SECTION 880
PAVEMENT MARKINGS
880.01 WATER BASED PAVEMENT MARKING PAINT
A. Material Requirements.
Provide finished paint that is smooth and homogeneous, free of coarse particles, skins or
any other deleterious materials that are detrimental to its use or appearance.
Provide acrylic waterborne pavement marking paint capable of receiving and holding glass
beads for producing retroreflective pavement marking. Use paint that contains no more than
3200 ppm lead and no more than 800 ppm chromium, based on dry weight. Provide finished
paint that is fast-drying, water-based, acrylic resin-type paint capable of withstanding air and
roadway temperatures without bleeding, staining, discoloring or deforming. Provide dried
paint film capable of maintaining original dimensions and placement without chipping,
spalling or cracking. Provide dry paint film that does not deteriorate from contact with normal
roadway chemicals or materials. Use Rohm & Haas HD-21, Dow DT400, or approved equal
as the acrylic emulsion polymer in the manufacture of the paint.
Provide a paint with maintained that meets the specified durability and retroreflectivity after
being installed on at least one NTPEP test deck in a northern, wet climate region for a
minimum of six months, including December, January, and February.
The Department will determine conformance to this Specification by, but will not be limited
to, the evaluation of test data from NTPEP or other Department-approved facilities.
1. Durability.
Provide paint with a minimum durability rating of 4, when tested in the wheel path area of
the NTPEP test deck.
2. Retroreflectivity.
Provide paint that has an average retroreflective luminance of 75 milicandelas per foot
candle per square foot, when measured in the wheel path area as specified in ASTM E
1710.
B. Manufacturing and Packaging of Preapproved Paint.
If the project quantities are more than 1,000 gallons, manufacture the paint in lot sizes of
1,000 gallons or more. If the project quantities are less than 1,000 gallons, manufacture the
entire project quantity in one lot. Screen the paint with a 40 mesh or finer screen. Package
the paint in a container coated with a non-corrosive lining. Store paint at a temperature of at
least 32°F.
C. Package Stability of Preapproved Paint.
Use paint within 12 months from the time of manufacture. Provide paint that is
homogeneous.
D. Mixed Paint.
1. Strain the paint shall before filling using a screen or a sieving device no coarser than 40
mesh.
2. Provide finished paint that contains less than 150 grams of volatile organic matter per
liter when tested in accordance with ASTM D 3960.
3. Provide paint with the physical properties specified in Table 880-01.
Table 880-01
Characteristic
Viscosity (ASTM D 562)
Grind, minimum (ASTM D 1210)
No-Pick-Up Time, max (ASTM D 711)
Dry Through Time, max (ASTM D 1640)
Requirement
83-98 Krebs units
3 Hegman units
10 Minutes
150 Minutes
E. Color.
Provide paint with pigment that falls within CIE Chromaticity coordinate limits specified in
Table 880-02. Make color determinations for liquid marking material over the black portion of
a 2A or 5C Leneta Chart or equal a minimum of 24 hours after application of a 15-mil wet
film. Determine color readings in accordance with the requirements of ASTM E 1349 using
CIE 1931 2-degree standard observer and CIE standard illuminant D65.
1
Color
White
Yellow
x
0.334
0.531
y
0.357
0.483
Table 880-02
2
3
x
y
x
y
0.334
0.317
0.297
0.357
0.531
0.429
0.471
0.483
4
x
0.297
0.471
y
0.317
0.429
F. Flexibility.
Provide paint that shows no cracking or flaking when tested in accordance with ASTM 522
Method B.
G. Water Resistance.
Provide paint that meets the water resistance requirements of Federal Specification TT-P1952.
H. Freeze-Thaw Stability.
Provide paint that shows no coagulation and no change in consistency greater than 10
Krebs Units when tested in accordance with Federal Specification TT-P-1952.
I.
Dilution Test.
Provide paint capable of dilution with water at all levels without curdling or precipitation such
that the wet paint can be readily cleaned with water only.
