ASTM D4592-12(2022)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Preformed Retroreflective Pavement Marking Tape for Limited Service Life
Standard Specification for Preformed Retroreflective Pavement Marking Tape for Limited Service Life
ABSTRACT
This specification covers white or yellow preformed retroreflective pavement marking tapes that are designed to provide a service life of typically 3 to 6 months, on roads with up to 15 000 average daily traffic count (ADT). The tapes are intended for use as longitudinal, transverse, or word/symbol pavement markings that provide delineation day and night. The tapes may be either Type I (removable) or Type II (nonremovable). The marking tape shall be a reflective film coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive with or without a protective liner. It shall be flexible and shall conform to the the typical road pavement surface. In addition, it shall adhere to asphalt or portland cement concrete roadway surfaces when applied. Also, the marking tape shall be retroreflective, reflecting white or yellow, respectively, and shall be readily visible when viewed with automobile headlights at night and shall have minimum reflective values as specified.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers white or yellow preformed retroreflective pavement marking tapes that are designed to provide a service life of typically three to six months, depending on wear and durability factors.
1.2 The tapes are intended for use as longitudinal, transverse, or word/symbol pavement markings that provide delineation day and night. The tapes may be either removable or nonremovable.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard except where noted in the document. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Apr-2022
- Technical Committee
- D04 - Road and Paving Materials
- Drafting Committee
- D04.38 - Highway Traffic Control Materials
Relations
- Refers
ASTM D6628-23 - Standard Specification for Color of Retroreflective Pavement Marking Materials - Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2016
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2015
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2010
- Effective Date
- 15-Oct-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2004
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2004
Overview
ASTM D4592-12(2022) is the international standard specification for preformed retroreflective pavement marking tape designed for limited service life, typically lasting three to six months. Developed by ASTM International, this standard applies to white or yellow tape products used as pavement markings on roadways with up to 15,000 average daily traffic (ADT). These marking tapes offer critical visibility and delineation for both day and night conditions and are particularly useful for temporary traffic control, construction zones, or where short-term markings are necessary.
Retroreflective pavement marking tapes governed under this standard are designed for rapid application, require minimal curing time, and can be used on both asphalt and portland cement concrete surfaces. Two types are defined: Type I (Removable), which can be removed cleanly after use, and Type II (Nonremovable), which are typically paved over.
Key Topics
- Limited Service Life: The standard defines marking tapes intended to last 3 to 6 months, addressing short-term road marking needs where temporary guidance is required.
- Retroreflectivity: Ensures pavement marking tapes reflect vehicle headlights for high visibility at night, meeting minimum retroreflectivity values for safety.
- Types of Tape:
- Type I (Removable): Designed for easy removal post-use without damaging the pavement, suitable for temporary scenarios.
- Type II (Nonremovable): Intended for short-term applications where removal is not necessary and are often covered by new pavement.
- Physical Requirements:
- Flexible, conforming to varying roadway surfaces
- Pressure-sensitive adhesive for strong attachment, with or without protective liner
- Free of cracks, with straight unbroken edges
- Performance Criteria:
- Adherence to both asphalt and concrete
- Immediate readiness for traffic after application
- Compliance with color requirements for visibility
- Minimum skid resistance for Type I tapes
- Ordering and Packaging: Specifies classification, color, roll dimensions, and accepted commercial standards for packaging.
Applications
Preformed retroreflective pavement marking tape is a versatile solution for a range of safety and traffic management needs:
- Work Zones and Temporary Traffic Control: Ideal for marking lanes, crosswalks, or symbols in active construction or maintenance zones where traffic patterns change often.
- Detours and Traffic Diversions: Used to direct drivers safely through altered routes during roadworks or special events.
- Short-Term Projects: Essential for situations where pavement markings are only needed for a limited time, reducing the cost and effort of permanent markings.
- Highway and Urban Roads: Provides essential delineation for highways, city roads, or other environments with traffic counts up to 15,000 vehicles per day.
- Nighttime Visibility: Enhances road safety with reflective properties, making markings visible under vehicle headlights during low-light conditions.
