Roadway Signs Specification

Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-C-2012
Project Name Date: 24 Feb 2011

Contract Number Page1 of 42
Revision 1
SPECIFICATION – ROADWAY SIGNS
This specification has been revised as indicated below and described in the revision record on the following
page. Please destroy all previous revisions.
Revision Date Originator's Reviewed/Checked By Pages

No. Name & Initials Name & Initials
A 9/20/2010 Brooke Shondelmyer 3
0 12/8/2010 Brooke Shondelmyer Greg Luttrull 42
1 2/24/2011 Brooke Shondelmyer Greg Luttrull 42
APPROVALS SIGNATURES DATE
Lead Engineer Greg Luttrull 2/24/2011

Project Engineering
Manager: Ed Haney 2/24/2011
Client Approval:
ISSUED FOR : Construction X Other Approved

Revision 1
Record of Revisions
Revision Date Description
No.
A 9/20/2010 Issued for Approval, Table of Contents Only
0 12/8/2010 Issued for Review/Approval
1 2/24/2011 Issued Approved

Revision 1
Table of Contents
1. GENERAL..................................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Summary......................................................................................................................................4
1.2 References ....................................................................................................................................4
1.3 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................8
1.4 Submittals ..................................................................................................................................11
1.5 Quality Control .........................................................................................................................12
1.6 Health and Safety Considerations...........................................................................................15
1.7 General Design Criteria ...........................................................................................................16
1.8 Job Conditions...........................................................................................................................16
1.9 Delivery, Handling and Storage ..............................................................................................18
2. PRODUCTS .............................................................................................................................................20
2.1 General .......................................................................................................................................20
2.2 Materials ....................................................................................................................................20
3. EXECUTION ...........................................................................................................................................30
3.1 Workmanship............................................................................................................................30
3.2 Examination...............................................................................................................................30
3.3 Preparation ................................................................................................................................31
3.4 Fabrication of Aluminum Sign Sections.................................................................................31
3.5 Fabrication of Retroreflective Sheeting Signs .......................................................................34
3.6 Fabrication of Porcelain Enameled Signs ..............................................................................36
3.7 Installation of Signs ..................................................................................................................39
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1.0 GENERAL
1.1 Summary
A. Description of Work
1. This Specification covers the furnishing and installation of roadway sign

assemblies and support frames in conformity with the dimensions and lines
shown on the Contract Drawings or established by Marafiq.
2. All signs shall conform to the Standards for Road Safety Features issued by
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Ministry of Transportation (MOT).
3. When signs are to be mounted on bridges, light poles or other structures, the
Work shall provide means to obtain access to such installations, and provide
fastenings or other items necessary for mounting the signs.
4. The Contractor shall furnish all tools, equipment, material, labor and other
incidentals, as necessary, to successfully complete the Project according to
the Contract requirements.
B. Specification Includes
1. Sign Panels; Honeycombed and Extruded Aluminum Sections
2. Retroreflective Sheeting Signs; Material and Construction
3. Porcelain Enameled Signs; Material and Construction
4. Sign Supports and Associated Hardware
5. Installation of Signs
1.2 References
The referred codes and standards are intended to provide an acceptable level of
quality for materials, products and workmanship. In case of conflict between these
standards and the text of this Specification, the Specification text shall govern.
The latest revision of the referred codes and standards shall be used wherever
applicable. In case of conflict, the Contractor shall propose equipment, materials and
processes conforming to one group of codes and standards.
A. MOT Ministry of Transportation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
1. General Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction

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B. AASHTO American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials
1. AASHTO M268 Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control
C. ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials
1. ASTM A36M Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
2. ASTM A53M Standard Specification for Pipe, Steel, Black and Hot-Dipped,
Zinc-Coated, Welded and Seamless
3. ASTM A90M Standard Test Method for Weight [Mass] of Coating on Iron
and Steel Articles with Zinc or Zinc-Alloy Coatings
4. ASTM A123M Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized)

Coatings on Iron and Steel Products
5. ASTM A153M Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron

and Steel Hardware
6. ASTM A239 Standard Practice for Locating the Thinnest Spot in a Zinc
(Galvanized) Coating on Iron or Steel Articles
7. ASTM A307 Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts and Studs, 60 000
PSI Tensile Strength
8. ASTM A320M Standard Specification for Alloy/Steel Bolting Materials for

Low-Temperature Service
9. ASTM A325M Standard Specification for Structural Bolts, Steel, Heat

Treated 830 MPa Minimum Tensile Strength
10. ASTM A1008M Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled,

Carbon, Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy and High-Strength Low-Alloy
with Improved Formability
11. ASTM B117 Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus
12. ASTM B209M Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum- Alloy
Sheet and Plate
13. ASTM B211M Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy

Bar, Rod, and Wire
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14. ASTM B221M Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy

Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
15. ASTM B308M Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy 6061-T6

Standard Structural Profiles
16. ASTM B449 Standard Specification for Chromates on Aluminum
17. ASTM C283 Standard Test Method for Resistance of Porcelain Enameled
Utensils to Boiling Acid
18. ASTM C297 Standard Test Method for Flatwise Tensile Strength of
Sandwich Constructions
19. ASTM C346 Standard Test Method for 45-deg Specular Gloss of Ceramic
Materials
20. ASTM C481 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Aging of Sandwich
Constructions
21. ASTM C864 Standard Specification for Dense Elastomeric Compression Seal
Gaskets, Setting Blocks, and Spacers
22. ASTM D412 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and
Thermoplastic Rubbers and Thermoplastic Elastomers-Tension
23. ASTM D523 Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss
24. ASTM D710 Standard Specification for Vulcanized Fibre Sheets, Rods, and
Tubes Used for Electrical Insulation
25. ASTM D792 Standard Test Methods for Density and Specific Gravity
(Relative Density) of Plastics by Displacement
26. ASTM D903 Standard Test Method for Peel or Stripping Strength of
Adhesive Bonds
27. ASTM D2240 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer

Hardness
28. ASTM D4956 Standard Specification for Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic
Control
29. ASTM E284 Standard Terminology of Appearance

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30. ASTM E308 Standard Practice for Computing the Colors of Objects by
Using the CIE System
31. ASTM E808 Standard Practice for Describing Retroreflection
32. ASTM E810 Standard Test Method for Coefficient of Retroreflection of

Retroreflective Sheeting
33. ASTM E991 Standard Practice for Color Measurement of Fluorescent

Specimens
34. ASTM E1164 Standard Practice for Obtaining Spectrophotometric Data for
Object-Color Evaluation
35. ASTM E1347 Standard Test Method for Color and Color-Difference
Measurement by Tristimulus (Filter) Colorimetry
36. ASTM E1349 Standard Test Method for Reflectance Factor and Color by
Spectrophotometry Using Bidirectional Geometry
37. ASTM G7 Standard Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure

Testing of Nonmetallic Materials
38. ASTM G147 Standard Practice for Conditioning and Handling of

Nonmetallic Materials for Natural and Artificial Weathering Tests
D. AWS, American Welding Society
1. AWS D1.1M Structural Welding Code - Steel
E. CIE, Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (International Commission on

Street/Highway Lighting)
1. CIE Publication No. 39-2 Recommendations for Surface Colors for Visual
Signing
F. Federal Standards
1. FED-STD-370 Instrumental Photometric Measurements of Retroreflective

Materials and Retroreflective Devices
G. PEI, Porcelain Enamel Institute
1. ALS-105 Tentative Specifications for Porcelain Enamel on Aluminum as

