Transport and Main Roads Specifications MRTS45 Road Surface Delineation
Transport and Main Roads Specifications MRTS45 Road Surface Delineation
Transport and Main Roads Specifications MRTS45 Road Surface Delineation
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1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................1
2 Definition of terms .........................................................................................................................1
3 Referenced documents .................................................................................................................1
4 Test methods..................................................................................................................................2
5 Quality system requirements .......................................................................................................2
5.1 Hold Points...................................................................................................................................... 2
5.2 Construction procedures ................................................................................................................. 3
5.3 Testing frequencies ........................................................................................................................ 3
6 Material requirements ...................................................................................................................3
6.1 Pavement markings ........................................................................................................................ 3
6.1.1 Material and performance criteria ...................................................................................3
6.1.2 Paint ...............................................................................................................................3
6.1.3 Reflective glass beads ...................................................................................................4
6.1.4 Skid resistance for transverse line marking ...................................................................4
6.1.5 Thermoplastic materials .................................................................................................4
6.1.6 Cold applied plastic materials .........................................................................................4
6.2 Raised retroreflective pavement markers ....................................................................................... 4
6.3 Non-retroreflective raised pavement markers ................................................................................ 5
6.4 Temporary raised pavement markers ............................................................................................. 5
6.5 Pavement bars ................................................................................................................................ 5
6.6 Adhesives for raised pavement markers ........................................................................................ 5
7 Installation of pavement markings...............................................................................................5
7.1 Setting out ....................................................................................................................................... 5
7.2 Weather conditions ......................................................................................................................... 5
7.3 Surface preparation ........................................................................................................................ 6
7.4 Spotting ........................................................................................................................................... 6
7.4.1 General ...........................................................................................................................6
7.4.2 Longitudinal lines ............................................................................................................6
7.4.3 Transverse markings ......................................................................................................6
7.5 Application of pavement markings .................................................................................................. 7
7.5.1 Procedure .......................................................................................................................7
7.5.2 Paint ...............................................................................................................................7
7.5.3 Thermoplastic material ...................................................................................................8
7.5.4 Cold applied plastic ........................................................................................................9
7.6 Raised pavement markers ............................................................................................................ 10
7.6.1 Application of retroreflective pavement markers ......................................................... 10
7.6.2 Application of non-reflective pavement markers ......................................................... 10
7.7 Audio tactile line marking .............................................................................................................. 10
7.7.1 Application of audio tactile line marking ...................................................................... 10
7.7.2 Application on existing painted lines ........................................................................... 11
7.7.3 Placement and dimension of audio tactile line marking .............................................. 11
7.7.4 Gaps for cyclists .......................................................................................................... 12
7.7.5 Adjacent residences – noise considerations ............................................................... 12
7.7.6 Luminance and retroreflectivity ................................................................................... 12
7.8 Protection of the work ................................................................................................................... 12
1 Introduction
This Technical Specification applies to the supply and installation of pavement markings, raised
pavement markers and audio tactile line marking (ATLM). This Technical Specification does not apply
to the supply and installation of coloured surfacings such as those used on cycle lanes, busways,
coloured pavement markings and transit lanes, for use for township entry treatments or similar
applications.
This Technical Specification shall be read in conjunction with MRTS01 Introduction to Technical
Specifications, MRTS50 Specific Quality System Requirements and other Technical Specifications as
appropriate.
This Technical Specification forms part of the Transport and Main Roads Specifications Manual.
Coloured pavement surfacings should be applied in accordance with best practice to ensure these
treatments are durable and have adequate skid resistance. Refer to MRTS110 Coloured Surface
Treatments, which supersedes Supplementary Specification MRSS10B. For enquiries related to
MRTS110 suite please email TMRRoadSurfacings@tmr.qld.gov.au.
2 Definition of terms
The terms used in this Technical Specification shall be as defined in Clause 2 of MRTS01 Introduction
to Technical Specifications. Additional terms used in this Technical Specification shall be as defined in
Table 2.
