Design Guide For Roadside Signs Manual Traffic Engineering Road

Design Guide
for
Roadside Signs
Prepared by:
Traffic Engineering & Road Safety Branch
Traffic & Road Use Management Division
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Design Guide
for
Roadside Signs
Edition 1, Rev. 1, February 2001
Registration Number: 80.255
Issued by the
Department of Main Roads
For document control enquiries contact: Document Control Officer

Project Management Services Division
PO Box 975
Spring Hill Qld 4004
Phone: (07) 3834 2035
Facsimile: (07) 3834 2899
For document content enquiries contact: Traffic & Road Use Management Division
GPO Box 1412
Brisbane Qld 4001
Phone: (07) 3834 2443
Facsimile:
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ii Issue: February 2001
© The State of Queensland Department of Main Roads, 2001
Users of this Guide are reminded that Copyright in this Guide subsists with the Queensland
Department of Main Roads, and should note that except where the Copyright Act allows
and except where provided for below, this Guide may not be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system in any form or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing
from the Department of Main Roads.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this Guide is correct
at the time of printing. Due to continual developments in new standards and best practice,
users should ensure that the information is up to date before it is applied. Errors or
suggestions for change should be reported using the Document Content Change Control
Form. Suggestions for the inclusion of new information are particularly welcome.
The standards used for wind loadings apply only to roadside signs which can collapse
without damage to pedestrians or other parties. Design charts and tables should not be
used in isolation from the design restraints and text of the Guide. Reproduction of single
design charts is considered to be a serious matter as this is a total package where the
designer is required to assess the risk level appropriate to the site conditions.

Queensland Department of Main Roads
GPO Box 1412
Brisbane QLD 4001
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Copyright Design Guide for Roadside Signs
Issue: February 2001 iii
Guide Registration
Instructions for Design Guide for Roadside Signs
ORIGINAL HOLDER
Please acknowledge receipt of this Guide by photocopying, completing and forwarding the
Holder Details Form. Queensland Department of Main Roads and Queensland Transport
holders should note that, for document control purposes, this Guide should be registered to
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the Document Control Officer.
CHANGE OF POSITION
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AMENDMENTS
Advice of future amendments will be forwarded according to the distribution register held
by the Document Control Officer. Holders who fail to register will loose the benefits of
awareness of current ‘best practice’. Prompt notification of change of address will ensure
that users are advised of amendments as they are issued.
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Registration
iv Issue: February 2001
Design Guide for Roadside Signs

HOLDER DETAILS FORM
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modification to Guide content.
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Attention: Document Control Officer Department of Main Roads Telephone:
Project Management Services Project Management Services (07) 3834 2035
2nd Floor PO Box 975 Facsimile:
1 Dickens St, SPRING HILL SPRING HILL, QLD 4004 (07) 3834 2899
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Registration Design Guide for Roadside Signs
Issue: February 2001 v
Traffic Engineering Section – Traffic & Road Use Management

Division
The Traffic Engineering Section of Traffic & Road Use Management Division develops and
provides appropriate guidance in relation to traffic engineering standards in Queensland. It also
provides technical support, training and a diverse traffic engineering consultancy service.
Following the commercialisation of the Traffic & Road Use Management Division of Main Roads,
these services are provided on a full commercial basis to both the public and private sectors.
Major functions include:-
• the provision of full traffic engineering services including traffic studies and impact
assessment, design of sign and pavement marking layout for design schemes,
development and support of traffic management systems.
• investigation of matters relating to traffic control devices and traffic operations in
conjunction with other research organisations such as Australian Road Research Board,
AUSTROADS and other State Road Authorities.
• research and develop standards and guidelines to increase safety of all road users
through investigations of speed zoning, roadside hazards, road geometry, intersection
treatments and information systems.
• monitoring and evaluation of traffic safety programmes and standards.
• liaison within the Department of Main Roads in Queensland, Local Governments,
Government Departments and the private sector.
Accredited training can be provided in a number of areas including:
• Roadworks signing
• Introductory level traffic engineering
• Pavement marking.
The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Guide to Pavement Markings, Design Guide
for Roadside Signs and the Traffic Engineering Manual are some of the more well known
publications developed by the Traffic Engineering Section.
Further information on the capabilities of Traffic Engineering Section may be obtained by
contacting the Principal Engineer (Traffic).
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Traffic Engineering Section
vi Issue: February 2001
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Issue: February 2001 vii
Preface
This edition of the guide, Edition 1, Revision 1, Design Guide or Roadside Signs (2001)
replaces all previous issues.
Sign Design On-Line (Release 2) has been superseded by a new computer design aid
called “TraSiS (Traffic Sign Structures) version 2.0”. This new software programme further
simplifies the support design task. For further details, refer to Appendix A.
Principal variations:
The principal variations from the original Design Guide for Roadside Signs are as follows:
1. Additional sign details
Additional sign details have been catered for in this guide and include the following:
(i) Truss Supports
Truss supports have been developed from the prototypes first erected by Gympie
District. These trusses have been further rationalised and bracing developed to
accommodate larger signs.
(ii) Wind Regions
The Guide now includes Regions A, B, C and D to cater for all of the Australian Standard
wind regions. All details for RHS/CHS posts such as stiffener/bolt connection, stiffener
spacings, connector straps and rivets are satisfactory for Region D.
(iii) Catering for Larger Signs
The Guide now caters for signs up to 7.5m wide, 8m high and 40m² in area.
There are now 3 tables for each wind region, refer to Appendix B, with one table
dedicated to the smaller signs (<10m²) and one dedicated to larger signs (10 to 40m²),
which includes truss supports.
Standard Drawings SD 1366 and SD 1367, Appendix D, detail the manufacturing
requirements for trusses.
(iv) Modular Sign Panels
Modular Sign panels have been included in the Guide. A sketch and details of
construction are shown in Section 5.
(v) Plank Board Signs
Plank boards are a smaller version of the modular system where the stiffener is built into
the extruded aluminium plank. Section 5 outlines the design and erection advantages of
this system. Trial plank boards have been erected in Metropolitan South and North
Districts.
(vi) Breakaway Details
Breakaway support details have been standardised for CHS and RHS supports and
are detailed on Standard Drawing SD 1365, Appendix D.
(vii) Single Support Slip Base
A slip base for single supports has been provided. Details are on Standard Drawing
SD 1368, Appendix D.
2. New Appendix
A TraSiS Details.
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Preface
viii Issue: February 2001
Version History:
First Issue Draft Edition A, Rev 0, June 1996 Design Guide for Road Signs.
Second Issue Draft Edition A, Rev 1, June 1996 Design Guide for Roadside Signs.
Third Issue Edition 1, Rev 0, Design Guide for Roadside Signs (2000).
Fourth Issue Edition 1, Rev 1, Design Guide for Roadside Signs (2001).
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Preface Design Guide for Roadside Signs
Issue: February 2001 ix
Table of Contents
SECTION 1. SCOPE AND INTRODUCTION ..................................................................1

1.1 SCOPE ..............................................................................................................................1
1.2 APPLICATION ...................................................................................................................1
1.3 OBJECTIVE .......................................................................................................................1
1.4 INTRODUCTION ...............................................................................................................1
1.5 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS ..........................................................................................1
1.6 DEFINITIONS ....................................................................................................................1
SECTION 2. DESIGN WIND PRESSURE .......................................................................3

2.1 GENERAL ..........................................................................................................................3
2.2 FAILURE MODE ................................................................................................................3
2.2.1 Steel supports .......................................................................................................3
2.2.2 Timber supports ....................................................................................................3
2.3 STRUCTURE IMPORTANCE MULTIPLIER .......................................................................3
2.4 DIRECTIONALITY ..............................................................................................................3
2.5 REGIONS ..........................................................................................................................3
2.6 TERRAIN CATEGORY .......................................................................................................4
2.7 GANTRIES AND CANTILEVERS .......................................................................................4
2.8 SPECIAL LOCATIONS ......................................................................................................4
2.9 SELECTION OF REGION AND EXPOSURE .....................................................................4
2.10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ............................................................................................4
SECTION 3. SIGN DESIGN ............................................................................................6

3.1 GENERAL ..........................................................................................................................6
3.2 SIGNS OF STANDARD DESIGN .......................................................................................6
3.3 SIGNS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL DESIGN .......................................................................6
3.4 LETTERING .......................................................................................................................7
3.4.1 Selection of letter series .......................................................................................9
3.4.2 Calculation of letter height ..................................................................................12
SECTION 4. CLEAR ZONE CRITERIA .........................................................................15

4.1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................15
4.2 FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CLEAR ZONE ...............................................................15
4.3 DETERMINATION OF CLEAR ZONE REQUIREMENTS .................................................15
4.4 OPPORTUNITIES TO REDUCE LATERAL CLEARANCES .............................................16
SECTION 5. SIGN FACE CONSTRUCTION .................................................................24

5.1 SIGN FACE MATERIALS ................................................................................................24
5.1.1 Sign substrate .....................................................................................................24
5.1.2 Sign sheeting ......................................................................................................25
5.1.3 Stiffener rails .......................................................................................................28
5.2 SIGN FACE CONSTRUCTION ........................................................................................30
5.2.1 Construction types ..............................................................................................30
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Table of Contents
x Issue: February 2001
5.2.2 Standard construction ........................................................................................30

5.2.3 Plank board construction ...................................................................................31
5.2.4 Modular construction ..........................................................................................33
5.2.5 Dovetail construction ..........................................................................................36
SECTION 6. SIGN ERECTION .....................................................................................38

