SECTION 911 – SIGNS, SIGN SUPPORTS, AND DELINEATORS
911.01 Signs
911.01.01 Materials
A.Aluminum Components. Use aluminum materials conforming to the requirements in Table 911.01.01-1. Table 911.01.01-1 Aluminum Sign Components Aluminum Items Test Method Alloy and Temper Flat Sign Sheets1 (0.080", 0.100", 0.125" thicknesses) ASTM B 209 5052-H38 or 6061-T6 Extruded Sign Panels1,2 ASTM B 221 6063-T6 Demountable Letters, Numerals, Symbols (0.040" thickness) ASTM B 209 5052-H38 or 6061-T6 Bars and Rods ASTM B 221 6063-T6 Washers, Alclad ASTM B 209 2024-T4 Flange Splicing Material ASTM B 209 6061-T6 Shims ASTM B 209 1100-O Posts, Truss Chords, Truss Bracing Members ASTM B 221 6061-T6 Post and Chord Caps ASTM B 26 356.0-T6 Post Clips ASTM B 26 356.0-T6 Structural Shapes (Z-Bar Reinforcement) ASTM B 308 6061-T6 Nuts, 5/16 inch and larger ASTM B 211 6061-T6 Tamperproof Nuts, 1/4 inch and under ASTM B 211 2017-T4 Rivets (size and length recommended by the manufacturer) ASTM B 316 5052-0 Bolts (finished bolts with at least 0.002" chromated sealed anodic coating) ASTM B 211 2024-T4
1.For flat sign sheets and extruded sign panels, ensure that aluminum is chromate conversion coated according to ASTM B 449, Class 2.
2.For extruded panels, use lightweight panels.
B.Retroreflective Sheeting. Use retroreflective sheeting that is listed on the QPL and conforms to ASTM D 4956. Use sheeting types as specified in Table 911.01.01-2. If overlay film is used, ensure that the combination of the overlay film with the background retroreflective sheeting conforms to the requirements of ASTM D 4956 for the required type of sheeting as specified in Table 911.01.01-2. Ensure that the color combination of the retroreflective sheeting with the overlay film meets the required color for the sign background. Use retroreflective sheeting and overlay film from the same manufacturer. Table 911.01.01-2 Allowable Sign Sheeting Types Sign Type Test Method Type Regulatory and Warning Signs ASTM D 4956 Type III, Type VIII, Type IX or Type XI1 Guide Signs Mounted on Steel “U” Posts ASTM D 4956 Type III, Type VIII, Type IX or Type XI Guide Signs Mounted on Overhead Sign Structures, Breakaway Sign Supports, or Non-breakaway Sign Supports ASTM D 4956 Type VIII, Type IX or Type XI2
1.Side-mounted signs with white background shall be ASTM Type IX.
2.Do not use ASTM Type XI sheeting with any existing sign lighting improvement or signs that are lit.
C.Color Processing Ink. If a screening process is used for non -retroreflective legends and borders, use only inks recommended by the retroreflective sheeting manufacturer.
911.01.02 Fabrication
A.Sign Panels. Use flat sign panels or extruded panels to fabricate signs. Ensure that cut edges are true and smooth and free from excessive burrs or ragged breaks. Do not flame cut aluminum. Fabricate flat sheet signs from a single piece of sheet aluminum without joints, using the thicknesses specified in Table 911.01.02-1. Drill or punch 3/8 inch diameter holes in the sign blank for attachment to sign supports. Locate holes according to the MUTCD Manual of Standard Highway Signs . If the panel is larger than 5 feet in any dimension, reinforce the panel with z-bars. Table 911.01.02-1 Requirements for Sheet Aluminum Thickness for Flat Panel Signs Sign Type Thickness (inches) Signs measuring less than 8.0 square feet (except One-Way signs) 0.080 Signs measuring 8.0 square feet or greater 0.100 One Way Signs 0.125 For multiple panel signs, use 1 foot wide extruded sections bolted together. Join sign panel sections together at the flanges with 3/8 inch bolts. Attach the sign panels to vertical supports, ensuring that the span between vertical supports is a maximum of 18 feet. Do not use extruded sign panels with steel “U” post sign supports. Use the same material and color for trim molding that is used for the sign face.