Used for Signs and Architectural Application
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H. US Department of Transportation
1. Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs and Pavement Markings
1.3 Definitions
Alclad: Composite wrought product comprised of an aluminum alloy core having one
or both surfaces a metallurgically bonded aluminum or aluminum alloy coating that is
anodic to the core and thus electrochemically protects the core against corrosion.
Bonderize: Application of corrosion-prevention coating.
Breakaway (Yielding) Supports: A support for a roadside device which yields or

collapses readily when struck by a vehicle.
Candela (cd): The unit of luminous intensity (the force generating the luminous flux).
Candle Power: Luminous intensity expressed in candelas. It is not an indication of

the total light output.
Coefficient of Retroreflection, RA: The ratio of the coefficient of luminous intensity

of a plane retroreflecting surface to its area, expressed in candelas per foot-candle per
square foot in English Units or candelas per lux per square meter in International
System of Units (SI). The conversion from the English to the SI system is unity. RA
is also described as “Specific Intensity per unit Area (S.I.A).”
Copy: The words and messages displayed on a sign.
Detour: (1) A temporary rerouting of traffic. (2) The route of the temporary
rerouting.
Driver (or operator): Every person who drives or is in actual physical control of a
vehicle, trackless trolley, or streetcar.
Entrance Angle, β: The angle formed between a ray from the light source to the
reflector and the normal to the reflector surface at the same point.
Equipment: All machinery and equipment, together with the necessary supplies for
upkeep and maintenance; also tools and apparatus necessary for the proper
construction and acceptable completion of the work.
Galvanized Steel: Steel coated with zinc for corrosion resistance.
Guide Sign: A sign that shows route designations, destinations, directions, distances,
services, points of interest, or other geographical, recreational, or cultural
information.
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Illuminance: The density of the luminous flux incident on a surface; it is the quotient
of the luminous flux divided by the area of the surface when the latter is uniformly
illuminated.
Illumination: The act of illuminating or state of being illuminated.
Incident Light: The light from a controlled source falling on a receptor which is
placed in the same position as a reflector being measured for reflectance at 0°
incidence.
Luminance: The luminous intensity or brightness of any surface in a given direction,

per unit of projected area of the surface as viewed from that direction, independent of
viewing distance. The SI unit is the candela per square meter.
Observation Angle, α: The angle formed between a ray from the light source to the
reflector and the ray from the receptor.
Photometer: An instrument for measuring photometric quantities such as luminance,

luminous intensity, luminous flux, and illuminance.
Reflected Light: The light falling on a receptor after being reflected from a controlled
source by a reflex reflector.
Reflex Reflector: A device designed to reflect light in a direction close to that at

which it is incident, whatever the angle of the incidence
Regulatory Sign: A sign that gives notice to road users of traffic laws or regulations.
Retroreflection: Reflection in which radiation is returned in directions close to the

direction from which it comes; this property being maintained over wide variations of
the direction of the incident radiation (i.e., light hitting the sign).
Retroreflective Sheeting: A pre-assembled thin film that consists of a continuous

layer of small retroreflective elements close to the transparent surface.
Retroreflectivity: A property of a surface that allows a large portion of the light

coming from a point source to be returned directly back to a point near its origin.
Sign Assembly: A group of signs, located on the same support that supplement one
another in conveying information to road users.
Sign Illumination: Either internal or external lighting that shows similar color by day
or night. Street or highway lighting shall not be considered as meeting this definition.
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Sign Legend: All word messages, logos, and symbol designs that are intended to
convey specific meanings.
Sign Panel: A separate panel or piece of material containing a word or symbol legend
that is affixed to the face of a sign.
Silk Screening: A stencil method of printmaking, in which a design is imposed on a

screen of silk or other fine mesh. Depending upon the requirement, either the
designed or the blank area is masked with an impermeable substance, and ink is
forced through unmasked area of the mesh onto the printing surface. Also called
screen-printing.
Spacer: A material used to maintain space between a panel and its surrounding frame.
Specific Intensity: The mean candlepower of the reflected light at a given incidence
and divergence angle for each foot-candle at the reflector on a plane perpendicular to
the incident light.
Temporary Traffic Control Zone: An area of a highway where road user conditions
are changed because of a work zone or incident by the use of temporary traffic
control devices, flaggers, uniformed law enforcement officers, or other authorized
personnel.
Traffic: Pedestrians, vehicles, streetcars, trackless trolleys, and other devices, either
singly or together, while using any road for purposes of travel.
Traffic Control Device: A sign, signal, marking, or other device used to regulate,
warn, or guide traffic, placed on, over or adjacent to a street, highway, pedestrian
facility, or shared-use path by authority of a public agency having jurisdiction.
Traffic Sign: A traffic control device mounted on a support above the level of the
roadway, intended to convey certain specific information to road users through a
word or symbol legend. Signs do not include traffic control signals, pavement
markings, delineators, or channelization devices.
Uniformity of Illuminance: The ratio of either the minimum illuminance to the

average illuminance, or the minimum illuminance to the maximum illuminance on the
pavement area.
Warning Sign: A sign that gives notice to road users of a situation that might not be
readily apparent.
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1.4 Submittals
A. The Contractor shall submit to Marafiq the following items for review and
approval before commencing Work:
1. General
a) In addition to submittals listed herein, and unless otherwise directed,

catalog cuts and manufacturer data for all signage items to be purchased,
shall be submitted, prior to purchase, for review by Marafiq.
2. Manufacturer's Certification
a) Certificate of Compliance for each type of material delivered to the site,

certifying compliance with the appropriate specifications and including
the results of the tests performed on the material, as required by the
specifications.
3. Product Data
a) Copies of the complete product specifications, technical/performance

data and instructions for installation, including procedures and materials
for installation and equipment recommended to be used by the
manufacturer.
b) Precautionary instructions, maintenance and repair recommendations for

each type of material. All applicable material and test standards, and
material’s characteristic and property values shall be identified as part of
the submittals.
c) Supplier Quality Inspection Plan to ensure the Contractor's continuing

quality control by periodic inspection, testing and reporting on the quality
control of materials being supplied to Marafiq.
d) Manufacturer’s recommended specifications and instructions for

transporting, handling, unloading, stockpiling and storage of materials.
1) The Contractor shall retain a copy of the manufacturer's

instructions on site at all times while work is in progress, and
shall follow these instructions unless otherwise authorized to
deviate by Marafiq.
4. Samples
a) Samples of each color of retroreflective sheeting to be used, together with

a certificate from proposed manufacturer stating that the work will be
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carried out by expert staff experienced in this particular line of silk

screening on the retroreflective sheeting.
b) Slip base (break-a-way) fittings, when required. One for each size
proposed.
5. Shop Drawings
a) Shop Drawings showing all dimensions, sizes of Arabic and English

letters, spacing between lines of copy, spacing between words and
borders.
b) Structural details for the frame, bracing and all connections for sign
support structures, including break-away fittings, where shown on the
Contract Drawings. Erection diagram to be included for knock-down
items requiring assembly in the field.
6. Equipment List
a) List of equipment, identifying the number, type, capacity, etc., of all

equipment intended to be utilized for carrying out the work and testing.
7. Inspection and Testing Agency Data

a) Name, address and credentials of the proposed independent inspection
and testing agency, along with the qualifications of key laboratory
personnel responsible for the inspection and testing services.
8. Quality Control Submittals
a) Documented experience of the Contractor’s site supervisor and

technicians to be assigned to this Project.
b) Records and reports of the Contractor’s internal, external and field

Quality Control.
1.5 Quality Control
A. General
1. The Contractor shall be responsible for the quality of work and shall develop
and propose programs and methods of construction and testing so as to
achieve the specified quality to the approval of Marafiq.
B. Inspection and Testing

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1. The Contractor shall schedule and perform all testing and inspections as
required and defray all costs associated with testing, retesting and
inspections.
2. The frequency of sampling and testing shall be in accordance with the

approved Quality Control Program and additionally deemed necessary by
Marafiq, as the work progresses.
3. All products may be subject to inspection at the place of manufacture in

accordance with the provisions of the referenced standards as supplemented
by the requirements herein.
4. Marafiq will have unrestricted entry to the fabrication shops and shall be
given access to all areas where manufacturing is in process to make
inspections as necessary to confirm compliance with the specifications.
5. Marafiq reserves the right to inspect all materials and workmanship at its sole
discretion and may reject improper, inferior, or defective materials and
workmanship at any stage of production. All defective materials shall be
repaired or replaced as required by Marafiq. Rejected material shall promptly
be removed from the site.
6. Marafiq reserves the right to require additional tests on selected products, and
the Contractor shall defray all costs. These tests, when required, shall be
carried out by an independent testing agency approved by Marafiq, in
accordance with the latest applicable standards.
C. Internal Quality Control
1. The Contractor shall establish and maintain an internal quality control

system, which shall include, but not be limited to:
a) Checking supplier’s test certificates and certificates of compliance to

confirm conformance with the specification and referenced standards,
prior to first delivery.
b) Checking supplier’s delivery tickets for completeness and compliance

with the supply order and specification, at each delivery.
c) Checking the equipment and tools for their serviceable conditions, at