Term Definition
AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic
ATLM Audio tactile line marking
Longitudinal lines Dividing, barrier, lane, edge and continuity lines and outline markings
MUTCD Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
Pavement markings Longitudinal lines, transverse lines and pavement messages
Retroreflectivity The value of reflected light measured in millicandellas per lux per m², using
a retroreflectometer calibrated to a nationally recognised standard, using a
30 m geometry instrument
Transverse lines Stop and give way lines, turn lines, markings at stop and give way signs,
pedestrian crosswalk lines, diagonal and chevron markings, arrows,
shapes, symbols, numerals, parking areas and kerb markings
3 Referenced documents
Table 3 lists documents referenced in this Technical Specification.
Reference Title
AS/NZS 1906.3 Retroreflective materials and devices for road traffic control
purposes, Part 3: Raised pavement markers (retroreflective and non-
retroreflective)
Reference Title
AS/NZS 2009 Glass beads for pavement-marking materials
AS 2700 Colour standards for general purposes
AS 3554 Adhesives – Epoxy – For raised pavement marker installation
AS 4049.2 Paints and related materials – Pavement marking materials -
Thermoplastic pavement marking materials – For use with surface
applied glass beads
AS 4049.3 Paints and related materials – Pavement marking
materials – Waterborne paint – For use with surface applied glass
beads
AS 4049.4 Paints and related materials – Pavement marking materials – High
performance pavement marking systems
Australian Paint Approval Pavement marking paint, cold applied plastic
Scheme – Specification
AP-S0041/3
Australian Paint Approval Pavement marking paint, thermoplastic
Scheme – Specification
AP-S0041/4
Australian Paint Approval Pavement marking paint, water-borne
Scheme – Specification
AP-S0041/5
Australian Paint Approval Glass beads for use in pavement marking paints
Scheme – Specification
AP-S0042
MRTS01 Introduction to Technical Specifications
MRTS45 Road Surface Delineation
MRTS50 Specific Quality System Requirements
MRTS110 Coloured Surface Treatments
MUTCD Queensland Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
TN155 Wide Centre Line Treatment – Interim Advice
TRUM Volume 2 Part 5 Traffic and Road Use Management Manual, Volume 2, Part 5 Road
Safety for Rural and Remote Areas
4 Test methods
Test methods are as specified throughout this Technical Specification.
General requirements for Hold Points are specified in Clause 5.2 of MRTS01 Introduction to Technical
Specifications.
The Hold Points, applicable to this Technical Specification are summarised in Table 5.1. There are no
Witness Points or Milestones defined.
Construction procedures which are required to be prepared by the Contractor and submitted to the
Administrator in accordance with the quality system requirements of the Contract are listed in
Table 5.2.
Clause Procedure
7.5 Application of pavement markings
The testing frequency requirements shall be in accordance with AS 4049.4 and may be varied as
stated in Clause 1 of Annexure MRTS45.1. The Contractor shall measure the level of retroreflectivity
using the procedure set out in AS 4049.4.
6 Material requirements
6.1 Pavement markings
Retroreflectivity for longitudinal line marking, excluding ATLM, when applied, shall be an average of
10 measurements for each line taken at one location, with five measurements in each direction. In
case of double barrier lines, each line shall be measured separately. The minimum retroreflectivity
measured at a location shall be 300 mcd/lux/m² and the average of all the readings (combined for both
directions), shall be a minimum of 350 mcd/lux/m² measured up to 20 days of wear.
6.1.2 Paint
Paint shall be suitable for use on roads surfaced with a sprayed seal, hot and cold mixed asphalt and
concrete.
Except where specifically shown otherwise on the design documents, paint shall be in accordance
with the colour designation of AS 2700 as given in Table 6.1.2 following.
Paint used shall be waterborne, road marking paint conforming to the requirements of AS 4049.3 and
having approval under the Australian Paint Approval Scheme – Specification AP-S0041/5.
Reflective glass beads shall be Type B, B-HR, C, D or D-HR glass beads as described in AS 2009.
The type to be used, shall be as stated in Clause 3 of Annexure MRTS45.1.
The glass beads shall comply with the requirements of AS 2009 and the Australian Paint Approval
Scheme – Specification AP-S0042.
Transverse markings shall incorporate an anti-skid treatment and shall have a skid resistance as
shown in Table 6.1.4 following. Application of the anti-skid treatment shall comply with the
manufacturer's requirements.
The testing frequency requirements shall be in accordance with AS 4049.4 and may be varied as
stated in Clause 1 of Annexure MRTS45.1. The Contractor shall measure the level of retroreflectivity
using the procedure set out in AS 4049.4.
