STANDARD CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS PART 1 – ROADS

Temporary flexible raised pavement markers on bituminous surface treatment pavements shall be
cut off flush with the surface if their location conflicts with the alignment of the permanent pavement
markings.
All damage to the permanent Work caused by removing temporary pavement markings shall be
repaired by the Contractor at the Contractor’s expense.

a. Temporary Pavement Marking Paint

Paint for temporary striping, arrows, symbols and legends shall be applied per the requirements for
permanent striping paint as set forth in Sub-article e of Article 8.2.3.3 and as approved by the
Engineer.

Paint for temporary symbols and legends shall be white or yellow as shown on the Contract plans or
approved by the Engineer.

Alkyd resin or acrylic waterborne resin shall be applied in one application at a thickness of 0.38 mm

b. Preformed Plastic Tape Types 3 and 4

Type 3 shall be used on finished pavement surfaces where traffic control or channelization through
the construction zone is temporary requiring removal prior to final pavement markings.
Type 4 shall be used in construction zones where removal is unnecessary due to placement of future
paving courses or where pavement will be removed, obliterated or abandoned at the completion of
the project.
Newly applied markings shall be capable of being immediately exposed to traffic without pickup or
distortion by vehicles. Markings shall be weather resistant and through normal traffic wear shall show
no appreciable fading, lifting, shrinkage, tearing, roll back, or other signs of poor adhesion throughout
the useful life of the marking.
Damaged or missing temporary pavement markings shall be replaced immediately at the
Contractor’s expense.

c. Temporary Flexible Reflective Tabs

Newly applied markings shall be capable of being immediately exposed to traffic without pickup or
distortion by vehicles.
Damaged or missing temporary pavement markings shall be replaced immediately at the
Contractor’s expense.

8.4 Raised Pavement Markers

8.4.1 Description
Raised pavement markers (RPMs) shall comply with the dimensions and shapes indicated on the
Contract plans and shall be installed at the locations shown on the Contract plans or where
designated by the Engineer.
Longitudinal markings shall be supplemented with RPMs as indicated on the Contract plans.

8.4.2 Materials
8.4.2.1 Packaging and Marking
Shipments shall be packaged in such a manner as to ensure delivery in perfect condition. Damaged
shipments shall be replaced by the Contractor at the Contractor’s expense. Each package shall be
clearly marked as to the name of the manufacturer, type of marker, colour, quantity enclosed, lot
number, and date of manufacture. All markers on any one project shall be supplied by the same
manufacturer.
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8.4.2.2 Submittals
A minimum of 10 days prior to installation in the permanent works, Contractor shall provide sufficient
samples of the RPMs and adhesive to complete the testing required by these specifications.
Contractor shall furnish manufacturer’s data sheets and application recommendations.

8.4.2.3 Non-reflective Raised Pavement Markers (Type NR)

Non-reflective (Type NR) raised pavement markers (RPMs) shall consist of a heat-fired, vitreous,
ceramic base measuring 102 mm in diameter with a heat-fired, opaque, smooth matte surface.
Base of the RPM shall be free from glaze and substances which may reduce its bond to the adhesive.
Base shall be flat, and its deviation from a flat surface shall not exceed 1.3 mm. Type NR RPMs
shall be precast in the form of a single base, convex, spheroid terminating in a rounded or squared
shoulder where the spherical top meets the base. Top radius of curvature shall be between 90 mm
and 150 mm, except that the radius of the 13 mm nearest the edge may be less.
Type NR RPMs shall be produced from any suitable combination of intimately mixed clays, shales,
talcs, flints, feldspars, or other inorganic material which will meet the properties herein required. Type
NR RPMs shall be of uniform composition, thoroughly and evenly matured. They shall be free of
defects that affect appearance, application or durability, including surface irregularities, cracks,
checks, chipping, peeling, spalling, crazing, or other physical damage. Type NR RPMs shall meet
the following requirements:
Table 8-26: Properties of Type NR RPMs

Property Value
Weight 125 g minimum
Height 16.5-19.8 mm
Diameter 97.8-102.9 mm
Shoulder height 2-3.6 mm
Planeness of base:
Concavity 1.27 mm maximum
Convexity 1.27 mm maximum
White, unless otherwise indicated on the
Color
Contract plans or directed by the Engineer
Glaze thickness 127 mm minimum
Moh's hardness 6 minimum
Directional reflectance (white):
Glazed surface 75
Body of marker 70 minimum
Yellowness index (white):
Glazed surface 0.07 maximum
Body of marker 0.12 maximum
Strength 310.14 kg/cm2 minimum
Water absorption 2.0 % by weight maximum
Bond strength 49.21 kg/cm2 minimum