least every week.
d) Checking the correct storage of materials and other equipment, at least

every week.
D. External Quality Control

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1. The Contractor shall employ a qualified independent testing agency which

will supervise quality control procedures carried out by the Contractor and
perform its own sampling, checking and testing services in accordance with
the referenced standards and specifications.
a) The testing agency shall be approved by Marafiq.
b) Inspection, testing, and checking shall be performed at indefinite

intervals, without giving prior notice.
c) All checking procedures and tests performed by the testing agency shall
be properly documented and submitted to Marafiq in the Weekly Quality
Control Report.
E. Source Quality Control
1. Manufacturer’s Quality Control
a) The test methods and frequencies employed by the manufacturer for

quality control/quality assurance of the products, prior to delivery, shall
be in accordance with the applicable requirements as specified herein.
b) The manufacturer's quality control certifications, including results of

quality control testing of the products must be supplied to Marafiq to
verify that the materials supplied for the project are in compliance with
all product and project specifications.
F. Quality Assurance
1. General
a) Sampling, testing and checking procedures shall be recorded on a daily

basis, including corrective actions taken by the Contractor, if necessary.
b) Reports and records shall be made available for assessment to Marafiq no

later than 3 days after testing and checking.
c) Reports and records shall be established and maintained in a manner to

ensure traceability.
d) Arrangements shall be made in the Contractor’s work schedule and time

allowed for checking and testing, as indicated.
2. Manufacturer’s Experience
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a) The manufacturer shall have a minimum 5 years successful experience in

producing the materials similar to those indicated for this Project and
with a record of successful in-service performance as well as sufficient
production capacity to produce required material without delaying the
work.
3. Personnel Qualifications
a) The Contractor shall employ adequate number of skilled workmen,

thoroughly trained and experienced in the necessary crafts, and
completely familiar with the specified requirements and the methods
required for proper performance of the work of this Specification.
b) The Contractor’s site supervisor shall have knowledge of referenced

standards and at least 5 years of documented experience in works related
to this Specification and shall have successfully completed works similar
in material, design, and extent to that indicated for the Project.
c) The QC laboratory shall have provided Quality Control (QC) and Quality
Assurance (QA) testing of the proposed materials for at least 5 completed
projects of similar types.
1.6 Health and Safety Considerations
A. All works undertaken in relation to this Specification are to be completed in full

accordance with the respective health and safety requirements established by the
following:
1. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
a) Legislation, Regulation, Standards and Codes.
2. Royal Commission Regulations
a) Standards, Contractual Conditions, and Health and Safety Systems.
3. Contractor
a) Health and Safety Standards and Systems as accepted by Marafiq.
B. In the absence of any of the above, best accepted industry practice shall be
employed throughout
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1.7 General Design Criteria
A. All signs shall be unlit, unless otherwise shown on the Contract Drawings.
Background, borders, and all elements of sign panels shall be retroreflectorized,
except where color is black, or when otherwise directed.
B. The panel sizes for standard traffic signs shall conform to the standards for Road
Safety Features of Ministry of Transportation (MOT), Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
C. The size of letters, symbols, borders and color of sign panels shall be in
accordance with the specified standards of the Ministry of Transportation (MOT),
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where applicable, and Marafiq’s standard drawings for
freeway, expressway and roadway signs.
D. Design of English letters, letter spacing and stroke width shall be in accordance
with the standards prescribed in the U.S. Department of Transportation,
"Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs and Pavement Markings."
1.8 Job Conditions
A. Traffic Control
1. The Contractor shall maintain access to adjacent areas for vehicular and
pedestrian traffic and shall employ flagmen, barricades, warning signs, and
warning lights to protect the general public from any hazards associated with
the construction work.
B. Protection of Streams and Roadways
1. The Contractor shall not discharge excess concrete or other material into a
drainage pipe, catch basin, ditch, stream, river, pond, or lake.
2. The Contractor shall not discharge or allow concrete or other material to spill
onto any roadway or appurtenances either during placement or while in
transit.
3. The Contractor shall be responsible for cleanup of all waste/excess concrete

and other materials and shall remove spills immediately or otherwise repair
streets as directed by Marafiq.
4. Necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent pollution of existing ground

and sewage disposal network with fuel, oil, chemicals or other harmful
materials.
C. Protection of Vegetation
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1. All existing vegetation such as trees, shrubs and grasses on or adjacent to the
work site, which are not to be removed and which do not unreasonably
interfere with the work, shall be preserved and protected.
D. Coordination
1. The Contractor shall be responsible for the proper coordination of all phases
of work under this Contract.
2. The Contractor shall coordinate the work and equipment as specified herein
with the work to be performed and the equipment to be furnished under other
specifications in order to assure a complete and satisfactory installation.
3. The Contractor shall examine the Contract Drawings and Specifications for
all Contracts to determine the nature of proposed construction and shall
perform work to conform to construction called for in such a manner as not to
interfere or delay work of other Contractors.
E. Housekeeping
1. Good housekeeping shall be strictly observed. Materials and equipment being

used shall be arranged so as not to cause obstruction to traffic or to the public.
F. Dust Control
1. Dust shall be controlled within populated areas of the construction operations

to the satisfaction of Marafiq by thoroughly moistening all surfaces, as
required to prevent dust being a nuisance to the public and to personnel
working on the site or along transport routes.
2. Sprinkling shall be kept to a minimum and shall not produce runoff from the
site.
G. Site Cleanup
1. The work site shall at all times be kept neat, clean and free of waste material
or rubbish.
2. Any surplus equipment and material not required for further performance of
the work shall be promptly removed from the work site.
3. Upon completion of work, all equipment, temporary structures, rubbish and

unused materials shall be removed from the work site.
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1.9 Delivery, Handling and Storage
A. The Contractor shall deliver, handle and store equipment and material units in
accordance with the following requirements:
1. General
a) All products shall be handled and stored in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions and recommendations to prevent damage and
deterioration.
b) All products shall be inspected at the time of delivery for damage and for
compliance with the specifications.
c) Any product found to be damaged or not in accordance with the

specifications shall immediately be repaired or removed from site and
replaced with sound material such that the execution and Contract
Schedule are not impaired.
d) Repairs shall not be undertaken before the Marafiq’s review of the

Contractor's proposed action.
2. Packaging and Delivery
a) The retroreflective sheets or rolls shall be packaged in accordance with

commercially acceptable standards in such a manner that no damage or
defacement may occur to the retroreflective sheeting during shipment or
storage, and each package shall be marked with the following:
 Name, Brand or Trademarks

 Quantity
 Size
 Lot or Run Number
 Part Number
 Color
 Class
 Date of Manufacture
b) The retroreflective sheeting, as delivered, shall be of a good appearance,

free from ragged edges, cracks and extraneous materials, and shall be
delivered in either rolls or sheets.
c) When furnished in continuous roll, the roll length of the retroreflective

sheeting shall be 46 m (50 yards), with different standard widths to suit
the user requirements.
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d) When furnished as cut sheets or sign faces, the sheeting shall be

packaged flat in accordance with commercially accepted standards. The
sheeting shall be packed snugly in corrugated fiberboard cartons, in
accordance with commercially accepted standards.
e) Materials shall be delivered to site originally packed by manufacturer in

unopened containers in such a manner as to protect them from damage.
Damaged materials shall be replaced at Contractor's cost.
f) The materials shall be checked against the packing lists on delivery to the
work site and inspected for damage.
g) The shipment of the signs to the site shall be accomplished with each sign
separated by heavy paper or cloth and the bundle bound with chord to
prevent movement.
h) Any sign damaged, discolored or defaced during transportation, storage

or erection shall be rejected.
3. Storage and Handling
a) Full consideration shall be given to safety aspects when locating,

planning and constructing stacking areas and while stacking materials.
b) All necessary precautions shall be taken to prevent fire hazards in the

storage area and during installation.
c) All products shall be protected against damage and the ambient

conditions during transport, site storage and immediately up to the time
the products are installed and thereafter until acceptance by Marafiq.
d) All materials shall be stored off ground, in a dry and covered area to
protect from sun, rain and dust, and handled on work site in a manner to
prevent damage and deterioration.
e) Retroreflective sheeting, stored under normal conditions, shall be suitable

for use for a minimum period of 1 year.
f) Rubber material shall be stored in their original containers and kept away
from oil, grease, direct sunlight, sources of ozone such as fluorescent
light and electric motors, excessive heat and areas where temperatures
exceed 60°C.
g) Sealants, having their shelf life expired, shall be removed from the site.
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h) The Contractor shall provide appropriate storage and handling that may
be indicated under Part 2 of this Specification, for particular products or
materials.
2.0 PRODUCTS
2.1 General
A. All goods and products covered by these Specifications shall be procured, when
available, from an in-Kingdom manufacturer. Procurement of all goods and
products manufactured out-of-Kingdom must be approved by Marafiq
B. All equipment, fittings and accessories shall be suitably rated to comply with the
system requirements as specified in this Specification for the individual
equipment, fitting and accessories.
C. All materials and products shall be new, sound and uniform in quality, size,
shape, color and texture, free from cracks, warps or other defects and shall be
capable of operating under the full range of site environmental conditions.
D. Unless otherwise indicated or approved by Marafiq, material and components for

like functions shall be used continuously through the entire section with all parts
for assembly and installation, from the same source, same manufacturer, or as
recommended by the manufacturer.
E. Proprietary products proposed by the Contractor shall be subject to approval by

