ASTM D4280-23

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D4280 − 18 D4280 − 23
Standard Specification for
Extended Life Type, Nonplowable, Raised Retroreflective
Pavement Markers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4280; 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
1.1 This specification covers nonplowable, retroreflective raised pavement markers for nighttime lane marking and delineation.
1.2 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.
1.3 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 9, of this specification: This standard
does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this
standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C778 Specification for Standard Sand
D5/D5M Test Method for Penetration of Bituminous Materials
D36/D36M Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-and-Ball Apparatus)
D71 Test Method for Relative Density of Solid Pitch and Asphalt (Displacement Method)
D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester
D113 Test Method for Ductility of Asphalt Materials
D1785 Specification for Poly(Vinyl Chloride) (PVC) Plastic Pipe, Schedules 40, 80, and 120
D3111 Practice for Flexibility Determination of Hot-Melt Adhesives by Mandrel Bend Test
D4402/D4402M Test Method for Viscosity Determination of Asphalt at Elevated Temperatures Using a Rotational Viscometer
D5329 Test Methods for Sealants and Fillers, Hot-Applied, for Joints and Cracks in Asphalt Pavements and Portland Cement
Concrete Pavements
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E284 Terminology of Appearance
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E808 Practice for Describing Retroreflection
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D04 on Road and Paving Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D04.38 on Highway
Traffic Control Materials.
Current edition approved July 1, 2018Dec. 1, 2023. Published July 2018January 2024. Originally approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 20152018 as
D4280 – 15.D4280 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/D4280-18.10.1520/D4280-23.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D4280 − 23
E809 Practice for Measuring Photometric Characteristics of Retroreflectors
E811 Practice for Measuring Colorimetric Characteristics of Retroreflectors Under Nighttime Conditions
2.2 Federal Specification:
TT-T-291 Thinner, Paint, Mineral Spirits, Regular and Odorless
2.3 AASHTO Standard:
AASHTO M 237 Epoxy Resin Adhesive for Bonding Traffic Markers to Hardened Concrete
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 cleanability—the ability of a raised retroreflective marker to keep its optical surfaces clean under traffic and environmental
conditions.
3.1.2 coeffıcient of luminous intensity, R —the ratio of the luminous intensity (I) of the retroreflector in the direction of observation
I
to the illuminance (E) at the retroreflector on a plane perpendicular to the direction of the incident light, expressed in candelas per
lux (cd/lx) (see Practice E808 and Terminology E284).
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
The values presented for the coefficient of luminous intensity are presented in SI units, which are the accepted worldwide norm
for expressing this value, rather than in inch-pounds.inch-pound. When values are low, the coefficient of (retroreflected) luminous
intensity may be given in millicandelas per lux. In inch-pound units, R is given in candelas per footcandle (cd/fc). Historically,
I
the term “specific intensity” and symbol (“SI”) have been used to designate this term, but “R ” is preferred.
I
3.1.3 color—chromaticity, according to the CIE (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) 1931 colorimetric system.
3.1.4 horizontal entrance angle—the angle in the horizontal plane between the direction of incident light and the normal to the
leading edge of the marker.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—
This angle corresponds to the entrance angle β2 when the marker is positioned for photometry. The direction given in Practice E808
should be used when designating this angle.
3.1.5 observation angle—the angle between the illumination axis and the observation axis. (See also Practice E808.)
3.1.6 retroreflection—reflection in which radiation is returned in directions close to the direction from which it came, this property
being maintained over wide variations of the direction of incident radiation.
3.1.7 retroreflective element—a minimal optical unit that produces retroreflection, for example, a cube corner or a biconvex
structure.
4. Classification
4.1 Markers should be classified as to type, color, and abrasion resistance.
4.1.1 Types of Markers:
4.1.1.1 Type A—Two-way reflective markers, one color.
4.1.1.2 Type B—One-way reflective markers, one color.
4.1.1.3 Type E—Two-way reflective markers, two colors.
4.1.2 Retroreflected Color of Markers:
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
http://www.transportation.org.
D4280 − 23
4.1.2.1 W—White.
4.1.2.2 Y—Yellow.
4.1.2.3 R—Red.
4.1.2.4 B—Blue.
4.1.2.5 G—Green.
4.1.3 Abrasion Resistance:
4.1.3.1 Designated H—Marker with hard, abrasion-resistant lens surface.
4.1.4 Flexural Strength:
4.1.4.1 Designated F—Marker with sufficient longitudinal strength for application to flexible, asphaltic concrete pavement.
4.2 Show classification in the order detailed in 4.1.1 – 4.1.3.1: type, color, abrasion resistance, and flexural strength. For example,
ERWF is a two-way, red and white marker without abrasion-resistant surface and with sufficient flexural strength for application
to flexible pavement.
