IRC ; 79-1981 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR ROAD DELINEATORS THE INDIAN ROADS CONGRESSMEMBERS OF THE SPECIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS COMMITTEE 13. 14. 15. 16, 17. 18, 19. 20. Nts 23, 23. 24, 25, 26 2: 28. 29, 30. 1, 32. 33. 34. 35. 36, ay Brig. Gobindar Singh (Convenor) R.P. Sikka (Member-Secretary) Qazi Mohd. Afzal R.C. Arora R.T. Atre MK, Chatterjee E.C. Chandrasekharan M.G. Dandavate J. Datt Dr. M.P. Dhir Dr. R.K. Ghosh B.R. Govind LC. Gupta S.A. Hoda M.B, Jayawant D.R. Kohli S.B, Kulkarni P.K, Lauria H.C. Malhotra, MLR. Malya ©. Muthachen K. Sunder Naik K.K, Nambiar T.K. Natarajan M.D. Patel Satish Prasad S.K. Samaddar Dr. O.S. Sahgal N. Sen D. Ajitha Simha Dr. Bh. Subbaraju Prof. C.G. Swaminathan Miss P.K. Thressia ‘The Director (Prof. G.M. Andavan) Marya Addl, Director General (Roads), Ministry of Shipping & Transport Chief Engineer (Roads), Ministry of Shipping and Transport Development Commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir N.D.S.E. Part 1, New Delhi Secreiary to the Govt. of Maharashtra PW & H Department Chief Executive Officer, West Bengal Industrial Infra-Structure Development Corporation Chief Engineer, Pamban Bridge Project, Madras Engincer, Concrete Association of India Chief Engineer (Retd.), Greater Kailash, New Delhi Deputy Director and Head, Roads Division, Central Road Research Institute Deputy Director and Head, Rigid and Semi- Rigid Pavements Division, Central Road Research Institute Director of Designs, Engineer-in-Chief"s Branch, AHQ Engineer-in-Chief, Haryana P.W.D., B& R Project Manager-cum-Managing ” Director, Bihar State Bridge Construction Corporation Ltd. Neelkanth, 24, Carter Road, Bombay Manager, Electronics Data Processing, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. Manager (Asphalt), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Addi. Chief Engineer, P.W.D. (B.R.), Rajasthan Engineer-in-Chief and Secretary to the Government of Himachal Pradesh, PWD . Development Manager, Gammon India Ltd. 3 Bombay ~ Poomkavil House, P.O, Punalur, Kerala ‘Administrator, UK. Project, Gulbarga-585102 nanalaya’’, 11, First Crescent Park Road, ihinagar, Adyar, Madras-600020 Deputy Director and Head Soil Mechanics Division, Central Road Research Institute Secretary to the Govt, of Gujarat, Buildings and Communication Deptt. Manager, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. Chief Project Adminisirator, Hooghly River Bridge Commissioners, Calcutta-700021 Principal, Punjab “Engineering College, Chandigarh Chief Engineer (Retd.), 12-A, Chitranjan Park, New Delhi Director (Civil Engineering), Indian Standards Institution Director General Border Roads Chief Executive, National Traffic Planning and Automation Centre, Trivandrum. Sri Ramapuram, Bhimavaram-534202 (A.P.) Director, Central Road Research Institute Chief Engineer (Construction), Trivandrum. Highways Research Station, Madras Director General (Road Development) and Addl, Secretary to the Govt. of India, Ministry of Shipping and Transport (Ex-officio)IRC ; 79-1981 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR ROAD DELINEATORS Published by THE INDIAN ROADS CONGRESS Jamnagar House, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi-110011 1981 Price Rs th 52 (Plus packing & postage)IRC : 79-1981 First published ; May, 1981 (Rights of Publication and Translation are reserved) Printed at PRINTAID, New DelhiIRC : 79-1981 RECOMMENDED PRACTICE FOR ROAD DELINEATORS 1, INTRODUCTION 1.1. The role of delineators is to provide visual assistance to drivers about alignment of the road ahead, especially at night. Delineators are particularly eflective in the case of complex loca- tions involving changes in horizontal/vertical geometry, and during severe weather conditions such as heavy rain, fog or snow. Normally, reflectors are used on the delineators for better night time visibility. 1.2. Ina broad sense, “delineation” stands for any device or treatment whose aim is to outline the roadway or a portion thereof. This could include painted lines, raised pavement markers, posts, post-mounted reflectors or contrast treatments of the pavement. Delineation by pavement markings is covered by IRC:35-1970 “Code of Practice for Road Markings (With Paints)", This standard deals only with post type delineators, with or without retro-reflective units. 