Thermoplastic materials shall comply with the requirements of AS 4049.2 and have approval under the
Australian Paint Approval Scheme – Specification AP-S0041/4.
Cold applied plastic materials shall comply with the requirements of AS 4049.4 and Clause 4 of
Annexure MRTS45.1 and have approval under the Australian Paint Approval Scheme – Specification
AP-S0041/3.
Raised retroreflective pavement markers, shall comply with the requirements of AS 1906.3 and shall
be Type A1 either uni-directional or bi-directional.
Bi-directional raised retroreflective pavement markers, shall be white or yellow as shown on the
Drawings. Uni-directional raised retroreflective pavement markers shall be white, red, green or yellow
as shown on the Standard Drawings.
Non-retroreflective raised pavement markers shall comply with the requirements of AS 1906.3 and
shall be Type B.
Non-retroreflective raised pavement markers shall be circular, approximately 100 mm in diameter and
15 mm high. The colour shall be white.
Temporary raised pavement markers shall comply with the requirements of AS 1906.3.
Pavement bars shall be manufactured in accordance with details shown on the design documents.
Where not otherwise shown, pavement bars shall be manufactured from concrete and painted white.
The adhesive used to install raised pavement markers shall comply with the manufacturer's
specification. If the manufacturer's specification is not available, the requirements of AS 3554 shall be
complied with.
Prior to resealing or placement of an asphalt overlay, the Contractor shall take such measurements,
prepare such drawings and establish such offset marks that will allow the existing pavement markings
to be reinstalled following completion of the surface re-treatment.
Prior to spotting on reseals and asphalt overlay, the Contractor shall install a control line at 20 m
intervals.
For new construction, the Contractor shall install a control line at 20 m intervals, in accordance with
the Standard Drawing requirements prior to spotting.
Pavement markings shall not be applied when freshly applied pavement markings may become
damaged by rain, fog or condensation before they have dried or set. Pavement surfaces shall be
thoroughly dry immediately prior to the application of pavement markings.
Applying waterborne paint incorporating glass beads, under the following conditions, will achieve
the best results:
Waterborne paint must not be applied when relative humidity is above 85% and when air or
pavement temperatures are below 10°C.
This is an important consideration especially when using the large diameter Type D or Type D-HR
glass beads.
The surface area to be marked must be dry and free of dirt, gravel, flaking pavement marking material
and other loose or foreign material. The area around the marking must also be free of dirt, gravel and
other loose or foreign material, so that tracking of such material on to the new marking is avoided.
If any of these conditions is not met, the pavement marking work shall be delayed until the surface is
fully dried or prepared as detailed following.
a) Where the existing material is flaking or chipping, is of a type or is in such a condition that
adhesion of the new material to the road surface cannot be guaranteed for the required life of
the marking, obtain the agreement of the Principal to the proposed method of surface
preparation and its extent.
c) Where a curing compound has been applied to a new rigid concrete pavement surface,
remove the curing compound by physical abrasive means such as grinding or blasting, from
the areas where the pavement marking material is to be applied.
In addition to these requirements, new bitumen sealed surfaces which are to receive pavement
markings, shall be free of volatile material and solvents. Hold Point 1
7.4 Spotting
7.4.1 General
Spotting shall consist of spots approximately 30 mm wide and 150 mm long painted on the pavement
surface.
The Contractor shall obtain approval from the Administrator of the spotting, prior to any application of
pavement markings. Hold Point 2
Spotting for longitudinal lines shall be carried out generally at 5 m intervals with 3 m intervals on
curves of less than 50 m radius.
Spotting for transverse markings shall be carried out as shown on the design documents.
7.5.1 Procedure
The Contractor shall submit its procedure for application of pavement markings. The procedure shall
include details of the materials, application rates, equipment and method, including manufacturer's
recommendations, to be used when applying pavement markings.
7.5.2 Paint
7.5.2.1 Mixing
Mixing of paint shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
All equipment used in the application of pavement markings, shall produce pavement markings of
uniform quality which conform to the requirements of this standard.
The longitudinal line application machine shall be capable of accurately superimposing succeeding
coats of paint upon the first coat and upon existing lines.
