AASHTO S NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION PRODUCT EVALUATION PROGRAM (NTPEP)

Transcription

1 AASHTO S NATIONAL TRANSPORTATION PRODUCT EVALUATION PROGRAM (NTPEP) TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES DATA USAGE GUIDE

2 INRODUCTION The NTPEP program has successfully supplied material performance data to AASHTO member departments for Flexible Delineators and Workzone Channelizing Drums since With the reduction in staffing that most departments continue to experience the NTPEP data has become an integral part of many member states departments qualification process. With few exceptions, developing criteria for product qualification has been a difficult task for individual states. This guide is offered as information for AASHTO member departments for interpretation and use of the data generated through the NTPEP evaluation program. Manufacturers that elect to participate in the program are assessed fees which cover the cost of the testing and reporting of information. Member states are assessed an annual fee for all Technical Service programs provided by AASHTO. KEY ASPECTS OF THE NTPEP PROGRAM The purpose of the Temporary Traffic Control Devices (TTCD) Panel is to promote highway safety and efficiency by providing for the orderly movement of all road users on streets, highways, bikeways, and private roads open to public travel throughout the Nation. Roadside Flexible Delineators and Workzone Channelizing Drums are widely used in temporary traffic control. They are a form of "traffic control device" as defined by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The NTPEP Technical Committee responsible for authoring the Project Work Plan, convenes yearly at the NTPEP National Meeting. During this working meeting, the Project Work Plan is discussed; changes are made, and shortly thereafter balloted for adoption. Improvements are immediately implemented in the next available testing cycle. When compared to other standards development exercises, the NTPEP process is agile, effective and efficient. Each Project Work Plan (AASHTO Designation: [xxxx] Standard Practice) is adopted after receiving at least two-thirds affirmative support from 52 AASHTO member states. The Project Work Plan is the basis for host states to conduct their testing and evaluation. When implemented by state DOTs, their own state standard specifications may supersede the NTPEP Project Work Plan. Industry is advised to be aware of state-level requirements, which may supersede basic NTPEP testing. The national testing facility for Flexible Delineators and Workzone Channelizing Drums under ASHTO/NTPEP auspices is operated by Tennessee DOT. Tennessee DOT is the same national testing facility used prior to NTPEP's inception under the SASHTO Regional Testing Facility. All performance data collected through these evaluations are reported through an online database; Access to proprietary data is limited to the submitting manufacturer and the member Departments of Transportation.

3 REVIEW OF EVALUATIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF DATA GENERATED This Data Usage Guide provides details for the Project Work Plan (AASHTO Designation: [xxxx] Standard Practice for NTPEP Evaluation of Temporary Traffic Control Devices) regarding the sampling, laboratory and field evaluation for Flexible Delineator Posts and Workzone Channelizing Drums. It is understood that individual agencies may elect to utilize these parameters based on their respective programs. While NTPEP works to make the product evaluation process comprehensive and meet the requirements for AASHTO member departments, all test data should be carefully reviewed by the specifying agency and in the context of experience with these products. With this in mind review of the data produced through this evaluation program should be viewed as a tool in making reasonable judgments and selection of Flexible Delineators and Workzone Channelizing Drums for projects in any specific location. FLEXIBLE DELINEATORS (SURFACE AND GROUND MOUNTED) MUTCD defines Flexible Delineators as retro-reflective devices typically mounted above the roadway surface and at continuous intervals along the side of the roadway to indicate alignment. MUTCD also allows delineators to be used in conventional plazas to channelize vehicles into a toll lane and prevent crossing into or out of a channelized lane or access way. The more commonly used delineators installed to separate vehicles are flexible devices that are anchored to the pavement using adhesives and or hardware. Delineators used to define plaza alignment are commonly rigid and are anchored below the ground surface. Typically, Flexible Delineators are used on curvilinear sections of roadway; thereby enhancing the horizontal geometry so motorized vehicles may negotiate the curve. These roadway safety features are especially important while driving during nighttime and adverse weather. The advantage of Flexible Delineators is the low cost to remove and replace these devices to accommodate reconfiguration of the plaza. Delineator Posts may be either flexible or rigid. AASHTO/NTPEP only evaluates Flexible Delineators Posts. These may be either surface-mount or ground-mount style delineators. AASHTO/NTPEP conducts field performance testing in which a standard sedan impacts a group of delineators during summer and winter temperature conditions, which constitutes a "test cycle." Also, laboratory testing is conducted on the sampled delineators. WORKZONE CHANNELIZING DRUMS Workzone Channelizing Drums are temporary traffic control devices that are highly visible, have good target value, give the appearance of being formidable obstacles, and command the respect of road users. They are portable enough to be shifted from place to place within a temporary traffic control workzone in order to accommodate changing conditions, but are generally used in situations where they will remain in place for a prolonged period of time. Workzone Channelizing Drums should not be used for pedestrian channelization or as pedestrian barriers in temporary traffic control workzone on or along sidewalks unless they are continuous between individual devices and detectable to users of long canes.

