Airport pavement markings are a critical component of airfield visual aids, and it is especially important that they be properly maintained. To accomplish this, airports expend considerable resources to maintain the effectiveness of the marking system.
The FAA Airport Technology Research & Development Branch (ATR) is currently evaluating paint and reflective bead durability in two areas: retro-reflectivity and chromaticity. The approach taken during this project is to evaluate approved paint materials for operational and environmental suitability and install them at airport test sites.
A series of airport pavement markings were placed at the Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), Newark Liberty International (EWR), Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) for evaluation.
This research may lead to improved selection of marking materials based on an airport’s environmental conditions and type of traffic as well as improved marking maintenance practices.