This research evaluated pavement marking performance and developed useful degradation models for thermoplastic and paint pavement markings which can help North Carolina meet the pending FHWA minimum retroreflectivity requirements. The impacts of several important factors (such as lateral location, directionality, region, and pavement roughness) on pavement marking retroreflectivity were evaluated. With two large datasets in hand, the authors determined whether these factors had significant impacts on marking retroreflectivity. Image processing techniques were used to analyze pavement marking surface glass bead density. The authors were able to explain why paint marking retroreflectivity values degraded over time by evaluating the impact of bead density on paint marking retroreflectivity. The research reviewed existing marking retroreflectivity degradation models and developed useful new models for both thermoplastic and paint pavement markings in North Carolina. The research presented a transportation asset management system framework for estimating the current and future condition of pavement markings. The research outcomes enable the North Carolina Department of Transportation to have a better understanding of thermoplastic and paint pavement marking performance, which can lead to cost saving by maximizing pavement marking service lifecycles.

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 408: Pavement Marking Warranty Specifications presents information on the use of pavement marking warranties by United States and Canadian transportation agencies, including agency specifications. European experience is also included in the report for comparison purposes. Appendices D and E for NCHRP Synthesis 408 are available online--

TRB's National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) Synthesis 306: Long-Term Pavement Marking Practices documents the current and best practices for managing pavement marking systems, identifies future needs, and addresses driver needs and methods of communicating information to drivers, selection criteria (e.g., reflectivity, pavement service life, wet weather performance), materials (e.g., color, durability, cost), specifications, construction practices, inventory management systems, and more.

Thermoplastic Pavement Marking Materials include spray, screed, extrusion, profile, and preform, which are considered as superior performance and cost-effectiveness markings. This book provides excellent resource for unskilled or novice pavement markers as well as professionally trained line marking operators and explains all factors that affect the achievement of thermoplastic pavement marking materials. An additional information about AS4049.2 and AS2009:2006 Standards applicable to pavement markings are included in appendix for technicians and engineers to select and inspect materials for performance.

NCHRP synthesis 371 explores the state of the practice for managing transportation infrastructure assets other than pavements and bridges, and documents gaps in knowledge and areas in need of potential further study.