666Retroreflectorized Pavement Markings

2.1 Type I Marking Materials (Thermoplastic). Furnish in accordance with DMS -8220 , “Hot Applied

Thermoplastic.”

2.2 Type II Marking Materials (Traffic Paint) . Furnish in accordance with DMS -8200 , “Traffic Pain t.”

2.3 Type III Marking Materials (Multipolymer). Furnish in accordance with DMS -8230 , ”Multipolymer Pavement

Markings.”

2.4 Glass Traffic Beads. For Type I, Type II, and Type III pavement markings, furnish drop- on glass beads in

accordance with DMS -8290 , “Glass Traffic Beads,” to meet the specified retroreflective performance requirements for all permanent, longitudinal pavement markings.

2.5 Labeling. To sample material, use clearly marked containers that indicate material type, color, mass,

manufacturer, and batch number.

3.1 General Requirements. Use pavement marking equipment that :

 is maintained in satisfactory conditi on;  meets or exceeds the requirements of the National Board of Fire Underwriters and the Texas Railroad Commission for this application;  applies beads by an automatic bead dispenser attached to the pavement marking equipment such that the beads are dispensed uniformly and almost instantly upon the marking as the marking is being applied to the road surface. The bead dispenser must have an automatic cut -off control, synchronized with the cut -off of the pavement marking equipment ;  has an automatic cut -off device with manual operating capabilities to provide clean marking with square ends ;  can produce the types and shapes of profiles specified; and  can provide continuous mixing and agitation of the pavement marking material. The use of pans, aprons, or similar appliances that the die overruns will not be permitted for longitudinal striping applications exceeding a project length of 2,000 ft., unless otherwise approved. When placing multipolymer pavement markings (MPM), use equipment designed for pavement preparation and the application of selected type of MPM material. Provid e a handheld thermometer capable of measuring the temperature between 300°F and 450°F to measure the temperature of marking material in the field, when applying Type I material.

3.1.1 Measu ring Retroreflectivity. Use a mobile retroreflectometer approved by the Materials and Tests Division

and certified by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) Mo bile Retroreflectometer Certification Program. 904 Use a portable retroreflectometer that :  uses 30-meter geometry and meets the requirements described in ASTM E1710;  has either an internal G lobal P ositioning S ystem (GPS) or the ability to be linked with an external GPS with a minim um location accuracy of 16.5 ft., in accordance with the Circular Error Probability (CEP) method (CEP is the radius of the circle with its origin at a known position that encompasses 50% of the readings returned from the GPS instrument); and  can record and export the GPS location and retroreflectivity reading for each measurement.

3.2 Material Placement Requirements. Use equipment that can place:

 a minimum length of 30,000 ft. for 6- in. solid or broken non- profile markings per working day at the specified thickness, unless otherwise approved;  a minimum length of 15,000 ft. of solid or broken profile pavement markings per working day at the specified thickness;  linear non- profile markings up to 8 in. wide in a single pass;  non-profile pavement markings other than solid or broken lines at an approved production rate;  a centerline and no- passing barrier -line configuration (consisting of one broken line and two solid lines simultaneously ) to the alignment, spacing, and thickness for non-profile pavement markings shown on the plans;  solid and broken lines simultaneously;  white lin e from both sides;  lines with clean edges, reasonably square ends, uniform width with a tolerance of ±1/8 in., and uniform thickness;  skip lines between 10 and 10.5 ft., a stripe- to-gap ratio of 10 to 30, and a stripe- gap cycle between

39.5 ft. and 40.5 ft., automatically; and

 beads uniformly and almost instantly on the marking as the marking is applied. For Type I markings, equipment must be capable of providing uniform heating of striping materials to temperatures exceeding 390°F (199°C). Ensure that the material is not heated to a temperature above the maximum temperature recommended by the manufacturer. For Type I markings, equipment must be capable of maintaining the thermoplastic striping material in a plastic state in all mixing and conveying parts, including the line dispensing device, until applied.