6.1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................38
6.2 SIGN LOCATION (DESIGN) ............................................................................................38
6.3 SIGN LOCATION (FIELD) ................................................................................................39
6.4 LOCATION OF SUPPORTS ............................................................................................40
6.4.1 Slip base orientation ...........................................................................................40
6.4.2 Support stub placement .....................................................................................40
6.5 EXCAVATION OF FOUNDATIONS ..................................................................................41
6.6 PREPARATION OF SUPPORTS ......................................................................................41
6.7 INSTALLATION OF SIGN SUPPORTS ............................................................................42
6.7.1 Foundations (poured concrete) ..........................................................................42
6.7.2 Erection of supports ...........................................................................................42
6.8 SUPPORT FINISHING .....................................................................................................43
6.9 ERECTION OF SIGN FACE ............................................................................................43
6.9.1 Small signs ..........................................................................................................43
6.9.2 Larger sized signs ...............................................................................................43
6.9.3 Flanges ...............................................................................................................43
6.9.4 Lifting of the sign face .........................................................................................43
6.9.5 Erection of a sign from the ground .....................................................................44
6.10 SIGN CHECK LIST ..........................................................................................................45
6.10.1 Sign design checklist ..........................................................................................45
6.10.2 Materials checklist ..............................................................................................45
6.10.3 Erection checklist ................................................................................................46
6.10.4 Sign erection check sheet (larger direction signs) ............................................47
6.11 EQUIPMENT CHECK LIST ..............................................................................................48
SECTION 7. SIGN FOUNDATIONS ..............................................................................49

7.1 CIRCULAR FOUNDATIONS ............................................................................................49
SECTION 8. SIGN SUPPORTS ....................................................................................50

8.1 POST SIZE AND SELECTION .........................................................................................50
8.2 SINGLE POST SIGNS .....................................................................................................50
8.2.1 Signs up to 950mm wide ....................................................................................50
8.2.2 Sign posts ...........................................................................................................51
8.2.3 Fittings ................................................................................................................51
8.2.4 Signs over 950mm wide .....................................................................................51
8.2.5 Posts in sleeves ..................................................................................................51
8.3 MULTIPLE SUPPORT SIGNS ..........................................................................................51
8.3.1 Panel stiffener rails ..............................................................................................52
8.3.2 Sign supports ......................................................................................................52
8.3.3 Aternative post section sizes ..............................................................................53
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Table of Contents Design Guide for Roadside Signs
Issue: February 2001 xi
8.3.4 Breakaway supports ...........................................................................................53

8.4 FITTINGS .........................................................................................................................55
8.4.1 Connection straps ..............................................................................................55
8.4.2 Erection cleats ....................................................................................................55
SECTION 9. STORAGE AND HANDLING OF SIGNS ..................................................56

9.1 GENERAL ........................................................................................................................56
9.2 GENERAL STORAGE ......................................................................................................56
9.3 INDOOR STORAGE ........................................................................................................56
9.4 OUTDOOR STORAGE ....................................................................................................56
9.5 SIGN TRANSPORT .........................................................................................................56
9.6 SIGN ERECTION .............................................................................................................56
9.7 SIGN COVERING ............................................................................................................57
9.8 SIGN CLEANING .............................................................................................................57
APPENDICES
A TraSiS .............................................................................................................................59
B DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR ROADSIDE SIGN SUPPORT ............................................61
C COMPARISON OF 2001 DESIGN GUIDE WITH 1991 DESIGN GUIDE .........................79
D STANDARD DRAWINGS .................................................................................................91
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Table of Contents
xii Issue: February 2001

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Issue: February 2001 1
DEPARTMENT OF MAIN ROADS

Queensland
1
SECTION 1. SCOPE AND INTRODUCTION
1.1 SCOPE
This guide sets out guidelines for the design and erection of roadside signs.
This guide does not cover cantilevers and gantries that overhang the carriageway.
1.2 APPLICATION
This guide is applicable to all types of roads under normal operating conditions.
1.3 OBJECTIVE
The objective of this guide is to provide a set of uniform guidelines for the design and erection of
roadside signs throughout Queensland.
1.4 INTRODUCTION
The procedure for the design of signs in this guide should be applied from the initial design of the
sign face through to the ordering of each sign component. The software program TraSiS guides
the user through the design process. Appendix A provides details on the program together with
information on how to purchase a copy.
1.5 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

The following Australian Standards are referenced in this guide:
AS 1170.2-1989, SAA Loading Code, Part 2: Wind Loads
AS 1744 1975 - Standard Alphabets for Road Signs
1.6 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this guide, the following definitions apply:
AADT:
Annual Average Daily Traffic Flow (two-way) measured in vehicles per day (vpd) averaged over
one year.
ADT:
Average Daily Traffic Flow (two-way) measured in vehicles per day (vpd).
Built-up area:
A road in a built-up area is defined as any road upon which there is a system of streetlighting.
Clear Zone:
The total roadside border area, starting at the edge of the travelled way, available for safe use by
errant vehicles and for the display of official traffic signs. This area may consist of a shoulder, a
recoverable slope, a non-recoverable slope and/or a clear run-out area. The minimum clear zone
width is dependent upon speed environment, AADT and roadside geometry.
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Scope and Introduction
2 Issue: February 2001
85th percentile speed (V85 km/h):

1 The speed at, or below, which 85 percent of vehicles are observed to travel under free-flowing
conditions past a nominated point.
Pace:
A nominated speed range in which the greatest number of vehicles in traffic is observed to travel
under free-flowing conditions past a nominated point. For example, the 15 km/h Pace is the 15-
km/h-speed range in which the largest percentage of vehicles is observed to travel.
Shall:
The word shall is to be understood as mandatory.
Should:
The word should is to be understood as non-mandatory, ie Advisory, or recommended.
Sign ground clearance:
The minimum distance in metres between the lower edge of a sign and the ground level directly
below the lower edge of the sign.
Sign height:
The height in metres between the lower edge of a sign at the edge closest to the travelled way
and the level of the nearest edge of the travelled way, generally the edge line. The edge line is
used as the reference point for determining the clear zone.
Speed limit:
The maximum speed at which a motor vehicle is legally permitted to travel on a particular section
of road.
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Scope and Introduction Design Guide for Roadside Signs
SECTION 2. DESIGN WIND PRESSURE
2.1 GENERAL
2
It is proposed to use an appropriate probability of exceedence of the design wind speed to
produce results that are acceptable to both design life and a road safety. The following clauses
outline the structural assumptions made in this guide.
2.2 FAILURE MODE

2.2.1 Steel supports
To prevent the hazard of flying sign panels, it is important that signs should fail by pole bending
before failure of either stiffener rails or panel fixing. To ensure that signs are not blown off before
the poles bend, stiffener rails are designed for the maximum design wind pressure, with an
additional safety factor of 1.67. This factor has been derived from the combination of load factor
and capacity reduction factor on the pole (1.5 and 0.9 respectively).
The sign-face pressure is reduced when the steel pole bends in plastic bending.
2.2.2 Timber supports

Timber, by its very nature, is a non-plastic material and therefore cannot fail by plastic pole
bending. As the timber pole failure may lead to signs being blown across the carriageway,
causing damage to property and people, different factors to the steel support must be used.
2.3 STRUCTURE IMPORTANCE MULTIPLIER

The structure importance multiplier, Mi in AS1170.2, represents a probability of exceedence of a
design wind speed. For Mi = 1.0 there is a 5% chance of exceedence of the Ultimate Wind Speed
in a 50 year return period. For Mi = 0.9, as used in the 1991 Design Guide, the chance of
exceedence in 50 year and 1 year return periods is 25% and 0.5% respectively.
The proposed structure importance multiplier for steel supports, which relates to the maximum
acceptable chance of exceedence, is Mi=0.75, ie the chance of exceedence in 50 year and 1 year
return periods is 96% and 6.5% respectively. That is, every year there is a 6.5% chance of the sign
experiencing its design ultimate wind speed.
For timber, the desirable failure mode is different and an Mi of 1.0 has been adopted.
2.4 DIRECTIONALITY
It is improbable that the direction of the wind will always be in the critical direction for a sign
structure. To allow for this fact, in non-cyclonic regions AS 1170.2 allows a wind speed
directionality factor of 0.95 to reduce the value of design wind speed.
As the design wind for a particular locality generally blows from one direction, depending on the
road orientation, some signs will never experience the design wind speed in their critical direction.
It is therefore proposed that the directionality factor is further reduced to 0.9 in non-cyclonic
regions.
Viewing the performance of the road signs structures globally, rather than designing for
directionality in each individual sign, justifies use of the reduced directionality factor of 0.9.
2.5 REGIONS
Signs in the different geographic regions defined in AS 1170.2 (A, B, C and D) are designed for
the wind speed related to that particular region.
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Design Wind Pressure
2.6 TERRAIN CATEGORY

Terrain Categories as such are not used. The Region classification relates to Terrain Category 3
and 4. For exposed locations similar to Category 2 see Clause 2.8.
2 2.7 GANTRIES AND CANTILEVERS

The design philosophy outlined in Clauses 2.2, and 2.3 does not apply to sign gantries or
cantilevers that extend over traffic lanes, which are excluded, from the Guide. These signs should
be designed in accordance with AS 1170.2, with a minimum design life of 50 years.
2.8 SPECIAL LOCATIONS

High-risk areas, likely to be exposed to high wind speeds regularly, should be identified and the
risk assessed. This risk can be reduced by the use of the exposed category (Category 2 of
AS1170.2) or an increased section size. Typical locations that should be considered are:
• Houghton Highway (across water adjacent Moreton Bay)
• Gateway Bridge (high, exposed position)
• Some sections of Gateway Arterial adjacent to Brisbane Airport
• Gold Coast Highway at Kirra and other coastal positions.
2.9 SELECTION OF REGION AND EXPOSURE