4 Workzone Channelizing Drums should not be weighted with bagged sand, water, or any material to the extent that would make them hazardous to road users or workers when struck. Drums used in regions susceptible to freezing should have drain holes in the bottom so that water will not accumulate and freeze causing a hazard if struck by a road user. NTPEP conducts field performance tests on Workzone Channelizing Drums which are commonly used in construction and maintenance workzones to delineate and "separate" the travel away from the workzone. LABORATORY EVALUATIONS FLEXIBLE DELINEATOR POSTS (GROUND AND SURFACE-MOUNT) The laboratory evaluation of Flexible Delineator Posts consists of testing six bowtie sample specimens cut from two of the ten randomly selected delineators submitted. Three of the six specimens are used as a control and three are weathered (testing after 1,000 hours of UV weatherometer exposure). Three sample specimens (control) are evaluated initially for tensile strength and elongation in accordance with ASTM D Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics*. The remaining three samples (weathered) are tested after 1,000 hours of QUV weatherometer exposure in accordance with ASTM G Standard Practice for Operating Fluorescent Light Apparatus for UV Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials and in accordance with ASTM D Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics*. The technician will record the percentage change in the tensile strength and elongation for the control samples and the three weathered samples. *Portions of this standard practice were changed and or replaced since the inception of this panel. The significance of these changes is shown in the Laboratory evaluation section.

5 DATA USAGE FOR LABORATORY EVALUATIONS Laboratory Evaluation of Flexible Delineator Posts was adopted from the original SASHTO Regional Work Plan. Flexible Delineators, at the time of inception of the SASHTO Regional Work Plan, were constructed from different types of materials. The SASHTO Regional Work Plan called for establishing a direct correlation between a control sample and a weathered sample (1000 hrs of UV exposure) from the same engineered product. The direct correlation of tensile strength and elongation between a control and weathered sample are to follow ASTM D Standard Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics with the following changes (shown in bold lettering): 6.0 Test Specimens Rigid and Semi-rigid Plastics - The specimens shall conform to the dimensions for a Type IV specimen as shown in (Figure 1 next page). This type specimen is used when a direct comparison is required Preparation-Test specimens shall be prepared by machining operations or die cutting from materials in sheet, plate, slab or similar form. This method is not followed because the specimens are cut from an actual sampled delineator. This data may only be used as a direct correlation between a control sample and a weathered sample from the engineered product. Each State DOT may use the data to formulate their own program requirements. It is the intent of this panel to review the laboratory evaluation of Flexible Delineator posts. The review will cover other options such as (XFR finger print) for the laboratory Evaluations.

6 Figure 1

7 DATA USAGE FOR LABORATORY EVALUATIONS (DATAMINE SCREEN SHOTS) GROUND AND SURFACE MOUNTED DELINEATOR POSTS LABORATORY DATA EXAMPLE NUMBERS ONLY EXAMPLE NUMBERS ONLY