Marafiq.
2.2 Materials
A. Aluminum Alloy Panels, Sheets and Miscellaneous Hardware
1. Aluminum alloy panels, sheets and miscellaneous hardware shall conform to

ASTM B209M or B211M, as appropriate, using alloy 6061-T6 or 5052-H38.
2. Aluminum sheet for sign panels shall not be less than 3 mm thick, unless
otherwise shown on the Contract Drawings.
B. Extruded Aluminum Panels
1. Extruded aluminum panels shall be fabricated from aluminum alloy 6063-T6

conforming to the requirements of ASTM B221M, and shall have a minimum
thickness as shown on the Contract Drawings.
C. Standard Aluminum Structural Profiles

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1. Standard aluminum structural profiles, including, I-beams, channels, angles,

tees, and zees, rolled or extruded, shall conform to ASTM B308M.
D. Extruded Aluminum Bars and Tubes
1. Extruded aluminum bars and tubes shall conform to the requirements of

ASTM B221M.
E. Steel Sheet Panels
1. Steel sheet panels shall conform to the requirements of ASTM A1008M, and
be not less than 1.6 mm thick, unless otherwise shown on the Contract
Drawings.
F. Steel Pipe Posts
1. Steel pipe posts shall conform to ASTM A53M Schedule 40, and shall be
hotdip galvanized in accordance with ASTM A153M.
2. Post sizes shall be as shown on the Contract Drawings.
3. The minimum diameter of the posts shall not be less than 73 mm.
G. Miscellaneous Steel Items
1. Miscellaneous steel shapes and plates, for which there is no relevant standard,
shall be fabricated from steel conforming to ASTM A36M and welded in
accordance with AWS D1.1M.
2. Unless otherwise specified or detailed on the Contract Drawings, all steel

items shall be galvanized as specified in ASTM A123M, and tested in
accordance with ASTM A90M and A239.
H. Fasteners
1. All high strength and regular strength bolts, nuts and washers for steel sign
support assemblies shall conform to ASTM A325M and A307, respectively,
and shall be hot-dip galvanized to ASTM A153M. Minimum weight of zinc
shall be not less than 0.55 kg/m2.
2. All bolts, nuts and flat washers for sheet sign panels shall be Type 304
passivated stainless steel, conforming to ASTM A320M or 2024-T4 clear
anodized aluminum conforming to ASTM B211M.
Revision 1
3. Stainless steel lock washers shall be Type 302 stainless steel alloy and
aluminum lock washers 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. Nuts shall be of the self-
locking type.
I. Vulcanized Fiber Washers
1. Fiber washers shall conform to ASTM D710, gray, commercial grade, when
shown on the Contract Drawings.
J. Hard Rubber Washers
1. Hard rubber washers, when shown on the Contract Drawings, shall be as

approved by Marafiq.
K. Nylon and Neoprene Fittings
1. Nylon and neoprene washers, sleeves, etc., when specified on the Contract
Drawings, shall be as approved by Marafiq. Neoprene spacers shall conform
to ASTM C864, with Shore Hardness of 40. Minimum thickness shall be 44
mm.
L. Finishing
1. All galvanized surfaces shall be bonderized in the factory. They shall be

epoxy coated either in the field or factory using an acid etching primer.
Fasteners are excluded from this requirement.
M. Reflex Reflectors
1. General
a) Reflex reflectors for use in porcelain enamel signs shall be made of

methyl methacrylate plastic, molded into a shape which will reflect
incident light in a narrow pattern back towards the source of the light.
b) The color of the reflector when illuminated by an automobile headlight

shall be an approved clear or amber color, as called for in the
specifications. Off-color reflection shall constitute grounds for rejection.
c) The reflex reflectors may be of various sizes, as required.
2. Performance Tests
a) Seal Test
Revision 1
1) The seal test shall be conducted to determine, if a reflector is

adequately sealed against dust, water, or water vapor.
2) 50 samples shall be submerged in a water bath at room
temperature.
3) The submerged samples shall be subject to a vacuum of 127 mm
gage for 5 minutes.
4) The submerged samples shall then be restored to atmospheric
pressure and shall remain submerged for 5 minutes.
5) The samples shall then be examined for water intake.
b) Optical Test
1) The specific intensity per unit area (SIA) of the reflex reflectors
is measured as the percentage of incident light reflected by a
reflector under the standardized test conditions specified in U.S.
Federal Test Method Standard 370.
2) The reflex reflector to be tested shall be placed about 30 m (100
ft.) from a single light source. The light source shall operate at
normal efficiency.
3) The return light from the reflector shall be measured, with a
photometer, at an observation angle of 0.1°, and at entrance
angles of 0 and 20° for all reflectors.
4) The specific intensity per unit area (SIA) shall decrease
uniformly without gaps as the angle of entrance is changed from
0 to 20° on either side.
5) The SIA at entrance angles of 0 and 20° for various sizes of
reflectors shall conform to the values specified in Table 2A.
TABLE 2A: Specific Intensity per Unit Area (SIA) of Reflectors

Specific Intensity at 0.1°
Flange Mount
Observation Angle
Nominal Dia.
Type 0° Entrance 20° Entrance
(mm)
Clear 41 21.8 8.7
Clear 32 14.7 5.8
Clear 22 6.3 2.5
Clear 16 3.7 1.5
Clear 13 1.5 0.6
3. Acceptance Criteria
a) Each manufacturer's production lot, within an inspection lot, shall be

sampled by an independent testing laboratory and certified reports
furnished, indicating compliance.
Revision 1
b) Each sample shall be at the rate of 50 reflectors for each group of 5000
reflectors, or fraction thereof, in the given production lot.
c) A resample will be double the size of the initial sample, and not more
than 1 resample per lot will be allowed.
d) A lot will be considered as complying with this Specification when at

least 96% of the reflectors in the sample or resample, representing the lot,
comply with all of the requirements of this Specification.
e) When less than 96%, but at least 90%, of an original sample passes all
tests, then a resample will be allowed at the request of the Contractor.
f) When less than 90% of an original sample passes all tests, then the lot
represented thereby will be rejected and no resample will be allowed.
N. Retroreflective Sheeting
1. General
a) Unless otherwise indicated or approved by Marafiq, the retroreflective

sheeting shall be of Diamond Grade, having very high retroreflective
intensity, with the highest reflectivity at short road distances.
b) The sheeting shall be typically an unmetallized microprismatic

retroreflective element material, and shall conform to ASTM D4956,
Type IX sheeting.
c) The retroreflective sheeting shall consist of white or colored sheeting,

having a smooth outer surface with a distinctive interlocking diamond
seal pattern and datum orientation marks visible from the face. The
sheeting shall essentially have the property of a retroreflector over its
entire surface.
d) The retroreflective sheeting shall be weather resistant, and shall have a

pre-coated, pressure sensitive, adhesive backing, protected by a
removable liner.
e) Other types of retroreflective sheeting, when indicated, shall conform to

the requirements of ASTM D4956.
2. Adhesive Backing
a) The adhesives backing of the retroreflective sheeting shall be a pressure

sensitive adhesive (Class 1), in conformance with ASTM D4956.
Revision 1
b) Pressure sensitive adhesive shall be of an aggressive tack type, as

recommended by the manufacturer for the material to which the sheeting
will be affixed.
c) The adhesive backing shall require no heat, solvent, or other pre-

application preparation to the retroreflective sheeting for adhesion to
smooth, clean surface.
d) The adhesive backing shall be applied to the approved sign surface in a

manner, compatible with the instructions of the sheeting manufacturer,
without the necessity of additional adhesive coats on either the reflective
sheeting or the application surface.
e) The retroreflective sheeting, after application, shall tightly adhere to the

application surface and shall show no discoloration, cracking, crazing,
blistering, or dimensional changes.
3. Performance Requirements of Retroreflection Sheeting
a) Coefficient of Retroreflection (RA)
1) The coefficient of retroreflection (RA) of the retroreflective

sheeting shall meet or exceed the minimum requirements as
specified in Table 2B, when tested in accordance with ASTM
E810.
b) Daytime Color
1) The color of the sheeting shall conform to requirements of Table