For those locations not listed in Clause 2.8, the following procedure for the selection of the
appropriate Design Table is recommended:
(1) Identify Region A, B, C or D, refer to Figure 2.1.
(2) Consider whether or not the region is particularly exposed or at risk. If so, increase Region A
to B, B to C, and C to D. The exposed category in Region D will require a step in section
modulus of the tabulated posts, or an additional post. (D Regions are normally only found in
Western Australia).
(3) Refer to Table 2.1 to determine the appropriate table, B.3.1 to B.3.12. B3 tables can be found
in Appendix B to this guide.
Situations outside the scope of these tables, or standard sections, should be checked and
designed by a Structural Engineer. Extrapolation of these tables is neither appropriate nor
acceptable.
2.10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Traffic Engineering Section, Traffic Engineering & Road Safety Branch holds design
calculations, which outline the basis for the design charts and development of the truss system.
Based on various Australian Standards, assumptions have been made on the performance of the
sign structure as a whole. Full scale structural testing is recommended to confirm these
assumptions.
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Design Wind Pressure Design Guide for Roadside Signs
TABLE 2.1 APPLICATION TABLES FOR REGIONS

Region Sign Size Range Applicable Table
A – General 0 – 10m²
8 – 28m²
B.3.1 (RHS/CHS)
B.3.5 (RHS/CHS) 2
15 – 40m² B.3.9 (Trusses/RHS)
A – Exposed 0 – 10m² B.3.2 (RHS/CHS)

B – General 8 – 28m² B.3.6 (RHS/CHS)
B – Exposed 0 – 10m² B.3.3 (RHS/CHS)

C – General 8 – 28m² B.3.7 (RHS/CHS)
C – Exposed 0 – 10m² B.3.4 (RHS/CHS)

D – General 8 – 28m² B.3.8 (RHS/CHS)
D – Exposed 0 – 10m² B.3.4 (RHS/CHS) Increase one section size

8 – 28m² B.3.8 (RHS/CHS) Increase one section size
Increase one section size
McDonnel
Darwin Moreton
Weipa
Adelaide River
Katherine
Borroloola
Derby Ivanhoe Burketown Cooktown

Wyndam Dunbar Cairns
Broome West Moreland Mareeba
Atherton
Townsville
Pt. Hedland
Charters Towers
Bowen
20 Collinsville Mackay
Croydon Marble Bar
Millstream Alice Springs
Onslow Emerald
Mt Amy Rockhampton
Biloela
Bundaberg
Carnarvon Monto
Gascoyne Junction
25
25 Maryborough
Gallathard
Toowoomba Brisbane
Mullewa Casino
Geraldton Grafton
Morawa Glen Innes
Corindi
Goffs Harbour
30 Green Head
Gunyidi 30
Perth
Adelaide Sydney
Canberra
Melbourne
Region A
Region B
Region C
Region D Hobart
FIGURE 2.1 GEOGRAPHIC REGION

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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Design Wind Pressure
SECTION 3. SIGN DESIGN
3.1 GENERAL
Sign types are classified in the 1995 Edition of Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices
(MUTCD), Clause 1.5. These include Regulatory, Warning, Guide, Freeway Guide, Temporary and
Hazard Markers.
3 3.2 SIGNS OF STANDARD DESIGN

Most road signs are of a fixed content/legend and are provided in a range of standard sizes
designated A, B, C or D. General guidance in the selection of the appropriate size is provided in
the various parts of MUTCD which pertain to a number of traffic situations.
Unless otherwise specified in the MUTCD, the following principles should be observed in sign size
selection:
(a) For regulatory, warning and traffic instructions, the smallest designated available size should
normally be used -
(i) only where the 85th percentile approach speed is less than 70km/h;
(ii) where prominence or conspicuity of the sign is not affected by competing visual stimuli;
and
(iii) where lateral displacement of the sign from the driver's path is not excessive.
(b) Progressively larger signs in the above categories should be used -
(i) as approach speeds become higher;
(ii) where a greater need exists for sign prominence due to competing visual stimuli or the
need to emphasise the message;
(iii) where there is excessive lateral displacement of the sign.
(c) The largest available sizes should be used on freeways.
(d) Where one sign supplements another, the two signs should be the same width. With the
exception of the Time of Operation module (R9-1), this means that the same size designation
ie. A, B, C etc., should be used for both signs. When the Time of Operation module (R9-1) is
used with Bus, Transit, Truck or Bicycle Lane (R7-1) signs, the former should be one size
designation smaller than the lane sign, so that the widths are equal.
(e) The parking series signs are classified according to a narrow and wide (N and W) designation
series. Guidelines for the appropriate selection of parking series signs are provided in Clause
4.4.2 - Part 11 of MUTCD.
For standard signs, the design and layout of the sign face will be in accordance with MUTCD and
AS 1743 requirements. In most cases, these signs have a standard legend and layout. The
provision of the MUTCD number, size details and sheeting class is generally sufficient for ordering
purposes.
3.3 SIGNS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL DESIGN

These signs typically belong to the Guide Sign series and include service, tourist and historical
signs. Guide signs inform and advise road users about the direction and distances of destinations
on the route they are following, or along other roads which intersect their route. They also supply
information to identify points of geographical or historical interest and give directions to rest,
camping or parking areas.
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Due to these factors, several of the signs in the Guide Sign series can have a significant variation
in size dependent upon the nature of the information being conveyed ie sign content/legend. The
signs are identified in MUTCD by way of examples of the standardised format.
These guidelines assume that the designer has predetermined the sign content/legend.
As an overview, the following aspects should be considered in determining the size of a sign:
• lettering, word length and layout;
• arrows and chevrons; 3
• route markers;
• borders, edge strips and corners;
• standard substrate sizes; and
• retroreflective sheeting roll widths
3.4 LETTERING
Sign lettering used in Queensland is based on AS 1744-Standard Alphabets for Road Signs.
Figure 3.1 shows A and F lettering and the difference between the three standard spacing of
letters, narrow, medium and wide.
There are seven capital letter series in AS 1744 and one lower case. These are A, B, C, D, E,
Modified E and F. The letter series vary based on stroke width and each has a range of spacings
between letters (narrow, medium and wide). The stroke width is the thickness of the line used to
make up the letter.
Series A is the narrowest of the letter series and is limited in use.
Table 3.1 based on Part 8 of the Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice NAASRA 1988, Part 8 sets
out general usage for each series. The MUTCD also sets out minium requirements for individual
types of signs. Lower case letters are normally used for direction names or locations on guide
signs and for abbreviations such as m (metres), km (kilometres) and t (tonnes). All direction
names or locations have an initial Modified E capital letter followed by the lower case letters.
TABLE 3.1 ALPHABET SERIES USAGE
Alphabet Usage Legibility Distance

Series (metres per mm of
Capital letter height)
A Only used for signs which do not have

to be read from a moving vehicle
B Only used for signs which do not have
to be read from a moving vehicle
C Only used when absolutely necessary 0.5
D Suitable for general needs 0.6
E Most desirable and pleasing 0.7
Modified E Reserved for Guide signs 0.75
(and Lower Case)
F Not generally used but may be desirable
in certain applications
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Sign Design
FIGURE 3.1 LETTER SERIES AND SPACING

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The height of the lettering determines the legibility of the alphabet series. Legibility is based on the
distance at which a sign can be read, which in turn affects the time available for a driver to read
the information on that sign.
The communication function of the sign depends on the words used, the number of words, the
message to be communicated and the use of symbols (if any).
These factors, together with environmental factors such as competing visual effects, determine
whether or not if the sign will be effective. The following procedure is used to determine a
minimum standard for letter height for a particular sign: 3
(1) Select the letter series appropriate to the sign type;
(2) Calculate the appropriate legend height; then
(3) Check that the legend series is appropriate and recalculate if necessary.
3.4.1 Selection of letter series

Letter series have a differing legibility distance; the higher the alphabet series, the greater the
distance at which the sign can be initially seen and then read (refer Table 3.1). Additional details of
the basis for the figures in Table 3.1 are set out in the equations in Clause 3.4.2.
Tables 3.2 and 3.3 have been compiled from Part 2 of the MUTCD and set out minium
requirements for letter series in guide signs. Tourist and service signs are covered in Part 6 of the
MUTCD and have the following requirements:
(i) Service signs have a white symbol or legend where appropriate on a blue background.
(ii) Tourist signs have a white legend on brown background.
The lettering on both service and tourist signs shall have a minimum size of 120mm and should
be Series D or E. Generally lettering is provided as follows:
A size signs - 140 DM and B size signs - 200 DM.
Where the tourist sign is combined with a direction sign, upper and lower case legend is used.
Letter sizes may be the same as those on the direction sign or, where necessary, slightly smaller.
TABLE 3.2 GUIDE SIGNS
Sign Type Environment Comment

(minium legend size)
ADVANCE DIRECTION SIGNS

Single Panel G1-4 Two Lane rural and two lane one 160 Mod E
way urban
Multi Lane rural, wider than two 240 Mod E
lanes one way urban and
overhead signs
Multi-paneled G1-1, G1-2 and G1-6 As Above As Above
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TABLE 3.2 GUIDE SIGNS (cont’d)

Diagrammatic G1-3, G1-5 As Above As Above
LANE DESIGNATION SIGNS

Single Direction G9-7, G9-8 OverHead Signs: Directional D or E Caps
or Driving Instructions
Multiple Direction/ lane G9-42, Calculate for

43 series each sign
INTERSECTION DIRECTION SIGNS

Single Chevron G2-1 160 Mod E
Double Chevron G2-4 160 Mod E
Square Ended G2-2, G2-5 As Above
Road Name Board G2-3 Lower case

heights of G2-1
FINGER BOARDS
G3-3 100 Mod E min
140 Mod E max
Road Name Boards G3-4 C, D or E Caps
Lower case
heights of G3-3
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TABLE 3.2 GUIDE SIGNS (cont’d)

Rural Road Name Signs G3-5 120 or 140 C,D

or E Caps
3
REASSURANCE DIRECTION G4-1 140 Mod E
TABLE 3.3 FREEWAY GUIDE SIGNS
Sign Type Environment Lettering (min) Instructional (min)
ADVANCE EXIT & EXIT DIRECTION GE1-5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 400 Mod E 320 EM
12, 13, 14, GE2-1,
GE2-2
SUPPLEMENTARY ADVANCE SIGNS GE1-8 320 Mod E
REASSURANCE GE4-1 Urban 240 Mod E 180 D or C

