Most people acknowledge that traffic signals, road signs, and flashing lights are visual reminders of the rules of the road. Many underestimate the importance of markings on the roadways however. Transportation officials take seriously the job of deciding what materials to use to make road markers as clear and noticeable as possible. A lot of planning goes into the pavement marking AR drivers rely on each day.
There are pros and cons to all the materials used to make the roads safer. Whether officials decide to use tapes, raised markers, thermoplastic, paint, or reflective beads is based on a wide range of factors. These factors include the daily traffic count, the function, the location, kind of pavement, availability of labor, equipment needed, life span versus cost, and how much money they have allocated in the annual budget.
Painted markers were the first pavement signage in the United States and are still the most common. It was in 1911 when Michigan drivers first saw the markers. The painted markers seen today may be non-reflective or reflective. They are created from four basic materials. The most widely used are the solvent borne paints. Water borne paints are becoming much more common because of an increasing concern for the environment.
Thermoplastic materials have been around since before World War Two and, since they don't contain any solvents, are preferred by many municipalities. Not only are they more environmentally friendly than paint, but they are more effective at night and in wet conditions. In warm climates, they last longer than paint. Thermoplastic is not however as durable under cold conditions. In order to maximize the usefulness, the surface must be prepared with a primer or other treatment prior to application.
Neither paint nor thermoplastic is naturally reflective. This is not an issue during daylight hours and good weather, but nighttime conditions, especially when rain or fog are involved, can make driving hazardous without the use of some reflective material. Glass beads are currently the preferred method of creating reflective traffic paint and thermoplastic. They are naturally reflective because of their shape and transparency.
Tape is being increasingly used on a permanent basis. It has a higher initial cost, and in the past was mostly used on a temporary basis to direct traffic in areas of road construction and repair. Tapes come in rolls from the factory and are applied directly to the roadway with or without the addition of an adhesive. Tape lasts as long as other materials and is easy to repair if it gets loose or torn.
Raised markers are extremely effective even though many drivers complain about them. Most people have experienced the jolting motion and noise associated with speeding over the buttons instead of slowing down. Unlike the other types of markings, these markers are easily seen in rainy conditions because they lift up from the roadway.
Safety is the primary concern when officials make decisions about roadway markings. They want them to be easy to recognize and clearly visible. It is up to drivers to obey their instructions.
There are pros and cons to all the materials used to make the roads safer. Whether officials decide to use tapes, raised markers, thermoplastic, paint, or reflective beads is based on a wide range of factors. These factors include the daily traffic count, the function, the location, kind of pavement, availability of labor, equipment needed, life span versus cost, and how much money they have allocated in the annual budget.
Painted markers were the first pavement signage in the United States and are still the most common. It was in 1911 when Michigan drivers first saw the markers. The painted markers seen today may be non-reflective or reflective. They are created from four basic materials. The most widely used are the solvent borne paints. Water borne paints are becoming much more common because of an increasing concern for the environment.
Thermoplastic materials have been around since before World War Two and, since they don't contain any solvents, are preferred by many municipalities. Not only are they more environmentally friendly than paint, but they are more effective at night and in wet conditions. In warm climates, they last longer than paint. Thermoplastic is not however as durable under cold conditions. In order to maximize the usefulness, the surface must be prepared with a primer or other treatment prior to application.
Neither paint nor thermoplastic is naturally reflective. This is not an issue during daylight hours and good weather, but nighttime conditions, especially when rain or fog are involved, can make driving hazardous without the use of some reflective material. Glass beads are currently the preferred method of creating reflective traffic paint and thermoplastic. They are naturally reflective because of their shape and transparency.
Tape is being increasingly used on a permanent basis. It has a higher initial cost, and in the past was mostly used on a temporary basis to direct traffic in areas of road construction and repair. Tapes come in rolls from the factory and are applied directly to the roadway with or without the addition of an adhesive. Tape lasts as long as other materials and is easy to repair if it gets loose or torn.
Raised markers are extremely effective even though many drivers complain about them. Most people have experienced the jolting motion and noise associated with speeding over the buttons instead of slowing down. Unlike the other types of markings, these markers are easily seen in rainy conditions because they lift up from the roadway.
Safety is the primary concern when officials make decisions about roadway markings. They want them to be easy to recognize and clearly visible. It is up to drivers to obey their instructions.
About the Author:
Find an overview of the benefits you get when you use pavement marking AR services and more info about a reliable service provider at http://www.arrowstriping-nwa.com/about-us right now.
No comments:
Post a Comment