5. Ordering Information
5.1 Orders for material under this specification should include the following information:
5.1.1 Quantity,
5.1.2 Type of marker: retroreflective one way, or retroreflective two way,
5.1.3 Color of marker,
5.1.4 Abrasion resistance, if needed, and
5.1.5 Flexural strength, if needed.
NOTE 1—Flexural strength is not critical when application is to portland cement concrete pavement, but is critical when application is to some soft
asphaltic concrete pavements.
6. Requirements for Retroreflective Markers
6.1 Construction:
6.1.1 The marker shall be comprised of materials with adequate chemical, water, and UV resistance for the intended use.
6.1.2 Marker height shall not exceed 0.80 in. (20.3 mm).
6.1.3 Marker width shall not exceed 5.1 in. (130 mm).
6.1.4 The angle between the face of the marker and the base shall be no greater than 45°, except as provided in 6.1.4.1.
6.1.4.1 If the angle between the face of the marker and the base is greater than 45°, or if the marker front has protuberances of
more than 0.04 in. (1 mm), then as part of type acceptance, the marker shall be subjected to a six-month road test during the time
of the year when weather and traffic conditions are most critical to cleanability. Cleanability is determined by measuring coefficient
of luminous intensity before and after washing the marker lens.
6.1.5 The base of the marker shall be substantially free from gloss or substances that may reduce its bond to adhesive.
D4280 − 23
6.1.6 The base of the marker shall be flat within 0.05 in. (1.3 mm). If the bottom of the marker is configurated, the protruding faces
of the configurations shall not deviate more than 0.05 in. (1.3 mm) from a plane.
6.1.7 Construction not meeting the requirements of 6.1.2, 6.1.3, 6.1.4, 6.1.6, or 6.1.7, but meeting the performance requirements
of 6.2, will be acceptable following a twelve-month road test to determine cleanability, durability, and adhesion to the road.
6.2 Performance Requirements:
6.2.1 Retroreflectivity:
6.2.1.1 For new markers, coefficient of luminous intensity (R ) measured in accordance with 9.1 shall be not less than the values
I
in Table 1.
6.2.1.2 For abrasion-resistant markers, after abrading the marker in accordance with 9.5, coefficient of luminous intensity at 0°
entrance angle measured in accordance with 9.1 shall be not less than the values in Table 1 multiplied by 0.5.
NOTE 2—No abrasion resistance test has been established for markers having biconvex optical elements.
NOTE 3—Some two-color markers may intentionally have only one of the retroreflective faces abrasion resistant, in which case, the second face should
not be abraded.
NOTE 4—No laboratory abrasion test can be expected to model the full range of surface wear of pavement markers in use.
6.2.2 Because no practical laboratory procedures have been determined to provide complete, reliable, and predictive information
on adhesive bond strength, the user is encouraged to seek information from alternative sources such as field tests. A field test
duration of twelve months is recommended. A control marker is chosen with known satisfactory adhesion. The test markers may
be required to experience no more than 1.5 times as great an adhesion failure rate as the controls. The test severity should be such
that between 3 % and 20 % of the controls fail during the field test. There must be adequate numbers of test markers and controls
for statistical validity.
6.2.3 Physical Properties:
6.2.3.1 Flexural Strength (designation F markers only)—When tested in accordance with 9.2.1, a marker shall withstand 2000 lbf
(8914 N) without breakage.
NOTE 5—Method 9.2.1 tests longitudinal flexural strength, distinct from the flexural strength tested in previous editions of this specification.
6.2.3.2 Compressive Strength—When tested in accordance with 9.2.2, a marker shall support a load of 6000 lb (2727 kg) without
breakage or significant deformation of the marker. Significant deformation shall be understood to be 0.13 in. (3.3 mm).
6.2.4 Color—When the retroreflector is illuminated by CIE Standard Source A and when measured in accordance with 9.3, the
color of the retroreflected light shall fall within the color gamuts given by the following corner points and shown in Fig. 1.
TABLE 1 Coefficient of Luminous Intensity R
I
NOTE 1—The retroreflector axis and datum axis of the marker are as shown in Fig. 2Figs. 2 and 3 and Fig. 3.
NOTE 2—Entrance angle component β1 and rotation angle ε are 0°.
NOTE 3—The values presented for the coefficient of luminous intensity in the table are given in SI units, which are the accepted worldwide norm for
expressing this value, rather than in inch-pounds.inch-pound. The values in cd/fc are provided for information.