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8.4.2.4 Reflective Raised Pavement Markers (Type CR, Type YR,

Type YY)
Reflective raised pavement markers (RPMs) shall consist of an ASTM B85, alloy No. 380 aluminum
alloy shell containing two prismatic reflective faces, oriented 180° to each other, and a base with an
integral stud in the center that is designed to secure the casting to the road. Reflective RPMs are
identified by type as follows:
Table 8-27: Reflective RPM types

Item Reflective color Opposite face Body color Intent

reflective color
Type CR White (clear) Red White or silver- Channelizing traffic-
white or edge lines, 2-way
Type YR, CR Yellow or white Red Yellow or white Edge lines, 2-way
(clear) or silver white
Type YY Yellow Yellow Yellow Centre lines, 2-way
Type C/-; Y/- White (clear) Nil White or silver Lane lines/edge
/yellow white or yellow lines 1-way
Note that colours used per location shall be as shown on the Contract plans or directed by the
Engineer
Reflective RPMs shall be in the shape of a shallow frustum of a pyramid with dimensions as shown
in Figure 8-1. Alternatively, RPMs shall have dimensions of 115mm x 115mm. Corners and edges
exposed to traffic shall be rounded. Standard stud length allows installation of the RPM on bridge
decks with 50 mm asphaltic concrete overlays. Longer studs may be used with the Engineer’s written
approval. Slope of the reflective faces shall be 30o from the horizontal. Each reflective surface shall
have a minimum area of 1440 mm2.

Figure 8-1: Reflective raised pavement marker dimensions

Base of the RPM shall be free of scale, dirt, rust, oil, grease or any other contaminant which may
reduce its bond to the epoxy adhesive. Base shall be flat, and its deviation from a flat surface shall
not exceed 1.3 mm.
Surfaces other than the base shall be smooth except for the manufacturer’s unique imprint.
Reflective faces shall be molded of methyl methacrylate (MMA) or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
(ABS) in the colours specified on the Contract plans, with a thin untempered glass bonded to the
prismatic reflective face.
RPM studs (stems) shall consist of an anti-twist type to help resist displacement where used on high-
speed roadways having traffic speeds of 80 kph or more, as approved by the Engineer
Body core material other than the reflective faces shall be as approved by the Engineer, typically a
mixture of an inert thermosetting compound and filler material.

a. Optical Performance
A sample of five markers shall be tested in accordance with ASTM E1347 except that the test area
shall be 50 mm in diameter and no more than 3 mm of the curved surface shall protrude into the
measuring apparatus.

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For any one marker, the glazed surface shall have a daylight directional reflectance of not less than
75 %.

b. Test for Strength

Strength by compressive loading shall be at least 9.0 kN. Strength shall be evaluated in the following
manner:
An RPM shall be centered over the open end of a vertically positioned hollow metal cylinder that
measures 25.4 mm high with an internal diameter of 76.2 mm and wall thickness of 6.35 mm. Load
shall be slowly applied to the top of the RPM through a 25.4 mm diameter by 25.4 mm high metal
plug centered on the top of the RPM.
Failure shall constitute either a breakage or significant deformation of the marker at any load of less
than 9.0 kN.

8.4.2.5 LED Raised Pavement Markers

a. Description
This Item will govern for the furnishing and installation of raised pavement markers that contain LED
lights, powered either by external power source and permanent wiring or by internal rechargeable
battery or capacitor with electronics inside the markers that monitor ambient light levels and activate
the LED’s when the light drops below pre-set levels.

