880.01 Sign Panels.
mixing board or mortar box. After water is added, the mix shall be used within sixty (60) minutes. Posts, braces and brace struts shall be held in proper position until the concrete hardens. The concrete for all corner, brace and line posts shall have cured for 72 hours before any strain is placed on them. SIGN MATERIALS
880.01 Sign Panels.
a.Aluminum Sign Materials .
1.General . Aluminum sign materials shall conform to the details and thickness's shown on the plans and the following: The materials used, unless otherwise noted by plan details, shall meet the requirements noted below and, in addition, the material used shall be free from corrosion, white rust, water stains, dirt, and grease with the panels processed as noted in Item 2 below. ALUMINUM SIGN MATERIALS USE ALLOY & TEMPER DESIGNATION Sign Panels ASTM B 209 Alloy 5052- H38 or 6061- T6 Extruded Shapes (sign panels), Bars or Rods ASTM B 221 Alloy 6063 – T6 Angles, Structural Shapes (including Stiffeners ) ASTM B 308 Alloy 6061- T6 *Bolts ASTM B 211 Alloy 2024- T4 Tamper Proof Nuts ≤ ¼" ASTM B 211 Alloy 2024 – T4 *Spring Lock Washers ASTM B 211 Alloy 7075- T6 Washers ASTM B 209 Alloy Alclad 2024 – T4 Rivets ASTM B 316 Alloy 6053 – T6 Shims ASTM B 209 Alloy 1100- 0 Flange Splicing Material ASTM B 209 Alloy 6061 – T6 Weld Filler Wire ASTM B 285 Alloy ER 5356 or ER 5556 *Hex. Nuts (Plain) ASTM B 211 Alloy 6262- T9 *Hex. Lock Nuts ASTM B 211 Alloy 2017- T4 * Unless otherwise specified Aluminum bolts, nuts, and washers shall have an anodic coating of at least 0.0002 inch {0.0051 mm} in thickness and shall be chromate sealed. Galvanized bolts, nuts, and washers as specified under Galvanized Signs, or stainless steel hardware meeting the requirements of ASTM F 593, will be acceptable in lieu of the above.
2.Special Treatment of Aluminum Sign Material . Each panel shall receive a chemical conversion treatment that will produce an acceptable etched surface suitable for either porcelainizing or attachment of reflectorized or non -reflectorized sheeting.
3.Tests and Samples. The Contractor shall furnish certified test reports confirming compliance with the requirements noted and, in a ddition, shall furnish samples of all materials used in the signs in accordance with current Departmental policy for evaluation and verification tests.
880.01 Sign Panels.
4.Recycled Aluminum Sign Panels. Recycled aluminum sign panels will be allowed for installation in acco rdance with the following requirements. Recycled sign panels shall be the same alloy and temper required for new sign panels. They shall be free of corrosion and white rust and shall meet the required tolerances for flatness and thickness for new sign pane ls. The process for removing the old reflectorized or non -reflectorized sheeting shall not damage the chromate coating. Smelting, sanding, and chemical stripping processes for recycling will not be allowed. Recycled signs will be inspected, sampled, and te sted in accordance with current Departmental policy, except certified test reports will not be required. The Contractor shall furnish a materials guaranty that the materials conform to the requirements for recycling the sign panels.
b.Metal and Galvanization Requirements .
1.Metal and Galvanization Requirements . Galvanized steel sign sheets shall conform to the details and thickness designated on the plans and the following: The materials used for Galvanized Steel Signs, unless otherwise noted by plan details, shall meet the following specifications: USE ASTM For METAL ASTM For GALVANIZING Sign Panels A 653/A 653M, SS: Grade 33 and A 924/ A 924M A 123 Angles (including Stiffeners) A 36 A 123 Bolts, Nuts and Washers, unless otherwise specified. A 307 * A 153 * Aluminum bolts, nuts, and washers as specified under Aluminum Signs, or stainless steel hardware meeting the requirements of ASTM F 593, will be acceptable in lieu of. Galvanized steel sheets and parts other than bolts, nuts and washers shall be mill galvanized with a 2 ounce per square foot {57 g per 0.1 m²} coating in accordance with ASTM A 653/A 653M G235. The galvanizing shall be a continuous coat, extra smooth, minimum spangle process. After galvanizing, the sheets a re to be given a light, tight, crystalline phosphate coating. No galvanizing of any steel part may be done until all welding, cutting, milling, punching, and drilling of the part has been completed. This includes all holes necessary for attaching demountab le copy.
2.Tests and Samples . The Contractor shall furnish certified test reports confirming compliance with the requirements noted and in addition shall furnish samples of all materials used in the signs in accordance with current Departmental policy for evaluation and verification tests.
c.Aluminum Laminated Panels .