8 FIELD EVALUATIONS FLEXIBLE DELINEATOR POSTS (GROUND AND SURFACE MOUNTED) 1. Eight Flexible Delineator Posts shall be installed by the manufacturer in accordance with the manufacturer s recommended procedures. 2. Allow a minimum time period of eight hours after installation by the manufacturer prior to testing. 3. Impact the eight Flexible Delineator Posts five times (four posts for glancing bumper impacts Note 1 and four posts for wheel impacts) with a standard sedan having a bumper height of approximately 18" while traveling at a speed of 55 ± 2 mph. Perform the impacts at an ambient temperature of 85 ± 5 F (warm weather) and again at an ambient temperature of 32 ± 5 F (cold weather) for a total of ten impacts. 4. The test vehicle shall impact four of the Flexible Delineator Posts at an angle perpendicular to the front of the post and shall impact the remaining four Flexible Delineator Posts at an angle of 25 clockwise from the angle perpendicular to the front of the posts. The same test samples will be used for the ten impacts. 5. Test Observation - The testing agent shall inspect each Flexible Delineator Post after each impact and document the following: 6. Any splits, cracks, breaks or other forms of deformation or distress. 7. The percent list to vertical measured 120 seconds after each impact. 8. The approximate percentage of the reflective area that is damaged after each impact to an extent it no longer performs as intended. 9. The testing agent shall also document the following: 10. Bonding agent used to install bases on the roadway surface and any problems or comments regarding the performance of the bases/bonding agent. 11. Any problems or comments associated with the installation and of the Flexible Delineator Posts and bases. The testing agent will document any special equipment or techniques required to install or remove the posts and bases. 12. Any other problems or observations associated with the performance of each Flexible Delineator Posts which would be of interest to the member states.

9 DATA USAGE FOR FIELD EVALUATIONS FLEXIBLE DELINEATOR POSTS (GROUND AND SURFACE MOUNTED) Field Evaluation of Flexible Delineator Posts was also adopted from the original SASHTO Regional Work Plan. Flexible Delineators, at the time of inception of the SASHTO Regional Work Plan, were constructed from different types of materials. The SASHTO Regional Work Plan called for establishing a degree list and percent list after each impact, from the eight Flexible Delineator Posts installed by the manufacturer in accordance with the manufacturer s recommended procedures. The pictures below show the test deck configuration for ground and surface mount delineators. TEST DECK CONFIGURATION MEDIAN AGGREGATE SHOULDER Ground mount PAVED SHOULDER Surface mount PAVED ROADWAY MEDIAN Flexible Delineator Posts at an angle perpendicular to the front of the post Flexible Delineator Posts with an impact angle of 25

10 Ground mounted Surface mounted Posts with an angle of 25 clockwise from the angle perpendicular to the front of the posts The states that choose to use the collected data may use all data or any combination of the data to set their state s requirements for usage. For instance, the state may choose to use data for wheel and/or bumper hits, along with angle or percent of list. The following data screen-shots show the breakdown of the data collected (i.e. degree of list, percent listing, description after each impact, and photos).

11 DATA USAGE FOR FIELD EVALUATIONS (DATAMINE SCREEN SHOTS) GROUND AND SURFACE MOUNTED DELINEATOR POSTS SUMMER / WINTER IMPACT DATA & PHOTOGRAPHS EXAMPLE NUMBERS ONLY

12 EXAMPLE NUMBERS ONLY (NTPEP)TTCD Data Usage Guide 2011

13 FIELD EVALUATIONS PLASTIC WORKZONE DRUMS 1. Expose the Plastic Workzone Drums to ambient air temperature a minimum of thirty minutes prior to testing. 2. Impact the four Plastic Workzone Drums with the manufacturer recommended ballast five times (two direct impacts near the center of vehicle and three direct wheel impacts) with a standard sedan having a bumper height of approximately 18" while traveling at a speed of 55 ± 2 mph. Perform the impacts at an ambient temperature of 85 ± 5 F and again at an ambient temperature of 32 ± 5 F for a total of ten impacts. 3. The Plastic Workzone Drums shall be reshaped Note 2 after each impact and re-attached to the bases (if applicable). Replacement of the original test bases will not be allowed. 4. Test Observation - The testing agent shall inspect each Plastic Workzone Drum) after each impact and document the following: 5. Any splits, cracks, breaks or other forms of deformation or distress. 6. The approximate percentage of the reflective area that is damaged after each impact to an extent it no longer performs as intended Note Any problems associated with restacking of the Plastic Workzone Drums after 10 impacts. 8. Any problems or comments associated with reshaping or reattaching two (2) piece Plastic Workzone Drums (if applicable). 9. Any other problems or observations associated with the performance of each Plastic Workzone Drums which would be of interest to the member states. 10. The testing agent shall also document the type and weight of manufacturer s recommended weight and ballast. Note 1: - A glancing bumper impact is defined as one on the bumper near the vehicle headlight Note 2: - The testing state will attempt to reshape the plastic workzone drums after each impact if needed. Reshaping of the plastic workzone drums may consists of the use of a rubber mallet, hands, feet and weight of the evaluator. The attempt to reshape the drums is to prepare the drum for the next impact test or to show that the drums are restackable after the winter and or summer cycle. Note 3: The attached delineator/reflective sheeting used in conjunction with the delineator post are not under evaluation; however, the delineator post's capability to retain the attached delineator/sheeting will be documented.