B.Applying Retroreflective Sheeting . Apply sheeting according to the manufacturer’s recommendations . If necessary, use 2 or more pieces of retroreflective sheeting to cover the sign face. Match color at the time of sign fabrication to provide uniform appearance. If using overlay film, use retroreflective sheeting that is the color of the proposed let tering or border. B utt-splice the sheeting and ensure that the gap betw een sheets does not exceed 1/32 inch. Cut sheeting flush with the edges of the panel.
C.Legends and Borders. The legend for each sign consists of letters, numerals, shields, and other symbols. Use Series E Modified 2000 lettering that conforms to the MUTCD Manual of Standard Highway Signs. Ensure that the lettering is aligned, spaced and sized according to MUT CD Manual of Standard Highway Signs and the working drawings. Apply the legend and borders using the following methods:
1.Demountable. Use sheeting type to match the required retroreflective sheeting for the sign. Apply the sheeting to cutout aluminum for demountable sign legend or border. Mount legend and border to the sign face.
2.Direct Applied Retroreflective Sheeting. Using sheeting type to match the required retroreflective sheeting for the sign, cutout legend , or border from the sheeting. App ly the legend or border according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
3.Overlay Film. If using overlay film to color background retroreflective sheeting, computer generate legend cutouts in the overlay film. Apply the overlay film according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4.Non-Retroreflective Legend and Border. The fabricator may apply non-retroreflective legend or border using ink and application technique according to the retroreflective sheeting manufacturer’s recommendations.
911.01.03 Packaging, Storing, and Shipping
Package, ship, and store panels on edge and according to the sheeting manufacturer’s recommendations. Ensure that all signs are packaged so that they are protected from moisture and damage during shipment and storage.
911.01.04 Acceptance Inspection
Notify the ME at least 3 days before shipping to the Project so that arrangements for inspection can be made. The ME will reject signs not fabricated according to the MUTCD Manual of Standard Highway Signs and the Plans. The ME will ensure that finished signs are clear and legible without smudging, blisters, delamination, loose edges, or other blemishes. The ME will also ensure that the colors have a consistent chromaticity across all signs of the same color. At the time of the inspection, provide copies of mill certifications for the aluminum components and copies of certification of compliance, as specified in 106.07, for the sign sheeting.
911.02 Sign Supports
911.02.01 Steel “U” Post Sign Supports
Use steel “U” post sign supports conforming to ASTM A 499, Grade 50 or 60, with the length of post and minimum pounds per foot as shown on the Plans. Provide 18-8 stainless steel 5/16 × 18 UNC hexagonal headed bolts and nuts conforming to ASTM A 320, Grade B8, Class 1, for securing the signs to the steel “U” post. Provide sign mounting bolts that are sized to extend beyond the end of each nut by no more than 3/4 inches when fully tightened. Submit a certification of compliance, as specified in 106.07, for “U” posts.
911.02.02 Breakaway Sign Supports for Ground Mounted Signs
Fabricate and construct breakaway sign supports for ground mounted signs using materials conforming to the requirements in Table 911.02.02-1. Table 911.02.02-1 Materials for Breakaway Sign Supports Item Test Method Type or Grade Galvanizing Aluminum Materials (other than bracket) 911.01.01 – – Bracket B 308 6061-T6 – Structural steel shapes ASTM A 709 Grade 36 ASTM A 123 Steel Sheet ASTM A 1011 Grade 36 ASTM A 653 Bolts (except special bolt for coupling) ASTM F 3125 Grade A 325 ASTM A 153 Special bolt for coupling ASTM A 449 – ASTM A 153 Cap Screw ASTM A 307 – ASTM A 153 Lock Washer ANSI B 18-21-1 – ASTM A 153 Nut ASTM A 563 Grade DH ASTM A 153 Coupling AMS 6378 F – ASTM A 153 Steel Hinge Plate AISI 4130 – ASTM 123 Anchor Rod AISI 1045 – – Anchor Coil AISI 1008 – – Anchor Washer 908.04 – – Anchor Ferrule 908.04 – – Submit mill certificates for the component materials.
