ASTM D7942-15(2023)

Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Pavement Markings in Non Snow Plow Areas

ABSTRACT
This specification covers reflectorized thermoplastic based pavement striping material of the class that is applied to the road surface in a molten state by screed/extrusion or ribbon extrusion means. It deals with longitudinal applications in non snow plow areas, standard (non-profile) pavement marking applications, and applications on smooth asphalt or concrete surfaces. It does not include asphalt seal coat applications, which use large aggregate resulting in a very rough, open grade finish. This specification establishes requirements with respect to chemical composition and physical property of the thermoplastic pavement marking material, requirements for the optics that are used to reflectorize the thermoplastic pavement marking material after application, field performance requirements for the installed thermoplastic pavement markings, and material application requirements.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers a reflectorized thermoplastic-based pavement striping material of the class that is applied to the road surface in a molten state by screed/extrusion or ribbon extrusion means. Retroreflectivity of the pavement marking compound is achieved initially by surface application of retroreflective optics at the time of pavement marking application. Upon cooling to normal pavement temperature, the pavement marking material produces an adherent reflectorized stripe of specified thickness and width capable of resisting deformation by traffic. The pavement marking compound includes retroreflective optics (glass beads or composite optics, or both) that are incorporated into the material at the time of manufacture that provide retroreflective properties during the service life of the material.  
1.1.1 This specification is limited to:
1.1.1.1 Longitudinal applications in non snow plow areas,
1.1.1.2 Standard (non-profile) pavement marking applications, and
1.1.1.3 Applications on smooth asphalt or concrete surfaces. Asphalt seal coat applications, which use large aggregate resulting in a very rough, open grade finish, are excluded from this specification.  
1.1.2 This specification includes:
1.1.2.1 Compositional and physical property requirements of the thermoplastic pavement marking material,
1.1.2.2 Requirements for the optics that are used to reflectorize the thermoplastic pavement marking material after application,
1.1.2.3 Field performance requirements for the installed thermoplastic pavement markings, and
1.1.2.4 Material application requirements.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pounds 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 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2023
• ICS: 93.080.30 - Road equipment and installations
• 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 D36/D36M-14(2020) - Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-and-Ball Apparatus)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• 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 D6628-16 - Standard Specification for Color of Pavement Marking Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2016
• Refers: ASTM D7735-11(2016) - Standard Test Method for Type A Durometer Hardness Testing of Road Marking Thermoplastic at Elevated Temperatures
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D6628-03(2015) - Standard Specification for Color of Pavement Marking Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM E313-15 - Standard Practice for Calculating Yellowness and Whiteness Indices from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM D36/D36M-14 - Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-and-Ball Apparatus)
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2014
• Refers: ASTM D4960-08(2013) - Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Color for Thermoplastic Traffic Marking Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2013
• Refers: ASTM D92-12a - Standard Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D7308-07(2012) - Standard Practice for Sample Preparation of Thermoplastic Traffic Marking Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM D36/D36M-12 - Standard Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen (Ring-and-Ball Apparatus)
• Effective Date: 01-May-2012
• Refers: ASTM D7735-11e1 - Standard Test Method for Type A Durometer Hardness Testing of Road Marking Thermoplastic at Elevated Temperatures
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D7735-11 - Standard Test Method for Type A Durometer Hardness Testing of Road Marking Thermoplastic at Elevated Temperatures
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• 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

Overview

ASTM D7942-15(2023) - Standard Specification for Thermoplastic Pavement Markings in Non Snow Plow Areas provides comprehensive requirements for the composition, application, and performance of reflectorized thermoplastic-based pavement striping materials. These materials are specifically intended for use in longitudinal pavement markings applied on smooth asphalt or concrete road surfaces in areas where snow plow operations are not conducted. This standard defines the key performance criteria, including chemical composition, physical properties, retroreflectivity, and application procedures, ensuring high visibility and durability of pavement markings in diverse environmental and traffic conditions.

