Citation

Pike AM, Schwenn B. Transp. Res. Rec. 2012; 2272: 87-93.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Transportation Research Board, National Research Council, National Academy of Sciences USA, Publisher SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.3141/2272-10

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to determine the sensitivity of standard test method ASTM E2177 to various factors. The standard test method is a way to determine an accurate representation of the retroreflective performance of a pavement marking in a recovery condition. Consistency of a test method across the allowable range of factors reduces inconsistencies within the method that could produce inequitable or varied results. The following test factors were evaluated in a controlled laboratory setting: water application method, water volume, recovery time, pavement marking cross slope, and pavement marking type. All factors were tested against each other to determine all correlations between them. After laboratory data were collected, the results were examined statistically for the effect of each factor and any cross interaction between them. The results of the research showed a significant impact for all factors tested. Each marking type was affected differently by each factor, and recommendations were made on the basis of the significance of each impact. The research showed that ASTM E2177 can produce repeatable results. However, a narrower range of variables within the test could create more consistent results and reduce significant differences within the test.