J. Storage Stability.
Provide paint that after 30 days of storage in a closed, 3/4 filled container, the paint will
show no caking that cannot be readily remixed to a smooth, homogeneous state, and does
not show skinning, livering, curdling or hard settling and the paint’s viscosity does not
change more than 5 Krebs Units from the viscosity of the original sample.
K. Contrast Ratio.
Provide paint that when tested according to ASTM D 2805 has a minimum contrast ratio
(hiding power) that is 0.96 when drawn down with a 0.005 bird film applicator on a 2A or 5C
Leneta Chart or equal and air-dried for 24 hours. Calculate the contrast ratio as black/white.
L. Reflectance.
Provide paint that when tested according to ASTM D 2805 and ASTM E 1349 has a daylight
directional reflectance of a 15-mil (380 μm) wet film, applied to a 2A or 5C Leneta Chart or
equal and dried for a minimum of 24 hours, of no less than 84 percent for the white paint
and no less than 50 percent for the yellow paint.
M. Bleeding
Provide paint with a minimum bleeding ratio of 0.97 when tested in accordance with ASTM
D 969, using a test panel for asphalt substrate.
N. Dry Through Time.
Apply the paint to a non-absorbent substrate at a wet film thickness of 15 mils, with a
tolerance of 1 mil. Place the substrate, with the film applied, in a humidity chamber
controlled at 90 percent relative humidity with a tolerance of 5 percent and at 72.5°F with a
tolerance of 2.5°F. Determine the dry through time in accordance with ASTM D 1640, except
use the minimum needed pressure to maintain contact with the thumb and film.
O. Acceptance.
Use only preapproved pavement marking paint. Obtain two, 1 pint samples of paint from
each lot after the paint has been shipped to some point acceptable to the Engineer. Use
epoxy lined cans for sampling water based paint. Notify the Engineer when each sample is
obtained. Obtain samples in the presence of the Engineer. Submit the samples 30 days
before the scheduled use of the marking paint. If a paint sample fails to meet Specifications,
the Engineer will reject the lot being represented by the sample.
In addition to the certificate of compliance specified in Section 106.01 C “Certificate of
Compliance” include a reference to the specific NTPEP test deck to which the paint
formulation was applied, including NTPEP identification numbers and report numbers.
P. Glass Beads.
Use glass beads for pavement marking that meet AASHTO M 247, Type I except use beads
that have a minimum of 80 percent true spheres. Use beads that have a dual surface
treatment consisting of a moisture resistant silicone treatment and a silane adherence
surface treatment.
Furnish beads in moisture proof containers or moisture proof bags. Mark each container or
bag with name of contents, manufacturer, lot or batch number, ton number, coating type,
date of manufacture and the net weight.
Provide a certificate for each lot of the material furnished, giving the properties of the beads
and certifying that they meet the required Specifications. In addition to the certificate of
compliance specified in Section 106.01 C “Certificate of Compliance” include the
designation of the sample and date of manufacture.
880.02 EPOXY PAVEMENT MARKING PAINT
A. General.
Provide a slow cure material suitable for all applications of pavement markings under
controlled traffic conditions. Provide material that is completely free of Tri-Methyl Propane
Tri-Acrylate (TMPTA) and other multi-functional monomers.
B. Epoxy Resin Material.
1. General
Provide material composed of epoxy resins and pigments only. Provide material that
does not give off solvents to the environment upon application to a pavement surface.
2. Color
Provide material that meets the requirements of Table 880-08 and 880-09 when tested
in accordance with ASTM D 2805.
Table 880-08
CIE Chromaticity limits using illuminant “C” for Yellow Epoxy
x 0.470 0.485 0.520 0.048
y 0.440 0.460 0.450 0.420
Table 880-09
Daylight Directional Reflectance (Y)
Color
Minimum Value
White
83
Yellow
50
3. Adhesion Capabilities.
When the adhesion of the material is to a portland cement concrete, with a minimum of
300 psi tensile strength, is tested according to American Concrete Institute Committee
503 testing procedure, the failure of the system must take place in the concrete. Perform
the laboratory test with a concrete test specimen that is 90°F when the material is
applied. Allow the material to cure for 72 hours at a temperature between 71°F and
75°F.
