RETROREFLECTIVE AND NONREFLECTIVE SHEETING AND SIGN PANEL FABRICATION
994-1 Description.
994-1.1 General: This Section specifies the requirements for ret roreflective and
nonreflective sheeting and sign panel materials and fabrication. This includes the sign sh eeting materials such as transparent and opaque process inks for retroreflective sheeting materials , vinyl and transparent overlays.
994-2 Retroreflective and Nonreflective Sheeting Systems .
994-2.1 Materials: Retroreflective sheeting material shall be classified in accordance
with and meet the requirements of ASTM D4956. Overlay materials include colored and colorless transparent overlays and vinyl. Inks include transparent and opaque silkscreen inks as well as inkjet inks used in digital print systems.
994-2.2 Approved Product List (APL): All sheeting, process inks and overlay materials
shall be listed as a system on the Department’s Approved Product List (APL). Sign sheeting systems shall consist of base sheeting wi th ink and/or overlay materials. Products with an ASTM classification of Type XI or greater will not be accepted for qualification on the APL for fluorescent orange. Manufacturers seeking evaluation of their products need to submit product data sheets, per formance test reports from an independent laboratory showing the sign sheeting system meets the requirements of this Section, and a APL application in accordance with Section 6. Information on the APL application shall include the individual materials comp rising the sign sheeting system and identify colors, ASTM base sheeting classification, adhesive backing class, availability of transparent and/or opaque backing and availability of liner type s.
994-2.3 Performance Requirements :
994-2.3 1 General: Sheeting, process inks and overlay materials shall be tested in
accordance with, and meet all the performance requirements of ASTM D4956, including Supplemental Requirement S2, Reboundable Sheeting Requirements , except as amended in this Section. For performance requirements that are color dependent, each color included in the APL application shall be tested and meet the requirements identified in ASTM D4956 or this Section as applicable. All sign sheeting systems consisting of inks and/or overlays will be tested as a system consisting of white base sheeting and each color of ink and/or overlay. Panels for testing sheeting shall be prepared in accordance with 994 -3 for testing. The in -service life for the sign sheeting system shall equal the life of the reflective base sheeting of the system .
994-2.3 2 Retroreflective Intensity: The retroreflectivity of sheeting and
sheeting systems shall meet the minimum initial requirements as stated for all observation and entrance angles as identified in ASTM D4956. The 0.2 and 0.5 degree observation angles with an entrance angle of minus 4 degrees per ASTM D4956 shall be used for in -service requirements. Rotational sensitivity shall be tested in accordance with AASHTO M268. Rotationally sensitive sheeting will be noted on the APL.
994-2.3 3 Clear Overlay Films: Clear overlay film shall be compatible with the
sign sheeting system and not delaminate or dis color for the in -service life of the system. FY 2023-24 Return to Table of Contents
994-2.3 4 Outdoor Weathering : Outdoor weathering exposure of sign sheeting
systems shall be performed in accordance with ASTM D4956, and meet the requirements for each system, color, and classification. All t esting shall be conducted at an exposure location meeting the Tropical Summer Rain Climate Type (Miami, Florida or equivalent). Outdoor weathering is not required for Type VI fluorescent pink.
994-2.3 5 Packaging and Labeling : Packaging and labeling shall meet the
requirements of ASTM D4956.
994-2.3 6 Samples: Field samples shall be obtained in accordance with the
Department’s Sampling, Testing and Reporting Guide Schedule and on a random basis at the discretion of the Enginee r.
994-3 Sign Panels.
994-3.1 Materials: For aluminum sheets and plates for sign panels, meet the
requirements of ASTM B 209, Aluminum Association Alloy 6061-T6, 5154-H38 or 5052 -H38 and those shown in the Plans.
994-3.2 Preparation of Sign Blanks :
994-3.2 1 De-greasing and Etching for Aluminum Sign Blanks :
994-3.2 1.1 General: Prior to the application of retroreflective sheeting,
use any of the methods shown below to de -grease and etch the aluminum sign blanks.
994-3.2 1.2 Hand Method: Under this method, de -grease and etch the
blanks in one operation, using steel wool (medium grade) with any of the following combinations of materials:
1.An abrasive cleanser of a commercial grade kitchen scouring powder.
2.Acid and a suitable d etergent solution.
3.An alkaline solution. Thoroughly rinse the blanks with clean water following all hand de-greasing operations.
