Evaluation of 3M Stamark High Performance Wet Reflective Tape Series 380WR ES

In association with a federally approved work plan, WP 2008-3, 3M Series 380WR ES Permanent Durable Tape was applied to a portion of the South Burlington – Colchester project, IM 089-3(60), located along I-89 southbound between mile markers 88.502 and 88.833. According to 3M, the product is a patterned pavement marking tape which provides high retroreflectivity under both wet and dry conditions using abrasion-resistant microcrystalline ceramic beads that are bonded in a highly durable polyurethane topcoat. Test sites were established and monitored over an eleven month period along all 29 experimental skip markings in addition to 10 control markings comprised of 3M LPM 1200 polyurea. Overall, retroreflectivity values degraded quickly with the onset of traffic and winter maintenance activities. Initial retroreflectivity levels were found to be 401 and 698 mcd/m²/lx for the experimental and control markings, respectfully. Following the first winter season, retroreflectivity readings were 77 and 110 mcd/m²/lx for the experimental and control markings, respectively. Due to similar performance along other test site locations, 3M discontinued manufacturing the product. Based upon its poor performance and discontinuation of the product, the marking will not be added to the Vermont Agency of Transportation’s Approved Products List.

• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Vermont Agency of Transportation

  219 North Main Street
  Barre, VT  United States  05641

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Tremblay, Jason
  • Fitch, Jennifer M V
• Publication Date: 2011-2

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Photos; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 19p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Field tests; Polyurethane resins; Retroreflectivity; Road marking tapes
• Identifier Terms: Interstate 89
• Uncontrolled Terms: Microbeads
• Geographic Terms: Vermont
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Operations and Traffic Management; I35: Miscellaneous Materials; I73: Traffic Control;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01358539
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: Report No. 2011-2
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Dec 2 2011 4:28PM