GENERAL

Reflectorizing glass beads for traffic paint are used to impart retroreflectivity to traffic paint lines. The type of glass beads used on projects shall conform to the requirements of AASHTO M 247. Glass Beads for standard painting applications shall conform to Specification 4184. Elements or beads for wet reflective / recoverable marking materials may be utilized as specified by the project documents, Specification 4184, Developmental Specifications, Special Provisions or standard specifications. Approved manufacturers are listed in the Materials Approved Products Listing Enterprise (MAPLE) Appendix A. Wet reflective / recoverable marking materials (Elements/Beads) are listed in MAPLE Appendix B. Utilize the correct wet reflective element / bead application types and rates for the paint system specified as per the paint manufacturers recommendations.

Reflectorizing glass beads / elements utilized on federally funded projects shall be manufactured in the USA.

Glass Utilized for manufacturing of Reflectorizing glass beads / elements shall be from domestic (USA) sources.

ACCEPTANCE

Acceptance of reflectorizing spheres and beads / elements for traffic paint shall be on the basis of manufacturer name approval. Acceptance of Wet reflective / recoverable marking materials shall be on the basis of manufacturer name and product brand name. All Product types require IM 107 Certification of compliance.

MANUFACTURER & BRAND NAME APPROVAL

To obtain approval, the manufacturer shall submit the following to the Iowa Department of Transportation, Construction & Materials Bureau, 800 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa 50010:

1. Product identification including brand name and product number

2. Technical literature and MSDS for the product

3. A pint sample of the product.

4. Recommended application procedures and rates for the product.

5. For wet recoverable and wet reflective materials to be used with traffic paints, typical retro-reflectivity values obtained from third party testing or actual project results pursuant to ASTM E 1710, ASTM E 2177 and ASTM E 2832 shall be provided.

6. Confirmation / Certification source material and manufacturing are from and completed within the USA for these products.

MONITOR SAMPLING & TESTING

The Construction & Materials Bureau may sample and test reflectorizing spheres, beads / elements for traffic paint to verify compliance with specifications.