Rural 180 Mod E 140 D or C
INTERCHANGE G1 series Advance Direction 180 Mod E 160 EM

on Exit Ramps
INTERCHANGE G2 series Intersection Direction 180 Mod E

at exit ramp terminals
INTERCHANGE Advance Direction Major Urban 240 Mod E 200 DM

on cross street for entrance ramps Minor Urban and 180 Mod E 160 DM
G1 series Rural
INTERCHANGE Intersection Direction Major Urban 240 Mod E

at entrance ramps G2 series Minor Urban 180 Mod E
and Rural
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3.4.2 Calculation of letter height

The following extract from Appendix D of Part 2 of the MUTCD sets out a method for determining
the size of letters to be used on signs requiring individual design. The derivation of these
equations is given in AUSTROADS, Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice, Part 8: Traffic Control
Devices.
Determine the capital letter sizes using the following equation:
3 H = 0.14NV + 11.4S
where:
Equation 1
H = capital letter height in millimetres, including height of initial capitals used with lower case
letters;
N = number of words on the sign;
V = approach speed in kilometres per hour;
S = lateral offset of the sign in metres, measured from the centre of the sign to the centre of
the traffic lane.
The equation applies to words made up of Series E Modified capitals and lower case letters, eg
on direction signs, on side-mounted signs in rural areas. For other conditions the equation should
be modified as follows:
(a) For other letter series increase H by the following factors:
Series C = 50%, Series D = 25%, Series E = 7%.
(b) For signs in urban areas increase H by 25% (conspicuity adjustment for urban environments).
(c) For overhead signs, S used in equation should be vertical offset of sign centre from drivers
eye height multiplied by 2.
(d) Where an overhead sign is at the side of the road and more than 3 m from the edge of the
pavement, it may be necessary to calculate the equivalent lateral distance SEL from the
formula:
SEL = (SL2 + 4SV2)1/2 Equation 2
where:
SL = lateral offset of the sign in metres, as for Equation 1
SV = vertical distance of the centre of the sign above the drivers eye in metres, (distance
above road surface, minus 1.2m)
The value SEL is then substituted for S in Equation 1.
To facilitate sign design and manufacture it will usually be necessary to adopt a standard letter
size given in AS 1744, nearest to the size calculated. These are as follows: 40, 60, 80, 100, 120,
140, 160, 180, 200, 240, 280, 320, 340, 400, 480, 560, and 640.
All signs should be checked as part of the design process to ensure that the letter size is
appropriate.
Figure 3.2 shows an example for the calculation of the basic minimum distances that should be
input to the above equations.
The following results were obtained using the measurements in Figure 3.2 and assuming the
following values:
(1) Width of lanes = 3.5 metres
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(2) Number of Words = 5

(3) Speed V = 100 km/hr
(4) Each additional lane 3.5 metres
TABLE 3.4 CALCULATED LETTER HEIGHTS IN MILLIMETRES
Road Description Sign 1

(Side of Road)
Sign 2
(Overhead on side of Road)
Sign 3
(Overhead far lane) 3
Two Lane, Two Way 184 (200) 216 (240) 184 (200)
Four Lane, Two Way 224 (240) 243 (260) 191 (200)
Six Lane, Two Way 263 (280) 276 (280) 209 (240)
Eight Lane, Two Way 304 (320) 310 (320) 235 (240)
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CL
2 3
3
CL
5m
1 CL
1.2 m
8m
10 m
2 Lane Two Way Road
Sign 1 S = 10
Sign 2 S L = 8, SV = 5; SEL= S = 12.8
Sign 3 S = 10
CL CL
2 3
CL 3.5 m
5m
1
1.2 m
11.5 m
13.5 m
4 Lane Two Way Road

Sign 1 S = 13.5
Sign 2 S L = 11.5, SV = 5; SEL= S = 15.2
Sign 3 S L = 3.5, S V= 5; SEL= S = 10.6
FIGURE 3.2 CALCULATION OF OFFSET DISTANCES

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SECTION 4. CLEAR ZONE CRITERIA
4.1 GENERAL
This section defines the extent of the clear zone relative to the edge of the travelled way. Sign
supports in the clear zone should be frangible or break away.
The clear zone concept adopted by the Department is an accepted means of diminishing the risk
of errant vehicle collision with roadside objects and maintaining the effectiveness of official traffic
signs.
Whilst the concept draws on a wide range of experience and research, engineering judgement
should be applied when determining the requirements for lateral position. These guidelines
should be regarded as a supplement to aid in exercising this judgement, rather than a substitute 4
for it.
4.2 FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CLEAR ZONE

Variables that influence the determination of the clear zone for roadside signs include the
following:
• speed environment;
• roadside cut/fill slopes;
• road curvature;
• traffic volume (AADT); and
• presence of physical devices that limit or prevent errant vehicle incursion (eg. barrier rail or
steep cutting).
Once these variables are established, a simple procedure enables the clear zone to be
determined.
4.3 DETERMINATION OF CLEAR ZONE REQUIREMENTS

The influence of the variables in Clause 4.2 on the width of the clear zone is determined by
assessing the device site in accordance with the following:
• The clear zone is measured by extending a horizontal plane from the edge of the travelled way
to the edge of the device, as indicated in Figure 4.1.
• Figure 4.2 is used to establish the required clear zone distance for signs located on straight
roads, given a designated speed environment, the slope of the roadside and traffic volume
(AADT).
• A combination of Figures 4.2 and 4.3 is used when the sign is located on a curve in the road
alignment. The horizontal curve multiplier established from Figure 4.2 recognises the higher
risk and greater encroachment distance for errant vehicles on curved road alignments.
• A combination of Figures 4.2 and 4.4 is used to assess the influence of cut height and slope on
traversability when the device is located on a cut slope.
• Figures 4.5 and 4.6 provide examples of the influence of cut height and slope on traversability
and opportunities to reduce lateral clearance.
• Figure 4.7 provides an example of clear zone calculations on variable slopes. On such slopes,
it is necessary to approximate the contributory influence of each slope element, noting that
non-recoverable fill slopes (ie. slopes steeper than 4:1) are disregarded in the calculation.
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Clear Zone Criteria
4.4 OPPORTUNITIES TO REDUCE LATERAL CLEARANCES

The requirements outlined in this section also present a number of avenues by which the ‘base’
clear zone distance may be reduced (ie. the base clear distance determined for a device located
adjacent a straight road). Given the significant advantages in placing a sign as close as possible
to the observer's line of sight, it is expected that the following avenues will be actively pursued:
(i) Device located on a suitable cut slope:
The clear zone distances determined from Figure 4.2 (for speed environments exceeding 60
km/h) converge to a minimum permissible distance of 4.5m for traversable cut slopes steeper
than 2:1. As is apparent from Figure 4.2, advantages accrue when cut slopes steeper than
4 6:1 are encountered, in that signs may be located closer to the travelled way.
See diagrammatic example, Figure 4.6 - Case (i).
(ii) Devices with a lateral offset of the device face from the supporting structure and ground
clearance exceeding 5.4m:
Where the device face has a ground clearance closest to the travelled way exceeding 5.4m,
the lateral offset is measured to the closest support rather than the device face.
See diagrammatic example, Figure 4.6 - Case (ii).
(iii) Devices located behind non-traversable cut slope or barrier:
A non-traversable cut slope or barrier (eg guard rail) also potentially enables the sign to be
located within the calculated base clear zone.
Figure 4.4 provides a means by which cut slope traversability can be established. As with
Case (ii), this relaxation limits the minimum clear separation between the travelled way and
the edge of the device face to 4.5m.
It is not permissible to install a barrier on steep fill slopes for the sole purpose of enabling the
relaxation outlined in (iii), except where the barrier results in a lower hazard potential than
existed before its installation. Applications that propose the installation of a traffic barrier
require an engineering risk assessment, in accordance with recognised best practice.
See diagrammatic examples, Figures 4.5 and 4.6 - Case (iii).
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Clear Zone Criteria Design Guide for Roadside Signs
FIGURE 4.1 CLEAR ZONE BASE PARAMETERS

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1:3 n Spe
ed
ee
d
Desig
h eed
ed
Sp m/ n Sp
gn 0k
esig
esign Spe
10 D
h
m/
si
De
1:4 0k
11
/h
km
60 km/h D
80
1:5
SLOPES
1:6
4 Example 1
1:8
Travelled way
Slope
Obstacle
1:6 Fill Slope 1:10

100 km/h Speed Environment
5000 V.P.D. 1:20 FILL SLOPES
Clear Zone = 9 m
FLAT
Example 2
1:20 CUT SLOPES
1:6 Cut Slope
100 km/h Speed Environment
750 V.P.D. 1:10 Obstacle
Clear Zone = 6 m 1:8
SLOPES
e
Slop
1:6 Travelled way
1:5
1:4
Example 2
1:3
Example 1
OVER 6000 DESIGN A.D.T.

0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30
1500-6000 DESIGN A.D.T.

0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27
750-1500 DESIGN A.D.T.

0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21
UNDER 750 DESIGN A.D.T.