1.3. The standard was drafted initially by the Traffic Engi- neering Committee (personnel given below) and discussed in their mecting held at Trivandrum on the 3rd and 4th October, 1977. The Committee authorised Shri A.K. Bhattacharya, Shri R.P. Sikka and Dr. N.S. Srinivasan to finalise the document in light of the discussion held during the meeting : H.C. Malhotra Dr. N.S, Srinivasan Convenor Member-Seeretary MEMBERS Prof. G.M. Andavan N. Ranganathan A.K. Bandopadhyaya Prof, M.S.V. Rao A.K. Bhattacharya Prof. H.U, Bijlani M.K. Chatterjee P. Das T. Ghosh LR. Kadiyali R. Thillainayagam B.C. Mitra M.G. Uppal G. Nandagopal P.R. Wagh M.D. Patel Director, Transport Research J.R. Patwardhan Ministry’ of Shipping and S.M, Parulkar ‘Transport Dr. K.S, Pillai Divisional Engineer, S. Ramanatha Pillai Traffic Engg. Cell, Madras Director General (Road Development) — Ex-officio 1IRC : 79-1981 The Recommended Practice was processed by the Specifica- tions and Standards Committee in their meeting held at Calcutta on the 2Ist December 1977 and on the authorisation of the Committee, final editing of the text on behalf of the Committee was done jointly by Shri R.P. Sikka, Dr. N.S. Srinivasan, Shri H.A. Bindra assisted by Shri J.B. Mathur for placing before the Executive Committee and the Council. It was approved by_ the Executive Committee in their meeting held at New Delhi on the 23rd June 1980 and thereafter by the Council in their meeting held at Srinagar on the 2Ist August, 1980 for being published as the finalised document of the Congress after it has been suitably revised by Shri R.P. Sikka and Dr. N.S. Srinivasan in light of the views expressed at the Council mecting. 2, SCOPE 2.1. Delineators are classified under three types (i) Roadway Indicators, Hazard Markers, and (iii) Object Markers. 2.2. Each of these serves a somewhat different purpose, “Roadway indicators” are intended to delineate the edges of the roadway so as to guide drivers about the alignment ahead, parti- cularly where it might be confusing for some reason. The objective of “hazard markers” is to define obstructions like guard-rails and abutments adjacent to the carriageway, for instance at culverts and bridges which are narrower than the roadway width at appro- aches. “Object markers” are used to indicate hazards and obstruc- tions within the vehicle flow path, for example channelising islands close to the intersections, 2.3. Delineators are basically driving aids and should not be regarded as a substitute for warning signs, road markings, or barriers for out-of-control vehicles. 3, ROADWAY INDICATORS Design Roadway indicators should be in the form of guide- posts made of metal, concrete, timber, cut stone, plastic or other suitable material depending on availability and cost. Iron tubes, concrete or plastic pipes, wooden posts, steel channel sections etc. can be conveniently adopted for the purpose. Plastic posts have the advantage of being safer for out-of-control yehicles while concrete pipes would be less prone to vandalism or theft, The posts 2IRC : 79-1981 may have a circular, rectangular or triangular cross-section; however, the side facing the traffic should not be less than 10 em wide. Fig. 1. " cd weir) uN PANGUL A) i merceevon bo Wrevaenerveetos ry f Tr em tein | statwow i » | ° t 5 ts i i A t| 5 is s ' Ue) DEINE ATOR wiTHoUT OE LINE. 7 Ke) DEGINEATOR with, RECTANGULAR AELECTOR FILLED with EARTH UPTO Scm FROM TOP Ano REMAINING FILLED WITH 114 8 CEMENT CONCRETE OR S4NO CEMENT MORTAR 4 TO PREVENT PERCOLATION OF WATER WHITE REFLECTORS 7:5 6m 018 AINTED. WHITE PAINTED @Lack ‘i 80 cm —____ (ALL OMENSIONS IN Em? (ay onum 2 Fig. 1, Roadway indicators 3.2. As an alternative to normal posts, empty bitumen drums, suitably painted, may also be used for roadway delineation, 3IRC : 79-1981 especially when it is for temporary use in the event of diversions, road works etc. 3.3. Roadway delineator posts should be about 80-100 cm high and painted alternately black and white in 15 cm wide stripes. Bitumen drums should also be painted similarly, Fig. 1. 3.4. While unreflectorised delineators are permissible (as shown in Fig, 1), it is preferable that for improved visibility at night and at locations where visibility is poor due to fog etc., the delinea- tor posts should be of reflectorised type, fitted with white coloured rectangular (80100 mm) or circular (75mm dia) reflectorised panels at the top (see Fig. 1). For additional guidance, such panels may also be fixed on reverse side of posts fixed on the right hand side. These too should be white in colour. If feasible, re- flectors should also be fixed on empty bitumen drums employed for delineation. Application 3.5, The decision to use roadway indicators, whether con- tinuously or in short sections selectively, will be guided by factors such as importance of the road, volume of fast traflic, speed of travel, accident experience, danger posed by any specific deficiency in the road alignment, ete. Primary use of roadway delineators is in non-urban sections of main roads, especially in’ curved reaches. Unless road and traffic conditions so warrant, their use in urban sections will normally not be necessary, nor on roads which are adequately lighted. 