994-3.2 1.3 Power -Washer Method: Under this method, de -grease the
blanks with an inhibited alkaline cleanser, by spraying for 90 seconds with the solution between 135 and 249ºF, the exact temperature to be as recommended by the manufacturer of the cleanser. After the spraying, rinse the blanks with clean water. Then etch the blanks by immersing them in a 6 to 8% solu tion of phosphoric acid at a temperature of 100 to 180ºF for 60 seconds. After immersion, rinse the blanks in clean water.
994-3.2 1.4 Immersion Method: Under this method, de -grease the blanks
by immersing them in a solution of inhibited alkaline cleans er at a temperature between 160 and 180ºF for three to five minutes, and then rinsing with clean water. Then etch blanks by immersing them in a 6 to 8% solution of phosphoric acid at a temperature of 100ºF for three minutes. After immersion, rinse the blan ks in clean water.
994-3.2 1.5 Vapor De -greasing Method: Under this method, de -grease
the blanks by totally immersing them in a saturated vapor of trichloroethylene. Remove trademark printing with lacquer thinner or a controlled alkaline cleaning system .
994-3.2 1.6 Alkaline De -greasing Method: De-grease the blanks by
totally immersing them in a tank containing an alkaline solution, controlled and titrated in accordance with the solution manufacturer’s directions. Adapt immersion time to the amount of soil present and the thickness of the metal. After immersion, thoroughly rinse the blanks with running water. FY 2023-24 Return to Table of Contents
994-3.2 1.7 Etching Method when De -greasing is Separate Operation:
If using either of the de -greasing methods described in this section, accom plish etching by one of the following alternate methods:
1.Acid Etch: Etch well in a 6 to 8% phosphoric acid solution at 100ºF, or in a proprietary acid etching solution. Rinse thoroughly with running cold water, which may be followed by a hot water r inse.
2.Alkaline Etch: Etch aluminum surfaces in an alkaline etching material that is controlled by titration. Meet the time, temperature, and concentration requirements specified by the solution manufacturer. After completing etching is complete, rin se the panel thoroughly.
994-3.2 1.8 Chromate Coating: Before applying retroreflective sheeting
to the aluminum, treat the aluminum sign surfaces with c hromate conversion coating. Coating may consist of an organic or inorganic c hromate material. Coating s shall be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions and shall conform to ASTM B449, Class 2.
994-3.3 Drying: Dry the panels using a forced -air drier. Use a device or clean canvas
gloves, to handle the material between all cleaning and etching operations and the application of retroreflective sheeting. Do not allow the metal to come in contact with greases, oils or other contaminants prior to the application of retroreflective sheeting.
994-3.4 Fabrication of Sign Blanks: Fabricate all metal pa rts to ensure a proper fit of all
sign components. Complete all fabrication, with the exception of cutting and punching of holes, prior to metal de -greasing and applying the retroreflective sheeting. Cut metal panels to size and shape and keep free of buck les, warp, dents, burrs, and defects resulting from fabrication. Use aluminum sheets with increments of 4 feet in width; except, for sign widths that are not multiples of 4 feet. A maximum of two panels may be cut to less than 4 feet, and no panel may be c ut to less than one foot. Mount aluminum sheets vertically and provide backing strips a t vertical joints to keep the abutting sheets in proper alignment. Ship all multi -panel signs to the project intact, completely assembled and ready to be installed. Fa bricate signs taller than 10 feet as two separate signs with a horizontal splice, ready to be spliced and installed.
994-3.5 Fabrication of Retroreflective Sign Faces :
994-3.5 1 General: Fabricate signs with sign sheeting systems listed on the APL
meeting the requirements in Section 700, the Standard Plans and the Plans .
994-3.5 2 Application of Sheeting: Apply retroreflective sheeting to the base
panels with mechanical equipment in a ma nner specified for the manufacture of traffic control signs by the sheeting manufacturer. For sheeting that has been identified as rotationally sensitive, apply white sheeting for cut -out legends, symbols, borders and route marker attachments within the parent sign face at the optimum rotation angle according to the identification markings. Apply all background sheeting at a uniform rotational angle. The retroreflective sheeting for each sign will be from the same roll or LOT number. Apply consecutively alt ernate successive width sections of either sheeting or panels to ensure that corresponding edges of sheeting lie adjacent on the finished sign. If the sign cannot be constructed from retroreflective sheeting from the same roll or LOT number, the fabricator may color match from a different LOT; the color between the rolls cannot exceed three ΔE’s using test method ASTM D 2244. The Engineer shall not accept nonconformance that may result in non -uniform shading and an undesirable contrast between adjacent widt hs of applied sheeting or non -optimum retroreflectivity in the finished sign and installation. FY 2023-24 Return to Table of Contents Sheeting is to be trimmed at 45 -degree angle from the edge of each panel. Finish signs by sealing sheeting splices and sign edges according to sign manufactur er recommendations.