1.General . Panels shall consist of sheet aluminum laminated to a honeycomb core, sealed completely around the perimeter with an extruded aluminum frame to form a surface of the length, width and depth required. These panels may be used either with sign face sheeting meeting the requirements of Article
880.02 or a porcelain enameled face sheet. These laminated panels shall be fabricated in accordance with these Specifications and to sizes an d shapes as shown on the plans. The minimum number of
panels shall be used for each sign. Panels shall be mounted horizontally on all signs having widths up to and including 24.0 feet {7.3 m}; panels may be mounted vertically on signs having widths exceedi ng 24.0 feet {7.3 m}. The span between supports on 1 inch {25 mm} thick panel shall not exceed 9.0 feet {3 m} with overhang not in excess of 3.0 feet {1 m}. The span for a 2.5 inch {62.5 mm} thick panel shall not exceed 14.0 feet {4.4 m} with overhang not in excess of 4.75 feet {1.45 m}. All metal materials shall meet the requirements of Subarticle 880.01(a) unless otherwise specified in this Subarticle.
2.Panel Face and Backing. The face sheet shall be fabricated in one piece from a sheet meeting the foll owing requirements: For porcelainized panels the face sheet shall comply with the requirements of Item 880.01(d)3.
880.01 Sign Panels.
For panels to be covered with sign sheeting the face sheet shall meet the requirements specified for the back sheet. The back sheet shall be fabricated in one piece from a sheet of 3003 alloy, tempered to provide a minimum tensile strength of 18,000 psi {124 MPa} and a minimum yield strength of 12,000 psi {82 MPa} and otherwise meeting the requirements of ASTM B 209. Sheets shall not be less th an 0.04 inches {1.02 mm} thick and free from all soil or corrosion prior to lamination.
3.Perimeter Frame. Each panel section shall be provided with a perimeter frame. Frames shall be fabricated of extruded shapes of #6063 -T6 Aluminum, with all joints mit ered, and firmly affixed together with the exterior framing sealed against moisture penetration. The horizontal top and bottom frame members shall have an integral retainer track for affixing mounting bolts with an additional slot milled in the frame for f ield insertion of post clip bolts. If the horizontal finished dimension of the sign exceeds 24 feet {7.3 m} and vertical panels are used, the vertical frame members shall have an integral retainer track for mounting bolts. On the perimeter of the finished sign, a 1/8 inch {3 mm} tolerance from flush between the sheets and frame will be allowed and all edges shall be straight within 1/8 inch {3 mm} from a straight plane. All sharp edges that would present a hazard in handling shall be smoothed.
4.Core Material. Core material shall be of the appropriate thickness, as required, and shall be phenolic impregnated paper honeycomb. Thickness of core materials shall be held within a tolerance of plus or minus 0.010 inch {0.254 mm}. Core material shall meet Specific ation MIL -D-5272 for resistance to fungus. Cell size, approximately 1/2 of an inch {13 mm}; weight {mass} of paper, 80 pounds {36 kg}; impregnation, 18 percent by weight {mass} minimum.
a.Laminating Adhesive. The laminating adhesive shall be a thermoplast ic neoprene rubber base solvent type or a thermo -setting type exhibiting a permanent oil and water resistant bond.
b.Tensile Strength. The tensile strength of the honeycomb type laminated construction shall have a minimum of 20 psi {138 kPa} when tested in accordance with ASTM Designation C 297 and aged in accordance with ASTM Designation C 481, Cycle "B".
5.Flatness. All adhesively bonded panels shall have an exterior face of such flatness that when measured at normal room temperature of 70 to 8 0 °F {21 to 27 °C}. The maximum wave slope of the surface at any point, measured from the nominal plane of the surface, shall not exceed 1% for panel to which sign face sheeting is to be attached or 1.5% for panels which have porcelainized face sheets. (Wa ve slope shall be computed in the following manner: Measure the distance between high points (Dimension A). Place a straight edge across the points and measure the depth of slope (Dimension B). Divide one half of A into B to determine percentage of wave sl ope.)
6.Seam Closure. Where multiple panels adjoin, the face and edges shall be milled to a tolerance of plus or minus 1/32 of an inch {0.8 mm} from a straight plane, so that when adjoining panels are assembled, no gap over 1/16 of an inch {1.6 mm} shall be visible between panels. Panels may be milled up to 1/4 of an inch {6 mm} on each side in order to achieve edge uniformity. Seam closure extrusion between panels shall be as provided by the manufacturer of Type 6063 -T6 aluminum. Seam closure extrusion may be set in 3 inches {75 mm} from edge of panels for clearance of rivets and frame.
7.Rivets. Rivets appearing on the face side of the panel shall be anodized a color similar to that required for the face of the panel. Rivets for mounting letters shall be as specified.