2C, when tested in accordance with the procedure specified in
ASTM D4956, Section 7.4.
2) Daytime and nighttime color shall have substantially the same
hue.
c) Rainfall Effects
1) The brightness of the reflective sheeting, totally wet by rain, shall

not be less than 90% of the values given in Table 2B.
Revision 1
TABLE 2B: Minimum Coefficient of Retroreflection, RA (cd/lx/m2)

Entrance
Observation Angle White Yellow Orange Green Red Blue
Angle
0.1° - 4° 660 500 250 66 130 30
0.1° + 30° 370 280 140 37 74 17
0.2° - 4° 380 285 145 38 76 17
0.2° + 30° 215 162 82 22 43 10
0.5° - 4° 240 180 90 24 48 11
0.5° + 30° 135 100 50 14 27 6.0
1° - 4° 80 60 30 8.0 16 3.6
1° + 30° 45 34 17 4.5 9.0 2.0
TABLE 2C: Color Specification Limits* (Daytime)

Luminance
1 2 3 4
Color Factor, Y (%)
X Y X Y X Y X Y Min. Max
White 0.303 0.300 0.368 0.366 0.340 0.393 0.274 0.329 40 -
Yellow 0.498 0.412 0.557 0.442 0.497 0.520 0.438 0.472 24 45
Orange 0.558 0.352 0.636 0.364 0.570 0.429 0.506 0.404 12 30
Green 0.026 0.399 0.166 0.364 0.286 0.446 0.207 0.771 3.0 12
Red 0.648 0.351 0.735 0.265 0.629 0.281 0.565 0.346 3.0 15
Blue .140 0.035 0.244 0.210 0.190 0.255 0.065 0.216 1.0 10
Brown .430 0.340 0.610 0.390 0.550 0.450 0.43 0.390 1.0 6.0
* The four pairs of chromaticity coordinates determine the acceptable color in terms of the CIE
1931 Standard Colorimetric System measured with CIE Standard Illuminant D65.
d) Accelerated Outdoor Weathering
1) The retroreflective sheeting shall be weather resistant, and shall

show no appreciable cracking, scaling, pitting, blistering, edge
lifting, or curling, or more than 0.8 mm shrinkage or expansion
when tested in accordance with procedure described in ASTM
D4956, Section 7.6.
Revision 1
2) Retroreflectivity measurements shall be conducted after outdoor

weathering at 0.2° observation and - 4° and + 30° entrance
angles. The minimum coefficient of retroreflection (RA), after
weathering, shall not be less than 80% of that specified in Table
2B.
e) Colorfastness
1) After the specified outdoor weathering, the specimen shall

conform to the requirements of Table 2C, when tested in
accordance with procedure described in ASTM D4956, Sections
7.4 and 7.7.
f) Shrinkage
1) A 229 x 229 mm retroreflective sheeting specimen, with liner,

shall be conditioned for a minimum of 1 hour at 22°C and 50%
relative humidity.
2) The liner shall be removed and the specimen placed on a flat
surface with the adhesive side up.
3) 10 minutes after the removal of the liner and again after 24 hours,
the specimen shall be measured to determine the amount of
dimensional changes.
4) The retroreflective sheeting shall not shrink, in any dimension,
more than 0.8 mm in 10 minutes or more than 3 mm in 24 hours.
g) Adhesion
1) The protective liner attached to the adhesive shall be removable

by peeling without soaking in water or other solutions, without
breaking, tearing, or removing any adhesive from the backing.
2) The protective liner shall be easily removable after accelerated
storage for 4 hours at 72°C under a pressure of 17 kPa (2.5 psi).
3) When tested in accordance with the procedure specified in
ASTM D4956, Section 7.5, the adhesive backing of the
retroreflective sheeting shall produce a bond that will support a
0.79 kg weight for 5 minutes, without the bond peeling for a
distance of more than 50 mm.
h) Specular Gloss
1) The retroreflective sheeting surface shall be smooth and flat, to

facilitate cleaning and wet performance.
2) The retroreflective sheeting shall have a specular gloss of not less
than 40, when tested in accordance with ASTM D523, at an
angle of 85°.
Revision 1
i) Color Processing
1) The retroreflective sheeting shall permit cutting and color

processing with compatible transparent and opaque process inks
in accordance with the sheeting manufacturer’s recommendations
at temperature of 15 to 40°C and relative humidity of 20 to 80%.
2) The retroreflective sheeting shall show no loss of color coat with
normal handling, cutting and application.
3) Following outdoor exposure for 1 month, no process inks shall be
removed when tested by scratching through the ink surface,
applying cellophane tape over the scratched area, and removing
the tape with one quick motion.
4) The sheeting shall be heat resistant and permit force curing
without staining of applied or unapplied sheeting at temperatures
recommended by the sheeting manufacturer.
j) Strength and Flexibility
1) The retroreflective sheeting shall be of sufficient strength and

flexibility so as to be handled, processed, and applied in
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations without
appreciable stretching, tearing, or other damage.
2) The retroreflective sheeting, with the liner removed and
conditioned for 24 hours at 22°C and 50% relative humidity,
shall be sufficiently flexible to show no cracking when slowly
bent, in 1 second’s time, around a 3 mm (1/8 in.) mandrel, with
the adhesive contacting the mandrel, at test conditions. Talcum
powder shall be spread on the adhesive to prevent sticking to the
mandrel.
k) Impact Resistance
1) The retroreflective sheeting applied to a 75 x 125 x 1 mm 6061-

T6 aluminum alloy test panel, and conditioned for 24 hours at
22°C and 50% relative humidity, shall show no cracking outside
the impact area when the face of the panel is subject to an impact
of 0.91 kg (2 lbs) weight, with a 16 mm (5/8 in.) diameter
rounded tip, dropped from a height necessary to generate an
impact of 1.13 N·m.
l) Refurbishment
1) The sheeting surface shall be refurbished by cleaning and

applying a clear over-coating in accordance with the
manufacturer's recommendations.
Revision 1
m) Solvent Resistance
1) The sheeting surface shall be solvent resistant, such that it may

be cleaned with gasoline, naphtha, mineral spirits, turpentine,
methanol, and xylol.
n) Durability
1) Retroreflective sheeting processed, applied to approved sign base

materials, and cleaned in accordance with manufacturer's
recommendations for their use on traffic control roadway signs
shall be considered as performing effectively if the sheeting has
not deteriorated due to natural causes to the extent that:
The sign is ineffective for its intended purpose when viewed

from a moving vehicle under normal driving conditions by a
driver with normal vision.
The coefficient of retroreflection, after cleaning, is less than

80% of the minimums specified in Table 2B.
2) Natural causes include effects of exposure to weather. Natural

causes exclude (without limitation) damage from exposure to
chemicals, abrasion and other mechanical damage from fasteners
used to mount the sign, collisions or mishandling.
o) Service Life
1) The retroreflective sheeting shall be required to have a service

life span of 10 years minimum.
Revision 1
3.0 EXECUTION
3.1 Workmanship
A. All construction and installation work shall be undertaken in a thorough and

workmanlike manner in accordance with the Contract Drawings and
Specifications and shall be subject to acceptance by Marafiq.
B. All works shall be performed in conformity with the best trade practices and the
printed instructions of the applicable manufacturers; by skilled workers equipped
to produce satisfactory results; in a safe, substantial manner to avoid interference
with work of other trades, to present a neat, orderly appearance; and to facilitate
operation, service, maintenance and repair.
C. Deviations from the Contract Drawings and Specifications shall not be allowed,
except upon written approval of Marafiq.
3.2 Examination
A. Material Examination
1. The Contractor shall carefully inspect all products for damage immediately
before installation. Any product found to be damaged or not in accordance
with the specifications shall immediately be repaired or removed from the
site and replaced.
2. Any defective material discovered after the installation shall be removed and
replaced with a sound material, in a satisfactory manner, at no additional cost
to Marafiq.
3. Repairs shall not be undertaken without Marafiq’s review of the Contractor's

proposed action.
4. Any adhesive, beyond the stamped expiration date shall be discarded.

