Pavement Marking Degradation Modeling and Analysis

Abstract

The objective of this research was to determine the performance characteristics of thermoplastic pavement markings in North Carolina and to create viable degradation models. Additionally, an evaluation of paint pavement-marking materials was conducted and models were created for them as well. The resulting models provide pavement-marking managers with valuable tools that will allow them to focus limited resources where they are most needed and avoid replacing materials with effective life still remaining in them. Consideration was given to the analysis of the relationships between pavement-marking retroreflectivity values and variables such as time, traffic volume, and marking color. Unique to this research is the inclusion of lateral location as a key variable affecting the performance of pavement markings. Another key contribution to pavement-marking management from this research was the development and use of level of service increments for describing the status of a given marking at some point in time. Using the tools reported herein an expected service life for thermoplastic and paint pavement markings in North Carolina can be estimated. A key finding of the research is that the markings have a far greater life expectancy than originally expected. Combining our predictive tool with level of service increments provides a holistic infrastructure management approach to pavement markings.