911.02.03 Timber Sign Supports
Use timber posts conforming to the requirements for sawn timber posts as specified in 915.01.
911.02.04 Mounting Materials for Overhead, Bridge-Mounted, and Cantilever Signs
Provide brackets for mounting signs (including future signs) to the structure. Ensure that the brackets are adjustable to allow mounting of the sign faces at any angle between a truly vertical position and 3 degrees from vertical. Obtain this angle by rotating the front lower edge of the sign forward of the top edge. Fabricate brackets to lengths equal to the height of the signs being supported. Submit mill certifications for the brackets.
911.03 Flexible Delineators
Ensure that flexible delineator units are made of a fiberglass reinforced, thermosetting, high-density polymer resin or an extruded polycarbonite resin, which are resistant to ultraviolet and infrared radiation, and which meet the following minimum physical and performance requirements:
1.Delineator Dimensions.
a.Ground Mounted. Ensure that the unit for ground mounted flexible delineators has a minimum width of 3 inches and a minimum thickness of 1/8 inch. Use delineators that have a length to allow the top of the reflective area to be positioned 4 feet above the near roadway edge.
b.Guide Rail Mounted. Ensure that the unit for beam guide rail mounted flexible delineators has a minimum width of 3 inches and a minimum thickness of 0.100 inch. Use units of a height that will ensure that the top of the reflective area is 5 ± 2 inches above the top of post. Design the base of the unit to mount over the I-beam blockout or to the top of a wood or synthetic blockout, of the beam guide rail.
c.Barrier Curb Mounted. For barrier curb mounted flexible delineators, use a delineator that is 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 inches, with a minimum thickness of 0.100 inch, and that has a base that forms a “T” shape with the panel for mounting on the side of the barrier curb, and is flexible or hinged so as to return to its original position after being struck.
d.Construction Barrier Curb Mounted. For construction barrier curb top mounted flexible delineators, use a delineator that is 6 x 12 inches with a minimum thickness of 0.100 inch. For construction barrier curb side mounted flexible delineators, use a delineator that is 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches with a minimum thickness of 0.100 inch, and that has a base that forms a “T” shape with the panel for mounting on the barrier curb and is flexible or hinged so as to return to its original position after being struck.
2.Delineator Color. Use flexible delineators that are white in color.
3.Impact Resistance for Ground Mounted Delineators. Use flexible delineator units that are self-erecting to within 10 degrees of original upright position within 15 minutes after 5 vehicle impacts traveling at 55 miles per hour. Ensure that the re-erected unit retains the original cross section, shows no evidence of shredding or splintering, and retains 80 percent of its original retroreflective sheeting when tested for both bumper impacts and wheel impacts and in both cold and hot weather.
4.Retroreflective Sheeting. Use retroreflective sheeting that is listed on the QPL and conforms to ASTM D 4956, Type VII or VIII. Affix yellow or white retroreflective sheeting to the traffic-facing side of the delineator according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
a.Ground Mounted. Ensure that sheeting is a maximum of 2 inches from the top of the delineator and is at least 3 × 12 inches.
b.Guide Rail Mounted. Ensure that the sheeting is a minimum of 3 inches square and is mounted on the upper portion of the delineator.
c.Barrier Curb Mounted. Ensure that the sheeting is 3 1/2 × 3 1/2 inches.
d.Construction Barrier Curb Mounted. Ensure that the sheeting for top mounted flexible delineators is 6 x 12 inches and the sheeting for side mounted flexible delineators is 3 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. Submit a certification of compliance, as specified in 106.07, for delineators.
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Source: Standard Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction, 2019 (rev. 2022-12-21) Edition. Pages 515–518 of 651. View official source ↗