4.1 General . Obtain approval for the sequence of work and estimated daily production. Minimize interference to

roadway operations when placing markings on roadways open to traffic. Use traffic control as shown on the plans or as approved. Protect all markings placed under open- traffic conditions from traffic damage and disfigurement. Replace markings when more than 5% of the markings are damaged or disfigured. Establish guides to mark the lateral location of pavement markings as shown on the plans or as directed and have guide locations verified. Use material for guides that will not leave a permanent mark on the roadway. Apply markings on completely dry pavement that passes the following tests.  Type I Marking Application . Place a sample of Type I marking material on a piece of tarpaper placed on the pavement. Allow the material to cool to ambient temperature, then inspect the underside of the tarpaper in contact with the pavement. Pavement will be considered dry if there is no condensation on the tarpaper. 905  Type II and Type III Marking Application. Place a 1-sq. ft. piece of clear plastic on the pavement and weigh down the edges. The pavement is considered dry if, when inspected after 15 min., no condensation has occurred on the underside of the plastic. Apply markings :  using personnel skilled and experienced in installation of pavement markings;  that meet the requirements of Tex -828-B ;  that meet minimum retroreflectivity requirements;  using widths and colors shown on the plans;  at locations shown on the plans;  in proper alignment with the guides without deviating from the alignment more than 1 in. per 200 ft. of roadway or more than 2 in. maximum;  without abrupt deviations;  free of blisters and with no more than 5% holes or voids (percent by area);  with uniform cross -section, density, and thickness;  with clean and reasonably square ends; and  that are retroreflectorized with drop- on glass beads. Remove all applied markings that are not in alignment or sequence as shown on the plans or in accordance with the specifications at the Contractor’s expense, in accordance with Item 677, “Eliminating Existing Pavement Markings and Markers,” except for measurement and payment.

4.2 Spot Striping. Perform spot striping on a callout basis with a minimum callout quantity as shown on the

plans.

4.3 Surface Preparation . Prepare surfaces in accordance with this Section unless otherwise shown on the

plans.

4.3.1 Surface Cleaning for Pavement Marking Applications on New Asphalt Surfaces with No Existing

Pavement Markings and for Retracing of Existing Pavement Markings on All Surfaces. Use air blast or broom to clean the pavement surface to remove loose material unless otherwise shown on the plans. A sealer for Type I markings is not required unless otherwise shown on the plans. If cleaning is needed beyond what is specified, Engineer can use force account to compensate for the extra effort. This is mainly applied when the pavement is covered with thick layer of dirt or mud or there is grass growing on the pavement.

4.3.2 Surface Cleaning for All Concrete Surfaces and Asphalt Surfaces Only When Specified in the Plans (Excludes New Asphalt Surfaces with No Existing Pavement Markings and Retracing) . Clean surfaces

in accordance with Item 678, “Pavement Surface Preparation for Markings,” to remove curing membrane, dirt, grease, existing loose and flaking construction markings, and other forms of contamination.

4.3.3 Sealer for Type I Markings. Apply a pavement sealer when shown o n the plans. Pavement sealers are

recommended for old asphalt surfaces (more than 3 yr . old) and for all concrete surfaces before placing Type I markings on locations that do not have existing markings. The pavement sealer may be either a Type II marking or an acrylic or epoxy sealer as recommended by the Type I marking manufacturer, unless otherwise shown on the plans. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for application of acrylic or epoxy sealers. Clean the surface of sealer that becomes dirty after placement by washing or in accordance with Section 666.4.3.1., “Surface Cleaning for Pavement Marking Applications on New Asphalt Surfaces with No Existing Pavement Markings and for Retracing of Existing Pavement Markings on All Surfaces,” as directed. Place the sealer in the same configuration and color (unless clear) as the Type I markings unless otherwise shown on the plans.