Key Topics

• Material Composition: The standard covers requirements for thermoplastic binders, fillers, pigments, and retroreflective optics such as glass beads or composite optics.
• Retroreflectivity: Ensures the thermoplastic pavement markings have both initial and retained retroreflective properties for visibility under night-time conditions.
• Physical Properties: Specifications for color, hardness, softening point, and durability are outlined to guarantee long-term performance and resistance to deformation under vehicular traffic.
• Application Methods: Details for proper application using screed/extrusion or ribbon extrusion techniques, including recommended application thickness and temperatures.
• Surface and Installation Preparation: Outlines the necessary conditions for pavement surfaces, cleaning, and primer use to ensure optimal adhesion and performance.
• Field Performance: Includes minimum performance life based on traffic volume, strict durability criteria, and requirements for field testing of markings after installation.
• Environmental and Safety Considerations: Users are instructed to follow appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and to check the applicability of local regulatory requirements.

Applications

The ASTM D7942-15(2023) standard is critical for:

• Highway and Roadway Agencies: Ensuring that pavement markings are visible, durable, and compliant with required specifications, enhancing road safety in non snow plow regions.
• Contractors and Installers: Serving as a guideline for selecting, applying, and verifying thermoplastic pavement marking materials to meet project specifications.
• Material Manufacturers: Specifying minimum requirements for product composition, quality control, and performance, enabling manufacturers to produce compliant marking materials.
• Quality Assurance: Providing a basis for inspecting pavement markings for properties like color stability, retroreflectivity, and thickness, supporting contract compliance and public safety.

Typical applications include:

• Longitudinal striping on new or existing asphalt and concrete pavements
• Lane dividers, edge lines, and centerlines in urban, suburban, and rural roadways
• Locations not exposed to snowplow operations, where retroreflective visibility is critical year-round

Related Standards

Referencing and aligning with the following standards ensures comprehensive compliance and compatibility:

• ASTM D36/D36M: Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen
• ASTM D4960: Evaluation of Color for Thermoplastic Pavement Marking Materials
• ASTM D6628: Specification for Color of Pavement Marking Materials
• ASTM D7307/D7308: Practices for Sampling and Sample Preparation of Thermoplastic Pavement Marking Materials
• ASTM D7585/D7585M: Practice for Evaluating Retroreflective Pavement Markings Using Hand-Operated Instruments
• ASTM E1710: Measurement of Retroreflective Pavement Marking Materials
• AASHTO M 247: Specification for Glass Beads Used in Traffic Paints
• AASHTO T 250: Test Method for Thermoplastic Traffic Line Material

These standards facilitate consistent quality, interoperability, and performance assessment for thermoplastic pavement markings, supporting infrastructure safety and longevity.

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Keywords: thermoplastic pavement markings, ASTM D7942-15, reflectorized pavement striping, non snow plow areas, longitudinal road markings, retroreflective optics, highway marking standards, pavement marking durability, road safety compliance