Minimum Value R , mcd/lx
I
Entrance Angle Component β2 Observation Angle α
White Yellow Red Green Blue
0° 0.2° 279 167 70 93 26
+20°/−20° 0.2° 112 67 28 37 10
Minimum Value R , cd/fc
I
Entrance Angle Component β2 Observation Angle α
White Yellow Red Green Blue
0° 0.2° 3.0 1.8 0.75 1.0 0.28
+20°/−20° 0.2° 1.2 0.72 0.30 0.4 0.11
D4280 − 23
FIG. 1 Color Gamut in Accordance with 6.2.4
6.2.4.1 White:
Point No. x y
1 0.310 0.348
2 0.453 0.440
3 0.500 0.440
4 0.500 0.380
5 0.440 0.380
6 0.310 0.283
6.2.4.2 Yellow:
Point No. x y
1 0.545 0.424
2 0.559 0.439
3 0.609 0.390
4 0.597 0.390
6.2.4.3 Red:
Point No. x y
1 0.650 0.330
2 0.668 0.330
3 0.734 0.265
4 0.721 0.259
6.2.4.4 Blue:
Point No. x y
1 0.039 0.320
2 0.160 0.320
3 0.160 0.240
4 0.183 0.218
5 0.088 0.142
D4280 − 23
6.2.4.5 Green:
Point No. x y
1 0.009 0.733
2 0.288 0.520
3 0.209 0.395
4 0.012 0.494
6.2.5 Resistance to Lens Cracking:
6.2.5.1 Lens Impact Strength—When impacted in accordance with 9.4.1, the face of the lens shall show no more than two radial
cracks longer than 0.25 in. (6.4 mm). There shall be no radial cracks extending to the edge of the abrasion-resistant area. There
shall be no delamination.
6.2.5.2 Temperature Cycling—When subjected to temperature cycling in accordance with 9.4.2, there shall be no cracking or
delamination.
7. Sampling
7.1 For markers not resistant to abrasion, sample size shall be 20 markers for each lot of 10 000 markers or less, and 40 markers
for each lot of more than 10 000 markers. For markers with an abrasion-resistant surface, ten additional samples shall be required.
Lot size shall not exceed 25 000 markers.
8. Number of Tests and Retests
8.1 For coefficient of luminous intensity (9.1.1), the entire sample of retroreflective pavement markers shall be tested. Failure of
more than 10 % of the reflective faces shall be cause for rejection of the entire lot represented by the sample. For abrasion-resistant
markers, in addition to the test of 9.1.1, four reflective faces passing the photometric requirements of 9.1.1 shall be subjected to
abrasion (9.1.2) and remeasured; failure of more than one sample shall be cause for rejection of the entire lot.
FIG. 2 Position of Marker for Photometry, 0° Entrance Angle
D4280 − 23
8.2 For longitudinal flexural strength (9.2.1), compressive strength (9.2.2), and color (9.3), three specimens shall be tested.
Specimens previously subjected to photometry (9.1.1), color (9.3), and the abrasion specified for 9.1.2 are acceptable for tests of
longitudinal flexural strength (9.2.1) and compressive strength (9.2.2). Failure of more than one specimen shall be cause for
rejection of the entire lot.
8.3 For lens impact strength (9.4.1) and resistance to temperature cycling (9.4.2), ten specimens shall be tested for each
requirement. Failure of more than one of the specimens in either test shall be cause for rejection of the entire lot.
8.4 In the event of failure that would result in rejection of a lot, and at the discretion of the purchaser, a resample may be taken
consisting of double the number of samples originally tested. Tolerances for resamples shall be in the same ratio as specified above.
9. Test Methods
9.1 Coeffıcient of Luminous Intensity:
9.1.1 Procedure—Measure coefficient of luminous intensity in accordance with Practice E809. Angular aperture of the source and
angular aperture of the receiver shall each be no larger than 0.1°. Angular aperture of the retroreflective elements shall be no larger
than 0.02°. If the retroreflective elements are no larger than 0.21 in. (5.3 mm) in diameter, suggested test dimensions are 50-ft
(15.2-m) distance, 1.0-in (25.4-mm) 50 ft (15.2 m) distance, 1.0 in. (25.4 mm) diameter receptor, and 1.0-in. (25.4-mm) 1.0 in.
(25.4 mm) diameter source. Other test distances are acceptable, provided that the stated angular aperture requirements are met and
that the marker subtends no more than 1° at the source. Measure the distance from the light source exit pupil to the center of the
retroreflective face of the marker. The base of the marker shall lie on a plane parallel to the illumination axis and perpendicular
to the observation half-plane. Refer to Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Practice E809. Any vertical surfaces on the marker, for example, on its
leading edge, that could specularly reflect the source into the receiver shall be covered. The tolerance on entrance angle shall be
60.5°. Maintain laboratory and condition markers to 72 6 3 °F (23 6 2 °C), 50 6 25 % RH.
