Technical Specifications

Technical Specifications for Materials

(2009 DPWH Road Signs and Pavement Mark ings Manual)

A. 10. Materials for Sign Face

Any materials used for the sign face, and not otherwise described in this specification, shall be
in accordance with the approved standard specifications as described in the following subsections:
A. 10.1. Retro-Reflective Materials
Where reflectorization is required the retro-reflecting materials shall co mply with the
established standards for retro-reflective materials and devices for road traffic
control purposes.
The reflective sheeting shall be weather resistant and show no appreciable, cracking,
blistering, crazing or d imensiona l change after two (2) years of unprotected outdoor
exposure.
The reflective sheeting shall have high reflectivity nor mal to vehicle head light
dependent on the angle of incidence. The reflective material shall be sharp, no gla re
and directed towards the light source of approved ang le of incidence.
The refle ctive sheeting shall perform effectively for a minimum of seven (7) years
from date of fabrication.
The refle ctive sheeting must retain at least 70% (Type 1) & 50% (Type 2) of its
original brig htness for regular and fluorescent sheeting respectively at the end of
seven (7) years. All signs used for road projects should be warranted by the sheeting
manufacturer for above- stated performance.
Signs must be dated at the time of delivery in order to initiate the 7-year
performance warranty. A sign dating sticker that indicates the manufacturers name,
material type/brand name with the month and year of deliv ery should be placed at
the back of the sign face.

82

The reflective sheeting to be used maybe of two (2) types:

Type 1- High Performance Reflective Sheeting
Type 1 materials to be used for all overhead signs, signs rela ted to movement of
pedestrians, chevron alignment signs and s igns identified as b lack spot areas. The
reflective sheeting shall consist of full cube micro-pr is matic lens sheeting with an
interlocking d ia mond seal pattern wit h pre-coated adhesive backing protected by a
removable liner. The minimum reflective brightness value of reflective sheeting
shall be in accordance with the following table:

83

Type 2 Medium Performance Reflective Sheeting

Type 2 materials to be used as minimum standards for all other types of signs not
qualified for use under Type 1. The reflective sheeting shall cons ist of nonmetalized micro-pris matic lens in an interlocking d iamond pattern encapsulated by
a flexible transparent plastic film that has a s mooth outer surface. The sheeting
shall have a pre-coated adhesive protected by an easily re movable liner. The
adhesiv e shall have a pressure-sensit ive adhesive of the aggressive tack type
requiring no heat , solvent or other preparation for adhesion to surfaces.
The minimum reflective brightness of reflective sheeting shall be in accordance with
the following table:

84

A. 10.2. Fluorescent Reflective Sheeting

The fluorescent refle ctive sheeting shall consist of a visible-activated fluorescent
materials and full cube micro-pr is matic lens sheeting with an interlocking d ia mond seal
pattern with pre-coated adhesive backing protected by a removable liner. The minimum
reflective brightness shall be in accordance with the following table:

A. 11. Materials for Construction

Standard Road sig ns shall be constructed with metal. The sig ns may have a dished,
rolled or beaded edge for additiona l r igid it y. In order to stiffen la rger signs and prevent da mage
by bending, horizontal battens or bars should be fixed to the rear of the signs as supports, and
may be ut ilized to provide mo unting to posts.
Metal Signs
Metal s igns sha ll be of 2.00 mm thick aluminum substrate materials wit h stiffening as
provided.

85

A. 12. Post and Attachments

Post required for the erection of s igns shall be made of ga lvanized steel pipes not less
than 48.8 mm (outside diameter) x 3.25 mm thick, or other section of equivalent strength.
Wide flange posts and fra mes shall be fabricated from structural steel confor ming to
ASTM A 283 Grade D. In lieu of wide flange steel posts, the Contractor may use tubular steel
posts conforming to ASTM A 501. All posts shall be thoroughly cleaned, free from grease, scale,
rusts and shall be given one coat of rust-inhibiting pr iming paint and two (2) coats of gray paint
in accordance with Ite m 411, Pa int DPW H Standard Specification.
Selection of no n-frangible signpost lengths based on s ign panel s izes and post d ia meters
is given in Figure A.6. of the latest edition of the DPWH Road Signs and Pavement Mar kings
Manual.
Attachments shall provide for the positive and robust connection of s igns to their
mount ing posts. Consideration shall be given to distributing attachment loads, e.g., by the
provision of a suitably shaped saddles and cla mps or brackets for a round post. Detaile d shop
drawings for the said illustrations sha ll be provided by the Supplier for approval of CDC.
For the larger s igns, the design of the sign support system as a who le shall take into
account possible wind loadings and the criteria specified in appropr iate Philippine Code for
Structural Designs. A typical mounting sign is shown in Figure A.7.

86

87

88

A. 13. Protective Treatment

All materials used for signs and s ign supports shall be eit her resistant to, or protected
against deterioration under exposed paint system.
Where corrosion protection is destroyed or da maged in the manufacturing or fixing
process, steps shall be taken to restore protection by appropriate after-treatment.
Where d ifferent metals are in contact, appropriate action shall be taken to prevent
galvanic action and resultant corrosion.

Approval of Prototype
The supp lier sha ll sub mit within Fif teen (15) calendar days upon effectivity of contract a sample
prototype of the said signage for approval of CDC for each type of typical signage (Sign Face
only). No fabrication of the said sig nage would be undertaken unless said sa mple sig nage had
been approved for fabrication. The said prototype should be included in the bid cost.

89

Priority Signs (R1)

90

91