8.Weep Holes. Weep holes of approximately 1/8 of an inch {3 mm} in diameter shall be drilled in the perimeter frame at the bottom of each panel. Holes are to be spaced approximately 3 inches {75 mm} in from either end and in the center of each panel.
9.Fabrication of Laminated Signs. Each completed sign face shall comply with the requirements noted in this Section with the legend and border laid out on the sign face in accordance with the approved shop drawing; signs that
880.01 Sign Panels.
do not meet these requirements shall be corrected or removed and replaced in acceptable condition without additional cost to the State.
10.Tests and Samples. The Contractor shall furnish certified test reports confirming compliance with the requirements noted in this Secti on in addition to samples of materials used in the manufacturing of the signs in accordance with current Departmental policy for evaluation and verification tests.
d.Porcelain Enamel Signs .
1.General . Porcelainized signs may be fabricated from flat alum inum or steel sheets or Aluminum Laminated panels. Materials shall meet the requirements of Subarticles 880.01(a), (b), or (c), unless otherwise modified in this Subarticle. Porcelain enamel surfaces shall be in accordance with the following requirements. These requirements are basic manufacturing quality controls, and certified test reports will be accepted in lieu of samples. However, samples of each color to be used and for each separate production run shall be furnished for verification of tests of requ irements as required by current testing schedule.
a.Coating. Porcelain enameled signs shall have a base or ground coat, designed to develop minimum adherence, applied to all surfaces which are to be porcelainized. At least one separately fired cover coat, in addition to the base or ground coat, shall be applied to all surfaces being porcelainized. All porcelain enamel shall conform to the Porcelain Enamel Institute's Specification ALS 105. The thickness of the enamel coating shall not be less than 0.002 inches {0.051 mm}.
b.Color. The finish color shall be uniform colors, matching the Alabama Green Chip and the standard interstate colors within the Hue, Value and Chroma ranges of the color Tolerance Charts published by the Federal Highway Administration.
c.Gloss. The porcelain enamel shall have a gloss reading of 50 to 70 units at an angle of 45° when measured on a photovoltmeter, or a meter capable of giving equal results. (Reference Federal Test Method 6101, and current ASTM Standard Method C 346.) Panels shall be checked for gloss every 1000 square feet {100 m²} of production run.
d.Adherence. Adherence shall be checked by accelerated spall test in accordance with Porcelain Enamel Institute Process Bulletin C -703 AL -1a, (Section 6, Spall Test to De termine Retention of Adherence.) This test conforms with current ASTM C 703, "Method of Test for Spalling Resistance of Porcelain Enameled Aluminum." Tests shall be performed on process evaluation test specimens, 3 inch x 12 inch {75 mm x 300 mm}, processe d with the production run. Test samples shall be processed at a minimum rate of one set of samples per every 1000 square feet {100 m²} of the production cycle or total order, whichever occurs first, and marked with the date and time of the production run. Extra process evaluation test specimens shall be processed to check any change in processing such as cleaning, enamel formulation, firing, etc. The number of specimens constituting one set of samples shall be three unless otherwise directed by the Engineer . Failure of any process evaluation test specimen to satisfactorily pass the spall test shall be cause for holding and retesting the 1000 square feet {100 m²} of the production cycle the specimen represents. For the purpose of retesting, process evaluation test specimens shall be taken from production pieces of the production cycle being held. Failure of any one of the process evaluation test specimens, taken from production pieces, to satisfactorily pass the spall test prescribed by these specifications sh all be cause for total rejection of that 1000 square feet {100 m²} of the production cycle or total order being retested.
e.Acid Resistance. The porcelain enamel shall have a mass loss of less than 20 mg/square inch {20 mg/645 mm²} in the boiling 6% citric acid test. Reference test is described in ASTM Standard C 283 "Standard Method of Test for Resistance of Porcelain Enamels to Boiling Acid." Tests shall be performed on process evaluation test specimens, 3 inch x 12 inch {75 mm x 300 mm}, processed with the production run. Test samples shall be processed at a minimum rate of one set of samples per every 1000 square feet {100 m²} of the production cycle or total order, whichever occurs first, and marked with the date and time of the production run. Extra process evaluation test
880.01 Sign Panels.
specimens shall be processed without any change in processing such as frits, mill formula, fineness of grind, firing, etc. The number of specimens constituting one set of samples shall be three unless otherwise directed by the Engineer. Failure of any process evaluation test specimen to satisfactorily pass the acid resistance test shall be cause for holding and retesting the 1000 square feet {100 m²} of the production cycle the specimen represents. For the purpose of retesting, proces s evaluation test specimens shall be taken from production pieces of the production cycle being held.
