Research Project:

Planning, Developing and Implementing the Iowa Pavement Marking Management System (IPMMS)

Final Report

PDF version 12 mb

Principal Investigator

Neal Hawkins
Iowa State University
515-294-7733
hawkins@iastate.edu

External Project Contact

Project Objective

Development of an Iowa pavement marking management system (IPMMS) targeted toward improved Management and Operations. Key management considerations include recent restrictions on the use of volatile organic compounds, levels of reflectivity, and aging drivers. Key operations considerations include development of an application matrix to effectively allocate traditional and durable products based on field conditions, safety issues with new and modified products to manage retroreflectivity levels, and other application details such as paint thickness, type of beads, and quality control.

Project Abstract

With an annual pavement marking program of approximately $2 million and another $750 thousand invested in maintenance of durable markings each year, the Iowa DOT is seeking every opportunity to provide all-year markings staying in acceptable condition under all weather conditions. The goal of this study is to analyze existing pavement marking practices and to develop a prototype Pavement Marking Management System (PMMS).

This report documents the first two phases of a three-phase research project. Phase I includes an overview of the Iowa DOT’s existing practices and a literature review regarding pavement marking practices in other states. Based on this information, a work plan was developed for Phases II and III of this study.

Phase II organized the key components necessary to develop a prototype PMMS for the Iowa DOT. The two primary components are (1) performance/life cycle curves for pavement marking products, and (2) an application matrix tailored to the pavement marking products and roadway and environmental conditions faced by the Iowa DOT. Both components will continue to be refined and tailored to Iowa materials and conditions as more performance data becomes available.

Task Descriptions, Milestone, and Dates

Documentation of Existing Conditions, June 30, 2004
Technical Memorandum / Workshop, May 31, 2004
Improvement Recommendations, July 31, 2004
Performance Curves, September 30, 2004
Application Matrix, September 30, 2004
Quality Control, October 31, 2004
Information Management System, October 31, 2004
Inventory Management, November 30, 2004
Decision Support, November 30, 2004
Continuous Improvement, November 30, 2004
Operations Plan (Initial), February 28, 2005
Operations Plan (On-Going), February 28, 2005

Student Involvement (e.g., Thesis, Assistantships, Paid Employment)

One Graduate Student (25% FTE)

Relationship to Other Projects

None

Technology Transfer Activities

This project will include technical memorandums and documentation of current practices, workshops and staff presentations for Iowa DOT staff, and implementation and operations plans for the PMMS that will be developed.

Potential Benefits of the Project

The project will create a practical and useful management program specific to pavement markings for the Iowa DOT. This system will also be useful to Iowa cities and counties with regards to the management of pavement marking resources.

Budget

$50,000 MTC/$50,000 Cost Share (one-year project)

TRB Keywords

Pavement Marking Management System, PMMS, management, operations, reflectivity, maintenance, durability, Iowa DOT, county, local