ASTM D4592-12(2022)

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
• ICS: 93.080.20 - Road construction materials
• 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
• Refers: ASTM D4061-13(2018) - Standard Test Method for Retroreflectance of Horizontal Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E1710-18 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Retroreflective Pavement Marking Materials with CEN-Prescribed Geometry Using a Portable Retroreflectometer
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1000-17 - Standard Test Methods for Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive-Coated Tapes Used for Electrical and Electronic Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2017
• Refers: ASTM D6628-16 - Standard Specification for Color of Pavement Marking Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM D6628-03(2015) - Standard Specification for Color of Pavement Marking Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4061-13 - Standard Test Method for Retroreflectance of Horizontal Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2013
• Refers: ASTM E1710-11 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Retroreflective Pavement Marking Materials with CEN-Prescribed Geometry Using a Portable Retroreflectometer
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2011
• Refers: ASTM D6628-03(2010)e1 - Standard Specification for Color of Pavement Marking Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1000-10 - Standard Test Methods for Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive-Coated Tapes Used for Electrical and Electronic Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1000-09 - Standard Test Methods for Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive-Coated Tapes Used for Electrical and Electronic Applications
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2009
• Refers: ASTM D4061-94(2006) - Standard Test Method for Retroreflectance of Horizontal Coatings
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2006
• Refers: ASTM E1710-05 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Retroreflective Pavement Marking Materials with CEN-Prescribed Geometry Using a Portable Retroreflectometer
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2005
• Refers: ASTM D1000-04 - Standard Test Methods for Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive-Coated Tapes Used for Electrical and Electronic Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004
• Refers: ASTM D1000-04e1 - Standard Test Methods for Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive-Coated Tapes Used for Electrical and Electronic Applications
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2004

Overview

ASTM D4592-12(2022) is the internationally recognized standard specification for preformed retroreflective pavement marking tape intended for limited service life. Issued by ASTM International, this standard ensures that white or yellow preformed retroreflective tapes used for road markings meet essential performance, durability, and visibility requirements. The tapes covered under this specification are designed to offer effective delineation on roads with average daily traffic (ADT) of up to 15,000, typically serving for three to six months. They are suitable for both daytime and nighttime use, substantially improving roadway safety and visibility during temporary or short-term changes in road layouts.

Key Topics

• Types of Marking Tapes

  • Type I (Removable):
    • Designed for temporary use, these tapes can be removed without significant damage or residue on pavement surfaces.
    • Suitable for situations where tape must be cleared after its service life.
  • Type II (Nonremovable):
    • Intended for short-term use where removal is not necessary, often applied in construction zones or before new pavement is laid.

• Performance Criteria

  • Retroreflectivity: Ensures high visibility at night or in low light conditions, reflecting headlights back to drivers.
  • Color Consistency: Conforms to requirements for white and yellow pavement markings.
  • Adhesion: Must adhere strongly to both asphalt and portland cement concrete surfaces with minimal preparation.
  • Flexibility: Designed to conform to the typical contours of pavement surfaces.
  • Skid Resistance: Type I tapes must provide adequate friction to prevent vehicle skidding.

• Durability and Wear

  • Expected service life ranges from three to six months, depending on traffic, surface conditions, and environmental exposure.

• Application & Removal Characteristics

  • No cure or set time required before opening to traffic.
  • Type I tapes allow for manual or mechanical removal without damaging the pavement.

Applications

Preformed retroreflective pavement marking tapes according to ASTM D4592-12(2022) are used for a variety of temporary road marking needs:

• Temporary Lane Markings: Ideal for construction zones, detours, or events where traffic patterns temporarily change.
• Transverse Markings: Crosswalks, stop bars, and other transverse applications during roadworks.
• Word/Symbol Markings: Temporary wording or symbols for guidance or warnings, including arrows or textual advisories.
• Contractor and Maintenance Operations: Ensures safe and compliant marking during resurfacing or maintenance operations.

These tapes offer reliable visibility in varying weather and lighting conditions, promoting safer navigation for motorists and workers during periods of road alteration or construction.

Related Standards

To ensure comprehensive performance and interoperability, ASTM D4592-12(2022) references several other standards:

• ASTM D1000: Test methods for pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes.
• ASTM D4061 & ASTM E1710: Methods for measuring retroreflectance of pavement marking materials.
• ASTM D6628: Specification for the color of pavement marking materials.
• ASTM E303: Test method for measuring surface frictional properties.
• CIE Publications: International references for colorimetry and surface colors used in visual signaling.

Practical Value

Using retroreflective pavement marking tape compliant with ASTM D4592 assures road operators, contractors, and public agencies of reliable, high-visibility, and safe temporary markings. The standard guarantees performance in both day and night conditions, clear removal options, and minimum disruption to underlying pavement surfaces-facilitating efficient maintenance and construction activities.

Keywords: ASTM D4592, retroreflective tape, pavement marking tape, temporary road markings, removable tape, nonremovable tape, limited service life, roadway safety, construction zone markings, adhesion, skid resistance, traffic delineation.

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 [e-mail]. 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
...