Leaking or opened containers shall not be acceptable.
B. Site Examination
1. Before any operation starts, the Contractor shall examine the substrate and
the conditions under which the work is to be carried out and shall rectify any
unsatisfactory conditions.
2. The Contractor shall not proceed with the work until unsatisfactory
conditions have been rectified to comply with the specification requirements.
Revision 1
3.3 Preparation
A. The Contractor shall make sure that all necessary tests, inspections and
preparations have been made before work starts.
B. The Contractor shall furnish and operate sufficient equipment to complete the
work within the Contract time.
C. The Contractor shall ensure that all equipment to be employed in the work is in
good working condition and properly adjusted/calibrated.
3.4 Fabrication of Aluminum Sign Sections
A. General
1. Aluminum sign sections shall be fabricated from standard widths of

aluminum sheets, panels or other hardware and materials, as indicated on the
Contract Drawings, or required by Marafiq.
2. Each panel section shall be provided with a perimeter frame. All perimeter
framing shall be aluminum alloy 6063-T6.
3. The extruded horizontal top and bottom frame members shall have an integral
retainer track for affixing mounting bolts to provide for blind fastening of
sign panel to post support.
4. An additional slot shall be milled in the top and bottom frame for later field
insertion of post clip bolts.
5. The extruded vertical side frame members shall be of a channel section.
6. The perimeter frame shall be assembled by means of self-tapping hex head

stainless steel screws in accordance with the Shop Drawings.
7. A sealant shall be used at the corner to prevent moisture penetration.
8. If the horizontal finished dimensions of the sign exceed 8 m, and vertical

panels are used, the vertical extruded frame members shall have an integral
retainer track for mounting bolts. The horizontal frame members shall be
extruded channels.
B. Honeycomb Sections
1. Panel signs shall consist of 2-sheet aluminum laminated to a honeycomb core

and extruded aluminum frame to produce flat and rigid panels of 25.4 or 63.5
mm nominal thickness.
Revision 1
2. Sign panels shall be made in lengths up to 7320 mm and shall be mounted

horizontally.
3. Maximum and minimum widths shall be 1520 and 610 mm respectively. Size
gradations shall be made in 152 mm increments in both width and length.
4. Vertical height of panels shall be determined by copy layout to appear on the

face of the sign. Care shall be taken to ensure a minimum amount of copy
appearing at any panel joint.
5. The maximum span between supports of 25.4 mm panel shall not exceed
2740 mm and overhang at each end shall not exceed 910 mm. The maximum
span of 63.5 mm panels shall not exceed 4420 mm and overhang shall not
exceed 1450 mm.
6. The face sheet of each sign shall be fabricated in 1 piece from minimum 1.6
mm aluminum porcelain enameling sheet of Alclad alloy 6061-H12, with an
alloy 1230 cladding of approximately 5% on both sides.
7. Core material shall be either 25.4 or 63.5 mm thick, as required, and shall be
phenolic impregnated paper honeycomb. It shall be resistant to fungus.
8. The honeycomb cell size shall be 13 mm, weight of the paper shall be 36 kg,
and impregnation shall be 18% by weight, minimum.
9. Back sheet of each panel shall be fabricated in 1 piece from minimum 1.2
mm aluminum alloy 3003 H14. The surface shall be treated with an
amorphous chromate conversion coating conforming to the requirements of
specification ASTM B449, Class 2.
10. The laminating adhesive shall be thermoplastic neoprene rubber base solvent
type, exhibiting a resilient oil and water resistant bond.
11. The solid contents of adhesive shall be suitable for automatic spray
application and shall yield a dry weight of adhesive of 50 g/mm2, minimum.
12. A uniform film of adhesive shall be applied to each surface and force dried at
a temperature of 83°C minimum.
13. The final bond shall be made while the glue line temperature is a minimum of
83°C using sufficient pressure to ensure mating of the surfaces. Minor
amounts of adhesive over-spray on perimeter of back sheet or channel shall
not be a cause for rejection.
Revision 1
14. The tensile strength of the honeycomb laminate construction shall be a

minimum of 17.6 g/mm2.
15. The Contractor shall furnish certification as to prior testing of the adhesive
laminate, conducted by an independent testing laboratory, in accordance with
ASTM C297 and C481 Cycle A.
16. Weep holes, 3 mm in diameter, shall be drilled in the perimeter frame at the
bottom of each panel. Holes shall be spaced approximately 76 mm inside
from either end and in the center of each panel.
C. Extruded Panel Sections
1. Extruded aluminum sign panels which require splicing shall be spliced by

rivets, bolts or other fasteners as shown on the Contract Drawings, or as
approved by Marafiq. All splices shall be capable of developing the full
strength of the section.
2. Rivets or other fasteners shall be flush with the face side. The aluminum
panels shall be fastened to frames, stiffeners, wind beams, or joint backing
strips, as shown on the Contract Drawings, or as approved by Marafiq.
3. All fabrication of sign panels, including cutting and drilling or punching of

holes, except mounting holes for cutout letters, numbers, symbols, etc., shall
be completed prior to degreasing and application of coating or retroreflective
sheeting.
4. Where multiple panels adjoin, the face and edges shall be trimmed to a
tolerance of ± 0.8 mm from a straight plane, so that when two adjoining
panels are assembled, no gap over 1.5 mm shall be visible between panels.
All sharp edges, that are likely to present a hazard in handling, shall be
smoothed. Panels may be trimmed up to 6 mm on each side in order to
achieve edge uniformity.
5. All adhesively bonded panels shall have an exterior face of such flatness that
when measured at normal room temperature of 21 to 27°C, the maximum
slope of the surface at any point, measured from the nominal plane of the
surface, shall not exceed 1.5%.
6. At each corner on the face of each panel, one 3 mm self-plugging rivet shall
be used to fasten the sheet to the perimeter panel. Rivets appearing on the
face side shall be a color similar to that required for the face of the panel.
7. On multiple panel signs, the closure extrusions between panels shall be

provided by the manufacturer. Extrusions shall be provided as per the
Contract Drawings from Type 6063-T6 aluminum. Tolerances shall be as per
Revision 1
the Contract Drawings. Seam closure extrusion shall be set in 76 mm from

edge of panels for clearance of rivets and frame.
3.5 Fabrication of Retroreflective Sheeting Signs
A. General
1. Roadway signs shall only be fabricated by a manufacturer, producer or shop

having workmen appropriately trained and well experienced in the use and
application of the retroreflective material.
2. Sign panels shall be fabricated true to the shapes and sizes indicated, with
edges straight and square, corners square and sharp or uniformly rounded and
with faces flat and free from twists, wind buckling or waviness.
3. All exposed surfaces shall be free from sharp edges, burrs, dents or other
irregularities.
4. Surfaces to be coated, painted or to receive retroreflective sheeting materials,

shall be properly cleaned and etched, such that the applied finishes achieve
durable and permanent bonding to the substrate.
5. Sign support structures shall be fabricated from material specified herein and
executed in accordance with the methods specified in Marafiq Specification,
MQ-SP-S-2311, Structural and Miscellaneous Steel Fabrication.
B. Allowable Tolerances
1. Sign panels shall be fabricated true to size and shape. The allowable
fabrication tolerance shall not exceed the following:
a) Circular Panel
1) The length of the radius at any point shall not vary by more than
+ 1.5 mm from the dimensions indicated.
b) Triangular and Octagonal Panels
1) The difference in the length of any 2 sides shall not exceed 2 mm

when all sides are measured and compared, and the length of any
one side shall not vary by more than + 2 mm from the
dimensions indicated.
c) Rectangles and Squares