Related Standards
For comprehensive compliance and enhanced performance, consider these related standards referenced within ASTM D4592-12(2022):
- ASTM D1000: Test methods for pressure-sensitive adhesive-coated tapes
- ASTM D4061: Test method for measuring retroreflectance of horizontal coatings
- ASTM D6628: Specification for color of pavement marking materials
- ASTM E303: Test method for measuring surface frictional properties (British Pendulum Tester)
- ASTM E1710: Test method for measurement of retroreflective pavement marking materials using CEN-prescribed geometry
- CIE Publications: Guidance on colorimetry and surface color recommendations for visual signaling
These standards support performance verification, color accuracy, skid resistance, and retroreflectivity, helping ensure the safety and effectiveness of temporary pavement markings in various transportation infrastructure settings.
Keywords: pavement marking tape, temporary road marking, retroreflective tape, ASTM D4592, roadway safety, traffic control, work zone markings, removable pavement tape, night visibility, highway markings
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D4592-12(2022) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Preformed Retroreflective Pavement Marking Tape for Limited Service Life". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers white or yellow preformed retroreflective pavement marking tapes that are designed to provide a service life of typically 3 to 6 months, on roads with up to 15 000 average daily traffic count (ADT). The tapes are intended for use as longitudinal, transverse, or word/symbol pavement markings that provide delineation day and night. The tapes may be either Type I (removable) or Type II (nonremovable). The marking tape shall be a reflective film coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive with or without a protective liner. It shall be flexible and shall conform to the the typical road pavement surface. In addition, it shall adhere to asphalt or portland cement concrete roadway surfaces when applied. Also, the marking tape shall be retroreflective, reflecting white or yellow, respectively, and shall be readily visible when viewed with automobile headlights at night and shall have minimum reflective values as specified. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers white or yellow preformed retroreflective pavement marking tapes that are designed to provide a service life of typically three to six months, depending on wear and durability factors. 1.2 The tapes are intended for use as longitudinal, transverse, or word/symbol pavement markings that provide delineation day and night. The tapes may be either removable or nonremovable. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard except where noted in the document. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers white or yellow preformed retroreflective pavement marking tapes that are designed to provide a service life of typically 3 to 6 months, on roads with up to 15 000 average daily traffic count (ADT). The tapes are intended for use as longitudinal, transverse, or word/symbol pavement markings that provide delineation day and night. The tapes may be either Type I (removable) or Type II (nonremovable). The marking tape shall be a reflective film coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive with or without a protective liner. It shall be flexible and shall conform to the the typical road pavement surface. In addition, it shall adhere to asphalt or portland cement concrete roadway surfaces when applied. Also, the marking tape shall be retroreflective, reflecting white or yellow, respectively, and shall be readily visible when viewed with automobile headlights at night and shall have minimum reflective values as specified. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers white or yellow preformed retroreflective pavement marking tapes that are designed to provide a service life of typically three to six months, depending on wear and durability factors. 1.2 The tapes are intended for use as longitudinal, transverse, or word/symbol pavement markings that provide delineation day and night. The tapes may be either removable or nonremovable. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard except where noted in the document. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D4592-12(2022) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D4592-12(2022) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D6628-23, ASTM D4061-13(2018), ASTM E1710-18, ASTM D1000-17, ASTM D6628-16, ASTM D6628-03(2015), ASTM D4061-13, ASTM E1710-11, ASTM D6628-03(2010)e1, ASTM D1000-10, ASTM D1000-09, ASTM D4061-94(2006), ASTM E1710-05, ASTM D1000-04, ASTM D1000-04e1. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D4592-12(2022) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation:D4592 −12 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Specification for
Preformed Retroreflective Pavement Marking Tape for
Limited Service Life
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4592; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E1710 Test Method for Measurement of Retroreflective
Pavement Marking Materials with CEN-Prescribed Ge-
1.1 This specification covers white or yellow preformed
ometry Using a Portable Retroreflectometer
retroreflective pavement marking tapes that are designed to
2.2 Federal Standard:
provide a service life of typically three to six months, depend-
Fed Std Test Method 141
ing on wear and durability factors.
