Evaluation of Epoxy Thermoplastic Pavement Marking Material

The objective of this study was to evaluate the field performance of epoxy thermoplastic (ETP) as a pavement marking material and to compare it to a control marking material, which was alkyd traffic paint. A test installation of ETP along with the regular traffic paint was placed on KY 841 in Jefferson County and evaluated over an 18-month period. Data collection consisted of daytime observations and rating of the material\u27s appearance and durability and nighttime observations and rating of its nighttime visibility. Reflectivity measurements were also collected using a portable retroreflectometer. The appearance (color) of the ETP remained good over the evaluation period. The night visibility of the ETP was satisfactory but was not much better than the traffic paint. Significant durability problems were found with the ETP relating to the loss of adhesion between the pavement and the material. Due to the durability problem and its cost as compared to alkyd traffic paint, no future use of epoxy thermoplastic is recommended