4. Abrasion Resistance.
Provide material with a wear index of 100 or less when tested according to ASTM C 501
with a CS-17 wheel under a load of 1,000 grams for 1,000 cycles. The wear index is the
weight in milligrams that is abraded from the sample under the test conditions.
5. Hardness.
Provide material with Type D durometer hardness of at least 75 and no more than 90
when tested according to ASTM D 2240. Before performing the test, cure the material for
72 hours at a temperature between 71°F and 75°F.
6. Tensile Strength.
Provide material with a tensile strength of at least 4,500 psi when tested according to
ASTM D 638, Before performing the test, cure the material for 72 hours at a temperature
between 71°F and 75°F.
7. Compressive Strength.
Provide a material with a compressive strength of at least 12,000 psi when tested
according to ASTM D 695. Before performing the test, cure the material for 72 hours at a
temperature between 71°F and 75°F.
8. Shelf Life.
Provide material with individual components that do not require mixing before use when
stored for a period of less than 12 months.
9. No-Pick-Up Time.
Provide material with a no-pick-up time between 10 and 45 minutes when tested in
accordance with ASTM D 711. Prepare the material according to the manufacturer’s
instructions and apply at a 20 mil wet film thickness at a temperature between 71°F and
75°F with the proper application of glass beads.
C. Sampling Rate and Procedures.
Submit one pint samples of each manufacturer’s lot or batch furnished for the contract at
least 30 days before use. Submit all samples to the Department’s Materials and Research
Laboratory. Identify the samples as follows:
 Manufacturer’s name;
 Manufacturer’s product number;
 Lot/Batch number;
 Color;
 NDDOT project numbers; and
 Date manufactured.
D. Glass Beads.
Provide Glass Beads that meet the requirements of AASHTO M 247 Type I, and that have a
roundness of at least 80 percent, and that are moisture treated.
E. Packaging of Epoxy Components.
Containers for epoxy components shall be marked with the manufacturer’s name, product
identification number, lot or batch number, date of manufacture, color, net weight of
contents.
880.03 RETEROREFLECTIVE PLASTIC PAVEMENT MARKING FILM
A. General.
Provide prefabricated plastic pavement markings that consist of white or yellow pigmented
plastic films with reflective glass spheres incorporated throughout the entire cross-sectional
area and a layer of reflective glass spheres bonded to the top surface.
For white marking film, provide film that closely matches Color Chip 37925 of Federal
Standard 595b. For yellow marking film, provide film that closely matches Color Chip 33538
of Federal Standard 595b.
Provide either a pressure-sensitive precoated adhesive or liquid contact cement.
Use manufacturer’s recommendations for solvents and adhesives, equipment, and
application.
Provide marking material that molds itself to pavement contours by the action of traffic.
Use markings that are immediately ready for traffic after application.
B. Retroreflective Pliant Polymer.
Provide pavement marking film consisting of a mixture of polymeric material, pigments, and
glass beads that are uniformly distributed throughout the film’s cross-sectional area and a
reflective layer of beads bonded to the top surface. Use materials that meet the
requirements of Table 880-03.
Table 880-03
Minimum Percent
Material
by Weight
Resins and Plasticizers
20-37
Pigments
30-47
Graded Glass Beads
33-50
Comprise the remaining 17 percent of the above materials in various proportions.
C. Skid Resistance.
Use marking film with a surface that provides a minimum skid resistance value of 45 BPN
when tested according to ASTM E 303.
D. Reflectance.
Provide films with initial minimum values specified in Table 880-04 when measured
according to ASTM D 4061. Measure the photometric quantity in specific luminance (SL),
and express SL as millicandelas per square foot per foot candle [(mcd/ft 2)/fc]. Use a sample
size of 2 × 2.5 feet rectangle.
Table 880-04
White
Yellow
Observation Angle
0.2° 0.5° 0.2° 0.5°
SL [(mcd/ft2)/fc]
550 380 410 250
E. Tensile Strength and Elongation.
Provide film with a minimum tensile strength of 150 psi when tested according to ASTM D
638. Test a sample 6 × 1 inch using a jaw speed of 12 inches per minute. Provide film that
has a minimum elongation of 75 percent at break.
