BACKGROUND

Pavement markings play a major role in delineating roadways and providing essential guidance to road users. Effective and durable pavement markings enhance visibility and safety under various conditions, including daytime, nighttime, and wet conditions. 

However, not all pavement markings are compatible with different bridge and pavement preservation treatments, which can lead to shorter service lives. Research is needed to assess the compatibility, and the short- and long-term performance of various pavement markings used on different bridge and pavement preservation treatments.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this research is to develop guidelines for selection of recommended pavement marking types for bridge and pavement preservation treatments.

Accomplishment of the project objective will require at least the following tasks.

TASKS

PHASE I – Planning

Task 1. Conduct a literature review on the application of pavement markings in various bridge and pavement preservation treatments. The review shall include published and unpublished research conducted through the NCHRP; the Federal Highway Administration; national, state, and local agencies; and international organizations.

Task 2. Survey state transportation agencies, a minimum of five local transportation agencies, and industry representatives (e.g., material suppliers and contractors). Conduct follow-up interviews with at least two state transportation agencies and one local transportation agency with different climatic conditions from each American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) region to gather information about current practices regarding pavement marking selection for various bridge and pavement preservation treatments.

Task 3. Based on the review and the survey performed in Tasks 1 and 2, identify knowledge gaps related to the research objective. These gaps should be addressed in the final product or the recommended future research, as the budget permits.

Task 4. Propose the research plan to be executed in Phase II to achieve the research objective. At a minimum, the research plan shall include:

• A framework to assess the durability, performance, and life-cycle costs of different pavement markings on various bridge and pavement preservation treatments under different load levels and climate conditions. This framework shall include a representative selection of:
  • bridge and pavement preservation treatments (e.g., crack sealing and filling, chip seals, micro surfacing, slurry seals, concrete sealers, thin polymer epoxy overlays, and bituminous thin overlays including ultra-thin bonded wearing courses);
  • pavement marking types, locations (e.g., longitudinal and transverse lines, symbols, messages, specialty markings), application methods, and usages (e.g., rumbles and mumbles, grooving).

Development of a draft guideline (e.g., flowchart, decision tree, matrix) for selecting recommended pavement marking types for bridge and pavement preservation treatments. The draft guideline is intended for consideration by AASHTO to incorporate the research results into an official AASHTO publication, such as a guideline, manual, or guide (referred to herein as the "AASHTO Deliverable").

Task 5. Prepare an annotated outline of the AASHTO Deliverable.

Task 6. Prepare Interim Report No. 1, which documents the research performed in Tasks 1 through 5 and provides an updated work plan for the remainder of the research no later than 8 months after contract award. The updated plan must describe the process and rationale for the work proposed for Phases II and III.

PHASE II – Execution

Task 7. Execute the work plan based on the approved Interim Report No.1.

Task 8. Prepare a preliminary draft of the AASHTO Deliverable based on the results of this work.

Task 9. Prepare Interim Report No. 2, which documents Tasks 7 and 8 and provides an updated work plan for the remainder of the research no later than 20 months after approval of Phase I. The revised plan must describe the process and rationale for the work proposed for Phase III.

PHASE III – Final Deliverables

Task 10. Revise the AASHTO Deliverable after consideration of the panel’s review comments.

Task 11. Present the research findings to the appropriate AASHTO technical committees to collect comments for potential revisions to the AASHTO Deliverable. Update the AASHTO Deliverable based on the comments. 

Task 12. Prepare a stand-alone technical memorandum titled “Implementation of Research Findings and Products”.

Task 13. Prepare presentation materials in PowerPoint or other formats approved by the NCHRP with speaker notes for webinars and presentations to facilitate the use and adoption of the AASHTO Deliverable.

Task 14. Submit the final deliverables, including (1) a final report that documents the entire research effort, (2) the AASHTO Deliverable, (3) the Implementation of Research Findings and Products, and (4) the presentation materials.

STATUS: Proposals have been received in response to the RFP. The project panel will meet to select a contractor to perform the work.