b. Materials
Contractor shall provide LED raised pavement markers that meet the requirements of Article 8.4.2.4,
with the following additional requirements for solar powered LEDs:
1. Furnish markers that maintain an adequate charge for a full duty cycle. The markers will
recharge by sunlight, lower level light, and from other light sources such as vehicle
headlights.
2. Provide markers that are backed by a one year warranty (18 months on capacitor powered)
and have a service life up to 7 years.
3. Furnish markers that use photovoltaic LED technology.
4. Furnish markers with a PVC coated aluminium housing material.
5. Provide markers with reflectors that are corner cube, Polycarbonate lens with a colour as
shown on the Contract plans or as directed by the Engineer.
6. Furnish markers that are unidirectional with 2 white or coloured LED’s built into the marker.
LED type will be 5000 mcd/LED with an output frequency of steady. Colour shall be as shown
on the Contract plans or as directed by the Engineer.
7. Provide markers with visibility of 1,000 m. With activation that is photo sensor.
8. Furnish markers that use NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) batteries or capacitor for electrical
storage. Output on full charge shall be 96 hours.
9. Provide markers that have a manufacturer’s warranty of 1 year (battery) and a 1.5 year
(capacitor).
10. Furnish markers that are tested ASTM D4280.
Prior to RPM delivery to site and installation, Contractor shall also provide the following for approval
by the Engineer:
1. Written details of the adhesive proposed for fixing the markers to the pavement surface
together with the method of handling, mixing, application and other relevant procedures.
2. Written confirmation from the adhesive manufacturer that it is suitable for long term fixing of
markers to road pavements.
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Should an adhesive prove clearly unacceptable for long term fixing of markers to a pavement surface
the Engineer may withdraw the approval and require the Contractor to obtain approval for an
alternative adhesive with a proven record of use. Adhesive and method of use shall not be changed
without the approval of the Engineer.

8.4.2.6 Epoxy Adhesive for Raised Pavement Markers

Epoxy adhesive for securing raised pavement markers (RPMs) to the road shall be furnished in two
separate components for combining in equal volumes immediately prior to use.
Adhesive for RPMs shall conform to AASHTO M 237 for Types I, II or III as follows:
1. Type I—Rapid setting, high viscosity, epoxy adhesive. This type of adhesive provides rapid
adherence of traffic markers to the surface of the pavement.
2. Type II—Standard setting, high viscosity, epoxy adhesive. This type of adhesive is
recommended for adherence of traffic markers to pavement surfaces when rapid set is not
required. This type shall be used, unless directed otherwise by the Engineer.
3. Type III—Rapid setting, low viscosity, water resistant, epoxy adhesive. This type of rapid
setting adhesive, due to its low viscosity, is appropriate only for use with embedded traffic
markers. It is more water-resistant than Type I or Type II.
Adhesive for RPM application shall comply with the material requirements of AASHTO M 237, which
details the following for each type:
1. Chemical composition of component A and component B by mass
2. Physical requirements of the individual components
3. Physical requirements for the mixed epoxy (component A mixed with component B)
4. Certificate of compliance requirements
5. Test methods
6. Recommended practice
In lieu of the square base test specimen molds for the slant shear strength test specified in AASHTO
M 237, cylindrical molds in accordance with ASTM C882M may be used.
Acceptance of each lot will be based on a manufacturer’s certificate of compliance. Entire lot of both
components may be rejected if samples submitted for test fail to meet any requirements of this
Specification.

a. Packaging and Marking

Components of epoxy adhesive for RPMs shall be supplied in separate containers that are non-
reactive with the materials contained. Contents of each container shall be such that when the
container contents are combined, a properly proportioned final mixture results.
Containers shall be identified as “Component A” (contains the epoxy resin) and “Component B”
(contains the curing agent) and shall show the mixing directions. Each container shall be marked
with the name of the manufacturer, the lot or batch number, the date of packaging, and the weight
or volume of the quantity contained.
Every shipment shall include a statement of the proper type of dispensing equipment to be used,
weather conditions during application that are detrimental to material performance, and materials
safety data sheets.

8.4.2.7 Flexible Bituminous Adhesive for Raised Pavement Markers

Flexible bituminous adhesive shall be used only with imbedded stem type markers and shall be a
hot melt thermoplastic bituminous material used for bonding items to pavement. Material shall
conform to the following requirements:

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Table 8-28: Properties of flexible bituminous adhesive

Property Test Method Requirement

Penetration, 25o C, 100 g, 5 sec, mm AASHTO T 49 30 max

Softening Point, C AASHTO T 53 93.3 min

Rotational thermoset viscosity, mPa·s, #27 spindle, 20 AASHTO T 316 5000 max
RPM, 204o C

Ductility, 25o C, 5 cm/minute, cm AASHTO T 51 15 min

Ductility, 4o C, 1 cm/minute, cm AASHTO D51 5 min

Flexibility, 2.5 cm, -6.7o C, 90o bend, 10 seconds, 0.32 ASTM D3111 * Pass
cm × 2.5 cm × 15 cm specimen

*Flexibility test is modified by bending specimen through an arc of 90o at a uniform rate in 10
seconds over a 2.5 cm diameter mandrel.