0 3 6 9 12 15
Clear Zone Distance (m)
FIGURE 4.2 CLEAR ZONE DISTANCE CURVES FOR STRAIGHT ROADS
NOTES:
Clear zone curves adapted from AASHTO "Roadside Design Guide"
This diagram does not identify all situations. For curved roads and roads on cut slopes, the clear zone is determined
by using the above diagram in conjunction with Figure 4.3 (Curve Adjustment Factors) and Figure 4.4 (Influence of Cut
Height and Slope on Traversability). For roads on variable slopes, the diagram is used in conjunction with the
explanation given in Figure 4.7.
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1.6
Horizontal Curve Adjustment Factor
1.5 90
km
/h
1.4 11
0k
100 m/
h
4
80 km
k
m/h /h
1.3 70
60 k
km m/ h
/h
1.2
Example 3
1.1
1
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Curve Radius (m)
Example 3
450m Radius Curve

Curve Radius 100 km/h Speed Environment
AADT > 6000 vehicles
CZ required on flat straight road = 9m (Figure 4.2)

Curve Adjustment Factor (Figure 4.3) = 1.40
Required Clear Zone = 9 x 1.40 = 12.6m
FIGURE 4.3 CLEAR ZONE HORIZONTAL CURVE ADJUSTMENT FACTORS
NOTES:
Horizontal curve adjustment factors adopted from AASHTO "Roadside Design Guide" are applied to the outside of
curves only. Curves with a radius greater than 900m do not require an adjustment factor
Irrespective of the proposed device being located on a horizontal curve outside of the clear zone, consideration shall
also be given to any site accident history before approval is given for the erection of a device on a horizontal curve.
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FIGURE 4.4 INFLUENCE OF CUT HEIGHT AND SLOPE ON TRAVERSABILITY

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FIGURE 4.5 EXAMPLES, INFLUENCE OF CUT HEIGHT AND SLOPE ON TRAVERSABILITY

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FIGURE 4.6 EXAMPLES OF OPPORTUNITY TO REDUCE LATERAL CLEARANCE

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FIGURE 4.7 EXAMPLES OF CLEAR ZONE CALCULATIONS ON VARIABLE SLOPES

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SECTION 5. SIGN FACE CONSTRUCTION
5.1 SIGN FACE MATERIALS

A sign face as supplied by a manufacturer to the Department of Main Roads specification
ES126-1999 will comprise the following:
• sign substrate;
• sign sheeting;
• stiffener rails (if required).
The sign face panel is the completed unit with stiffener rails attached.
FIGURE 5.1 SIGN FACE ELEMENTS
5.1.1 Sign substrate

Signs are manufactured using stiffened or unstiffened plates depending on the size of the sign
and the restraints in Section 4. Two types of plate are used:
1. Aluminium
2. Zinc/Aluminium Coated Steel
Generally, the following selection guidelines should be adopted:
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Sign Face Construction Design Guide for Roadside Signs
(1) All signs, except temporary signs and parking signs, should be manufactured from 1.6mm
aluminium;
(2) All temporary signs shall be manufactured from 1.0mm zinc/aluminium coated steel; and
(3) Parking signs can be manufactured from either 1.6mm aluminium or 1.2mm zinc/aluminium
coated steel. The choice is at the discretion of the designer.
Aluminium, 1.6mm thick, is the preferred sign substrate material due to cost, material quality, the
preference of retro-reflective sheeting manufacturers and national uniformity. It should also be
noted that 1.2mm zinc/aluminium-coated steel is more than twice the weight of 1.6mm aluminium.
5.1.2 Sign sheeting

The following sheeting materials are available:
• Class 1A
• Class 1 5
• Class 1W
• Class 2A
• Class 2
• CAL (Non-reflective)
The first five refer to retro-reflective materials with Class 1A having the highest luminous intensity
and Class 2, the lowest.
Class 1A Material
This material has the highest luminous intensities of all the sheetings. Its use is generally restricted
to symbolic signs or signs that have a greater separation to the incident light source (e.g.
overhead signs). Special consideration needs to be given to the halation effect (bright
background overwhelms the legend and/or the opposite).
Class 1 Material
Class 1 material has the longest guaranteed life (12 years). It is recommended for use in the
following circumstances:
(1) Urban locations where ambient light and surrounding environment demand the use of
highest intensity signs (e.g. with a high level of street lighting).
(2) Overhead position or at such lateral distance from the carriageway that only a small
proportion of the headlight falls on the sign.
Class 1W (Wide Angle) Material
This material has lower luminous intensity than Class 1A but higher than Class 1. The sheeting is
designed to return light from a drivers vehicles headlights back to motorists eyes at wide
observation angles. It is recommended for use in the following circumstances:
(1) Urban localities with a number of competing visual stimuli and short viewing distances.
(2) Disadvantaged sign locations.
This class of sheeting will be required to undergo the durability testing required of Class 1A
material for approval purposes. The minimum coefficients of luminous intensity per unit area for
this sheeting are:
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Sign Face Construction
Entrance Observation Minimum CIL/m² values

angle α angle β (cd/lx.m²)
(degrees) (degrees) White Yellow Red Standard Blue
Green
4 0.2 430 340 80 45 20
0.33 300 210 50 30 15
1.0 40 24 8 4 2
15 0.2 370 300 68 40 17
0.33 250 190 42 25 11
1.0 30 19 5 4 1
30 0.2 235 190 50 30 11
0.33 150 130 30 16 7
5 1.0 18 16 4 2 1
RTA - NSW specification for a designated enhanced Class 1 sheeting (Class 1W)
Class 2A Material
This class has luminous properties intermediate between Class 1 and Class 2 and has a
guaranteed life of 8 years. However, for some colours such as green and red, the luminous
intensities of this class of material are very similar to those of Class 1 but at a lower cost
(approximately 15% lower) and have a guaranteed life of 10 years.. It is much more robust, (i.e.
will take more physical abuse/handling), than Class 1 material.
Class 2A sheetings are recommended for use in the following circumstances:
Situations where Class 1 sheetings are not required and where better than Class 2 performance is
required.
As an alternative to Class 1 on Regulatory and Warning Signs and Hazard Markers intended for
locations where the life expectancy of 8 years is adequate.
Class 2 Material
This class of sheeting has the lowest luminous intensity and guaranteed life (7 years) of the three
classes of retro-reflective sheetings available. It is as robust as Class 2A material. It should be
used in the following situations:
(1) Rural environments generally except for overhead positions and lateral positions where only a
small proportion of headlight falls on the sign.
(2) Urban environments where there is little or no ambient light.
CAL
CAL is a non-reflective material which has previously been used as a background material on
Direction Signs (Standard Green), Temporary Signs, Parking Signs and Information Signs. Use is
now limited to signs that do not need to be seen at night or for black lettering.
The sheeting materials recommended for use with various sign types are listed in Table 5.1. The
materials shown for Direction, Tourist and Service and Freeway signs are for the legend and
background respectively.
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TABLE 5.1 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SHEETING MATERIAL
Sign Type and Application Recommended

(where applicable) Minimum Class of Sign Material
Legend Background
Regulatory Signs:
STOP (R1-1)¹ Class 1W screened
GIVE WAY (R1-2)¹ screened Class 1W
Roundabout (R1-3)¹ screened Class 1W
Pedestrian Crossing (R3-1)¹ N/A Class 1W
Safety Zone (R3-2) N/A Class 1
Warning Signs:
Stop Sign Ahead
Roundabout Ahead
(W3-1)
(W3-2)
Class 2A
Class 2A
Class 2A
Class 2A
5
RAILWAY CROSSING Position (W7-1) N/A Class 1
(Number)…TRACKS (W7-2) N/A Class 1
Guide Signs:
NOTE: A minimum of Class 2 Background applies to both Urban and Rural applications.
It is suggested that the following combinations should generally be applied. However exceptional
cases will exist.
Advance, Intersection, Reassurance Direction signs
and Advance Lane signs:
Rural Class 1 Class 2
Urban Class 1 Class 1
Tourist and Service Signs:
Rural Class 1 Class 2
Urban Class 1 Class 1
Geographical Feature and Street Name Signs:
Rural N/A Class 2
Urban N/A Class 1
Freeway Signs (White on Standard Green background;
Black on White background; White on Blue background;
Black on Yellow background; White on Red background):
All applications: Class 1 Class 1
Traffic Instruction Signs:
REDUCE SPEED (G9-9) Class 1 Class 1
Roadworks and Special Purpose Signs² N/A Class 2
Hazard Markers³ N/A Class 1
Delineators Class 1A or Corner Cube (Type A)
Notes:
¹ Class 1A may be adopted in circumstances of high ambient light or visual clutter or at particularly
hazardous locations (B and C sized signs only).
² Class 1 “construction work zone material” has high durability and retroreflective performance and may
be considered for roadworks signing applications.
³ Class 1A or 1W may be adopted in circumstances of high ambient light or visual clutter (urban), or to
identify particularly hazardous locations.
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5.1.3 Stiffener rails

Stiffener rails are normally manufactured from an extruded aluminium section, alloy type 6061 or
6063, temper T6 to the dimensions shown on Standard Drawing 1369. Figure 5.3 shows Standard
Drawing 1369. Figure 5.2 shows a range of rail stiffeners including dovetail and plank board sections
that perform the basic function of allowing the plate to be attached the support usually by the use of
saddle fittings or brackets. Saddle fittings and brackets are discussed in greater detail in Section 5.2.
Type 1 Type 2A Type 2A Modified
® ®
“Signfix” Large Mate “Signfix” Dovetail
Typical Plank Board
FIGURE 5.2 STIFFENER RAIL AND PLANK CROSS-SECTION
Attachment of the stiffener rail to the plate can be achieved in various ways. These include:
(a) 4.8 to 5mm diameter monel or stainless steel pop rivets;
(b) 4.0mm diameter blind aluminium head pop rivets; or
(c) self-piercing riveting systems.
No. 10 gauge, cadmium-plated self-drilling screws have been removed from ES126 due to rusting
problems and the visual appearance of the screw heads. The heads of rivets or other similar
fixings should be coloured to match the surrounding material.
The maximum spacing of mechanical fixings is 200mm and the distance from the first fixing to the
edge of the stiffener is not greater than 30mm. For other proprietary fixing systems, the
manufacturer of the fixing system should define minimum requirements. An additional fixing is
installed 20mm from the first fixing.
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29 29
23 23
3
3.2
FIGURE 5.3
3 11 3 11
R R Z Z
2.5
11 T T R R
2.5
8
2.8
11.2
8
14
5.7
T T T T
3.2
Issue: February 2001
T T T 11.6 T
R R Z Z
°
°
5
T T
40
40
T T
45
3. 3.
45
15 15
Full R
25.5