The longitudinal line application machine shall consist of a rubber-tyred vehicle which is
manoeuvrable, to the extent that straight lines can be followed and normal curves can be painted in
true arcs. The machine shall be capable of applying road marking paints and glass beads at the rates
specified.
The longitudinal line application machine shall be equipped with the following:
a) a positive acting cut-off device to prevent depositing paint in gaps of broken lines, and
b) a glass bead dispenser located behind the paint applicator nozzle and which is controlled
simultaneously with the paint applicator nozzle.
Where the configuration or location of a longitudinal line is such that the use of a longitudinal line
application machine is unsuitable, road marking paint and glass beads may be applied by
hand-sprayed means.
Stencils, boards and hand-spray equipment shall be used to paint transverse markings. Stencils shall
conform to the dimensions shown on the design documents or in the Queensland Manual of Uniform
Traffic Control Devices.
All road marking vehicles shall have been tested and calibrated to achieve the required rates of
application of road marking materials.
All markings shall be of uniform thickness and intensity. Care shall be taken to avoid overspray on to
the surrounding area.
Two coats of paint and glass beads shall be applied on longitudinal lines to new surfaces.
Each coat of paint for any longitudinal line group, including glass beads, shall be applied in one pass
of the longitudinal line application machine, regardless of the number, width and pattern of the
individual lines involved.
The first coat of paint shall be applied using Type B-HR glass beads. A second coat of paint shall be
applied as directed by the Administrator, using glass beads as specified in Clause 2 of
Annexure MRTS45.1.
The Contractor shall obtain approval from the Administrator prior to any application of the first coat of
paint.
Glass beads shall be uniformly incorporated in all coats of paint concurrently with the application of the
paint.
The minimum application rates for the paint and glass beads shall be as specified in Table 7.5.2.4.
The combination application rates for skid resistance and glass beads, shall not exceed the values
specified previously and in Clause 6.1.4, unless specified by the manufacturer.
7.5.3.1 Primer
If primer is required, a primer of the type recommended by the manufacturer of the thermoplastic
material, shall be applied to the surface immediately in advance of, but concurrent with, the application
of thermoplastic material.
The primer shall be applied at the application rate recommended by the manufacturer and shall not be
thinned.
The pavement surface to which thermoplastic material is applied, shall be completely coated by the
material and any voids in the pavement surface shall be filled.
Thermoplastic material shall be applied at the minimum thickness specified in Table 7.5.3.3.
Glass beads shall be applied immediately to the surface of the molten thermoplastic material at a rate
of not less than 120 g/m².
7.5.4.1 Primer
If primer is required, a primer of the type recommended by the manufacturer of the cold applied plastic
material, shall be applied to the surface immediately in advance of, but concurrent with, the application
of the cold applied plastic material. The primer shall be applied at the application rate recommended
by the manufacturer and shall not be thinned.
7.5.4.2 Application
Cold Applied Plastic (CAP) shall be applied in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications. The
applied dry film thickness of cold plastic laid, shall not be less than 700 microns for longitudinal line
marking and a minimum of 1 mm for transverse line marking. Where CAP is to be applied to a new
surface, two coats of waterborne paint shall be applied to the surface, prior to the application of CAP.
Waterborne paint shall be applied in accordance with Clause 7.5.2.3. CAP shall be applied
28 – 90 days following the application of waterborne paint on a new surface.
Applying cold applied plastic incorporating glass beads under the following conditions, will achieve
the best results:
Cold applied plastic must not be applied when relative humidity is above 85% and when air or
pavement temperatures are below 5°C.
Cold applied plastic materials must be applied in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommended application temperature. Application at the manufacturer's recommended
temperature, will assist in achieving the correct glass bead embedment depth, to aid bead retention
and marking retroreflectivity or night-time visibility. This is an important consideration especially
when using the large diameter Type D or Type D-HR glass beads.
Table 7.5.4.2 – Application rates for cold applied plastic and glass beads
The application rates cold applied plastic shall not be less than the values specified previously.
Application rates may be increased to meet requirements for dry film thickness.
The use of raised retroreflective pavement markers shall be in accordance with Clause 5.6.2 of Part 2
of the MUTCD.
The use of non-reflective raised pavement markers shall be in accordance with Clause 5.6.3 of Part 2
of the MUTCD.
ATLM shall be configured as a pattern of raised ribs. At locations where edge lines have not been
marked (such as across narrow structures), ATLM shall not be applied.