14 DATA USAGE FOR FIELD EVALUATIONS (DATAMINE SCREEN SHOTS) WORKZONE CHANNELIZING DRUMS SUMMER / WINTER IMPACT DATA & PHOTOGRAPHS Side by side Restackable The states that choose to use the collected data may use all data or any combination of the data to set their state s requirements for usage. For instance, the state may choose to use data for wheel and/or bumper hits, composition, and ability to be reshaped / restacked. The following data screen-shots show the breakdown of the data collected (i.e. percent restackability/ reshapability, percent distress, description after each impact, and photos).

15 DATA USAGE FOR FIELD EVALUATIONS (DATAMINE SCREEN SHOTS) WORKZONE CHANNELIZING DRUMS SUMMER / WINTER IMPACT DATA & PHOTOGRAPHS EXAMPLE NUMBERS ONLY

16 PRODUCT WITHDRAWAL PROCESS If the TTCD product evaluated does not perform adequately during the initial testing, the manufacturer may, at its option, withdraw the product from the current evaluation cycle. The report will show only the data of the evaluation process completed before withdrawal. The manufacturer may submit the device for retesting during the next, or any subsequent, testing cycle. EVALUATION FACILITY REQUIREMENTS The testing state facility must participate in the (AASHTO) Accreditation Program through the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials and obtain a Certificate of Accreditation. The scope can be obtained by viewing the AAP directories of accredited laboratories ( or by contacting AMRL. REPORT The report shall include manufacturer s name, location, product information and description. The report will also include the initial and final data collected for the Laboratory and Field evaluations for the Flexible Delineator Posts and Plastic Workzone Drums. Test results will be reported to the NTPEP Manager in the web-based data base DataMine (see below). Once the data is reported to the manager, The NTPEP Manager will forward each manufacturer s data for their review. When the manufacturer reviews and accepts the data, the NTPEP manager will release the data to the public. Evaluation data will be compiled and made available to all participating states and testing companies through the AASHTO/NTPEP DataMine. This report will include data only. No judgment as to a product s acceptability will be made in this report. End user participants will establish individual criteria for product acceptability. DataMine This web-based data base can be accessed through the AASHTO-NTPEP web site link at

17 RE-EVALUATION FREQUENCY The TTCD panel has chosen not to specify a frequency for re-evaluation. If the respective state chooses to require a TTCD to be reevaluated after a certain period they may do so. TIMELINE The Intent of the timeline is to give the manufacturer and or supplier a reasonable time frame for the completion of the evaluation process. See Table 1 Table 1---TIMELINE OF SUBMITTAL TO COMPLETION OF THE EVALUATION PROCESS Duration Details (Months) Testing Cycle is Posted 0 Submission April Administration May Submissions are due Assignment letters June Product Sampling Coordination Sampling 1 1 Time Line (months) July Product Application Installation 1 1 August Product Testing Summer Cycle Dec / Feb Winter Cycle March Reporting Results March / April Manu Review Final Results 1 1 May Report/Data Release Final Results 1

18 AASHTO Designation: [Number] NTPEP Evaluation of Temporary Traffic Control Devices APPENDIXES

19 TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CONTROL SAMPLING PROTOCOL FLOWCHART NTPEP The NTPEP Manager will send to the testing state (Tennessee) the PEFs for all products in the testing cycle thru Datamine. Lead State Tennessee The testing state will contact by phone and the sampling state(s) with instructions and location information on where to sample within their state (manufacturer information, location and the product(s) name). Sampling State The sampling state representative sets a scheduled date and time to sample the product(s). The sampling state representative will randomly select samples from a randomly selected lot of a manufactures or suppliers inventory. The sampling state representative will initial and place the labels on the selected samples. Manufacturer/Supplier The testing state will supply labels (Attached Form 1.2) to be placed on the products as they are sampled. The labels are sent to the manufacturer or supplier marked with a label on the outside stating DO NOT OPEN until sampling state representative is present After the scheduled sampling, the manufacturer or supplier will then ship the sampled products and relative hardware to the testing state.