3.6. In situations where a guard-rail or parapet wall is. pro- yided for safety, roadway indicators may be mounted above or immediately behind the guard-rail, In’ addition, the guard-rail might be painted black and white alternately as explained in para 3.3. Criteria for Use 3.7. Normally, use of roadway indicators should be consi- dered under the following situations : (i) Curved Sections (a) Horizontal curves of radius 1000 m or less (b) Vertical curves with inadequate visibility 4(ii) Straight Sections (a) Road sections where visibility is often poor due to mist, fog or snowy conditions (b) Reaches where the alignment appears uncertain to the driver, ¢-8- pavement width transitions, temporary road diversions, etc. (c) Road sections subject to frequent submergence and ponding due to storm water (d) Approaches to narrow bridges and culverts (e) Valley side of hill roads (f) Road embankments exceeding 3 m in height (a) Approaches to important intersections (i) Special problem poin(s such as causeways and tunnels. Placement and Spacing 3.8. Asageneral rule, delincator posts should be erected at the edge of the usable shoulder, and in the case of kerbed sec- tions at a distance of 0.6 to 1.5m from the kerb face. On hill roads, they may be placed either on the parapet or at the edge of the shoulder. 3.9. The overall line of posts should be parallel to centre line of the road ordinarily, except that at guard-rails or other obstructions, it may be so adjusted that the delineators are in line With or inside the innermost edge of the obstruction (see Fig, 2). ‘As far as practicable, the tops of the posts should be in a uniform grade, taking into account the effects of shoulder crossfall and superelevation. 3.10. On straight sections, roadway indicators should be spaced uniformly 50-70 m from each other, according to local conditions, the posts being in pairs, one on each side of the road- way. On divided roads, these should also be provided on medians, Where the normal uniform spacing is affected by cross-roads, driveways etc. and a delineator would fallin that area, the same may be moved in cither direction a distance not exceeding one quarter of the usual spacing. If it still falls in such a zone, it should be omitted.IRC : 79-1981 EOGE OF SHoULOER EDGE OF CARRIAGEWAY GUARO RAIL: DELINCATORS MOUNTED ABOVE OR IMMEDIATELY BEHIND GUARD RAIL, THESE DELINEATORS ARE NOT AT A CONSTANT DISTANCE FROM ROADWAY FOGE BEGAUSE OF THE BRIDGE RAIL. HAZARD MARKER wanwen } emioce nai on onstauction Note — DELINEATORS SHOULD BE PLACED AT A CONSTANT DISTANGE FROM THE GARRIAGEWAY EDGE EXPECT THAT WHEN AN OBSTRUCTION EXISTS NEAR THE PAVEMENT EDGE, THE LINE OF OELINEATORS SHOULO MAKE A SMOOTH TRANSITION SO AS TO BE IN LINE WITH THE OBSTRUCTION. Fig. 2. Typical delineator installation on curved approach to a bridge 3.11. On horizontal curves, the spacing should be fixed in relation to the curve radius as given in Table 1. In addition, some Taste 1. RecomMenpep Sracina ror Roapway INDICATORS ON HorizonTAL Curves Radius of curve Spacing on curve, S (metres) (metres) 30 6 30 8 100 12 200 20 300 25 400 30 500 35 600 38 700 42 800 45 900 48 1000 50 eeIRC: 79-1981 delineators should be continued beyond the curve on either side. The spacing of first, second and third delineators on the appro- aches, in advance and beyond the curve, should be 1.85, 3S and 6S respectively (where Sis the normal spacing on the curve) but not exceeding 50 m. The method of placement is explained in Fig. 3. — roaoway — CARRIASEWaY SEE NOTE + EMO OF cuRvE NOTES = b ADJUST DISTANCE ‘x’ SUITABLY SO THAT THE LAST ROADWAY OELINERTOR IS AT THE END OF THE CURVE INSTALL ALL OELINEATORS AT EOGE OF THE ROADWAY a, RERPENDICULAR TO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC. 6 TABLE T FOR vaLuE oF ‘s’ ‘sti,e, spac Seehaate Ties SPACING OF OELINEATORS Fig. 3. Roadway delineator spacing on curves 3.12. On vertical curves where visibility is not adequate, roadway indicators should be provided ata spacing of 30 to 50 m. viIRC : 79-1981 3.13. At problem locations like causeways, road delineators may be installed at a much smaller spacing, say 5 or 10 m, accord- ing to local conditions. HAZARD MARKERS Design 4.1. Any of the following two designs may be adopted for hazard makers : (i) Type 1, A marker consisting of three red reflectors arranged vertically (see Fig. 4). (ii) Type 2. Striped markers consisting of alternately black and yellow stripes sloping downward at an angle of 45° towards the side of the obstruction on which the traffic is to pass (see Fig. 4). If possible, reflectorised paint may be used for this purpose. tispead bh 306m —+4 be 30cm —e Oo ‘ Oo Te § g REO REFLECTORS queen omen” TI] an a i i i SIDE OF€ THE ROAOD PREREY Eien} Fig. 4, Hazard markers 8IRC + 79-1981 Application and Placement 4.2. Hazard markers should be put up wherever there are objects so close to the road as to constitute an accident hazard, e.g. bridge abutments, guard-rails etc. Either of the two designs, Type 1 or Type 2, could be used for the purpose. 