4.4 Application . Apply markings during favorable weather unless otherwise directed. If markings are placed at

Contractor option when inclement weather is impending and the markings are damaged by subsequent precipitation, the Contractor is responsible for all required replacement costs. 906 4.4.1. Type I Markings. Place all Type I markings after the sealer cures. Apply within the temperature limits recommended by the material manufacturer. Flush the spray head if spray application operations cease for 5 min. or longer, by spraying marking material into a pan or similar container until the material being applied is at the recommended temperature. Apply on clean, dry pavement passing the moisture test in accordance with Section 666.4.1., “General,” and with a surface temperature above 50°F when measured in accordance with Tex-829-B . The Engineer will measure thickness of markings in accordance with Tex -854-B . 4.4.1.1. Non-Profile Pav ement Markings. Apply Type I non- profile markings with a minimum thickness of:  0.100 in. (100 mils) for new markings and retracing water -based markings on surface treatments involving Item 316, “Seal Coat,”  0.060 in. (60 mils) for retracing on thermoplastic pavement markings, or  0.090 in. (90 mils) for all other Type I markings. 4.4.1.2. Profile Pavement Markings. Apply Type I profile markings with a minimum thickness of 0.090 in. (90 mils) for the longitudinal stripe portion. In addition, at a longitudinal spacing shown on t he plans, the markings must be profiled in a vertical manner such that the profile is transverse to the longitudinal marking direction. The profile must not be less than 0.30 in. (300 mils) nor greater than 0.41 in. (410 mils) in height when measured from the normal top surface plane of the base marking to the top of the raised profile marking. The transverse width of the profile must not be less than 5.25 in. and the longitudinal width not less than 2 in., w hen measured at the top surface plane of the profile bar. The profile may be either a one or two transverse bar profile. When the two transverse bar profile is used, the spacing between the bases of the profile bars must not exceed 0.50 in. The above dimensions for transverse bar s are for 6-in. wid e longitudinal marking. The raised profile markings must be uniform in size, appearance, and spacing. When profile markings are applied in a two- step process, the raised profile markings must be applied first and then the stripe applied over them. The raised profile markings in a two- step process may be circular in shape. The circular profile markings must be uniform in diameter and the diameter must not be less than 5.25 in. T he height of the apex must not be less than 0.30 in. (300 mils) nor greater than 0.41 in. (410 mil s) when measured from the normal top surface of the base marking to the top of the raised profile marking. 4.4.1.3. Type I All- Weather Pavement Markings. Apply Type I all -weather markings to at least 100-mil film thickness.

4.4.2 Type II Markings. Apply on surfaces with a minimum surface temperature of 50°F when measured in

accordance with Tex -829-B . Apply at least 30 gal. per mile on concrete and asphalt surfaces and at least 33 gal. per mile on surface treatments for a solid 6- in. line. Ad just application rates proportionally for other widths. When Type II markings are used as a sealer for Type I markings, apply at least 22- 1/2 gal. per mile using Type II drop- on beads. Apply Type II all -weather markings to at least 25-mil wet film thickness.

4.4.3 Type III Markings. Apply in conformance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

4.4.4 Bead Coverage and Embedment . Provide a uniform distribution of beads across the surface of the stripe

with 40 –60% bead embedment.

4.4.5 Durability. Provide markings that do not lose more than 5% of the striping material in any 1- ft. section of

stripe during their performance period in accordance with Section 666. 4.8., “Performance Period.” Measure the durability in accordance with ASTM D913. 907 4.5. Retroreflectivity Requirements. Retroreflectivity requirements are not required for Contracts with less than 20,000 total ft . of longitudinal pavement markings, callout work, black shadow markings, or work zone pavement markings. Retroreflectivity requirements are f or dry conditions unless otherwise specified.

4.5.1 Type I Markings . All Type I markings, including profile markings, must meet the following minimum

retroreflectivity values for all longitudinal edgeline, centerline, no-passing barrier line, and lane line marki ngs.  White Markings (ASTM E1710) . 250 millicandelas per square meter per lux (mcd/m2/lx).  Yellow Markings (ASTM E1710) . 175 mcd/m2/lx. Collect retroreflectivity measurement for markings applied on pavement surface other than seal coat after 10 days but not later than 30 days from the time of application. For markings applied on seal coat, measure retroreflectivity after 3 days but not later than 10 days from the time of application.

4.5.2 Type I High- Performance Markings. Type I h igh-performance markings must meet the following minimum

retrorefl ectivity values for all longitudinal edgeline, centerline, no- passing barrier line, and lane line markings when measured any time after 30 days but not later than 60 days from the time of application.  White Markings (ASTM E1710) . 400 mcd/m2/lx.  Yellow Markings (ASTM E1710) . 250 mcd/m2/lx.