9.1.1.1 Before photometry, gently wipe the face of the marker with a soft damp towel, then dry with a soft towel.
FIG. 3 Position of Marker for Photometry, +20° Entrance Angle
D4280 − 23
9.1.2 Interlaboratory Study of Precision:
9.1.2.1 The calculations, results, and terminology used to prepare this statement are in accordance with Practice E691.
9.1.2.2 A set of markers conforming to this specification was photometered at six laboratories. The set comprised 150 lenses,
equally divided among the five colors of 6.2.4 and also equally divided among three optical types: those having prisms
approximately 0.1 in. (2.5 mm) in diameter; those having prisms approximately 0.012 in. (0.3 mm) in diameter; and those having
discrete biconvex elements.
9.1.2.3 Each laboratory photometered each lens at 0.2° observation angle at each of 0°, +20°, and −20° entrance angles in
accordance with 9.1.1, and the measurements were repeated on a second day.
9.1.2.4 The precision statistics are given in Table 2. For each lens, precision statistics were calculated as percentages of the
interlaboratory mean R value for that lens. The precision statistics were averaged over the ten specimens of like color and optical
I
type. The precision statistics for +20° entrance angle and for −20° entrance angle were averaged for the reported 620° entrance
angle. The differences in precision statistics among the five colors were small enough to allow average values to be reported. The
differences in precision statistics among the three optical types were small enough to allow average values to be reported.
9.1.2.5 There is no estimate of bias. There is no reference laboratory in North America by which to establish bias for this
measurement.
9.2 Physical Properties:
9.2.1 Longitudinal Flexural Strength:
9.2.1.1 Condition markers at 73.4 6 3.6 °F (23.0 6 2.0 °C) for 4 h prior to testing.
9.2.1.2 Place two 0.5 by 1.0-in. 1.0 in. (12.7 by 25.4-mm) 25.4 mm) steel bars, each longer than the width of the marker base,
on their 0.5-in. (12.7-mm) 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) faces, onto the platen of the compression apparatus. Place durometer 70 Shore A
elastomeric pads approximately 0.12 in. (3 mm) thick onto the bars. Place marker base down onto the pads. Marker shall have its
lengthwise (roadway) direction perpendicular to the two bars. Spacing of bars shall depend on length of marker base, being as great
as possible without bars protruding beyond the extreme lengthwise points of the marker base. Place a durometer 70 Shore A
elastomeric pad approximately 1 in. (25 mm) thick and larger than the marker top on top of marker. Place a third 0.5 by 1.0-in.
1.0 in. (12.7 by 25.4-mm) 25.4 mm) steel bar, longer than the width of marker top, on its 0.5-in. (12.7-mm) 0.5 in. (12.7 mm) face
onto the top of the pad, positioned parallel to the other bars and centered over the marker top (see Fig. 4).
9.2.1.3 Apply load to the top of the marker at a rate of 0.2 in. (5.0 mm)/min through the top steel bar until the marker breaks.
Breakage shall constitute complete rupture or other loss of integrity evidenced by a sudden decrease in load. Record load at break
to the nearest lbf (N).
9.2.1.4 Precision and Bias:
(a) Interlaboratory Test Program—An interlaboratory study of longitudinal flexural strength for nonplowable raised pavement
markers for extended life was conducted in accordance with Practice E691 in eight laboratories, using four marker models, with
ten nearly identical specimens of each model for each laboratory. The four marker models were of the following constructions:
TABLE 2 Precision for Coefficient of Luminous Intensity
s s r R
r R
Entrance Repeatability Reproducibility 95 % 95 %
Angle Standard Standard Repeatability Reproducibility
Deviation Deviation Limit Limit
0° 1.5 % 6.7 % 4.1 % 18.5 %
±20° 4.0 % 9.0 % 11.1 % 25.0 %
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may be obtained by requesting Research Report RR:D04-1026. Contact ASTM Customer
Service at service@astm.org.
D4280 − 23
FIG. 4 Longitudinal Flexural Strength Test
1. Marker with molded ABS body
2. Marker with molded polycarbonate shell and interior
3. Marker with molded acrylic shell and urethane potting
4. Marker with molded acrylic shell and urethane potting
(1) Mean measurement values for the four models varied from 990 kg to 1370 kg.
(2) The individual statistical results for each set were averaged to obtain one set of repeatability and reproducibility results.
(3) The terms “repeatability limit” and “reproducibility limit” are used as specified in Practice E177.
(4) The precision statistics are given in Table 3.
(b) Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material suitable for determining the bias for the procedure in this test method
for measuring longitudinal flexural strength, no statement on bias is being made.
(1) Mean measurement values for the four models varied from 990 kg to 1370 kg.
(2) The individual statistical results for each set were averaged to obtain one set of repeatability and reproducibility results.
(3) The terms “repeatability limit” and “reproducibility limit” are used as speci
...