F. Patchability.
Provide film capable of being patched using the same type of material.
G. Glass Beads.
Provide glass bead that have a minimum index of 1.5 when tested when tested according to
ASTM E 1967.
Use glass beads that show corrosion on a maximum of 15 percent of the sample when
subjected to the following test:
1. Produce a solution composed of 1 percent sulfuric acid and 99 percent distilled
water.
2. Adhere a 1 × 2 inch sample of beads to the bottom of a glass tray and place just
enough acid solution over the sample to completely immerse the sample.
3. To prevent evaporation, cover the tray with a piece of glass. After 24 hours have
passed, decant the acid solution.
4. While still adhered to the glass tray, dry the sample in a 150°F oven for
approximately 15 minutes.
5. Examine the beads under microscope set to 20 times magnification power and
determine the number of beads that show corrosion evidenced by an opaque white
or colored layer over their entire surface.
H. Glass Bead Retention.
Subject the sample to 200 cycles using a taber abrader with an H-18 wheel and a 125 gram
load. After performing the procedure, inspect the sample under a microscope. Glass bead
bond will be considered adequate if no more than 15 percent of the beads are lost during
the test.
I.
Thickness.
Supply film, without adhesive, in a standard thickness of 60 mils.
880.04 PREFORMED PLASTIC MARKING FILM
A. General.
Use markings within the manufacturer’s recommended shelf life. Store markings in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
B. Composition.
Provide preformed plastic markings that consist of plastic material, pigments, and glass
beads uniformly distributed throughout its cross sectional area and with a reflective layer of
beads embedded or bonded in the top surface. Provide film furnished with the adhesive
system recommended by the manufacturer.
Use glass bead that have a minimum index of 1.5 when tested when tested according to
ASTM E 1967.
C. Skid Resistance.
Provide preformed plastic marking film with a surface that has an initial skid resistance value
of 55 BPN and a retained skid resistance value of 35 BPN when tested according to ASTM
E 303.
D. Color.
For white marking film, provide film that closely matches Color Chip 37925 of Federal
Standard 595b. For yellow marking film, provide film that closely matches Color Chip 33538
of Federal Standard 595b.
E. Thickness.
Provide preformed plastic marking film that has a thickness of 60 mils, without adhesive.
F. Tensile Strength and Elongation.
Provide film that has a minimum tensile strength of 40 psi when tested according to ASTM D
638. Provide film that has a maximum elongation of 100 percent when tested according to
ASTM D 638.
G. Conformability and Resealing.
Provide preformed film that conforms to pavement contours, breaks, and faults through the
action of traffic at normal pavement temperatures. Provide film that has resealing
characteristics that fuse with previously-applied film of the same composition under normal
conditions of use.
H. Plastic Pull Test.
A 1 × 3 inch test specimen shall support a dead weight of 5 pounds for a minimum of five
minutes at a temperature between 70°F and 80°F.
880.05 PREFORMED PATTERNED PAVEMENT MARKING FILM
A. General.
Use markings within the manufacturer’s recommended shelf life. Store markings in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Secure from the manufacturer all warranties and guarantees with respect to materials,
workmanship, or performance that the products covered by the proposal bear, and include
these warranties and guarantees with the certification.
B. Composition.
Provide retroreflective pliant polymer pavement markings that consist of a mixture of
polymeric materials, pigments and glass beads distributed throughout its base crosssectional area, with a reflective layer of ceramic beads bonded to a durable polyurethane
topcoat surface.
Provide material with a patterned surface with between 35 and 65 percent of the surface
area raised and presenting a near vertical face to traffic approaching from all directions.
Ensure the channels between the raised areas are substantially free of exposed beads or
particles.
Provide material that has minimal exposed beads and particles between the raised areas.
Provide preformed markings that conform to pavement contours by the action of traffic.
Provide pavements markings applied using a pressure sensitive adhesive in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions. Provide markings that are immediately ready for traffic
after application.