4.5.3 Type I All- Weather Markings. Type I a ll-weather markings must meet the following minimum retroreflectivity

values for all longitudinal edgeline, centerline, no- passing barrier line, and lane line markings when measured any time after 30 days but not later than 60 days from the time of application.  White Markings Dry (ASTM E1710) . 400 mcd/m2/lx.  Yellow Markings Dry (ASTM E1710) . 250 mcd/m2/lx.  White Markings Wet Continuous (ASTM E2832) . 150 mcd/m2/lx.  Yellow Markings Wet Continuous (ASTM E2832) . 125 mcd/m2/lx.

4.5.4 Type II Markings. Type II markings must meet the following minimum retroreflectivity values for all

longitudinal edgeline, centerline, no-passing barrier line, and lane line, markings .  White Markings. 175 mcd/m2/lx.  Yellow Markings . 125 mcd/m2/lx. Collect retroreflectivity measurement for markings applied on pavement surface other than seal coat after 10 days but not later than 30 days from the time of application. For markings applied on seal coat, measure retroreflectivity after 3 days but not later than 10 days from the time of application.

4.5.5 Type II All- Weather Markings. Meet the following minimum retroreflectivity values for all longitudinal

edgeline, centerline, no-passing barrier line, and lane line markings.  White Markings Dry (ASTM E1710) . 250 mcd/m2/lx.  Yellow Markings Dry (ASTM E1710) . 150 mcd/m2/lx.  White Markings Wet Continuous (ASTM E2832) . 100 mcd/m2/lx.  Yellow Markings Wet Continuous (ASTM E2832) . 75 mcd/m2/lx. Collect retroreflectivity measurement for markings applied on pavement surface other than seal coat after 10 days but not later than 30 days from the time of application. For markings applied on seal coat, measure the retroreflectivity after 3 days but not later than 10 days from the time of application.

4.5.6 Type III Markings . Type III markings must meet the following minimum retroref lectivity values for all

longitudinal edgeline, centerline, no- passing barrier line, and lane line markings when measured any time after 30 days but not later than 60 days from the time of application.  White Markings. 400 mcd/m2/lx.  Yellow Markings . 250 mc d/m2/lx. 908 4.5.7. Type III All- Weather Markings. Type III a ll-weather markings must meet the following minimum retroreflectivity values for all longitudinal edgeline, centerline, no- passing barrier line, and lane line markings when measured any time after 30 days but not later than 60 days from the time of application.  White Markings Dry (ASTM 1710) . 400 mcd/m2/lx.  Yellow Markings Dry (ASTM 1710) . 250 mcd/m2/lx.  White Markings Wet Continuous (ASTM 2832) . 150 mcd/m2/lx.  Yellow Markings Wet Continuous (ASTM 2832) . 125 mcd/m2/lx.

4.6 Retroreflectivity Measurements . Use a mobile retroreflectometer to measure the retroreflectivity of

markings for Contracts with more than 50,000 total ft. of longitudinal pavement markings, unless otherwise shown on the plans. For Contracts between 20,000 and 50,000 total ft. of longitudinal pavement markings , mobile or portable retroreflectometers may be used at the Contractor’s discretion. Coordinate with and obtain authorization from the Engineer before starting any retroreflectivity data collection. Use a portable retroreflectometer for measuring the wet continuous retroreflectivity in accordance with ASTM E2832. Notify the Department when wet retroreflectivity measurements are to be taken. The Department will observe the wet retroreflect ivity readings.