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: D7942 − 15 (Reapproved 2023)
Standard Specification for
Thermoplastic Pavement Markings in Non Snow Plow
Areas
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D7942; 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 The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions
to SI units that are provided for information only and are not
1.1 This specification covers a reflectorized thermoplastic-
considered standard.
based pavement striping material of the class that is applied to
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the road surface in a molten state by screed/extrusion or ribbon
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
extrusion means. Retroreflectivity of the pavement marking
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
compound is achieved initially by surface application of
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
retroreflective optics at the time of pavement marking appli-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
cation. Upon cooling to normal pavement temperature, the
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
pavement marking material produces an adherent reflectorized
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
stripe of specified thickness and width capable of resisting
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
deformation by traffic. The pavement marking compound
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
includes retroreflective optics (glass beads or composite optics,
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
or both) that are incorporated into the material at the time of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
manufacture that provide retroreflective properties during the
service life of the material.
2. Referenced Documents
1.1.1 This specification is limited to:
1.1.1.1 Longitudinal applications in non snow plow areas, 2.1 ASTM Standards:
D36/D36M Test Method for Softening Point of Bitumen
1.1.1.2 Standard (non-profile) pavement marking
(Ring-and-Ball Apparatus)
applications, and
D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland
1.1.1.3 Applications on smooth asphalt or concrete surfaces.
Open Cup Tester
Asphalt seal coat applications, which use large aggregate
D4960 Test Method for Evaluation of Color for Thermoplas-
resulting in a very rough, open grade finish, are excluded from
tic Pavement Marking Materials
this specification.
D6628 Specification for Color of Pavement Marking Mate-
1.1.2 This specification includes:
rials
1.1.2.1 Compositional and physical property requirements
D7307 Practice for Sampling of Thermoplastic Pavement
of the thermoplastic pavement marking material,
Marking Materials
1.1.2.2 Requirements for the optics that are used to reflec-
D7308 Practice for Sample Preparation of Thermoplastic
torize the thermoplastic pavement marking material after
Pavement Marking Materials
application,
D7585/D7585M Practice for Evaluating Retroreflective
1.1.2.3 Field performance requirements for the installed
Pavement Markings Using Portable Hand-Operated In-
thermoplastic pavement markings, and
struments
1.1.2.4 Material application requirements.
D7735 Test Method for Type A Durometer Hardness Testing
of Thermoplastic Pavement Marking at Elevated Tem-
1.2 The values stated in inch-pounds units are to be re-
peratures
garded as the standard except where noted in the document.
E313 Practice for Calculating Yellowness and Whiteness
Indices from Instrumentally Measured Color Coordinates
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. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved May 1, 2023. Published May 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as D7942 – 15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D7942-15R23. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D7942 − 15 (2023)
E1710 Test Method for Measurement of Retroreflective 4. Classification
Pavement Marking Materials with CEN-Prescribed Ge-
4.1 The thermoplastic pavement markings are classified into
ometry Using a Portable Retroreflectometer
categories with specific retroreflectivity performance levels.
G155 Practice for Operating Xenon Arc Lamp Apparatus for
See 9.6.
Exposure of Materials
4.2 The annex contains application recommendations for
2.2 AASHTO Standards:
typical installations to meet each performance class.
AASHTO M 247 Standard Specification for Glass Beads
4.3 The thermoplastic pavement markings can be provided
Used in Traffic Paints
AASHTO T 250 Standard Method of Test for Thermoplastic with a contrast marking process consisting of a black thermo-
plastic pavement marking that improves the visual marking
Traffic Line Material
contrast for daytime visibility.
3. Terminology
5. Ordering Information
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 binder—mixture of rosins, synthetic resins, waxes, 5.1 The purchaser must specify the pavement marking class
when ordering. In addition the purchaser has the option of
polymers, and plasticizers that form the continuous phase in
the pavement marking compound. requiring a contrast marking application.
3.1.2 pavement marking compound—a homogeneous mix-
