3M Pavement Markings

Putting Pavement
Marking Reflectivity
to the test
Measured pavement marking reflectivity results vary widely depending on the test.
Understanding the unique methods and requirements of these tests can help you select
the best product for your road marking needs and maximize marking visibility for drivers.
ASTM Retroreflectivity There are four unique, standardized test

Test Methods and Steps

methods for determining road marking
retroreflectivity under various conditions.

E1710 Dry Method

1. S et up instrument in external or internal beam measurement mode and calibrate
per the manufacturers instructions.
2. Place retroreflectometer on area to be measured and take reading.
3. The measurement value is the test result.

E2832 Continuous Wet Method

1. S et up instrument in external beam measurement mode and calibrate per
instrument manufacturers instructions.
2. Assemble the wetting apparatus by connecting the pump to the mist box with the
plastic tubing.
3. C
 alibrate the wetting apparatus (mist box and pump) per ASTM E2832.
4. P lace the mist box over the measurement area with the measurement port facing
traffic and turn on the water pump.
5. P lace retroreflectometer at the measurement port on the mist box and take
measurements in the direction of traffic every ten seconds.
6. Continue taking measurements until brightness readings are at steady state.
This is determined when six consecutive brightness readings show no substantial
trend up or down.
7. The average of the last four steady state measurements is the test result.

E2177 Bucket Method Wet Recovery

1. S et up instrument in either external or internal beam measurement mode and
calibrate per instrument manufacturers instructions.
2. P lace two to five liters of water in a bucket and empty the contents on the area to
be measured and immediate surrounding area.
3. Place retroreflectometer on measurement area and take readings after 45 seconds.
4. The measurement is the test result.

E2177 Spray Method Wet Recovery

1. S et up instrument in external beam measurement mode and calibrate per
instrument manufacturers manual.
2. P lace the retrolumonometer on the line directly in front of the measurement area in
the direction of traffic.
3. U
 se an electric or hand pump sprayer to wet the line on the measurement area for
30 seconds.
4. Turn off the sprayer and after another 45 seconds take a measurement.
5. The measurement value is the test result.
 ASTM Test Method Requirements
E1710
Dry Method
Measure reflectivity
of pavement markings
under dry conditions
TEST DESCRIPTION
E2832 Continuous E2177 E2177
Wet Method Bucket Method Spray Method
Measure reflectivity Measure reflectivity Measure reflectivity
of pavement markings of pavement markings of pavement markings
under condition of under condition of under condition of
continuous wetting standard wetness standard wetness

Sample requirements:
minimum 0.5% grade, No requirements Required Recommended Recommended
open to traffic two weeks

Differentiate dry
Excellent N/A N/A N/A
reflective materials

Differentiate wet
N/A Excellent Good Good
reflective materials

Instrument type Internal or external beam External beam Internal or external beam Internal or external beam

Measurement duration 10 sec 3 min 1 min 15 sec 1 min 30 sec

Total time including setup 23 min 5 10 min 35 min 35 min

Reflectometer, rain box, Reflectometer, bucket, Reflectometer, spray unit,

Equipment requirements Reflectometer
spray unit, water, stopwatch water, stopwatch water, stopwatch

Water requirements None < 1 liter 25 liters < 1 liter

Typical Initial Retroreflectivity Values Typical Initial Retroreflectivity Values

for 3M Tape Products for 3M Reflective Elements
1200 2500

1000
2000
Retroreflectivity (mcd)
Retroreflectivity (mcd)

800
1500

600

1000
400

500
200

0 0
Durable Removable Durable Wet Blend Balanced Dry Elements
All Weather Tape All Weather Tape Dry Reflective Tape Wet and Dry Blend

3M Tape Product Type 3M Reflective Element Type

Key: E1710 E2177 Spray Method E2177 Bucket Method E2832

Understanding the Results
Different test methods yield different reflectivity results. Specifications need to be aligned with desired test methods and all markings
measured with the same method.
Pavement marking materials can be developed to deliver reflectivity performance over a wide range of values. There are trade-offs of
wet and dry reflectivity for each product design. Dry reflective performance does not directly correlate to wet reflective performance.

How Pavement Marking Optics

Are Measured
Pavement markings are viewed at extreme horizontal angles that are very different from what is seen with sign sheetings.
Modern instruments measure reflectivity approximate to what is seen at 30 meters. This 30-meter measurement is required in all of
the above ASTM methods and it is often referred to as driver geometry.
Due to the extreme angles and optical systems, pavement marking retroreflectivity numbers are extremely low and measured in
millicandelas, which are one one-thousandth of the unit used to measure sign sheeting.

1.05 Observation Angle 88.76

30 meters (98 feet)

mcd/lux/m2

For technical information or to learn more about 3Ms full line of traffic safety products and services, visit
3M.com/roadwaysafety or contact your local 3M representative at 1-800-553-1380.

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