2.Aluminum or Steel Flat or Multiple Flat Panels.
a.Metals. All materials shall meet the requirements of Subarticles 880.01(a) or (b) unless otherwise specified in this Item. Aluminum panel sheets shall be an aluminum -alloy or aluminum clad alloy (6061 -Core) especially designed for enameling and capable of being porcelain enameled to meet the Specifications noted herein. The aluminum sheets, after enamel ing, shall have a minimum ultimate strength of 18,000 psi {124 MPa}, a minimum yield strength of 12,000 psi {83 MPa} and an elongation of not less than four percent. If the porcelain enameling process materially alters the temper of the aluminum sheets suc h that the minimum yield point of the material is below 12,000 psi {83 MPa}, they shall be artificially aged or processed to raise the yield point of the panels to the required minimum stress. Steel Sheets and Backing Strips shall meet the requirements of ASTM Designation A 424, Type II, and be capable of being porcelain enameled to meet the Specifications noted herein. All steel sheets and backing strips shall be shaped and formed before porcelainization. The exposed surfaces shall be provided with a protective coating of either porcelain or galvanization.
b.Porcelain Coverage. In addition to the requirements of Item 880.01(d)1, the following shall apply. The base or ground coat may be applied to the entire exposed surface area of the sheets, including fac e and back. If both sides are covered, the coating thickness's shall be equal and rack marks will be allowed on the back of panels. The face and back shall be of the same color.
c.Flatness. Each completed sign face, after erection, shall not vary more tha n 1/8 inch {3 mm} in any 4 foot {1.2 m} length with the maximum variation of 1/4 inch {6 mm} from a flat surface in any 8 foot {2.4 m} length.
3.Porcelainized Aluminum Laminated Panels. All materials shall meet the requirements of Subarticle 880.01(c) exc ept as noted. Porcelainization of the face sheet shall be as specified in Item 880.01(d)1. Aluminum Face Sheets shall be an aluminum alloy or aluminum clad alloy (6061 -Core) especially designed for enameling and capable of being porcelain enameled to meet the Specifications noted in this Section. The aluminum sheets, after enameling, shall have a minimum ultimate strength of 18,000 psi {124 MPa}, a minimum yield strength of 12,000 psi {83 MPa} and an elongation of not less than four percent. If the porcelai n enameling process materially alters the temper of the aluminum sheets such that the minimum yield point of the material is below 12,000 psi {83 MPa}, they shall be artificially aged or processed to raise the yield point of the panels to the required mini mum stress. Face sheets shall not be less than 0.063 inches {1.6 mm} thick after porcelainization.
4.Fabrication of Porcelain Enameled Signs Each completed sign face shall comply with the surface flatness requirements noted in this Section, with the legend and border laid out on the sign face in accordance with the approved shop drawings; signs that do not meet these requirements shall be corrected or removed and replaced in acceptable condition without additional cost to the State.
5.Tests and Samples . The Contractor shall furnish certified test reports confirming compliance with the requirements noted in this Section and, in addition, samples of materials used in manufacturing of the signs in accordance with current Departmental policy for evaluation and verification tests, but in no case less than one 3 inch x 12 inch {75 mm x 300 mm} sample of each color used shall be furnished for each separate production run of the porcelain enameled panels. Verification of the porcelain colors by comparison with the Alabama Green Chip and the Color Tolerance Charts published by the FHWA shall be made on all samples. Noticeable variation of color
880.01 Sign Panels.
in a production run shall be cause of ordering inspection of all sign faces and the rejection of any sign face outside of th e tolerances provided by the Color Charts.
e.Aluminum Louvered Panels .
1.General . Aluminum louvered sign panels shall consist of aerodynamically designed louvers assembled into a sign panel which is self -supporting, internally braced, and capable of withstanding the wind loading indicated by plan requirements. The complete design assembly shall provide for an efficient flow of air in a horizontal direction with at least 50percent reduction in wind loading, normal to sign face, than that of a solid sig n panel of the same size and yet display a solid opaque background when viewed from an angle of 10° or less below the horizontal line of sight. Louvers shall be of such dimensions as to help maintain the panel rigidly and provided with sufficient internal support and bracing to support and retain the stacked louvers along with preventing aeolian vibrations. The front face of the sign panel shall have provisions for affixing standard demountable copy (borders and legends) in a firm, rigid manner. The back fa ce of the sign panel shall have provisions for attachment of the panel to the Department's standard supports (ground or overhead). The Contractor shall obtain Departmental approval of the panel design he proposes to furnish under this specification before such will be allowed on the project. To obtain approval, drawings of the proposed design, along with any necessary supporting data to verify the design, must be submitted.
