Final Report Phase 1 - Temporary Wet-weather Pavement Markings for Mork Zones

APPENDIX A-2: SELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF THREE CANDIDATE PAVEMENT MARKING SYSTEMS AT TTI

In summary, we have identified three candidate experimental pavement markings, installed them in the TTI Riverside facility alongside two other pavement markings as control conditions, collected retroreflectivity data on these markings, and conducted a pilot human factors experiment to finalize the experimental design for the Task 2 human factors experiment.

Retroreflectivity Data Analysis and Material Selection for the Field Experiment at TTI

Phase I - Task 1: Initial pre-screening of candidate pavement marking systems

The objective of this task was to pre-screen twenty-two (22) alternative prototypes constructions to identify the three (3) best performing all-weather work zone pavement marking systems with promising retroreflectivity characteristics under dry and wet weather conditions for further evaluation in Task 2. The prototype constructions and controls installed on the New Orleans test deck are listed in Table 4. The test markings were installed on November 28, 2008 and the ensuing initial measurements were conducted the next day. The 3M team made subsequent measurements on December 10-11, December 17-18 with the final measurement on January 8-9. These measurements were conducted effectively 1, 11, 18 and 41 days after installation. The purpose of these measurements was to determine the durability of retroreflectivity of each prototype in a customized field test.

The test and control markings were applied in a longitudinal CEN-style test deck configuration at four locations across the road: centerline, left wheel track, right wheel track, and right edge line. The criterion for evaluating the experimental prototype in Task 1 was the durability and more specifically retention of retroreflectivity under dry, wet and rainy conditions. In order to effectively provide clear nighttime delineation within a work zone over time it is necessary for the markings to maintain a relatively high level of retroreflective efficiency under all weather conditions. It is well established that pavement marking retroreflectivity deteriorates at different rates depending on their position on the road. The four locations used in the CEN-style test deck configuration represent both common in-use wear (i.e., centerline and edge line) as well as "accelerated" wear conditions (i.e., left and right wheel track). The wheel track positions are subjected to greater wear (i.e., significantly higher number of wheel hits) than the edge line or centerline positions thereby providing a rapid test of the durability of the test markings. Given the duration of testing, we concentrated our attention on the accelerated wear at the right wheel track location for all of the experimental prototypes.

Coefficient of retroreflected luminance (R_L) was measured on the test pavement markings using a LTL-X portable retroreflectometer. Measurements were made using several test procedures simulating different conditions - dry, wet and rain. For the 'rain' and 'wet' conditions, the majority of measurements were made using a portable rain simulator designed by 3M Germany that fulfills the requirements of EN1436. This EN standard calls for "...artificial rainfall, without mist or fog, at an average intensity of (20 ± 2) mm/h...[0.8± 0.08 in./hr]." We were unable to make measurements of R_L 'wet' or 'rain' for test markings 1-5 in the right wheel track position on the 41^st day due to a natural rain event.

Table 4. Experimental Pavement Markings installed on the New Orleans Test Deck
Prototype Number	Wet Paint Film (mils)	Element Size	Drop Rate (g/lineal ft)	2^nd Drop beads	Drop rate (g/lineal ft)
Prototype All-weather Work Zone Pavement Markings
1	15	Small	4	M247 Type 1	12
2	15	Small	8	M247 Type 1	12
3	15	Small	12	M247 Type 1	12
4	20	Small	4	M247 Type 1	12
5	20	Medium	4	M247 Type 1	12
6	20	Medium	8	M247 Type 1	12
7	20	Medium	12	M247 Type 1	12
8	15	Medium	4	M247 Type 1	12
9	20	Medium*	4	M247 Type 1	12
10	20	Medium**	4	M247 Type 1	12
11	20	Medium***	4	M247 Type 1	12
12	20	Medium	4	MO Type P	12
13	20	Medium	4	M247Type 3	12
14	20	Medium	4	1.9 index Type 1^@	12
15	25	Large	4	M247 Type 1	12
16	25	Large	8	M247 Type 1	12
17	25	Large	12	M247 Type 1	12
18	20	Large	4	M247 Type 1	12
22	25	Large	4	MO Type P	12
Control and Reference Pavement Markings
19	15	--	--	M247 Type 1	12
20	20	--	--	M247 Type 3	12
21	15	--	--	1.9 index Type 1^@	12
23	3M^tm Stamark^tm Wet Reflective Removable Tape Series 780
24	3M^tm Stamark^tm Extended Season Tape Series 380

* = Only 2.4 index elements;
** = 50:50 blend of 2.4 index and 1.9 index elements;
*** = only 1.9 index elements;
^@ = 1.9 index beads with the size distribution similar of M247 Type 1

As noted above the main criteria for assessing the performance of the experimental prototype markings is their durability in terms of maintained level of retroreflection. Higher retained retroreflection translates to higher retained luminance and better visibility for the nighttime driver especially under rainy conditions. Since visibility is typically worst under active rainfall at night, retroreflective efficiency in 'rain' conditions has been chosen as the primary consideration for ranking the performance of the various prototypes. Dry retroreflective properties are also considered, but within the scope of this project we considered them a secondary consideration as long their values were greater than 200 mcd/m²/lx, which is considered sufficient for good night visibility. Table 5 shows the 41 day results for the prototypes sorted by their R_L-Rain values in 0.8 inch/hr simulated rain obtained using the EN 1436 rain simulator. We used this data as the basis for selection of three prototypes to take on to Task 2.