C. Skid Resistance.
Provide tape that has a surface that provides an initial minimum skid resistance value of 45
BPN when tested according to ASTM E 303. Take the values at downweb and at 45 degree
angle from downweb. Average the two values to find the skid resistance of the patterned
surface.
D. Thickness.
Provide patterned material that, without adhesive, has a minimum thickness of 65 mils at the
thickest portion of the patterned cross-section and minimum thickness of 20 mils at the
thinnest portion of the cross-section.
E. Beads.
Provide glass beads on the surface of the material that have a minimum index of refraction
of 1.7 when tested according to ASTM E 1967. Provide glass beads mixed, that when mixed
into pliant polymer, have a minimum index of 1.5 when tested when tested according to
ASTM E 1967.
F. Patchability.
Provide film capable of being patched using the same type of material.
G. Reflectance.
Provide markings that have minimum initial retroreflectance values specified in Table 880-05
when measured according to ASTM D 4061. Measure specific luminance (SL) expressed as
millicandelas per square foot per foot candle. Use a 50 foot test distance and a sample size
of a 2.0 × 2.5 foot rectangle.
Table 880-05
White
Yellow
Entrance Angle
86.5°
86.5°
Observation Angle
1°
1°
SL1
700
500
1
Make all reflectance measurements using an
“Ecolux” brand retroreflectometer or equivalent.
880.06 SHORT TERM PAVEMENT MARKING
A. Short Term Pavement Marking – Non-Removable Type.
Place short-term pavement marking that meets section 880.01 “Water Based Pavement
Marking Paint.”
B. Short Term Pavement Marking – Removable Type.
1. General.
a. Color.
For white marking film, provide film that closely matches Color Chip 37925 of Federal
Standard 595b. For yellow marking film, provide film that closely matches Color Chip
33538 of Federal Standard 595b.
b. Beads.
Provide bead adhesion such that beads are not easily removed when the material
surface is scratched with a thumbnail.
c. Adhesive
Provide preformed tape that is immediately ready for traffic after application and is
pre-coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive that adheres to pavement without the
use of heat, solvents, or other additional adhesive means.
d. Removability.
Provide marking film that is removable from asphalt and concrete surfaces intact or
in large pieces, either manually or with a roll-up device at temperatures above 40°F
without the use of heat, solvents, grinding or blasting.
e. Skid Resistance.
The surface of the markings provides an initial minimum skid resistance value of 50
BPN when tested according to ASTM E 303.
2. Type R – Removable Pavement Markings
Provide films that have initial minimum reflectance values specified in Table 880-06
when measured as specified in ASTM D 4061. Measure specific luminance (SL)
expressed as millicandelas per square foot per foot candle. Use 6 minutes of arc as the
angular aperture of both the photoreceptor and light projector. Use the geometric center
of the sample as the reference center, and take the reference axis perpendicular to the
test sample.
Table 880-06
White
Yellow
Entrance Angle
86.0° 86.0° 86.5° 86.0° 86.0° 86.5°
Observation
0.2°
0.5°
1.0°
0.2°
0.5°
1.0°
Angle
SL
1,770 1,270 750 1,310 810
450
3. Type R – WR Pavement Markings.
Provide white and yellow films that have minimum initial retroreflectance values specified
in Table 880-07, when measured in accordance with ASTM E 2832. Measure specific
luminance (SL) expressed as millicandelas per square foot per foot candle. Use 6
minutes of arc as the angular aperture of both the photoreceptor and light projector. Use
the geometric center of the sample as the reference center, and take the reference axis
perpendicular to the test sample.
Table 880-07
White Yellow
Entrance Angle
88.76° 88.76°
Observation Angle
1.05°
1.05°
SL
250
200
880.07 RAISED PAVEMENT MARKERS
Provide raised pavement markers that consist of a plastic shell with one or more prismatic
reflective faces with a minimum of 1 square inch of reflective surface for each direction required
to reflect incident light. Provide markers fitted with pressure-sensitive adhesive for application to
a primed surface.
Provide materials that are easily applied and removed.