ANALYSIS OF DURABILITY AND RETRO-REFLECTION OF ROAD MARKING Iva Toš

Contents Introduction Marking methods Analysis of durability and retroreflectivity of road markings Conclusion

Introduction The level of traffic safety depends on the quality and visibility of markings that are categorized depending on the type of road. Tests markings on the roadway should be conducted periodically depending on the level of durability designated by the state. The paper is focused on the road markings as one of the most important elements of road safety because, if properly executed, it improves safety during bad weather and lack of light.

Marking methods Retro-reflective elements (eg. glass beads) are added to the materials for road marking to increase visibility. Glass beads are applied to the surface on freshly prepared conventional paint. Proper use of beads is crucial in creating a retro-reflectivity markings.

Analysis of durability and retroreflectivity of road markings Selecting the right materials for application of road marking depends on the situation of the road in which the material is applied, and as a consequence: the frequency of bad weather, the flow of vehicles, diverting vehicles from other roads, the frequency of application of asphalt layer, the interval of winter conditions. Materials for road marking should not increase the slippery of the roadway, and for this purpose elements are added to increase the surface roughness of the road.

Analysis of durability and retroreflectivity of road markings Along with durability and visibility, costs must also be taken into consideration in order to determine the profitability materials for pavement marking. The nearest example of a good setting and maintenance of road marking is Austria. There is a degree of categorized criteria (average annual daily traffic (AADT), width of pavement, environmental impact, using the marking for the first time or renewing colors etc.) that determens which material will be used.

Key results The Republic of Croatia does not have legislation that specifies a minimum level of reflectivity, therefore in Table 1 is the proposal of minimum levels of retroreflection depending on the type of paint underneath which must compete renewal markings. Table 1 The minimum levels of retroreflection depending on the type of paint Color of marking The minimum levels of retroreflection for road v ≤ 64 km/h The minimum levels of retroreflection for road v ≥ 72 km/h The minimum levels of retroreflection for highway v≥89 km/h White 85 100 150 Yellow 55 65

Discussion Republic of Croatia should follow the example of the Republic of Austria in order to reduce costs and increase efficiency of markings. Croatia needs to invest in equipment for measurement of retroreflectivity and change materials that marks the road to minimize the cost of constant renewal.

Conclusion The quality of markings is influenced by many factors, such as materials, thickness of application, type of pavement, traffic, weather conditions, and removing snow / ice. It is important to determine the effects of these factors on the effectiveness of different types of road markings. This can be achieved through a systematic evaluation of road markings at various selected locations.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION …