917Reflectors and Nonreflective Characters

917.1 General Description

This section includes the requirements of demountable characters with Type VI reflective sheeting, and direct-applied, nonreflective characters.

917.1.01 Related References

A. Standard Specifications Section 106—Certification of Materials Section 913—Reflectorizing Materials B. Referenced Documents ASTM B 209 (B 209M) ASTM D 822

917.2 Materials

917.2.01 Demountable Characters with Type IX Reflective Sheeting

A. Requirements 1. Use Type IX reflective sheeting letters, numerals, symbols, and borders that meet the requirements of Subsection 913.2.02, Type IX. 2. Use a silver color, unless otherwise specified on the plans. 3. Apply the characters to aluminum flat frames as recommended by the sheeting manufacturer. 4. Use flat frames (letter, numerals, symbols and borders) made from aluminum sheet 0.032 in. (0.813 mm) thick matching ASTM B 209 (209M), Alloy 3003-H14. 5. Submit to the Department: • One letter of a predominant size and type to be used on the Project. • A certificate to the Engineer stating that the material used on the Project is the same as the sample submitted. B. Fabrication 1. Before applying any sheeting, properly degrease, etch, and treat each frame with a light, tight amorphous chromate-type coating. 2. Mechanically apply the reflective sheeting to the prepared flat aluminum frames. Use the proper equipment as prescribed by the sheeting manufacturer. 3. When recommended by the sheeting manufacturer, coat the completed demountable letters, numerals, symbols and borders with a clear finish approved by the sheeting manufacturer. Apply the clear coat to the sheeting surface to ensure the sheeting has a fully glossy coat and a complete edge seal. 4. Ensure that the finished letters, numerals, symbols, and borders show careful workmanship, are clean cut, sharp, and have a plane surface. 5. Use the character size and shape to determine the hole spacing to mount the frame with aluminum rivets or other approved non-corrosive fasteners. Do not space holes more than 8 in. (200 mm) on center. C. Acceptance The Department will accept the material based on test results of samples taken by the Department or of samples submitted by the manufacturer or fabricator, when directed. The sample shall consist of one letter of predominant size and type to be used on the Project. Samples submitted by the manufacturer or fabricator to the Engineer, shall include a certificate stating that the material used on the Project is the same as the sample submitted. D. Materials Warranty General Provisions 101 through 150.

917.2.02 Direct Applied Nonreflective Characters

A. Requirements 1. Use direct-applied, nonreflective characters as opaque legend, stripping, and symbols on traffic control signs made from reflective sheeting that meets Subsection 913.2. 2. Use nonreflective, weatherproof plastic film that is precoated with pressure-sensitive or heat-sensitive adhesive backing. 3. Use sheeting that is flexible enough to be easily cut, shaped, and applied over reflective sheeting. 4. Submit the manufacturer’s certification to the Engineer showing the properties of the materials used and how they match the specifications, as required by Subsection 106.05, Materials Certification. 5. Ensure that the nonreflective sheeting is weather resistant after processing and application, according to the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. a. Expose the nonreflective sheeting for 1,200 hours in an Atlas Twin Arc Weatherometer, as per ASTM D 822. b. Clean the sheeting. c. The Department will reject nonreflective sheeting that appreciably discolors, cracks, crazes, blisters, changes dimensionally, or adversely effects the reflective sheeting on which it is mounted. 6. Use adhesive that has the following characteristics: • Is precoated and pressure-sensitive (Class 1) or tack-free and heat-activated (Class 2). Be able to apply either without adding more adhesive to either the nonreflective sheeting or to the reflective sheeting. • Has a protective liner that can be peeled off without being soaked in water or other solvents. • Ensure that the liner is easily removed after accelerated storage for 4 hours at 150 °F (65 °C) under 2.5 psi (17 kPa) of pressure. • Forms a durable, vandal-resistant bond to smooth and weather resistant surfaces. • Adheres securely at temperatures ranging from–30 ° to 200 °F (–35 ° to 95 °C), just 48 hours after application. • Prevents the sheeting from shocking off the panel when struck at –10 °F (–25 °C). B. Fabrication General Provisions 101 through 150. C. Acceptance The Department will accept the material based on the manufacturer’s certificate. D. Materials Warranty General Provisions 101 through 150.