1.5
R3.5
T T
3.5
3.8
T V V T R V V R
28.5 7 7 7 7
3.2
R = 0.5 Rad.
3 R = 2.0 Rad. 3.8
T = 1.0 Rad.
44 T = 0.5 Rad. 44
Z = 2.0 Rad.
TYPE 1 TYPE 2A MODIFIED TYPE 2A
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Notes:
1. Material: Structural grade 6061-T6 or 6. Fixing Sign Plates to Stiffener Rails Area
6063-T6. Type Ixx Iyy
Fixing of sign plates to stiffener rails shall be by either: mm²
2. Type 2A is equivalent in shape to “SIGNFIX” (a) 4.8 to 5mm diameter monel or stainless steel rivets; 1 242 15375 27232
Type 2 stiffener No. Q355A.
(b) 4.0mm blind aluminium head rivets; 2A 487 88950 104520
3. Finish: Architectural.
(c) self piercing rivetting systems; or 2A (mod.) 504 90234 115585
STANDARD DRAWING 1369 - SIGN STIFFENING EXTRUSIONS

4. Tolerances: In accordance with Australian
(d) any fastening system that has an equivalent performance characteristic as (a), (b)
Standard 1866-1986.
or (c) above.
5. No copyright on the Type 1, 2A or modified Cadmium plated self drilling screws or other types of screws shall not be used. The
Type 2A sections is held or will be heads of rivets or other similar fixings shall be coloured to match the surrounding
acknowledged as being held by any material. Offerors shall state the type(s) of fixings proposed to be used.
company while these sections are specified
as being suitable for use as sign stiffeners. The maximum spacing of mechanical fixings shall be 200mm and the distance from
the first fixing to the edge of the stiffener shall be not greater than 30mm or as
TRAFFIC SIGN
specified by the suppliers of the fixing system. An additional fixing 20 mm from the
first fixing shall be applied. An exception to this is the use of the “Henrob” self Size A4 Drawing No
DETAILS OF
piercing riveting system, for which the maximum fixing spacing shall be 250 mm. Not 1369
SIGN STIFFENING EXTRUSION to Date 03/2001
scale A
Sign Face Construction

29
5
5.2 SIGN FACE CONSTRUCTION

5.2.1 Construction types
Section 8 describes how to determine the number and placement of stiffeners required for the
signface.
For larger signs, using the maximum stiffener spacing can lead to problems when attempting to
erect a large sign in one piece. Several alternate signface designs have been devised to
overcome this problem. Such alternative construction methods shown in Figure 5.4, include:
1. Standard
2. Plank Board
3. Modular
5
4. Dovetail
FIGURE 5.4 STANDARD, PLANK BOARD, MODULAR AND DOVETAIL CONSTRUCTION
5.2.2 Standard construction

The standard way of supplying a sign in sections is shown in Figure 5.5.
The stiffener rail is used to span the horizontal joint and the sections are usually predrilled then
riveted on site. The depth of panels varies depending on the stiffener spacing and cut plate sizes.
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FIGURE 5.5 STANDARD CONSTRUCTION (STIFFENER ON SIGN EDGE)
A system which uses panel modules of 1.2m is the recommended method for large sign
construction, when the sign cannot be transported in a single piece. An alternative approach is to
use specialist stiffeners such as the Signfix Dovetail system.
5.2.3 Plank board construction

Plank boards signs comprise interlocking planks extruded from high tensile aluminium in depths
of 200 and 300mm. Figure 5.6 shows a typical plank sign detail, with another plank about to be
attached.
To construct a sign using planks, each individual plank is layered on top of another and held in
place using plank clips. The centre channel is then attached to the sign supports by a saddle
bracket.
Where staggered joints are allowed to be used channel couplings are required to be used across
each joint. Figure 5.7 shows a typical channel coupling and plank clip.
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Plank boards are recommended for larger signs, gantries, cantilevers and sites where transport or
erection could be difficult. For small signs erection is possible using ladders rather than cranes.
The use of planks for street name, stream name and other signs 200 and 300mm deep is also
recommended due to the planks stiffeners and the need for less saddle fittings.
FIGURE 5.6 PLANK BOARD CONSTRUCTION
Advantages
• Readily available;
• Sign surface is rivet free;
• Easy to transport, move and handle than plate signs;
• Can be installed using ladders;
• Can be stored on edge without damaging the retro-reflective film;
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• Increments of 100mm can be achieved when calculating sign size of 300 and 200 planks
available;
• Individual planks can be replaced rather than the whole sign;
• Fast erection times are achievable;
• Appearance can be improved as no rivets or buckling;
• Planks can be re-sheeted and re-used easier than plates.
Disadvantages
• Higher material costs due to a thicker cross section;
• Higher wastage due to more off-cuts;
• Design of the sign face should allow positioning of legends away from plank edges;
• Rounded sign corners are not obtainable without hand jigsaw cutting; 5
• Difficult to cut lengths, as a cutting saw rather than a guillotine is required;
• Plank clips and additional saddle fittings are required compared to a plate sign;
• More potential for dirt ingress and weathering on the cut edges of the Class 1 film signs;
• Screen-printing is difficult across planks.
FIGURE 5.7 PLANK BOARD CONSTRUCTION
5.2.4 Modular construction

Modular sign panels may be used for larger signs to reduce the difficulty of handling and erecting
different size sections or a single large sign.
Figure 5.8 shows a general arrangement for the assembly of modular panels. Each panel is 1.2
metres high constructed as a normal panel sign except for the stiffener spacing and location.
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FIGURE 5.8 MODULAR CONSTRUCTION
The modular system requires the stacking of panels on top of each other. The stiffeners are
located to allow positioning on top of each other while the sign face sheeting overlaps to present
an appearance of a smooth sign face.
Saddle fittings are used to clamp the sign face to the supports avoiding the need for on site
riveting.
Figure 5.9 shows a detailed sketch of a modular sign using aluminium plate and type 2A
stiffeners.
The location of the upper and lower stiffeners is not critical, provided panel overhang between the
stiffener and the top or bottom of the sign does not exceed 150mm.
Detail A and B on Figure 5.9 shows the location and attachment of a typical Type 2A stiffener.
For the top of the modular panel and bottom of the next panel, the stiffener rails are arranged as
shown in Detail C. Firstly, the lowest panel is attached by saddle fittings to the supports. The
bottom stiffener of the second panel is then rested on top of the stiffener of the first panel, before
being attached by its own saddle fitting to the support. This is repeated until the sign is
completed, or a smaller panel is attached at the very top as per Detail D.
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FIGURE 5.9 MODULAR SIGN PANEL DETAILS

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For signs where the 580mm spread of stiffener rails could affect the visual appearance, due to
minor deformation between stiffeners, 2mm thick sheeting or additional stiffener rails should be
considered.
The use of the modular system is recommended for all large signs (deeper than 1.2 metres) that
have to be assembled on site.
The following is a summary of advantages and disadvantages of the use of a modular system.
Advantages
• No riveting required on site;
• Appropriate size for transporting;
• Reasonable size of section for lifting by crane;
• Reduces the stress on cover strips and rivets during erection;
5 • Appropriate size for storage;
• Transportable face to face to protect retroreflective sheeting face;
• Easier removal by sections and re-erection if required; and
• Formalises existing practice of transporting large signs in sections to assemble on site.
Disadvantages
• Additional stiffeners required;
• No advantage for regions close to the sign manufacturer, where large cranes are readily
available and the whole sign is transportable.
5.2.5 Dovetail construction

Dovetail construction is a variation of the standard construction (stiffener on sign edge) that
utilises a two-part interlocking channel section (dovetail) rather than two complete abutting
channel sections.
Figure 5.11 illustrates the two-section dovetail construction.
The advantages of this system are
1. Improved rigidity and resistance to deflection;
2. Savings on the cost of channels; and
3. Savings on the number of fixing clips, as illustrated on Figure 5.12, which shows how a single
clip in the dovetail system replaces two in the conventional system.
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FIGURE 5.10 DOVETAIL CONSTRUCTION FIGURE 5.11 DOVETAIL CHANNEL SECTIONS
conventional dovetail
FIGURE 5.12 DOVETAIL POST FIXING

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SECTION 6. SIGN ERECTION
6.1 GENERAL
The method of sign erection is determined by the size of the supports, type, foundations, number
to be erected and other factors. The following section outlines some of the basic procedures and
techniques required to avoid potential problems.
Each sign erection team will have individual variations on these techniques. The supervisor should
ensure that the team procedures are appropriate for the job.
6.2 SIGN LOCATION (DESIGN)

For design purposes, the following information and assumptions are required.
1) A ground clearance to the sign, based on the sign environment
Items to consider include the following:
• pedestrians;
6 • possibility of vandalism;
• type of ground cover;
• steepness of terrain;
• minimum clearance for breakaway supports; and
• maximum clearance for truss supports.
For direction signs (rural and urban) allow adequate clearance for terrain changes,
pedestrians, vandals and minimum clearance for breakaway supports. Further details can be
found in the MUTCD Part 1.
2) Offset of the sign from the edge of the carriageway
This is normally 600mm. However, in high-speed environments, on roads with a high
percentage of large vehicles, this should be increased to a minimum of 1.0 metre. Location of
individual supports then needs to be considered to avoid the following:
• footpaths;
• table drains;
• excessive slope differences; and
• known services.
3) Location of individual supports
Support spacing is a function of the sign width. Although spacing can be adjusted for special
circumstances, it is preferable to use standard spacing to reduce the possibility of lost
information or insufficient instructions reaching the erection team. Changes to the standard
spacing, away from those in Table 6.1, should be highlighted and included in any installation
information supplied.
TABLE 6.1 SUPPORT SPACING