Flexible bituminous adhesive shall develop bond pull-off strength greater than 345 kPa when tested
in accordance with the following procedures:
Materials and apparatus required to perform the test shall be:
1. Commercially available Portland cement mortar block measuring 20 cm x 45 cm x 5 cm with
a compressive strength of 20 to 35 mPa, conditioned for 24 hours at standard laboratory
conditions prior to test.
2. Gyratory compacted asphalt concrete puck measuring 15 cm in diameter conditioned for 24
hours at standard laboratory conditions prior to test.
3. Type NR RPM, drilled in the center to accept a threaded steel rod. RPMs shall be from at
least two different manufacturers with different patterns on the bottom of the markers.
4. Laboratory melter as described in ASTM D5167
5. Drill press with bit sized for the threaded rods described below.
6. Threaded steel eye bolt for attaching to the RPM.
7. Tensile testing apparatus as described in AASHTO T 237 Section 13, fitted with a threaded
steel rod with a 5 cm hook.
Procedure shall be completed as follows:
1. Pull-off tests shall be run in triplicate.
2. Adhesive shall be heated in the laboratory melter to the manufacturer’s recommended
application temperature.
3. A quantity of adhesive sufficient to squeeze out a small bead around the entire periphery of
a 100 mm RPM shall be poured onto a Portland cement mortar block or asphalt concrete
puck. A predrilled RPM shall be seated on the adhesive and allowed to cure for at least 4
hours.
4. A threaded steel eye bolt shall be inserted into the predrilled hole in the RPM.
5. Block, or puck, and RPM shall be placed in the tensile testing apparatus and the threaded
hook shall be inserted in the eye bolt.
6. Load shall be applied slowly until failure and the maximum load shall be recorded.

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Pull-off strength shall be calculated as follows:

S = L/A
S = Pull-off Strength, kpa
L = Maximum Load, kN
A = Surface Area of RPM (m2)

Equation 8-1 Pull-off strength

Pull-off strength reported shall be the average of the three determinations on a Portland cement
mortar block unless otherwise specified. Results are applicable for Portland cement concrete
pavement as well as bituminous asphalt concrete pavement.

8.4.3 Construction Requirements

RPM installation shall be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and as per
the Contractor’s approved method statement.
Mark locations for each RPM as shown on the Contract plans or as directed by the Engineer. Lateral
location of RPMs shall be established with guide marks that conform to Article 8.2.3.2. Guide marks
shall not be permanent marks on the roadway. Any RPMs placed out of alignment or sequence shall
be removed and replaced in the proper alignment at the Contractor’s expense.
After installation, RPMs shall be firmly bonded to the pavement. Lines formed by the RPMs shall be
true and the entire installation shall present a neat appearance.

8.4.3.1 Surface Preparation

Pavement surface shall be prepared in accordance with Article 8.2.3.1 and as specified below:
a. All sand, dirt and loose extraneous material shall be swept or blown away from the RPM
location and the cleaned surface prepared by one of the following procedures:
1. Pavement surface shall be heated by intense radiant heat (not direct flame) for a sufficient
length of time to char extraneous, organic surface contaminants but not to exceed 1½
minutes.
2. Pavement surface shall be sandblasted for a sufficient length of time to remove all surface
contaminants and unsound particles but not so long as to expose buried aggregate. A
hot air blast shall be used to remove loose sand and dirt from the blasted areas and
ensure that the surface is completely dry.
b. When RPMs are placed on new cement concrete pavement, any curing compound shall be
removed
c. Newly placed asphaltic concrete pavement need not be sandblasted unless, in the opinion of
the Engineer, the surface is contaminated with materials that would adversely affect the bond
of the adhesive.
d. RPMs shall be placed on new asphaltic concrete only after the new surface has aged at least
14 days, unless a longer period is required by the adhesive manufacturer.
e. RPMs shall be installed on dry pavement. RPMs shall not be installed when the relative
humidity is 80 % or higher, or when the pavement is not surface dry.

8.4.3.2 RPM Preparation

RPMs shall be free of rust, scale, dirt, oil, grease, moisture, and contaminants that might adversely
affect the adhesive bond.

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Resin-rich, waxy or greasy surface that characterizes RPMs, is not satisfactory as a bonding surface.
A satisfactory bonding surface may be secured by sanding off the bottom of the marker, or by
structurally bonding a layer of glass beads or sand into the bottom surface during manufacture.
When it is necessary for the adhesive to achieve the minimum bonding strength within 15 minutes,
RPMs shall be preheated as described in Article 8.4.3.4.