2.3 CIE Publications:
1.2 The tapes are intended for use as longitudinal,
No. 15.2 Colorimetry
transverse, or word/symbol pavement markings that provide
No. 39.2 Recommendations for Surface Colours for Visual
delineation day and night. The tapes may be either removable
Signaling
or nonremovable.
3. Terminology
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
asthestandardexceptwherenotedinthedocument.Thevalues 3.1 Definitions:
given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units 3.1.1 limited service life or period—a minimum service
that are provided for information only and are not considered period of three months when placed in accordance with the
standard. manufacturer’s recommended procedures on pavement sur-
faces.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
NOTE 1—See Section 7 for factors affecting durability.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.2 preformed tape—continuous, flexible pavement mark-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ingmaterialthatisessentiallycompleteandthatmaybeaffixed
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
to or imbedded in the road surface without fundamentally
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
altering its configuration.
3.1.3 retroreflection—reflection in which radiation is re-
2. Referenced Documents
turned in directions close to the direction from which it came,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
this property being maintained over wide variations of the
D1000 Test Methods for Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive-
direction of the incident radiation.
Coated Tapes Used for Electrical and Electronic Applica-
3.1.4 retroreflector—surface or device that reflects and re-
tions
turns a relatively high proportion of light in a direction close to
D4061 Test Method for Retroreflectance of Horizontal Coat-
the light source. This characteristic is maintained over a wide
ings
variation of the angle made by the incident light ray and the
D6628 Specification for Color of Pavement Marking Mate-
normal to the retroreflective surface.
rials
E303 Test Method for Measuring Surface Frictional Proper-
3.1.5 surface pattern—a pattern on the surface with areas of
ties Using the British Pendulum Tester raised surface area.
4. Classification
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road
4.1 Pavement marking tape manufactured according to this
and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.38 on
Highway Traffic Control Materials.
specification shall be identified as Type I or Type II:
Current edition approved May 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally
approved in 1986. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as D4592 – 12 (2017).
DOI: 10.1520/D4592-12R22. Available from Naval Publications and Forms Center, 5801 Tabor Ave,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Philadelphia, PA 19120.
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from U.S. National Committee of the CIE (International Commission
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on on Illumination), c/o Thomas M. Lemons, TLA-Lighting Consultants, Inc., 7 Pond
the ASTM website. St., Salem, MA 01970, http://www.cie-usnc.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4592−12 (2022)
the material is manufactured (in other words, upweb R may differ from
4.1.1 Type I (Removable)—Marking tapes, after serving the
L
downweb R ).
L
intended limited service life, shall be removable from asphalt
or portland cement concrete surfaces at pavement temperatures 6.2.2 The retroreflectance of the marking tape shall be
above 40 °F (4 °C) intact or in pieces no less than about 93 in. measured in one roll-winding direction and then re-measured
(600 cm ) in area, either manually or with a mechanical device in the opposite direction. Both measured values shall comply
without the use of heat, solvents, grinding, or blasting that with the stated R minimum.
L
would damage or discolor the pavement so as to leave an
6.2.3 Reflective values shall be expressed as coefficient of
impressed traffic lane mark. retroreflectedluminance(R )inmillicandelaspersquaremeter
L
4.1.2 Type II (Nonremovable)—This type of tape shall not
per lux (millicandelas per square foot per footcandle).
be required to have removal characteristics as in 4.1.1.
NOTE 4—The values presented for the coefficient of retroreflected
luminance (R ) are presented in SI units, which are the accepted
NOTE 2—Type II tapes are most often used for short-term applications
L
worldwide norm for expressing this value, rather than inch-pound.
in which markings are paved over during successive road construction
operations.
6.3 Color:
6.3.1 The white and yellow marking tape shall conform to
5. Ordering Information
the requirements of Specification D6628.
5.1 The purchaser using this specification shall include the
6.4 Adhesion:
following information:
6.4.1 A sample of tape, 1 in. (25.4 mm) in width, applied
5.1.1 ASTM designation (D4592),
according to the manufacturer’s recommended procedure and
5.1.2 Classification Type (I or II; see 4.1),
tested in accordance with Test Methods D1000, shall have
5.1.3 Daytime color (see 6.3),
minimum adhesion values as shown in Table 2.
5.1.4 Width
...




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