Evaluation of Solar-Powered Raised Pavement Markers

摘要

An evaluation of a limited number of solar-powered raised pavement markers (SRPMs) was conducted to determine if this type of marker would be more visible than retroreflective markers in some situations on Oregon highways. SRPMs typically use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) that are powered by solar cells. Some markers have retroreflective surfaces as well. The Oregon Department of Transportation, Research Unit, performed preliminary tests which included environmental tests (extreme temperatures, immersion), optical performance tests, and observation tests. Selected markers were sent to the Federal Highway Administrations Photometric and Visibility Laboratory (PVL) at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center in McLean, Virginia for additional evaluation. A series of tests was performed to measure both the LED signal and the retroreflected light. It was found that each type of marker had significant shortcomings, so the project was terminated prior to field trials being performed.