2.Materials. Aluminum shall meet the requirements of Subarticle 880.01(a) and the f ollowing: USE ALLOY AND TEMPER DESIGNATION Louvers ASTM B 221 Alloy 6061 -T6 Miscellaneous Parts ASTM B 209 Alloy 6061 -T6 Castings ASTM B 85 Alloy SC84B All exposed parts of the sign panel shall have a baked enamel finish consisting of primer coat and at least two finish coats providing not less than a 1.5 mil {0.338 mm} coverage. The enamel shall be made of first class materials providing colors within the color tolerance charts published by the FHWA except that the highway green shall be the same shade, etc., as used on the Department's "Porcelain enameled" sign (a color sample will be made available upon request).
3.Fabrication of Sign Panels.
a.Each completed sign face shall be assembled in accordance with the approved design and accepted shop drawings and shall, after erection, provide a rigid panel firmly attached to the sign supports. Sign panels not meeting these requirements shall be corrected or removed and replaced in acceptable condition without additional cost to the State.
b.The legen d and border shall be laid out on the sign face in accordance with the contract plans. Spacing and layout of legend and border shall be approved by the Engineer before affixing of the legend and borders to the sign face.
4.Tests and Samples. The Contracto r shall furnish certified test reports confirming compliance with the requirements noted in this Subarticle and, in addition, samples of materials used in the manufacturing of the signs in accordance with current Departmental policy for evaluation and veri fication tests, but in no case less than one 3 inch x 12 inch { 75 mm x 300 mm} sample of each color used, shall be furnished. Verification of color by comparison with Color Tolerance Charts, etc. as noted in Item 2 above will be made on all samples. Notic eable variation of color in a panel shall be cause for ordering inspection of all signs and the rejection of any sign face outside the tolerances provided by the Color Charts. All signs shall be inspected for faulty application, blemishes, or other faults that might impair the serviceability of the sign. Any noticeable color mis -matching, when viewed from a distance of 25 feet {7.6 m} under both daylight or nighttime conditions, shall be cause for rejection of the sign face.
880.02 Reflective and Non -Reflective Sheeting.
880.02 Reflective and Non-Reflective Sheeting.
a.General . Retroreflective sheeting used in the fabrication of sign faces shall meet the requirements for ASTM D 4956. All retroreflective sheeting shall be the ASTM Type classification shown on the ALDOT Standard Highway Drawings for Standard Highway Signs, unless otherwise required by plan details or the proposal. Non-retroreflective sheeting, Type I -N, shall be a smooth, flat durable gloss plastic film meeting the requirements of ASTM D 4956, Type I, with the Specific In tensity requirements waived. Sheeting will be classified by type in accordance with the following: TYPES AND DESCRIPTIONS OF SIGN SHEETING MATERIALS Type I A medium -intensity retroreflective sheeting referred to as ''engineering grade" and typically enclo sed lens glass- bead sheeting. Typical applications for this material are permanent highway signing, temporary traffic control devices, and delineators. Type I -N Non-reflective sheeting Type II A medium -high-intensity retroreflective sheeting sometimes referred to as "super engineering grade" and typically enclosed lens glass -bead sheeting. Typical applications for this material are permanent highway signing, temporary traffic control devices, and delineators. Type III A high -intensity retrore flective sheeting, that is typically encapsulated glass -bead retroreflective material. Typical applications for this material are permanent highway signing, temporary traffic control devices, and delineators. Type IV A high -intensity retroreflective sheeting. This sheeting is typically an unmetallized microprismatic retroreflective element material. Typical applications for this material are permanent highway signing, temporary traffic control devices, and delineators. Type V A super -high-intensity retroreflective sheeting. This sheeting is typically a metallized microprismatic retroreflective element material. This sheeting is typically used for delineators. Type VI An elastomeric high -intensity retroreflective sheeting wi thout adhesive. This sheeting is typically a vinyl microprismatic retroreflective material. This sheeting is typically used for orange temporary roll -up warning signs, traffic cone collars, and post bands. Type VII Sheeting previously classified as Type V II has been reclassified as Type VIII. The designation of Type VII has been discontinued. (ASTM D 4956 -09) Type VIII A super -high-intensity retroreflective sheeting (ASTM D 4956 Table 2). This sheeting is typically unmetallized, microprismatic with the hi ghest values of retroflection attained at long and medium roadway distances. Typical applications are temporary traffic control devices, delineators, and permanent highway signing. Type IX A very -high-intensity retroreflective sheeting which is typically unmetallized, microprismatic with the highest values attained at short roadway distances where viewing angles may be critical. Typical applications are permanent highway signing, temporary traffic control devices and delineators. Type X Sheeting previously classified as Type X has been reclassified as Type VIII. The designation of Type X has been discontinued. (ASTM D 4956 -09) Type XI A super -high-intensity unmetalized cube corner microprismatic sheeting (ASTM D 4956, Table 10). Typical applicati ons are temporary traffic control devices, delineators, and permanent highway signing.
