Transportation Learning Network

Virtual Learning

MPC Research - Optimization of Pavement Marking Performance

  • Feb 14, 2019
    Virtual Learning (desktop/laptop and mobile devices)

The above opportunity and more can be accessed by visiting the TLN Learning Management System (LMS).

Description

This presentation will cover research conducted by South Dakota State University under the Mountain Plains Consortium and with additional funding from South Dakota Department of Transportation. Pavement marking retro reflectivity is achieved by using various materials on PCC and asphalt pavements. This study examined if snow plowing and winter maintenance affected the performance and durability of various pavement marking materials. This study also evaluated the constructability, durability, and visibility of alternative pavement marking materials. Researchers studied seven pavement marking test sections on highways in different regions of South Dakota. Parameters used in the study include:

  • Paint Type (waterborne and epoxy)
  • Paint Thickness
  • Paint Color
  • Reflective Elements (glass beads or other)
  • Line Type (edge and skip)
  • Pavement Type and Surface Prep
  • Winter Maintenance Region (wet freeze and dry freeze)

Data analysis included: 1) retro reflectivity with time, 2) correlations between retro reflectivity and visual rating, 3) effect of the different parameters on retro reflectivity longevity, and 4) cost effectiveness of the different alternatives. An interactive spreadsheet was developed to compare the unit costs of different pavement marking alternatives.

Speaker(s)

Allen L. Jones, PhD, PE, is a Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at South Dakota State University. He has been at South Dakota State University for 16 years – prior to that, he was a Senior Engineer at Hart Crowser, Inc. for 15 years, an engineering consulting firm in Seattle WA. Dr. Jones received his PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington, and his MS and BS from the University of Idaho.

Target Audience

Roadway designers, materials staff, maintenance coordinators, specification writers, road and street supervisors/managers.