Raised Pavement Marker Improvements

Retroreflective raised pavement markers (RRPMs) are routinely used in Texas to supplement highway pavement markings. In recent years, problems resulting from marker failure such as poor retention on pavements, physical damage, and loss of retroreflectivity have been common. Several recent installations experienced mass failures. All marker models used in Texas meet the requirements set by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) specifications. However, their performance varies significantly, and results from existing testing methods do not correlate with field performance. It is therefore critical to identify or develop new lab testing methods that can accurately predict marker performance in the field. In addition to marker product quality control, investigation of other factors affecting RRPM performance and development of countermeasures are important for the improvement of marker performance.