b.Tests and Samples . The Department's Product Evaluation Board has established a list of sheetings (V -1, "Materials, Sources, and Devices with Special Acceptance Requirements", manual). Only the materials on this list shall be furnished for use. Refer to Subarticle 106.01(f) and ALDOT -355 "General Information Concerning Materials, Sources, and Devices with Special Acceptance Requirements" for further information. In addition these materials will be inspected, sampled, and tested in accordance with the Department's Testing Manual and Laboratory Manual.
c.Application of Sheeting . Application of sheeting shall be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations; s plicing of sheeting will be allowed on sign faces provided such splices have a minimum overlap of 1/2 inch {13
880.03 Sign Copy.
mm} and are held to a minimum. More than one splice per 48 square feet {4.5 m²} of panel is considered excessive. On signs which consist of one p anel only, the sheeting shall extend to the edge of the sign panel, except where indicated in the plans. On all signs which are sufficient size to require two or more panels, sheeting shall be applied separately to each panel. No attempt shall be made to extend the sheeting from one panel to adjacent panels. Sheeting shall be applied in strict conformity with the recommendations of the manufacturer.
d.Color and Luminance Requirements . The chromaticity and luminance of fluorescent retroreflective materials shall be determined in accordance with the requirements given in ASTM E 991, using instrumentation which complies with the requirements given in E 991 and which has circumferential vie wing (Illumination). The instrumentation shall illuminate the specimen with light having the spectral irradiance criteria for ClE Standard llluminant D -65 as set forth in Section 5.1 of E 991 for the testing of fluorescent specimens. The reflectance data f or the CIE 1931 2° Observer shall be computed in accordance with ASTM E 308. Fluorescent retroreflective materials shall meet the requirements for chromaticity coordinates given in the following table. CHROMATICITY COORDINATES Color 1 2 3 4 x y x y x y x y Fluorescent Orange 0.583 0. 416 0 535 0.400 0.595 0. 351 0. 645 0. 355 Fluorescent Yellow 0.479 0.520 0.446 0.483 0.512 0.421 0.557 0.442 Fluorescent Yellow -Green 0.387 0.610 0.369 0.546 0.428 0.496 0.460 0.540 Fluorescent retroreflective materials shall meet the luminance requirements given in the following table. LUMINANCE REQUIREMENTS Color Luminance Factor Limits (Y) (%) Minimum Maximum YF* Fluorescent Orange 25 None 15 Fluorescent Yellow 45 None 20 Fluorescent Yellow -Green 60 None 20 *Fluorescent luminance factors (Y F) are typical values, and are provided for quality assurance purposes only. Y F shall not be used as a measure of performance during service.
880.03 Sign Copy.
a.Applied Copy .
1.General . Applied copy is classified as copy applied directly to the sign background . Unless noted otherwise, all standard Class 5, 7 and 10 signs shall have the sign copy applied by either the direct or reverse screening (silk screen) method as noted in Items 2 and 3 below. Route shields and markers with blue background and yellow symbols (typically a Class 4 or a portion of a Class 2 or 6 sign) shall use the Cut -out copy process as noted in Item 5 below . Special Class 5, 7, and 10 signs may utilize cut -out copy or acrylic electronic cuttable film as noted in Item 5 below, if so noted by the plans or on the approved shop drawings.
2.Direct Screening Process. This method is used for applying non -reflective copy to a sign background.
3.Reverse Screening Process. This method is used for applying reflectorized copy to a reflectorized backgro und by utilizing transparent inks applied to a white reflectorized background.
4.Screening Material and Application. Material for application by the silk screen method shall manufacturer recommended matched component inks manufactured especially for use o n roadway signs and compatible with the type sign
880.04 Sign Supports.
background material being used. Application of screened copy and curing thereof shall be in strict compliance with the manufacturer's recommendations of the background material. Colors shall be durable and consistent with the requirements of the FHWA Standards Colors Charts for Signs. The color shall be uniform in acceptable Hue when viewed in daylight and under normal headlights at night.
5.Substitution of Cut -Out Copy or Electronic Cuttable Film for Screen Copy . Certain signs for which standardization is impractical, such as destination signs, may be authorized to use cut -out copy or acrylic electronic cuttable film unless noted otherwise on the plans. Cut-out copy shall be fabricated from the appropriate class sheeting by individually cutting the borders, legends, numerals, and symbols, and applying them to the required background in strict compliance with the sheeting manufacturer's recommendation. If electronic cuttable film is used, it shall be the sheeting manufacturer’s recommended film and shall be applied to the required background in strict compliance with the sheeting manufacturer’s recommendations. The film shall be transparent when used in lieu of reverse screening and non - reflective when used in lieu of direct screening. When cut out copy or electronic cuttable film is authorized, borders, legends, symbols, or numerals shall be either screened, cut out copy, or created using electronic cuttable film; mixing of methods to form a border , a legend, a symbol, or numerals will not be permitted except when authorized on construction warning signs.