994-3.5 3 Direct and Reverse Screen Processing: Screen message and borders
on retroreflective sheeting in accordance with the recommendations of the ink or overlay manufacturer. Process messages either before or after applying the she eting to the base panels. The transparent and opaque process inks furnished for direct and reverse screen processing shall be of a type and quality formulated for retroreflective sheeting materials as listed on the APL and applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction. Screen processing in accordance with the techniques and procedures recommended by the manufacturer shall produce a uniform legend of continuous stroke width of either transparent or opaque ink, with sharply defined edges and wi thout blemishes on the sign background that will affect the intended sign use.
994-3.5 4 Digital Printing Process: Digital print systems shall include a digital
printer, with appropriate software and drivers, flexible white or colored prismatic retrorefl ective sheeting in accordance with the recommendation of the sheeting manufacturer. The use of a certified digital sign fabricator will be required. Digital sign fabricators shall be certified by the reflective sheeting manufacturer or a third -party certif ier approved by the reflective sheeting manufacturer. Inks or ribbons shall be of a type and quality formulated to produce colors that meet the chromaticity requirements given in ASTM D4956 for retroreflective sheeting material when printed and finished as recommended by the sheeting manufacturer.
994-3.5 5 Finished Sign Face: Provide finished signs with properly aligned clean
cut and sharp messages and borders. Fabricated signs shall be free of wrinkles, bubbles, foreign matter, scratches, free of patche s, or other visually identifiable defects. Ensure that finished background panels are essentially a plane surface.
994-3.5 6 Packaging and Labeling: For permanent roadway signs, label the back
of all finished panels at the bottom edge with “FDOT”, the da te of fabrication, sign sheeting system manufacturer, Type, and the fabricator’s initials. For Type VI non-reflective vinyl work zone signs, label the back of all finished panels at the bottom edge with “Daytime Use Only”. Make the labels unobtrusive, but legible enough to be easily read by an observer on the ground when the sign is in its final position. Apply the label in a manner that is at least as durable as the sign face. Properly package signs to protect them during storage, shipment and handling to prevent damage to the sign face and panel. FY 2023-24 Return to Table of Contents SECTION 995 TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNAL AND DEVICE MATERIALS
995-1 Description.
995-1.1 General: This Section governs the requirements for all permanent traffic control
signals and devices . All equipment shall be permanently marked with manufacturer name or trademark, part number, and date of manufacture or serial number.
995-1.2 Product Acceptance: All specified products shall be items listed on the
Department’s Approved Product List (APL), unless otherwise noted below. Manufacturers seeking evaluation of products for inclusion on the APL shall submit an application in accordance with Section 6 and include the following documentation. A separate application must be submitted for each product to be evaluated, showing that the product mee ts the applicable requirements. Table 995-1 Documentation Requirements Assembly and Installation Instructions Include any surface preparations, assembly/installation instructions, operation manual, troubleshooting guides, and repair procedures. Independent Laboratory Test Results Product meets requirements of this Section. Product Label Photo Labeling shows the manufacturer’s name, trademark, and product model number/name. Label shows the date of manufacture and/or the manufacturer’s batch number. Additional label requirements, as listed within this Section. Product Photo Displays the significant features of the product as required in this section. Compliance Matrix Include completed compliance matrix at https://www.fdot.gov/traffic/traf -sys/product - specifications.shtm Manufacturer’s Product Specifications Include product specifications showing electrica l requirements, voltages, etc. Product Drawings or Cut Sheet Show mounting points, mechanical details, block diagrams, schematics, etc. Parts List List major parts and field serviceable components.
995-1.3 Abbreviations: The following abbreviations are used in this Section:
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) Alternating Current (AC) Direct Current (DC) Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) Global Positioning System (GPS) Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Internet Protocol (IP) FY 2023-24 Return to Table of Contents
Source: Florida Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2024 Edition. Pages 1205–1208 of 1,299.