01337420

Component

New sign minimum retroreflectivity criteria described in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) were used to evaluate the life of sign sheeting based on retroreflectivity and color. Nine different sheeting products were tested on outdoor weathering racks to simulate more than 20 years of service. Only one sample for each product was weathered. The sheeting samples were mounted at 45 degrees with a south facing orientation. Researchers used the MUTCD’s minimum levels of retroreflectivity for in-service signs and the color specifications for new signs to evaluate how degradation affects the service life of sign sheeting. Most sign sheeting met the retroreflectivity requirements for at least 15 years. However, most orange and red sheeting, and some yellow sheeting, did not meet the color specifications for as long as the retroreflectivity requirements. Some products fell outside the color specifications in less than five simulated years. Green and white sheeting never degraded outside of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) color specifications and mostly maintained acceptable levels of retroreflectivity throughout the study. Based on the findings, end of service life for sign sheeting due to degradation is more often the result of changes in color than failure in retroreflectivity.

01329018

11-2148

English

14p

2011

Transportation Research Board 90th Annual Meeting

DVD

Figures (8) ; References (6) ; Tables (3)

Color; Deterioration by environmental action; Retroreflectivity; Service life; Sign sheeting; Specifications; Traffic control devices; Weathering

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices

Degradation (Materials)

Highways; Materials; Operations and Traffic Management; I35: Miscellaneous Materials

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2011 Paper #11-2148

TRIS, TRB

Feb 17 2011 6:04PM