b.Digital Printing . An approved digital printing system must be used. Digital printing systems include a digital printer with appropriate softw are and drivers, flexible white or colored prismatic retroreflective sheeting, acrylic overlay films, and inkjet inks. A list of approved digital printing systems is included in List V -1 of the MSDSAR. Sign messages shall be printed according to the manuf acturer’s recommendations. Digital printing shall produce the desired color and the same retroreflectivity values as required for the reflective sheeting of the same type and color when applied on a reflective sheeting background. Traffic signs printed with digital ink systems will be fabricated with a full sign Protective Overlay Film designed to protect the entire sign from fading and UV degradation. The overlay will comply with the retroreflective sheeting manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure proper adhesion and transparency.
880.04 Sign Supports.
a.Ground Mounted Sign Supports .
1.General . Ground mounted supports shall fall into two categories, a light weight {mass} or bendaway post and a standard or rigid post. The light weight {mass} or bendawa y posts are normally single "U" channels (aluminum or steel) and tubular shapes (round, square, etc.) of such size and design that when hit by a moving vehicle, will easily bendaway from the vehicle without seriously damaging it. The standard or rigid posts shall be of various designs (shapes, tubular, etc.) which by size and design will not easily bendaway when hit by a moving vehicle. This type post, unless otherwise noted by plan details, will require a "breakaway" feature to be incorporated with the post. The material and design of the breakaway features for the various shapes of standard posts shall be shown by the plan details. Breakaway features constructed of steel shall have all elements galvanized, unless otherwise provided by the plan details. Damage to galvanization or any bare spots developed during construction shall be treated with two coats of approved galvanizing paint (Section 855) or approved zinc spelter paint. Aluminum elements will require no special treatment, unless so specified by plan details. All materials furnished for use shall be new, unless otherwise specified by plan details or provisions of the contract. All tubular post shapes whose design will have a tendency to collect water shall be provided with an approved tight -fitting post cap fabricated of material compatible with that of the post.
2.Steel Posts .
a.Tubular Type (Std.) This type of post shall be fabricated from standard steel shapes of the size and weight {mass} shown by plan details. Round shapes shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A 53, Grade B,
880.04 Sign Supports.
Schedule 40 or better (no pressure test required). Other shapes and materials shall be as noted by plan details.
b.Beam Type (Std.) This type of post shall be fabricated from standard beam shap es of the size, shape, and weight {mass} shown on the plans. The material shall conform to the requirements of either ASTM A 588 or A 572, Grade 50, unless otherwise noted by plan details.
c.Light Weight {Mass} or Bendaway Type.
1.This post shall be fab ricated to acceptable shape and design to provide the Moment of Inertia and Section Modulus for the requirements of the designated post size shown by the plan details. The posts shall be made of rerolled rail steel meeting the requirements of ASTM A 499, Grade 60, or a comparable new billet steel meeting the requirements of ASTM A 572, Grade 60. The steel in the posts shall meet the chemical requirements of ASTM A 1 for rails having a nominal weight {mass} of 91 pounds per yard {37 kg/m} or greater. Shaped sections shall be provided with 3/8 inch {9.5 mm} diameter holes placed on 1 inch {25 mm} centers starting 1 inch {25 mm} from the top of the post and extending the full length of the post.
2.Tubular sections shall be fabricated from steel meeting the re quirements of ASTM A 653 SS: GRADE 33 and ASTM A 924/ A 924M. Tubular sections shall be provided with 3/8 inch {9.5 mm} diameter holes placed on 1 inch {25 mm} centers starting 1 inch {25 mm} from the top of the post and extending the full length of the po st (holes shall extend through the opposite walls). In lieu of the above, tubular steel posts may conform to ASTM A 1011/A 1011M SS: Grade 33 or better. The posts shall be provided with 7/16 inch {11 mm} diameter die -cut knockouts on 1 inch {25 mm} center s on all four sides.
d.Post Finish. Standard posts shall be hot dipped zinc galvanized after fabrication in accordance with ASTM A 123 for beam shape and ASTM A 53 for tubular shape. Light weight {mass} or bendaway posts shall be zinc galvanized in accord ance with the following: "U" Channel Section - ASTM A 123 after fabrication. Tubular Section - ASTM A 653, Grade G90 or better. An alternate coating may be an in-line hot dip galvanized zinc coating per ASTM B 6 , followed by a chromate conversion coating a nd cross -linked polyurethane acrylic exterior coating, with the inside surface given a double in -line application of a full zinc -based organic coating.