8.4.3.3 Epoxy Adhesive Preparation

Heat epoxy components A and B separately with indirect heat, mix, and apply at 21o ±6º C. Discard
all material heated over 49º C or stiffened by polymerization.
Epoxy adhesive shall be maintained at a temperature of 15° to 29° C before use and during
application.
Catalyst shall be added to the base just before the use and mixed to a smooth, uniform blend.
Unused mixed adhesive shall be discarded when catalytic action has caused stiffening and reduction
of workability or a small ball of jelled resin has formed in the center of the container.
Any voids in the base of the marker shall be filled with adhesive before placing the marker on the
road surface unless approval has been obtained from the Engineer to an amended procedure.
Generally, the Engineer will require a written recommendation from the marker manufacturer to
justify the amended procedure.
Excess adhesive shall be placed on the marker or the road surface such that after placing the marker
on the road surface the following requirements are met:
x There are no voids in the adhesive beneath the marker;
x A small bead of adhesive has exuded from the full perimeter of the marker base; should the
bead of adhesive rise above the base of the marker on any edge beneath reflective elements
the excess adhesive shall be removed;
x Any adhesive on the body or lens of the marker shall be removed without damaging the marker;
Where stem type markers are installed the hole to accommodate the stem shall be filled with the
same adhesive used to fix the marker to the pavement.

a. Application Procedure with Epoxy Adhesives

RPMs shall be of the type indicated on the Contract plans and shall be fixed in the positions approved
by the engineer.
Contractor shall protect RPMs against impact until the adhesive has hardened. A displacement of
not more than one centimeter, left or right of the established guide line will be permitted. Contractor
shall remove and replace at the Contractor’s own expense all improperly placed markers.
Reflective RPMs shall be installed in such a manner that the reflective face of the marker is
perpendicular to a line parallel to the roadway center line. No pavement markers shall be installed
over longitudinal or transverse joints of the pavement surface.
Adhesive shall be machine-mixed and applied in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
1. Standard Adhesive Set: On roadway sections that are not open to public traffic, it shall not
be necessary to preheat the markers provided the adhesive develops the required bond
strength of 124 gm/ cm2 in less than 3 hours.
2. Rapid Adhesive Set: On roadway sections that are open to public traffic, the Contractor shall
preheat the roadway surface and the markers so as to insure the bonding of the marker in
not more than 15 minutes. Bonding will be considered satisfactory by the Engineer when
adhesive develops a minimum bond strength in tension of not less than 124 gm/cm2 within
15 minutes.

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RPMs whose surfaces have been prepared by sanding or structural bonding beads may be
preheated in either the fluid heating bath or a dry oven controlled between 135° C and 150° C for
not less than 10 minutes before setting.
Adhesive shall be applied to the prepared pavement area to be covered by the RPM and the RPM
immediately pressed into place so as to squeeze out a small bead of adhesive around the entire
periphery of the marker, ensuring that the full base of each RPM is seated on a continuous layer of
adhesive. Required amount of adhesive per marker will typically be in the range of 20 to 40 g.
Sequence of operations shall be as rapid as possible to ensure proper bonding. Adhesive shall be
in place and the RPM seated in not more than 30 seconds after the removal of the pavement preheat
or warm air blast. RPM itself shall not have cooled more than one minute before seating. Length of
the pavement preheat or warming shall be adjusted so as to ensure bonding of the marker in not
more than 15 minutes.
No adhesives or other materials that impair the functional retro-reflectivity of the reflective RPMs
shall be used. Any excess adhesive on the pavement or the exposed surfaces of the RPMs shall be
immediately removed. Thinners or solvents which may be detrimental to either the RPMs or the bond
provided by the adhesive shall not be used in removing excess adhesive.

b. Application Procedure with Hot Bitumen Adhesive

Hot bituminous adhesive shall be used only for stem type markers. Bituminous adhesive shall be
applied at temperatures recommended by the manufacturer.
Apply hot melt bituminous adhesive where marker is to be placed. Markers shall be placed
immediately after application of the adhesive. Place marker on the spot desired and apply pressure
for five (5) seconds.
Traffic must not be allowed to run over markers until adhesive has cooled.

8.4.3.4 Recessed Raised Pavement Marker

Recessed raised pavement markers, when specified, shall be installed at the locations shown on the
Contract plans. All recessed RPMs shall have an abrasion resistant coating. Contractor shall prepare
the surface in and install RPMs in the recess in accordance with Article 8.4.3.1.
Contractor shall construct recesses for RPMs by grinding the pavement at a 40:1 slope in
accordance with the dimensions shown in Figure 8-2. Taper lengths will be approximately 95 to 110
mm in length at a 40:1 slope.

Figure 8-2 Recessed RPM configuration

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CHAPTER : TRAFFIC MARKINGS AND SIGNS Second Edition -SEP 2020