Historically the Colorado Department of Highways has approved roadside sign material based on data obtained using the weatherometer. While the weatherometer gives some comparative performance data related to UV stability and exposure to moisture, the true performance is best measured under actual field conditions. An outdoor exposure deck was constructed to test sign materials for their field performance and expected longevity. Sample materials were split into three pieces, one for the weatherometer testing, one for the outdoor exposure deck, and one to remain in original condition for later comparison. This report describes the construction of the deck, and the sheeting results after three years of exposure to Colorado weather.
This report covers the pre-construction, construction and the first evaluation following construction at the following locations: I-25, Colorado Boulevard; I-25, Pueblo; Highway 85, Santa Fe Avenue; and I-70, Flagler. An additional project has been added that will be constructed during the 1992 construction season. This project is located on Brighton Boulevard between I-70 and Sand Creek. This project will contain a section with Type I polymer, a section with Type III polymer and also a section with no binder.
Swareflex wildlife warning reflectors were installed on a four-mile section of road near Denver. Two half-mile test sections were alternately covered and uncovered for a three-month period to see if any significant change in deer-vehicle accidents could be detected. No accidents occurred in the test sections during the evaluation period. The cover/uncover evaluation method proved too costly for the limited budget of this study. Photometric measurements of the reflectors have been made using vehicle headlights as the light source. The use of wildlife warning reflectors should be discontinued until more evidence is available on their effectiveness--especially on mule deer. A regional pooled-fund study should be started to investigate the effect of the reflectors on mule deer. This needs to be a large-scale effort to obtain results in a short period of time and to ensure validity.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC) will be demonstrating some European testing equipment for hot mix asphalt. The equipment includes the French mixer, French gyratory compactor, French plate compactor, French mixer, Hamburg wheel tracking device and the Georgia loaded wheel tester. The advantages, disadvantages, costs and manufacturers are discussed. The joint research project between CDOT and TFHRC to evaluate the equipment and asphalt mixes is included.