3.Aluminum Posts .
a.Tubular Type (Std.) This type of post shall be fabricated from extruded tubing to the size, shape, and wall thickness shown on the plans and shall conform to the Aluminum Association, Alloy 6061- T6 (ASTM B 221).
b.Beam Type (Std.) This type of aluminum support shall be fabricated from extruded shapes of the size, shape, and weight {mas s} shown on the plans and shall conform to the Aluminum Association, Alloy 6061 -T6 (ASTM B 308).
c.Light Weight {Mass} or Bendaway Type. This type of aluminum support shall be fabricated from acceptable extruded shapes meeting the design requirements (Mom ent of Inertia and Section Modulus) for the designated post size shown in the plan details. Materials shall conform to the requirements of Alloy 6061 -T6 of ASTM B 221. Holes 3/8 inch {9.5 mm} in diameter shall be placed on 1 inch {25 mm} centers starting 1 inch {25 mm} from the post top and extending the full length of the post or within 8 feet {2.4 m} or less of the bottom of the post (holes in tubular sections shall extend through the opposite walls),
d.Finish. Aluminum supports shall be provided with a smooth non -glare finish.
4.Bolts, Nuts, Washers and Miscellaneous Hardware . High strength bolts, nuts, and washers shall meet the requirements of Article 836.33. Bolts, nuts, and washers other than high- strength shall meet the requirements of ASTM A 307 for bolts and the appropriate requirements noted in Subarticle 836.33(a) for nuts and washers.
880.05 Protection Of Sign Material.
All bolts, nuts, and washers shall be galvanized utilizing zinc in accordance with the provisions of ASTM B695 Class 50. Other miscellaneous hardware shall be galvanized in accordance with ASTM A 153, Class B.
b.Overhead Sign Supports . The materials required for overhead sign supports shall be furnished in accordance with the requirements given in Section 891.
880.05 Protection Of Sign Material.
All sign panels shall be protected by packaging after fabrication and during shipment and storage. Packaging and packing shall be adequate to prevent damage to any part of the sign panel, legends, copy, or borders. Before packaging all paint shall be thoroughly dry and all signs free of moisture. Adhesive tapes shall not be used on any sign face. All packaged signs shall be kept entirely dry. All assembled or partially assembled signs, other than flat sheet signs, shall have sufficient braces securely attached to prevent buckling or warping at all times from after assembly has begun until the signs have been attached to their permanent supports.
880.06 Sampling, Inspection and Testing of Sign Materials.
Sampling and inspection of sign materials will be done in accord ance with the requirements given in ALDOT -245, "Procedures for Sampling and Inspection of Roadway Signs and Overhead Sign Structures." All hardware such as nuts, bolts, washers, angles, channels, etc., sign panels along with the samples of the materials u sed in the panels and any certified test reports required and sign supports shall be shipped to the project site. Inasmuch as certain tests require actual inspection of all sign panels, the Contractor shall supply at the time of inspection the necessary personnel for uncrating and movement of the panels. Until test reports are issued on the sign materials, the Contractor will not be permitted to install the sign materials, unless written approval for such has been obtained from the Central Office. Should any material samples fail or any question arise concerning submitted samples being representative of those on the project, additional samples shall be selected from those on hand at the job site. Failure of resamples shall be cause for rejection of all items of the type involved. Verification of color by comparison with Color Tolerance Charts published by the FHWA shall be made. Noticeable variation in color shall be cause of ordering inspection of all sign faces and the rejection of any sign face outside the tolerances provided by the Color Charts. All signs shall be inspected for faulty application, blemishes, or other faults that might impair the serviceability of the sign or any noticeable color mismatching when viewed from a distance of 25 feet {8 m} unde r both daylight and nighttime conditions shall be cause for rejection of the sign face. SECTION 881 DELINEATORS AND HAZARD MARKERS
881.01 Standard Delineators.
a.General . A delineator shall consist of one or more colorless or colored reflector units mounted as shown on the plans. A reflector unit shall consist of a hermetically sealed acrylic plastic prismatic reflex reflector with a sealed plastic back or housed in an embossed aluminum housing.
b.Reflector Units .
1.Reflector Lens . The reflector lens shall be methyl methacrylate meeting the requirements of Federal Specifications L -P-380, Type 1, Class 3 or ASTM D 788, Grade 8 and shall be of clear or colored transparent plastic, with a minimum of 7 square inches {4500 mm²} of reflective area. The lens shall have a smooth front surface, free from projection or indentation other than a central mounting hole and identification, and a rear surface bearing a prismatic configuration, such as will effect e ssentially total reflection of light. The manufacturer's trademark shall be molded legibly on the face or back of the reflector unit.
Source: Alabama Standard Specifications for Highway Construction, 2022 Edition. Pages 807–816 of 934.