4.6.1 Mobile Retroreflectometer Measurements. Provide mobile measurement averages for every 0.1 mi. unless

otherwise specified or approved. Take measurements on each section of roadway for each series of markings ( e.g., edgeline, center skip line, and each line of a double line) and for each direction of traffic flow. Measure each line in both directions for centerlines on two- way roadways (i.e., measure both double solid lines in both directions and measure all center sk ip lines in both directions). Furnish measurements in accordance with Item 667, “Mobile Retroreflectivity Data Collection for Pavement Markings,” unless otherwise approved. The Engineer may require a field comparison check using a calibrated portable retroreflectometer for verification and to ensure accuracy. Use all equipment in conformance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and directions. Inform t he Engineer and TTI at least 24 hr. before taking any measurements. A marking meets the retroreflectivit y requirements if:  the combined average retroreflectivity measurement for a 1- mi. segment meets the minimum retroreflectivity values specified and no more than 30% of the retroreflectivity measurement values are below the minimum retroreflectivity requirem ents value within that 1 -mi. segment ; or  the combined average retroreflectivity measurement for a 1- mi. segment does not meet the minimum retroreflectivity values specified, but no more than 20% of the retroreflectivity measurements within that 1-mi. segm ent are below the minimum retroreflectivity requirement. The 1- mi. segment will start from the beginning of the data collection and end after a mile’s worth of measurements have been taken. E ach subsequent mile of measurements will be a new segment. Centerlines with two stripes (either solid or broken) will result in 2 mi. of data for each mile segment. Each centerline stripe must be tested for compliance as a stand- alone stripe. Restripe at the Contractor ’s expense if the markings fail retroreflectivity requirements. Take retroreflectivity measurements of all restriped markings following the time interval allowed based on the type of marking and the pavement surface for the latest application. For all Type I markings, if the restripe applicat ion does not meet minimum retroreflectivity requirements or the initial stripe combined with the restripe exceeds 0.180 in. (180 mils), the Engineer may require:  removal of all existing markings,  a new application as initially specified, and  a repeat of the application process until minimum retroreflectivity requirements are met. 909 For all Type III markings, if the first application does not meet minimum retroreflectivity requirements, the Engineer may require removal of all existing markings, a new application as initially specified, and a repeat of the application process until minimum retroreflectivity requirements are met.

4.6.2 Portable Retroreflectometer Measurements. For non- all-weather markings, provide portable measurement

averages for every 1.0 mi. unless otherwise specified or approved. Using a portable reflectometer, take at least 20 measurements for each 1- mi. section of roadway for each series of markings ( e.g., edgeline, center skip line, and each line of a double line) and direction of traffic flow. Measure each line in both directions for centerlines on two- way roadways (i.e., measure both double solid lines in both directions and measure all center skip lines in both directions). The spacing between each measurement must be at least 100 ft. The Engineer may decrease the mileage frequency for measurements if the previous measurements provide satisfactory results. The Engineer may resume the original number of measurements if concerns arise. For all -weather markings, take at least three measurements for each series of markings (e.g., edgeline, center skip line, and each line of a double line) and direction of traffic flow and average the three measurements for each marking. The spacing between each measurement must be at least 100 ft. If the average of the three measurements taken on an individual marking falls below the minimum acceptable retroreflectivity value, take at least six additional measurements on that individual marking and average them. These six additional measurements must also be spaced at least 100 ft. apart. If the average of these six measurements falls below the minimum acceptable retroreflectivity value, the marking does not meet the performance requirements. Restripe at the Contractor ’s expense if the averages of these measurements fail. Retake portable retroreflectometer measurements of all restriped markings following the time interval allowed based on the type of marking and the pavement surface for the latest application.

4.7 Traffic Control . Provide traffic control, as required, when taking portable retroreflectivity measurements after

marking application. For the minimum traffic control requirements on low -volume roadways (as shown on the plans), refer to “Temporary Road Closure” in Part 6 of the TMUTCD . For all other roadways, the minimum traffic control requirements will be as shown on the Traffic Control Plan (TCP) standard sheets TCP (3- 1) and TCP (3 -2). The lead vehicle will not be required on divided highways. The TCP and traffic control devices must meet the requirements listed in Item 502, “Barricades, Signs, and Traffic Handling.” Time restrictions that apply during striping application will also apply during the retroreflectivity inspections , except when using the mobile retroreflectometer, unless otherwise shown on the plans or approved.

4.8 Performance Period . All longitudinal markings must meet the minimum retroreflectivity requirements within

the timeframe specified. All markings must meet all other performance requirements in accordance with this Item for at least 30 calendar days after installation. Unless otherwise directed, remove pavement markings that fail to meet requirements and replace them at the Contractor’s expense. Replace failing markings within 30 days of notification. All replacement markings must also meet all requirements in accordance with this Item for at least 30 calendar days after installation.