Table 5. Retroreflective efficiency at 41 days (1/9/2008) sorted by RL-Rain values in 0.8 in/hr simulated rain obtained using the EN 1436 rain simulator
Prototype Number	Wet Paint Film (mils)	Element size	Element Drop Rate	Dry	EN1436 rain simulator @0.8 in/hr	Recovery @ +45 sec
7	20	Medium	12	517	175	283
16	25	Large	8	522	174	264
6	20	Medium	8	405	127	189
17	25	Large	12	574	124	194
14	20	Medium	4	622	105	171
12	20	Medium	4	428	103	143
13	20	Medium	4	427	98	126
9	20	Medium*	4	282	81	122
15	25	Large	4	433	67	96
22	25	Large	4	366	41	75
10	20	Medium**	4	454	36	54
8	15	Medium	4	351	34	55
18	20	Large	4	355	25	60
11	20	Medium***	4	707	18	25
5	20	Medium	4	333	27^a	59^a
2	15	Small	8	257	23^a	69^a
1	15	Small	4	265	22^a	38^a
4	20	Small	4	278	22^a	32^a
3	15	Small	12	249	7^a	22^a

*= Only 2.4 index elements; ** = 50:50 blend of 2.4 index and 1.9 index elements; *** =only 1.9 index elements; ^a = 18 day values for reference.

The performance of the prototypes could be broken down into four groups based on these test results. First, it is clear that element size is significant with small elements exhibiting consistently poorer durability than medium or large elements. Therefore no prototypes with small elements are considered for Task 2. Second, among those with medium and large elements higher element drop rates performed better, with 4 gram/foot drop rate performing the worst. However the benefit tapered off at higher drop rates, in that, there was no significant performance increase observed in using 12 gram/foot over the 8 gram/foot rate. Therefore, for economic considerations, no formulations using 12 gram/foot of elements are carried over to Task 2. Third group is those prototypes with 'rain' values on the order of 100 mcd/m²/lx or greater. This leaves five (5) prototypes with relatively high performance under rain, recovery and dry conditions. Prototypes 12, 13 and 14 were found to be essentially equivalent in their rain performances. Prototype 12 employed MO Type P glass beads as the second drop optics, which gives it a cost advantage over the other two. Upon further inspection of the results, a clear durability benefit appeared in using MO Type P as the second drop optics with the medium elements. Based on our analysis, the three prototypes to carry on to Task 2 were prototypes 12, 6, and 16 as shown in Table 6.

Table 6. Final Experimental Prototype Wet-Weather Pavement Markings for Task 2
Marking	Base Prototype	Wet Film Paint^@ thickness (mils)	1^st Drop Optics (drop rate/ 4 in line)	2^nd Drop Optics (drop rate/ 4 in line)
EXPT A	12	20	Medium 3M dual-optics elements (4g/lineal ft)	MODOT Type P glass beads (12g/lineal ft)
EXPT B	6	20	Medium 3M dual-optics elements (8g/lineal ft)	MODOT Type P glass beads (12g/lineal ft)
EXPT C	16	25	Large 3M dual-optics elements (8g/lineal ft)	M247 Type 1 glass beads (12g/lineal ft)

^@ = High-build waterborne paint

Kick-off meeting with state agency representatives and TTI research team

The kick-off meeting was held at the ATTSA annual meeting in New Orleans in early February. The candidate state representatives and the research team members were planning to attend to this meeting in New Orleans, which was also very timely to start discussions about the involvement of these states in the project. The PI made a short presentation to the state agency representatives explaining the Highways for LIFE Technology Partnership Program and the objectives and tasks of this project for their support. The states were receptive and supportive, and reiterated their intent to collaborate. Further action items identified in the meeting were to determine the criteria to be sent to the states for pre-screening work zones in respective states for the spring 2009 construction season.

Installation of Experimental Pavement Marking Materials at TTI

The five test pavement marking were installed in accordance with the Detailed Project Plan for Task 2. The markings consisted of the three experimental prototypes chosen based on the results of Task 1 plus two reference markings (Table 7). The test markings were installed at predetermined locations at the Texas A&M University Riverside Campus. Figure 7 shows a map illustrating where each marking was installed.