Revision 1
1) The difference between measurements of the diagonals shall not

exceed 3 mm. The length of the sides shall not vary by more than
± 2 mm from the dimensions indicated.
d) Face
1) When measured using a straight edge that spans the greatest

distance across the panel face, any variation of the face from the
straight edge shall not exceed + 1 mm.
C. Application of Retroreflective Sheeting
1. Retroreflective sheeting shall be applied to properly cleaned base panels in a

manner as specified herein or directed.
a) All surfaces of signs shall be cleaned with a detergent, degreased and

thoroughly dried prior to application of retroreflective sheeting.
b) Sheeting shall be applied over the entire surface of the base panel in
accordance with the recommendations of the sheeting manufacturer.
c) Sign faces comprising 2 or more pieces or panels of retroreflective

sheeting must be carefully matched for color at the time of sign
fabrication, to provide uniform appearance and brilliance, both day and
night.
d) Alternate, successive width sections of either sheeting or panels must be

reversed and consecutive to ensure that corresponding edges of
retroreflective sheeting lie adjacent on finished sign per instructions of
sheeting manufacturer.
e) Non-uniform shading and an undesirable contact between adjacent

widths of applied sheeting will not be acceptable.
D. Finished Sheet Signs
1. Following the application of the retroreflective sheeting background,

messages and borders shall be applied by the silk screen process, or by use of
demountable cutout legend.
2. Signs shall be provided with colors and dimensions of symbols in compliance

with the specified standards of the Ministry of Transportation, Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia.
3. Paint and related materials shall be of first quality, durable, specification

grade products from a single manufacturer.
Revision 1
4. Following the screening of the background, message and border and the
application of the face, the sign face splices and edges shall be sealed with
materials supplied and in a manner specified by the sheeting manufacturer.
5. The finished signs shall show careful workmanship and shall have a smooth
and uniform light surface. All letters and numbers shall be clear and sharp.
6. All signs shall be in both Arabic and English languages, with the Arabic text
taking precedence above. Actual details of the English text will be provided
by Marafiq, except where Saudi Arabian standards exist.
7. The Arabic lettering for all signs required to comply with the ‘Standards for
Road Safety features’ shall be in ‘NASKH’ characters. The ‘NASKH’
character shall also be used for other signs, unless Marafiq requires the use of
‘RIGAA’ or ‘DIWANI’ characters.
8. All lettering shall be by a fully experienced artistic sign writer. Marafiq shall
review and approve the lettering prior to any work.
E. Fixings
1. Fixing types shall be as shown on the Contract Drawings, using materials

specified in Part 2. The Contractor shall submit shop details for all fixings to
be fabricated.
3.6 Fabrication of Porcelain Enameled Signs
A. Porcelain Enamel Coatings
1. Aluminum sheets shall be specially prepared for enameling by the use of an

immersion type metal treatment, with all pre-treatment to include deoxidizing
and alkaline-chromate solutions.
2. Porcelain enamel coating for sign faces shall be a minimum of 0.05 mm in

thickness.
3. To ensure uniformity, porcelain enamel shall be applied by automatic spray

equipment conforming to current Porcelain Enamel Institute Specifications.
4. The coating shall have a gloss reading of 50 to 70 units at an angle of 45°,

when measured in accordance with ASTM C346.
5. The porcelain enamel on all surfaces exposed to weathering shall be free of

blemishes in the coating that may impair the serviceability or detract from the
Revision 1
general appearance of the sign, when viewed from a distance of 8 m or

normal viewing distance of sign installed, whichever is greater.
6. Porcelain enamel color samples shall initially be submitted to Marafiq for

selection and approval.
7. Porcelain enamel color used for all projects shall conform to original color
selected. Color variation is to be within ± 2 U.S. National Bureau of
Standards Units.
B. Coating Adherence Test
1. Adherence of porcelain enamel coating shall be checked by accelerated spall

test in accordance with current Porcelain Enamel Institute Specification ALS
-105.
2. Tests shall be performed on samples processed with production run. Test

samples shall be run every 100 m2 of production cycle or 1 for the total order,
whichever occurs first.
3. The porcelain enamel shall have a weight loss of less than 0.5 mg/cm2 in
boiling 6% citric acid, when tested in accordance with ASTM C283.
C. Letters
1. All letters, symbols and borders shall be porcelain enameled aluminum,

attached onto the panel background to match colors approved by Marafiq.
2. All letters, symbols and borders shall be equal to the referenced specifications
for the porcelain enameled face sheet.
D. Reflex Reflectors
1. Reflex reflectors for English alphabet symbols and border shall be of flange-
mount design.
2. Maximum spacing of round reflectors between their centers shall be 1.5 times
their diameter.
3. The reflector size in the Arabic letters shall generally match the reflector size
and spacing in the corresponding English letters.
4. A properly sized and shaped triangular reflector shall be used to fill in all
letter ends on the Arabic copy that would be void of reflectorization.
Revision 1
5. Reflectors shall be circular or triangular and sealed against dirt and moisture
so that they may be individually mounted on the panel background.
6. Size of reflectors shall be determined by letter height and stroke width to

maximize letter and symbol legibility.
E. Sign Fabrication
1. All Arabic sign letters shall be reflectorized by bonding reflex reflectors to

the porcelain enameled letters by using an RTV (room temperature
vulcanizing), one-component silicone rubber adhesive.
2. The adhesive shall be compounded to be highly resistant to ozone, ultraviolet

light and extremes of ambient temperature, and shall possess good chemical
resistance and excellent overall weatherability.
3. The cured material shall remain flexible and maintain its adhesive qualities
indefinitely.
4. The adhesive shall possess the physical properties specified in Table 3A.
TABLE 3A: Physical Properties of Adhesive

Property Value Standard Test Method
Color Translucent Visual Determination
Soft, Spreadable
Consistency Visual Determination
Thixotrophic Phase
Tack Free Time 1 Hour Maximum Finger-Touch Test
Durometer, Shore A 25 – 40 ASTM D2240
Tensile Strength, MPa

2.1 (300) Minimum ASTM D412
(psi)
Elongation 350 Minimum ASTM D412
ASTM D792, Method A-1

Specific Gravity 1.07 + 0.02
(See Note A)
Shear-Adhesion, MPa
1.0 (150) Minimum See Note B
(psi)
Note A: All tests to be conducted at 23°C ± 2°C and 50% ± 5% relative
humidity. All specimens to be tested after 48 hours total cure, tack free
time excepted.
Note B: 650 mm2 specimen.
Revision 1
1. When stored at temperatures below 27°C, the adhesive shall have a shelf life
of at least 1 year.
2. All English copy symbols, borders and rounded corners shall consist of
embossed aluminum frames cut from 1 mm, Type 3003 H-14 alloy, in which
reflex reflectors shall be installed and retained by heat sealing such that they
cannot be removed without detaching frames from the sign.
3. Border strips and rounder corners shall be securely attached to the

background using self-plugging aluminum rivets. The finish on the border
and corner frames shall be white porcelain enamel per referenced
specifications.
4. Arabic copy shall be flat, 1 mm, Type 3003 H-14 porcelain enameled
aluminum, with rivet holes for attachment of the letters to the sign panel
background.
1.2 Installation of Signs
A. General
1. The Contractor shall supply and install the items of work shown on the
Contract Drawings and Specifications, together with all concrete footings,
posts, fixings, mounting brackets, locking screws, lifting keys and other
accessories normally required for permanent fixing and operation, and
including protective sheeting and painting as required.
2. Signs delivered for use on a project shall be stored off ground and under
cover in a manner approved by Marafiq. Any sign damaged, discolored or
defaced during transportation, storage or erection shall be rejected.
3. The Contractor shall be responsible for maintaining all roadway signs for the
duration of the Contract such that they are in the condition shown or specified
upon completion of the work.
4. When for reasons of public safety, signs are required to be temporarily