Number % of sign width
of Supports Overhang Spacing Spacing Spacing Overhang
1 50 — — — 50
2 20 60 — — 20
3 15 35 35 — 15
4 12.5 25 25 25 12.5
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Sign Erection Design Guide for Roadside Signs
Increased or decreased spacing affects the sign panel stiffness type and can lead to
overstressing. Consider increasing or decreasing the number of supports as the first design
option.
Offset signs have the same problems as those with non-standard spacing and need to be
especially designed. In some cases, additional stiffeners may be required which may cause
difficulties for an existing sign panel.
4) Clear Zone
Reference to Section 4 is required to assist in the selection of the appropriate types of
supports - rigid, frangible or breakaway.
5) Support Lengths
Once the location is determined, the support lengths can be estimated or specified
depending upon the standard of information available.
In all cases, the critical support length used for the selection of support size is the largest.
The calculated support length should only be considered as a design length, to be confirmed
6)
on site.
Information to be supplied from the Design Team
6
The design team should supply the following information to the erection team:
(a) sufficient information to locate the sign relative to the road or carriageway. Normally this
comprises a site plan and chainage;
(b) offset from a reference point to locate the leading edge of the sign and its orientation;
(c) sign depth and size (mm);
(d) sheeting class;
(e) number, type, design length (mm) and spacing of supports;
(f) number and size of fittings;
(g) type of stiffeners;
(h) design assumptions on terrain;
(i) foundation material, depth and diameter of hole;
(j) ground clearance;
(k) other critical factors such as to straddle footpath or avoid table drain; and
(l) reference to applicable standard drawings.
6.3 SIGN LOCATION (FIELD)

Using the supplied design information and standard installation details the following steps are
suggested:
1) Locate sign from site plan and chainage.
2) Mark the sign location on the road edge or by stake.
3) Locate supports, based on the design and site requirements. To eliminate possible vehicle
headlight reflection from the surface of the sign, the sign should be turned about 5 degrees
away from the normal to the headlight beam.
4) Check support lengths requirements against design lengths.
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Sign Erection
5) Refer to sign designer if site conditions change, or design assumptions are inappropriate e.g.
ensure that the erection of the new sign does not adversely impact on existing signs.
6) Order supports, based on site length requirements.
In some cases, stubs may be ordered before support details are known, to allow for the field
installation of stubs in readiness for the sign. This approach is recommended where terrain
information is limited or unknown.
The disadvantage of adopting this method is that a maximum slope must be assumed, and
allowed for, when determining the section size. In the event that the site conditions are outside this
assumption, then the stub cannot be used for that particular site. The advantage of this method is
that the stub may be used for other sites, whereas a manufactured support cannot generally be
used elsewhere.
6.4 LOCATION OF SUPPORTS

6.4.1 Slip base orientation
Slip base type mechanisms activate when two parallel plates slide apart as bolts are pushed out
6 under impact. The designs may be either uni-directional or multi directional. Slip bases for larger
supports incorporating an upper hinge will be uni-direction. These slip bases need to be oriented
towards the likely approach path of an errant vehicle.
Slip bases for small sign supports (sign face < 5m²) can be either uni-directional (typically a 4 bolt
rectangular slip base) or multi-directional (typically a three bolt triangular or circular plate). Multi
directional slip bases are useful in road medians where the support may be struck from several
different directions.
6.4.2 Support stub placement

Issues to consider:
• compaction and curing of the concrete;
• correct orientation of support faces (for breakaway and RHS supports);
• vertically straight - check in two directions on length of support with level (Figure 6.1);
• tops of supports even;
• support length correct.
FIGURE 6.1
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6.5 EXCAVATION OF FOUNDATIONS

Depth and diameter of the foundations are part of the design information. This information should
be confirmed on site by examining the foundation material. Standard Drawing SD1363 shows the
general categories of foundation material and required excavation depths. (Refer Table 2).
For fixed supports, it is possible to increase or decrease the depth of excavation if conditions are
significantly different from the design assumptions, however, If the conditions are better than
allowed for in the design, the footing should not be decreased.
If the conditions are worse, and the supports can be adjusted without affecting the performance of
the sign and sign supports, then use the information given on Standard Drawing SD1363 to
determine the required foundations.
Foundations can be excavated by hand or auger. Loose material should be removed from the
edge. A minimum of 75mm cover is required from the base of the excavation to the bottom of the
sign support.
The concrete can be poured and compacted directly against the sides of the excavation, but for
sandy conditions a cardboard or suitable liner should be used.
6.6 PREPARATION OF SUPPORTS

6
Rigid supports are erected and concreted into place in one piece. For smaller sections, the
support can be cut to the required length. For larger sections, and breakaway supports, the level
of the excavation must be checked to ensure that the support lengths are appropriate. Minor
differences can be allowed for by adjusting the depth of the excavation.
Corrective action will be required if any of the following are encountered, refer to Figure 6.2:
(a) concrete cover from base of excavation to base of support less than 75mm;
(b) slipbase centreline exposure greater than 100mm;
(c) sign brackets affecting fuse plates or below fuse plates;
(d) top of supports higher than top of the sign;
(e) minimum clearance restraints not met. For breakaway supports 2.1 metres. For others, as per
site and design conditions
(f) support below level of top bracket;
(g) depth of concrete less than specified;
(h) performance of the slipbase affected
At this stage, the following checks should be made and further corrective action taken where
necessary:
• location of the fuse plates;
• straightness of the slip base plates; and
• straightness of the supports.
Note: Corrective action will be much more difficult once the foundations have been poured and the sign face erected.
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FIGURE 6.2 PREPARATION OF SUPPORTS
6.7 INSTALLATION OF SIGN SUPPORTS

6.7.1 Foundations (poured concrete)
The requirements for foundation depth and radius are specified on the design plans or as
ordered.
Foundations are detailed on Standard Drawings SD1363 and SD1368, Appendix D. Typically, the
foundation comprises concrete poured into a bored hole. In concrete medians the depth and
diameter can be reduced, especially for the smaller signs. For larger signs it is recommended that
in all cases, the specified depth and diameter be used.
For non-breakaway supports, the support is embedded in the wet concrete. For breakaway
supports either the stub or the fully assembled breakaway supports are embedded.
For non-breakaway and fully-assembled breakaway supports the following are required.
(1) 75mm concrete fill between the bottom of the support (or stub) and the excavated hole;
(2) placement of the slipbase clear of the top of the concrete level (including allowance for bolt
ends. Top of slip base not to exceed 100mm above ground level); and
(3) supporting gig, to ensure that the support remains in the correct location.
6.7.2 Erection of supports

For larger supports, a crane may be required to lift and hold the support in position while the
slipbase bolts are installed, or held until propped, if still to be concreted in.
The support should be plumbed and correctly aligned before and after erection. The use of more
than two washers in a slipbase for levelling purposes is not recommended, as they could affect
the slipbase action.
Leveling problems are due to:
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(a) insufficient care in the installation of the stub; and/or

(b) faulty manufacture (should be detected at the support preparation and inspection stage.
Pre-checking for such problems will avoid delays in field installations.
6.8 SUPPORT FINISHING

Before erection, check the operation and finish of the sign panel as follows:
(1) tighten slip base bolts as per instructions on SD1364;
(2) seal slip base as per instructions on SD1364
(3) check orientation of supports;
(4) check location and orientation of fuse plates;
(5) check location of slip base and potential operation;
(6) check clearances; and
(7) check supports are level at top.
6
6.9 ERECTION OF SIGN FACE
6.9.1 Small signs
Provided that due care and attention is paid to Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, small
signs can generally be manhandled and erected using ladders. In most cases, if the sign does not
have stiffeners, it is small enough to lift from the ground by one person.
6.9.2 Larger sized signs

For larger signs, erection from the back of a truck, cherry picker or crane are recommended.
Plank board signs can normally be erected by two men on separate ladders, or cherry pickers.
6.9.3 Flanges
For ease of erection, some supports can have a flange as per SD1365. These are not normally
recommended as they do not allow the possibility of small level adjustments to suit site
conditions.
6.9.4 Lifting of the sign face

Sign faces are most vulnerable when a crane or other device is being used to lift the sign into
place. The common practice of using saddle brackets attached to a stiffener is not recommended
for the following reasons:
(a) excessive tension or stress on the stiffener;
(b) stressing of the saddle bracket; and/or
(c) possibility of fastener failure.
The use of a lifting bracket, such as that illustrated in Figure 6.3, is recommended for all lifting
purposes. The bracket spans two stiffeners thereby reducing tension and stress to any individual
stiffener.
In other situations, the sign face might be supplied with timber stubs that will help to stiffen the
face during erection.
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FIGURE 6.3 LIFTING BRACKET (AS USED BY SE REGION RTCS)
6.9.5 Erection of a sign from the ground
6 All signs should be carefully rotated to a vertical position before lifting. At this stage, joins and
cover strips are stressed if handled incorrectly and the structural strength of fastening could be
reduced.
The timber stubs supplied with the sign face should remain on the sign face of the larger signs
(see delivery of the sign face). The location of the timber stubs and the lifting brackets should be
checked to ensure that they do not interfere with the supports or brackets required to attach the
sign face to the supports.
Stubs and lifting chains should not be removed until all brackets are attached.
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6.10 SIGN CHECK LIST

6.10.1 Sign design checklist
Refer to steps in Appendix B.
6.10.2 Materials checklist

Sign panel Yes No
1) Sign Face details correct? G G
2) Sheeting class correct? G G
3) Manufactures sticker in correct place on rear LHS? G G
4) Date and manufactured stamped on RHS? G G
5) Timber stubs fitted and in place (if appropriate)? G G
6) All parts numbered and identified? G G
6
7) Any missing parts? G G
8) Rivets painted in correct colours? G G
9) Any obvious transport or manufacturing damage? G G
Stiffeners
1) Correct quantity? G G
2) Correct type? G G
3) Correct location? G G
4) Stiffeners attached correctly? G G
Joins
1) Cover strips in place? G G
Brackets
1) Correct size? G G
3) Size and quantity of nuts and bolts correct? G G
Supports
1) Correct size? G G
3) Correct length? G G
4) Identified and numbered? G G
5) Correct location of fuse plates? G G
6) Slip plates correct? G G
7) Size and quantity of bolts and washers correct? G G
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6.10.3 Erection checklist