6. Materials and Manufacture
ture of binder, fillers, extenders, pigments, and intermixed
retroreflective optics.
6.1 The thermoplastic material shall be available in white,
yellow, and black.
3.1.3 retroreflective optics:
3.1.3.1 glass beads—spherical glass manufactured for use 6.2 The thermoplastic material shall be homogeneously
with pavement marking materials to provide retroreflective composed of pigment, filler, resins, and optics.
properties to the marking, allowing them to be visible when
6.3 Glass Beads General Requirements—Glass beads shall
viewed at night under automobile headlights.
provide the marking with good night visibility without com-
(1) small glass beads—also referred to as standard glass
promising day visibility and be of a composition designed to be
beads. This can refer to a number of products of various sizes,
highly resistant to traffic wear and to the effects of weathering.
but as defined in this document it refers to a glass bead product
6.4 Intermix Glass Beads—The glass beads shall conform to
meeting the requirements of AASHTO M 247 Type 1 or Type
the requirements of AASHTO M 247 Type 1, Type 2, or Type
2.
3 and shall be either uncoated or have an adhesion promoting
(2) large glass beads—these glass beads meet the require-
coating.
ments of AASHTO M 247 Type 3, Type 4, or Type 5 as called
for in the specification.
6.5 Drop-on Glass Beads—The drop-on beads shall meet
(3) high refractive index glass beads—these glass beads
the requirements of AASHTO M 247 as required in this
typically meet the requirements of AASHTO M 247 Type 1 or
specification. When a double-drop application of glass beads is
Type 2 except the refractive index of the glass bead is between
required, the larger beads shall be placed on the top surface of
1.90 and 1.95.
the thermoplastic first followed by the application of the
smaller beads.
3.1.3.2 composite optics—a multi-component retroreflective
particle comprised of a pigmented core (typically white or 6.5.1 Specific Properties—The AASHTO M 247 Type 3,
Type 4, and Type 5 glass beads used for drop-on beads shall
yellow) combined with very small glass or ceramic beads
having a refractive index of between 1.90 and 2.4). have an adhesion promoting coating. AASHTO M 247 Type 1
and Type 2 glass spheres used for drop-on beads shall have a
3.1.3.3 non AASHTO glass beads—a manufacturer may
coating which will provide enhanced adhesion, moisture
provide a product outside the requirements found under 3.1.3.1
resistance, and proper embedment in the pavement marking.
in which case the performance requirements of this specifica-
tion must still be met.
6.6 Composite Optics—The composite optics shall be pro-
vided according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
3.1.4 thermoplastic pavement markings—a pavement mark-
ing compound brought to a molten state by heating to the
6.7 The thermoplastic material shall not deteriorate on
manufacturer’s recommended temperature under agitation and
contact with sodium chloride, calcium chloride or other de-
then applied to the pavement while in the molten state.
icing chemicals or because of oil content of paving materials or
Retroreflective optics are applied (dropped on) to the surface of
oil droppings.
the molten marking immediately after application to provide
6.8 Composition—The pigment, beads, and filler shall be
initial retroreflectivity.
uniformly dispersed in the resin. The material shall be free
from all skins, dirt, and foreign objects.
6.9 Set Time—When applied at a temperature range of 412
Available from American Association of State Highway and Transportation
6 12 °F (211 6 7 °C) and thickness of up to 0.125 in.
Officials (AASHTO), 444 N. Capitol St., NW, Suite 249, Washington, DC 20001,
http://www.transportation.org. (4.736 mm) the material shall set to bear traffic in not more
D7942 − 15 (2023)
than 2 min when the air temperature is 50 6 3 °F (10 6 2 °C) requirement is not intended to be predictive of the three to five
and not more than 10 min when the air temperature is 90 6 year service life of the marking but can be used as a screening
3 °F (32 6 2 °C). tool to identify materials that will fail.
White – Yellowness Index – 20 Maximum
6.10 Storage Life—Thermoplastic material furnished in
Yellow Daytime Chromaticity Coordinates (after accelerated weathering)
granular and block form shall meet the above requirements for
1 2 3 4
a minimum period of one year. The thermoplastic must melt
x 0.490 0.560 0.460 0.420
uniformly with no evidence of skins or unmelted particles
y 0.510 0.440 0.400 0.440
during this one year period. Material not meeting the above
8.1.2 Cracking Resistance at Low Temperature—The mate-
requirements shall be replaced by the manufacturer.
rial shall show no cracks when tested in accordance to
AASHTO T 250.
7. Chemical Composition
8.1.3 Softening Point—After heating the thermoplastic ma-
7.1 Composition of the Thermoplastic Pavement Marking
terial for 4 h 6 5 min at 425 6 3 °F (218 6 2 °C) and testing
Material (percent by weight)—See Table 1.
in accordance with Test Method D36/D36M, the materials shall
have a softening point of 215 6 15 °F (102.5 6 9.5 °C).
8. Physical Properties
8.1.4 Indentation Resistance—The hardness shall be be-