obscured during installation, sign panels shall be covered with black non-
transparent, polyethylene sheeting.
B. Preparatory Site Work
1. The Contractor shall remove and place into storage, signs existing on
Marafiq's property, which are being replaced, as directed by Marafiq.
Revision 1
2. Removal of the sign includes all support posts and foundations. Unless a new
sign is required to be erected in the same location as the one removed, the
Contractor shall backfill all excavations with sand, thoroughly compact in
maximum 200 mm layers, and make good the grade to surrounding
conditions.
C. Sign Installation
1. Placement and Orientation
a) The Contractor shall establish, mark and stake the location of each sign
post.
b) The Contractor shall be responsible for the proper elevation, offset, level,
and orientation of all signs, and shall exercise due care in the preservation
of stakes. If any stakes are lost, damaged, displaced, or removed, the
Contractor shall have them reset at his expense.
c) Unless otherwise shown on the Contract Drawings, all signs shall be

erected so that the edge and face of the sign are truly vertical and the face
is at an angle of 93° to the centerline; that is, facing slightly toward the
centerline of the lane, which the sign serves.
d) Where lanes divide or are on sharp curves, the Contractor shall orient
sign faces as indicated on the Contract Drawings, or as directed by
Marafiq, so that they are most effective both day and night and so as to
avoid specular reflection and glare. All sign supports shall be plumb.
e) The signs shall be located horizontally and vertically within an accuracy

of ± 20 mm with respect to the lines and grades as indicated and set
square with, and parallel to, the lines as shown on the Contract Drawings,
unless directed otherwise by Marafiq.
2. Post Footings
a) Excavation and backfill for bases, including disposal of surplus material,

shall be performed in accordance with Marafiq Specification, MQ-SP-C-
2005, Site Preparation, Excavation and Backfill.
b) Soil, determined to be unsuitable as backfill at a post base location, shall

be removed and replaced with suitable material, compacted to 95%
density. Unsuitable materials shall be disposed of, as directed.
c) Excavated holes for post bases shall be neat and properly formed, and
free from loose materials when the concrete is placed.
Revision 1
d) Unless otherwise indicated, the concrete shall have a minimum 28-day

compressive strength of 25MPa, and shall be placed, compacted and
cured, as specified in Marafiq Specification, MQ-SP-S-2302, Plain and
Reinforced Concrete.
e) The exposed top surface shall be slightly sloped away and finished off
smooth, with outer edges rounded.
f) Care shall be taken to prevent damage to the finished concrete. Backfill

shall be brought up level with the finished ground line. The top of the
foundation shall not extend more than 75 mm above the terrain.
3. Sign Posts
a) The part of the post to be embedded shall be treated with epoxy paint.
b) Posts shall be set into the holes for the footings prior to placing the
concrete or may be set directly into the concrete immediately after it is
placed into the holes.
c) Sign posts shall be plumb, and shall not vary from a true plumb line more
than 5 mm. Posts shall be securely anchored and laterally stayed while
the concrete hardens.
d) Slip bases, when required, shall be oriented to the flow of traffic in the
direction prescribed by the manufacturer, or as shown on the Contract
Drawings.
4. Mounting Sign Panels
a) Signs shall be fastened to sign supports in accordance with the

requirements of the Contract Drawings, the recommendations of the sign
manufacturer, and to the satisfaction of Marafiq. Fasteners shall be
vandal/theft resistant to the extent practical.
b) All bolt heads, screw heads, and washers used to install sign on support
shall be such that they do not protrude out of the surface of the sign. To
the extent practical, fastener systems shall be designed so as not to
require the drilling of the sign face.
c) The heads of the bolts or screws shall be as nearly as practical the same
as the color of the background or message area at the point where the
hardware is exposed.
d) Sign panels shall be securely attached to the posts such that there is no
wobble, sway or looseness within the assembly. Panels shall be
Revision 1
accurately sloped where shown, or plumb elsewhere, and all panels set
with top and bottom edges level.
e) Neoprene spacers 3.2 mm thick shall be placed between sign panels and
steel supports at all points where the panels contact the supports.
f) Dissimilar metals shall not be in electrical contact with each other.

Elastomeric and plastic spacers and sleeves shall be used with fasteners
to achieve electrical isolation.
g) Sign panels shall be mounted with slider brackets, in accordance with the
Contract Drawings. The type of bracket shall be such that the sign can be
oriented and adjusted after mounting. As soon as the final position has
been reached, the sign shall be securely fixed to avoid any further
movement.
h) Tops and penetrations through pipe posts shall be covered with suitable
resilient caps or washers as shown or approved, and installed such as to
preclude entry of water to the inside of the pipe.
i) Fastenings shall be set square with full and firm bearing, and free from
overstress to prevent stripped threads.
j) Individual sign panels designated on the Contract Drawings, to be

mounted on support structures other than those specified herein, shall be
provided, set, and secured as shown or required, and fixed in
conformance with the requirements specified herein.

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Roadway Signs Specification

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Power and Water Utility Company for Jubail and Yanbu (MARAFIQ) Master Specification MQ-SP-C-2012

Project Name Date: 24 Feb 2011

SPECIFICATION – ROADWAY SIGNS

Revision Date Originator's Reviewed/Checked By Pages

APPROVALS SIGNATURES DATE

Lead Engineer Greg Luttrull 2/24/2011

ISSUED FOR : Construction X Other Approved

SPECIFICATION – ROADWAY SIGNS

A 9/20/2010 Issued for Approval, Table of Contents Only

0 12/8/2010 Issued for Review/Approval

1 2/24/2011 Issued Approved

SPECIFICATION – ROADWAY SIGNS

SPECIFICATION – ROADWAY SIGNS

1. This Specification covers the furnishing and installation of roadway sign

1. Sign Panels; Honeycombed and Extruded Aluminum Sections

2. Retroreflective Sheeting Signs; Material and Construction

3. Porcelain Enameled Signs; Material and Construction

4. Sign Supports and Associated Hardware

A. MOT Ministry of Transportation, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

1. General Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction

SPECIFICATION – ROADWAY SIGNS

B. AASHTO American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials

1. AASHTO M268 Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic Control

C. ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

1. ASTM A36M Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel

4. ASTM A123M Standard Specification for Zinc (Hot-Dip Galvanized)

5. ASTM A153M Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot-Dip) on Iron

8. ASTM A320M Standard Specification for Alloy/Steel Bolting Materials for

9. ASTM A325M Standard Specification for Structural Bolts, Steel, Heat

10. ASTM A1008M Standard Specification for Steel, Sheet, Cold-Rolled,

13. ASTM B211M Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy

SPECIFICATION – ROADWAY SIGNS

14. ASTM B221M Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy

15. ASTM B308M Standard Specification for Aluminum-Alloy 6061-T6

16. ASTM B449 Standard Specification for Chromates on Aluminum

23. ASTM D523 Standard Test Method for Specular Gloss

27. ASTM D2240 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property-Durometer

29. ASTM E284 Standard Terminology of Appearance

SPECIFICATION – ROADWAY SIGNS

31. ASTM E808 Standard Practice for Describing Retroreflection

32. ASTM E810 Standard Test Method for Coefficient of Retroreflection of

33. ASTM E991 Standard Practice for Color Measurement of Fluorescent

37. ASTM G7 Standard Practice for Atmospheric Environmental Exposure

38. ASTM G147 Standard Practice for Conditioning and Handling of

D. AWS, American Welding Society

1. AWS D1.1M Structural Welding Code - Steel

E. CIE, Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage (International Commission on

1. FED-STD-370 Instrumental Photometric Measurements of Retroreflective

G. PEI, Porcelain Enamel Institute

1. ALS-105 Tentative Specifications for Porcelain Enamel on Aluminum as

SPECIFICATION – ROADWAY SIGNS

1. Standard Alphabets for Highway Signs and Pavement Markings

Bonderize: Application of corrosion-prevention coating.

Breakaway (Yielding) Supports: A support for a roadside device which yields or

Candle Power: Luminous intensity expressed in candelas. It is not an indication of

Coefficient of Retroreflection, RA: The ratio of the coefficient of luminous intensity

Copy: The words and messages displayed on a sign.

Galvanized Steel: Steel coated with zinc for corrosion resistance.

SPECIFICATION – ROADWAY SIGNS

Illumination: The act of illuminating or state of being illuminated.

Luminance: The luminous intensity or brightness of any surface in a given direction,

Photometer: An instrument for measuring photometric quantities such as luminance,

Reflex Reflector: A device designed to reflect light in a direction close to that at

Retroreflection: Reflection in which radiation is returned in directions close to the

Retroreflective Sheeting: A pre-assembled thin film that consists of a continuous

Retroreflectivity: A property of a surface that allows a large portion of the light