ATLM shall be applied in a controlled manner, to produce a finished longitudinal line with a consistent
appearance and profile that provides a significant audible warning.
Immediately prior to application of ATLM, all extraneous or loose material shall be removed from areas
where the material is to be applied. In addition, existing line markings shall be prepared and primed, in
accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations, to ensure satisfactory adhesion of the material.
Where nominated in the Contract, ATLM shall be applied to all lines shown on the design documents
and shall only be applied to the painted portion of the marked lines. ALTM shall meet the dimensions
shown in Figure 7.7.3(a), Figure 7.7.3(b) and Figure 7.7.3(c) and shall conform to the tolerances
shown in Table 7.9.2.
Use of ATLMs on Wide Centreline treatments are outlined in Clause 7.11 of this Technical
Specification.
The height of the raised ribs is measured from the plane surface formed by the tops of the aggregate.
Diagrams depicting these requirements are provided in Figure 7.7.3(a), Figure 7.7.3(b) and
Figure 7.7.3(c).
A 1.5 m gap, spaced every 20 m, shall be provided in the ATLM edge line.
Refer to TRUM Volume 2 Part 5 for guidelines on the installation of ATLM near residences.
Excerpt from the TRUM manual Volume 2 Guide to Road Safety Part 5 Road safety for rural and
remote areas:
Noise generated by ATLM can be a problem to nearby residents. ATLM should not be
installed on either the centre line or the edge line where there is increased potential that
vehicles will traverse the ATLM AND where residences are within 200 metres of the
application.
Glass beads in accordance with AS 2009 Type C, shall be mixed into the material at a rate of not less
than 30% by mass prior to application.
Glass beads in accordance with AS 2009 Type B or B-HR, shall be applied immediately to the surface
of the material. The minimum rate to be retained on the material's surface is 200 g/m². In order to
enhance retention, the beads shall have a proprietary adhesive coating.
The material shall have a minimum titanium dioxide content of 10% by mass.
Acceptance of the retroreflectivity of the road marking, shall be based on the marking achieving a
minimum level of reflectivity of 350 mcd/lux/m² measured in accordance with Clause 6.1.1.
Newly placed pavement markings shall be protected from damage by traffic or other causes, using
acceptable traffic management procedures, until the material is dry (no pick-up condition), or has
hardened sufficiently to prevent such damage.
7.9 Tolerances
a) be uniform
Longitudinal lines shall be straight on straight alignment and shall be on a true arc on curved
alignment.
When completed, pavement markings shall conform to the tolerances specified in Table 7.9.1.
Additionally, arrows and letters shall be placed square to the centreline of the traffic lane.
Drips, overspray, improper markings and paint and thermoplastic material tracked by traffic, shall be
immediately removed from the pavement surface by methods which do not damage the pavement
surface.
The distance between the centreline of the completed marking and the centreline of the existing
painted line marking, is to be less than 10 mm.
The apparent line of the markings is to be a smooth, continuous alignment when viewed in the
direction of the line.
Audio tactile material shall comply with the requirements of Clause 6.1.5. The Contractor shall install
ATLM within the limits outlined in Table 7.9.2.
When installed, raised pavement markers shall conform to the tolerances specified in Table 7.9.3.
Notwithstanding the requirements of Clause 7.7.3, where wide centre line treatment has been
installed, ATLM shall be installed abutting longitudinal line marking. Refer to Section F.8.2 of Road
Planning and Design Manual 2nd Edition Volume 3 Part 3 Appendix F, for detailed guidelines on the
application of this treatment.
Prior to installation of the markers or bars, any material detrimental to the adhesion between the item
and the pavement, shall be removed.
Adhesive shall be prepared, applied and cured strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's
recommendations.
Care shall be taken when heating soft adhesives. A proprietary-built, gas heated kettle shall be
employed for this purpose.
9 Compliance testing
9.1 General
Compliance testing of the completed works shall be carried out for each lot during installation and
maintenance.
9.3 Geometrics
Geometric tolerances shall be checked at regular intervals not greater than those specified in Clause 6
of Annexure MRTS45.1.
10 Supplementary requirements
The requirements of MRTS45 Road Surface Delineation are varied by the supplementary
requirements given in Clause 7 of Annexure MRTS45.1.