Pavement markings such as single and double divider lines, edge lines, crosswalks, and bike lane markings are critical in guiding roadway users. However, pavement markings can also lead to catastrophic crashes for motorcyclists and bikers when they are wet or icy. Unfortunately, no objective testing protocol or specification is currently available to evaluate and identify the safety (slip resistance) of pavement markings, especially in adverse weather conditions. Accordingly, the objective of this study is to develop specifications for evaluating the safety of new and degraded pavement markings under dry, wet, and icy conditions. The specification will include a simple and low-cost method that can be used in the lab or field. Such a specification may allow manufacturers to add safety as an additional quality control criterion in their products’ design and production. Highway agencies may use the specification to evaluate the slip-resistance of pavement markings as part of their certification process. And finally, agencies may use such a specification as a way to determine whether and where to post warning signage approaching slippery areas or to take remedial actions in repairing areas identified as hazardous.
Principal Investigator: Somayeh Nassiri, Civil and Environmental Engineering, WSU
Sponsor: PacTrans
Scheduled completion: January 2018