Date of Award

5-2010

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Legacy Department

Civil Engineering

Committee Chair/Advisor

Sarasua, Wayne A

Committee Member

Davis , William J

Committee Member

Ogle , Jennifer H

Abstract

This research analyzes waterbased and thermoplastic pavement markings on primary and secondary roads in South Carolina. The primary objective of this research was to develop retroreflectivity degradation models for these two pavement marking materials, as well as determine the expected useful life of the markings. Predicting retroreflectivity and marking life is important so that state DOTs may efficiently replace markings in order to reduce safety hazards as well as maintenance costs.
Data collection for this research lasted 21 months, where retroreflectivity of pavement markings was measured on over 100 primary and secondary roads in South Carolina. Variables such as marking type, date of application, traffic volume, among others were collected during this data collection period. Stepwise regression was performed to determine which variables were significant. Simple and multiple linear regression was completed to develop degradation models. These models were enhanced with the addition of buffer zones, which reduces the frequency of model over-prediction. Final degradation models were then created for waterbased and thermoplastic markings, along with estimated marking lives based on an assumed minimum retroreflectivity. The result of this research is a set of fully-functional models that state DOTs and other governing agencies may use in their pavement marking management systems.

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