Pavement Markings. Conform to the following:

(a)Adhesion to pavement. ASTM D4541 150 psi

(b)Hardness. Type D hardness with 24-hour cure at 72 °F, ASTM D2240 50 minimum

(c)No track time. ASTM D711 30 minutes maximum

(d)Skid resistance. ASTM E303 45 British Pendulum Number minimum

(e)Color.

(1)White, ASTM D1729 Match FHWA standard highway white

(2)Yellow, ASTM D1729 Match FHWA standard highway yellow