8.1 Laboratory Properties:
tween 40 and 75 units after 15 s when tested in accordance to
8.1.1 Color—The thermoplastic materials after heating for
Test Method D7735. The durometer and the sample shall be
4 h 6 5 min at 425 6 3 °F (218 6 2 °C) under agitation shall
maintained at 115 °F (46 °C).
meet the following requirements when tested according to Test
8.1.5 Flash Point—The thermoplastic material shall have a
Method D4960 using a CIE 2 degree standard observer and
flash point of no less than 500 °F (260 °C) when tested in
standard illuminant D65. Yellowness index shall be calculated
accordance with Test Method D92 COC.
according to Practice E313.
8.1.1.1 White:
9. Performance Requirements
(a) Daylight Reflectance at 45°/0°: 75 % minimum
9.1 Installed pavement markings shall meet the following
(b) Yellowness Index at 45°/0°: 12 maximum
service life requirements:
8.1.1.2 Yellow:
A
Traffic Volume (AADTpl) Minimum Years of Service Life
(a) Daylight reflectance at 45°/0°: 42 to 56 %
<5000 5
(b) The initial daytime CIE chromaticity for yellow mate-
5000–15 000 4
rials without drop-on retroreflective optics shall fall within the 15 000–25 000 3
>25 000 <3
following coordinates:
Initial Yellow Daytime Chromaticity Coordinates (Corner Points)
A
AADTpl is defined as the annual average daily traffic count per traffic lane.
1 2 3 4
x 0.490 0.560 0.460 0.420
9.2 The service life of the installed markings shall be
y 0.510 0.440 0.400 0.440
defined by the following field performance criteria:
(c) Color Stability after Accelerated Weathering ASTM
9.3 Daytime Color (during service life)—The markings
Designation: Practice G155, Table X3.1 Cycle I, 1500 h
shall meet the requirements of Specification D6628 with the
exposure time. Prepare sample by dipping a sheet aluminum
exception of “Y” (reflectance).
panel into the molten thermoplastic and removing it to obtain
9.4 Nighttime Color (during service life)—The markings
a 0.06 to 0.120 in. (1.5 to 3 mm) coating thickness of
shall meet the requirements of Specification D6628.
thermoplastic on the panel. Place the panel in the weathering
apparatus for 1500 h. After accelerated weathering, measure
9.5 Durability—Defined as no more than 10 % loss (visible
the Yellow Color or Yellowness Index. Material shall meet the
daytime road presence) in any 1000 ft section of continuous or
color stability requirements below after this exposure. This
broken pavement markings. Any markings installed less than
6 in. from a construction joint are not covered in this specifi-
cation.
TABLE 1 Composition of the Thermoplastic Pavement Marking
Material (percent by weight)
9.6 Retroreflectivity (180 days)—The minimum dry retrore-
Component White Yellow Black
flectivity of the markings when tested 180 days or less after
B
Binder 20.0 min. 20.0 min. 20.0 min.
installation shall be as follows when tested according to Test
C
Intermix Retroreflective Optics 40.0 min. 40.0 min. –
Method E1710:
Titanium Dioxide (ASTM Type II) 10.0 min. – –
A A
Yellow and Black Pigments – Dry Retroreflectivity (Test Method Class 1 Class 2 Class 3
A
E1710)
A
Amount of yellow and black pigment, calcium carbonate and inert fillers shall be
White (mcd/m /lux) 300 450 800
at the option of the manufacturer, providing all other requirements of this
Yellow (mcd/m /lux) 200 350 525
specification are met. The thermoplasticmaterial shall comply with all applicable
Federal requirements found in RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act).
A
B
The values presented for the coefficient of retroreflected luminance (R ) are
The binder shall consist of a mixture of synthetic resins, polymers, and L
presented in SI units, which are the accepted worldwide norm for expressing this
plasticizers. The purchaser shall have the option of requiring the binder system to
value, rather than in inch-pound.
be either an alkyd or a hydrocarbon based system.
C
The retroreflective optics shall consist of glass beads, composite optics or a
9.7 Retroreflectivity (retained)—The minimum dry retrore-
combination thereof.
flectivity of the markings of all classes when tested from 181
D7942 − 15 (2023)
days after installation through the end of service life of the conditions beyond the control of the material manufacturer
markings shall be as follows when tested according to Test including, but not limited to: failure of the road surface,
Method E1710: unusual road or traffic conditions, snowplow blade damage,
White: 150 mcd/m /lux studded tires, or other external forces not characteristic of
Yellow: 125 mcd/m /lux normal traffic wear, and unusually severe weather, floods, or
NOTE 1—The values presented for the coefficient of retroreflected
other acts of God.
luminance (R ) are presented in SI units, which are the accepted
L
11.2 Application requirements pertaining to this specifica-
worldwide norm for expressing this value, rather than in inch-pound.
tion can be found in the annex.
9.8 In considering compliance to the performance require-
ments of this specification any area where the markings are 12. Dimensions, Mass, and Permissible Variations
tracked, contaminated by foreign material, damaged by un-
12.1 All markings shall be applied to the dimensions as
usual traffic patt
...