Comparative Field Study of Permastripe(Trademark) Polymer Concrete and Waterborne Airfield Pavement Markings

摘要

The study reported herein compared polymer concrete pavement markings (Permastripe) to Federal specification waterborne airfield marking paint for field durability and retroreflectivity. The markings were placed at Tyndall Air Force Base (AFB) (hot, wet climate) and Mountain Home AFB (cold, snowy climate). American Association State Highway and Transportation Officials Type I, Type III, and a Type I/Type III retroreflectivity bead combinations were included at Tyndall AFB. Additionally, Adsil, a novel clear coating, was used at Tyndall AFB to evaluate the effects on retroreflectivity and durability of Permastripe and paint. This study suggests that Permastripe is more durable than standard airfield paint, may exhibit better bead retention, and holds promise as a durable pavement marking if certain technical problems can be overcome. The Permastripe studied in this work is not readily removable from asphalt pavement using water-blasting. The data clearly show that high- refractive index Type III beads result in higher retroreflectivity than Type I beads initially and over time. The Adsil clear coating applied to the markings resulted in significant reductions in retroreflectivity. The retroreflectivity data from one test clearly indicates that the retroreflectivity increases with time as the coating wears.