Evaluation of Retro-Reflective Beads to Increase Airport Surface Marking Conspicuity

Five types of retro-reflective beads were evaluated: three are currently approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for use on airfield markings, as indicated in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5370-10D and two are the newly proposed retro-reflective beads. This evaluation covered a 1-year period starting in August 2008.

This research validates previous research performed on Type I, Type III, and Type IV retro-reflective beads. No previous research was performed on the two newly proposed retro-reflective beads.
The initial application tests concerning coverage, water, and pull-off strength were deemed successful.
On new HMA, the test marking with Type IV retro-reflective beads remained conspicuous for the longest period of time. Type I, Type III, and Manufacturer B retro-reflective beads remained conspicuous for approximately half that time, and Manufacturer A for approximately one-quarter of the time.

All the approved retro-reflective beads proved suitable for use on aged HMA and aged PCC over a 1-year period. The proposed retro-reflective beads from Manufacturer A and Manufacturer B also proved suitable for use on aged HMA and aged PCC.

DOT/FAA/AR-TN10/10
Author: Anthony J. Previti*, Holly Cyrus, and Donald W. Gallagher