Table 7.Test Pavement Markings for Task 2
Marking	Based on Task1 Prototype	Wet Film Paint^@ thickness (mils)	1^st Drop Optics (drop rate/ 4 in line)	2^nd Drop Optics (drop rate/ 4 in line)
EXPT A	12	20	Medium 3M dual-optics elements (4g/lineal ft)	MODOT Type P glass beads (12g/lineal ft)
EXPT B	6	20	Medium 3M dual-optics elements (8g/lineal ft)	MODOT Type P glass beads (12g/lineal ft)
EXPT C	16	25	Large 3M dual-optics elements (8g/lineal ft)	M247 Type 1 glass beads (12g/lineal ft)
Ref. 1	19	15	M247 Type 1 glass beads (12g/lineal ft)	NA
Ref. 2	23	NA	3M^tm Stamark^tm Wet Reflective Removable Tape Series 780	NA

^@ = High-build waterborne paint

In order to allow the test pavement marking lines to be easily removed from the roadway surface after completion of the experiments, a thin black polymer film with a pressure sensitive adhesive was laminated to the road ( Figure 8). The black film was laid out onto the roadway in the required configuration and tamped down to conform to the roadway surface. Four-inch wide painted lines were applied onto the black film using a self-propelled application cart with double drop capability manufactured by EZ Liner Industries ( Figure 9). Target paint film application was achieved through the appropriate choice of spray tip, distance between the spray tip and road surface and application ground speed. Paint wet film thickness was calibrated prior to installation for each experimental marking. Target application of the first drop and second drop optics was achieved by calibration of delivery rates and by adjustment of distribution across the surface of the paint line ( Figure 10). Calibrations for paint and optics application followed procedures used in the industry to set the application parameters on a full scale paint striping truck. For each painted line the 'stem' was painted and allowed to dry to a track free state, then the 'tails' were painted. Reference marking 2, a commercial all-weather pavement marking tape, was installed by hand and applied directly to the black polymer film, which was already on the road. This installation technique was used to insure that all markings were applied using the same protocol.

This picture shows an aerial view of the Texas A&M Riverside Campus near Bryan, Texas. Many straight roadways in east-west and north-south directions are shown to intersect. There are red marks showing the location of test marking installations. Road A is a southbound roadway on the west side of the campus, where Experimental marking samples A, B, and Reference sample 2 were installed in the direction of travel (southbound), respectively. Directly east of Road A lies a parallel roadway, which is Road B. On northbound Road B, Experimental Marking C and Reference marking 1 are installed in the direction of travel (northbound). The easternmost roadway features the rain tunnel on the north end, which was travelled in both north and south directions. From south to north, the installed test markings are Reference marking 2 (3M 780 wet-reflective tape), Experimental markings C, B, A, and reference marking 1 (ordinary paint and beads).

Figure 7. Map of test marking locations within the Texas A&M Riverside Campus

This picture shows a general southbound view of the rain tunnel with a test marking installed. A black polymer thin film is placed directly underneath the test markings to allow easy removal after the experimentation. The rain nozzles are on the right shoulder, and cones are placed to protect the test markings from any daily traffic. The test marking is longitudinal in the middle, and on both ends, it bifurcates to generate two possible lane shift directions. The closer end to the camera shows two extensions forming an upside down letter "V" shape,which then turnes into a longitudinal single solid lane, and at the other end, splits again to form a V shape.

Figure 8. Experimental pavement marking applied to black polymer film to allow easy removal of the test markings after completion of the Task 2 experiment

This picture shows a crew member behind the EZ Liner pavement marking application cart in the process of calibrating the bead drop rate by applying a certain setting on the cart on a piece of sample pavement marking paint.

Figure 9. EZ Liner walk behind application cart used to apply painted lines

This picture shows a crew member emptying the beads in the plastic bucket into a transparent volume gauge to determine the total volume of beads that were collected in the bucket

This image shows a crew member determining the total volume of beads that are emptied into the transparent volume gauge by visual observation of the gauge

Figure 10. Calibration of Element and Glass bead application rates

Standard coefficient of retroreflected luminance (R_L) measurements were conducted on the test markings at each location shortly after they were installed. Similar measurements are to be repeated periodically over the course of the experiment to account for any changes due to wear or other factors. Measurements of R_L under rain and wet conditions were also conducted on the markings installed within the rain range. Finally, a set of nighttime luminance measurements on the experimental markings in the rain range were conducted as viewed from inside the test vehicle using a CCD photometer under dry and rain conditions. The analysis of that data will be reported on next quarter.

Meeting with TTI research team at College Station for the development of the detailed experimental plan

3M Research Team and the TTI research team met in College Station, TX on February 19^th and 20^th. The purpose of the meeting was to develop the detailed work plan for Task 2. The work plan was developed and sent to the FHWA AOTR.

Human Factors Pilot Study

A pilot human factors study was conducted following the installation of the pavement markings at the TTI Riverside Campus. The purpose of the pilot experiment was to identify:

The timings, sequence, and lengths of each subtask during the experiment for the ground crew and experimenters
The general visibility assessment of each test marking under rain
Consistency of rain in the rain range
Feasibility of using cones to simulate a work zone
Any potential unforeseen issues

The general experimental setup and the pavement marking installations were found to be acceptable. Minor issues, such as slight variations in the pavement marking width in the stem sections of the markings were noticed, but the team had consensus on the minor variations as insignificant from the participant task point of view. It was also found that running each participant would take approximately one hour.

Planned Work for the Next Quarter

Within the next quarter, we have planned for the following tasks:

Task 2 and Task 3 had been completed.

Problems Encountered

No major problems were encountered during this quarter.