Standardization News

Paint lines marking lanes for drivers have been around for nearly as long as cars have. A new ASTM International standard will reflect current ways of thinking about how to evaluate pavement markings. D7942, Specification for Thermoplastic Pavement Markings in Non Snow Plow Areas, will be used to specify and install thermoplastic pavement markings as well as to confirm their conformance to desired field performance properties.

ASTM member Jerry Britt, technical manager, Ennis-Flint, says that specifications for thermoplastic pavement marking materials have historically focused on their chemical, compositional and physical properties. However, state department of transportation authorities and other specifying agencies now want a standard that emphasizes in-service performance criteria.

"The in-service criteria for pavement markings that are considered critical are durability, as defined by the presence of the marking, daytime and nighttime color and appearance, and nighttime visibility as defined by retroreflectivity," says Britt. "D7942 addresses these performance criteria, minimum performance standards and recommended test methods to ensure compliance."

According to Britt, D7942 will benefit drivers by providing for pavement markings that are highly visible day and night on medium-to-high traffic motorways over several years. Conformance to the standard will reduce the need for frequent maintenance restriping, which will save both money and the traffic congestion caused by such operations.

Primary users of D7942 will be state departments of transportation, city and county agencies, and toll road authorities.

D7942 was developed by Subcommittee D04.38 on Highway Traffic Control Materials, part of ASTM International Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials. D04.38 plans to use this new standard as the basis for a future standard that will cover all types of traffic marking materials, not restricted to thermoplastic pavement markings. All interested parties are invited to join in D04.38's standards developing activities.

To purchase ASTM standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Sales (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; sales@astm.org).

CONTACT Technical Information: Jerry Britt, Ennis-Flint • Wesson, Miss. • tel +1.601.757.7008 | ASTM Staff: Ashley Wiand • Phone: 610-832-9551 | Upcoming Meeting: June 16-18 • June Committee Week • Anaheim, Calif.