Analysis Of Factors Affecting Pavement Markings And Pavement Marking Retroreflectivity In Tennessee Highways

ABSTRACT

Pavement markings are lines drawn on a pavement surface to provide vital information to road users pertaining to lane restrictions and vehicle movements, which if adhered to, results in improved safety and smooth travelling to road users. Pavement markings’ visibility is quantified into a parameter called retroreflectivity, which is a measure of how well the markings can be seen by road users. The importance of the factors affecting pavement markings differs from one publication to another, which cause the effective management of pavement markings a difficult process. In addressing this concern, this thesis investigated factors affecting pavement markings and marking retroreflectivity in Tennessee highways using retroreflectivity data collected on asphalt highways. Quantifiable factors affecting pavement markings retroreflectivity are analyzed, and linear degradation models are developed using regression analysis. The analysis shows that age and traffic have significant impacts on pavement marking retroreflectivity degradation.