4.3. The markers should be erected immediately ahead of the line of obstruction, for instance on a narrow bridge just where the bridge rail starts, When placed in conjunction with a guard- rail on a bridge approach, the hazard markers should be located immediately behind the guard-rail and at sufficient height to ensure that these will be properly visible to the oncoming traffic. The inside edge of the markers should be in line with the inner edge of the obstruction as far as possible. 4.4, Typical application of these markers on a narrow bridge in continuation of a curve is shown in Fig. 2. 5. OBJECT MARKERS Design 5.1, Several designs of object markers: are possible. These consist basically of circular red reflectors arranged on triangular/ rectangular panels, or alternately all-red reflectors mounted similarly. Typical designs are shown in Fig: 5. The markers may be bigger if the conditions so warrant. 5.2, At problem locations, red reflectors may also be used independently, for instance inset on the face of the kerb. Application 5.3. Typical locations where object markers should be used are: (i) Traffic islands at approaches to intersections; (ii) Around periphery of rotary islands; (iid) Median openings; (iv) Facing approaching traffic at islands forming left infiltration lanes ; (¥) On medians/islands on far side of the intersections; (vi) At points where traffic divides into different directions e.g. down ramps of a grade separated intersection, and (vii) On far side of T-junctions and street dead ends. 9IRC : 79-1981 y REO BORDER WHITE BACKGROUND RED REFLECTORS SCM DIA wiite BORDER ALLRED REFLECTOR Ye, PAINTED WHITE PAINTED WHITE 240-9069 A RED BORDER WHITE BACKGROUND RED REFLECTORS 15 GM OFA \— WHITE BaGKGROUND [reo REFLECTORS 7s cM 01a. PAINTED WHITE —— PAINTED WHITE s0-s00m4 Fig. 5. Typical designs of object markers 5.4. Object markers need not, however, be put up on islands provided with lighted bollards, Placement 5.5. The markers should be erected facing the traffic close to the point where the obstruction within the roadway starts, for instance in the case of a channelising island at its nose point. No part of the object marker should, however, encroach upon the carriageway. To censure this, it is desirable that the markers should be set back from the face of the kerb a distance of at least 50 cm. 10IRC : 79-1981 5.6. Height of object markers might vary depending upon the situation, but should be generally around 40-50 cm so that reflectors are fully visible to the approaching traffic. 6. REQUIREMENTS FOR REFLECTORS 6.1. Reflectors can be made of films, synthetic materials like plastic, or glass. Whatever material is used, it should have stable optical characteristics, desired colour (i.e. white for roadway indicators and red for hazard markers or object markers), and a visibility of at least 200 m under clear weather conditions when illuminated by the upper beam of the car headlights. Synthetic reflectors cost relatively less and may be preferred, but glass reflectors have the advantage that inspite of frequent cleaning which would scratch other surfaces, they maintain their efficiency. Presence of water can, however, affect the efficacy of synthetic reflectors; it is therfore, desirable that these should be mounted in welded water-proof units. 6.2. The reflector units should be inset into the lateral face of the delineator post or securely fastened to it by suitable means. Rivets are preferable to screws. The units should be easily replace- able so that damage toa unit does not necessitate changing the post altogether. a 7. INSTALLATION OF DELINEATORS 7.1. Techniques of installation can vary according to nature and stiffness of the ground, and local custom. In hard ground, posts may be installed by burying or pressing them into the ground. If the ground is not stiff enough, a proper foundation, whether prefabricated or cast-in-situ, will be desirable. Installation should ensure that the post does not change its orientation, particularly when it is of a circular shape. 7.2. The delineators should be so positioned that the reflec- torised or painted face is perpendicular to the direction of travel. 8. MAINTENANCE 8.1. Iron, wooden or concrete posts should be repainted regularly, To remove dirt, the reflective unit should be scrubbed clean periodically, especially after rains. The ground around the delineators should be kept clean by cutting grass and bushes perio- dically so that visibility of the delineators is not affected.