Sign location Yes No
1) Sign Face details correct? G G
1) Location confirmed? G G
2) Offset correct? G G
3) 5% orientation? G G
4) Sign suitable for terrain? G G
Sign Support Location
1) Correct number of supports? G G
2) Correct spacing of supports? G G
Foundation
1) Correct depth? G G
6 2) Correct diameter? G G
3) Correct level? G G
Supports/Stubs
1) Level? G G
2) Baseplates level? G G
3) Vertically plumb? G G
4) Correct length? G G
5) Correct spacing? G G
6) Sealed? G G
7) Correct bolt tensioning (torquing)? G G
8) Correct orientation (face)? G G
Erection
1) Correct sign ground clearance? G G
2) Brackets on all stiffeners? G G
3) Sign clear of fuse plates? G G
4) Correct sign face? G G
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6.10.4 Sign erection check sheet (larger direction signs)
Job:.............................………………………………………………………………………………………..
Location: ……………………….. ..................... Sign Number: .….……; ….….…; ………..
Sign Number Stiffener No. Spacing Depth

5A 2A 5 450 1000
5B 2A 2 400 3000
5C 2A 3 500 1800
Supports 4 @ 80 NB
Length Slipbase Stub Length Foundation Depth ø

1 3045 Yes 200 900 450 6
2 3085 Yes 200 900 450
3 3165 No No 900 450
4 3200 No No 900 450
Spacing Comment
1-2 1500 Reduced spacing
2-3 1500
3-4 1500
Brackets 80 NB
Sign 5A 20
Sign 5B 8
Sign 5C 12
Yes No Yes No Yes No

All attached? G G Additional? G G Clear of fuse plate? G G
Fuse Plates
Yes No Yes No
Comment? G G Problem? G G
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6.11 EQUIPMENT CHECK LIST
Location: Measuring tape

Plans
Excavation: Auger
Shovels
Crowbar
Foundations: Crane, or lifting mechanism

Concrete
Template
6 Measuring tape
Support preparation: Pipe cutters

Measuring tape
Erection: Crane or lifting mechanism

Keeper plate
Bolts/washers
Support Finishing: Torque wrench

Sealant
Sign Face Erection: Lifting brackets (2)
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SECTION 7. SIGN FOUNDATIONS
7.1 CIRCULAR FOUNDATIONS

Sign supports should be set into concrete footings.
Footing dimensions are specified for two general soil strength categories, for both cohesive clay
soils (firm to stiff and stiff to hard) and cohesionless sand soils (loose to medium-dense and
dense). The majority of foundations will be in cohesive clay soils.
Footings in cohesionless sand soils are deeper and narrower than for cohesive soils, as lateral
resistance is dependent on overburden pressure which increases with depth.
Both Simple Field Identification procedures and laboratory test parameters are suggested for
defining soil category.
Very soft or swampy soils are not acceptable foundation conditions for the footing dimensions
tabulated. Where sound rock is encountered, it is likely that a pad footing, with or without rock
bolts, or passive tension dowels will be the most appropriate foundation. These footings should
be individually designed.
Recommended
Posts in Sleeves are only appropriate for small posts up to 50mm nominal bore.
Larger single posts can use the same details as for multiple posts. 7
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Sign Foundations
SECTION 8. SIGN SUPPORTS
8.1 POST SIZE AND SELECTION

A graphical method of post selection is used in this guide, similar in format to that used in
AS1742.2-1994. Each geographic wind region is catered for with a separate table for clarity and
ease of use. The post size is chosen directly from the table for a given sign size, height and
number of posts. An option is given for either CHS, RHS posts or trusses.
8.2 SINGLE POST SIGNS

8.2.1 Signs up to 950mm wide
Standard regulatory, parking, warning and guide signs up to 950mm wide are generally erected
without panel stiffeners and are supported on a single post. Sign panels greater than 700mm wide
and 1000mm deep are sometimes prone to twist and panel deformation. For this reason,
consideration should be given to stiffening with Type 1 panel stiffeners (refer to Section 5.1.3).
Boltholes should be provided in sign panels up to 950mm wide and 1000mm deep.
The suggested rules for boltholes are listed in Table 8.1.
TABLE 8.1 HOLE SPACING FOR SIGN BLANKS

Sign Width Sign Height Number and Spacing
of Holes
8 <950 <250 1
<950 <350 2@200
<950 <550 2@300
<950 <800 2@500
<950 <1000 2@750
This assumes even vertical hole spacings of 200, 300, 500 and 750mm. Previous Standard
Drawings used vertical hole spacings of 205, 305, 510 and 735 to match imperial flattened posts
Type B and C as specified on the superseded Standard Drawing 1300.
It is recommended that flattened posts not be used. However, if refitting existing signs to the
existing flattened posts than the spacings in Table 8.2 must be specified when ordering.
TABLE 8.2 HOLE SPACING FOR IMPERIAL FLATTENED POSTS

Sign Width Sign Height Number and Spacing
of Holes
<950 <250 1
<950 <350 2@205
<950 <550 2@310
<950 <800 2@510
<950 <1000 2@735
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Sign Supports Design Guide for Roadside Signs
8.2.2 Sign posts

For standard regulatory, parking, warning and guide signs refer to Drawing No. 1368 for typical
brackets used. Flattened posts with corresponding holes are no longer in general use in most
districts and brackets are recommended instead.
For signs less than 1m² in area, the post size is generally 50NB x 3.2mm CHS. Refer to Appendix
B for determination of post sizes suitable for larger signs or heights.
Single posts will generally be CHS, although RHS should be considered for larger signs to
increase resistance to twisting.
8.2.3 Fittings
Standard Drawing No. 1369 shows several basic types of fittings referred to as Fittings B1, B2, B3,
and B4. These are only for 50 NB posts and are a basic standard only. Alternative brackets and
variations on these themes are readily available and in most cases equally effective. The user will
have to consider their individual requirements before selecting a bracket for a particular purpose.
Brackets for 65 NB are available but will not normally be required.
Fittings B1 & B2 are generally used for the erection of single sided standard signs.
Fitting B3 is used to erect back-to-back standard signs on a common post.
Fitting B4, wing saddle brackets, are used for single sided signs. These brackets provide
resistance to movement but require site drilling of the post.
8.2.4 Signs over 950mm wide

For sign faces over 950mm wide the use of multiple support posts is generally recommended to
avoid panel twist due to vandalism or wind buffeting. For situations where a two post support is
8
not possible (eg. narrow urban median strips), a single post may be used with panel stiffeners
fixed in accordance with SD No. 1368 for signs up to 1800 wide. Refer to Appendix B for the
design procedure.
If breakaway posts are required (refer to Clause 8.3.4), the slip base detail given on SD No.1368 is
recommended for single post signs subject to impact from any direction. The fuse plate detail is
unnecessary and should not be used with single post signs.
Brackets are available that resist twisting, such as the Signfix Type 5 Bracket.
8.2.5 Posts in sleeves

There are certain situations where it is advisable to install the post into a sleeve inserted into the
footing, such as:
1. Where a sign is located on an urban median strip where it may be struck frequently.
2. Where it may need to be removed occasionally, to accommodate the swept path of over-
dimensioned vehicles when turning.
This arrangement is only appropriate for small posts up to 50mm nominal bore.
Details of a typical sleeve assembly are presented in Drawing No. 1368 (Appendix D). An
alternative assembly called the “loc Socket” is also shown on SD 1368. This is a commercial
product and variations on the basic theme are just as effective.
8.3 MULTIPLE SUPPORT SIGNS

For sign widths greater than 950mm, panel stiffener rails are attached to the sign face and
connected to two or more supports. (Refer to Section 8.2.4 for discussion of the single post
alternative).
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Sign Supports
The term support here refers to a CHS post, RHS post, or a truss support. This guide may be
used for signs up to 8m in height and up to 7.5m in width, with a maximum area of 40m².
8.3.1 Panel stiffener rails

Two panel stiffener sections are used in fabrication of signs greater than 950mm in width, Type 1
and Type 2A. Refer to TC9382 for specification of aluminium extrusions.
Stiffener type and number is specified in Appendix B, Tables B.1.1 and B.2, for a particular sign
width, height and location. Table B.1.1 presents three options for choice of stiffener type and
number of supports:
Option 1
The most economical option using a minimum number of supports spaced at the standard
spacing of 60% and 35% of sign width for 2 and 3 support signs respectively.
Option 2
This alternative arrangement may be adopted where an additional support is used to achieve
“frangible” section sizes. Note the limitations on support spacing to achieve a satisfactory
“frangible” solution. This option maintains the standard support spacings.
Option 3
An option for signs requiring two widely spaced supports, eg. straddling a footpath, where the
minimum overhang is 10% of sign width.
For sign widths less than the tabulated limits, the support spacing may be reduced below the
8 standard spacing ratio to suit the site conditions, however the maximum stiffener overhang
specified in Table B.1.2 must not be exceeded.
Deviation from the specified stiffener/support arrangements will require calculation of width limits
in accordance with the appropriate formulae.
General constraints on stiffener arrangements are as follows:
• 500mm maximum stiffener spacing; and
• 150mm maximum panel overhang between stiffeners and top and bottom of sign.
For large signs erected using modular panels, refer to Section 5.
8.3.2 Sign supports

Tubular steel posts are used to support the stiffened sign panel, either Circular Hollow Section
(CHS) or Rectangular Hollow Section (RHS). For larger signs, truss supports can and may have to
be used instead of CHS/RHS posts.
The number of supports and options for support type (RHS/CHS) are determined from the
Procedure in Appendix B. The selection of support type is influenced by the following
considerations:
CHS has generally been the preferred post type due to:
• Availability as pregalvanised (300g/ms), which saves the cost and inconvenience of hot dip
galvanising RHS;
• Less wastage in fabrication due to 6.5m length stock sizes compared to 8m for RHS;
• Less tolerance on length required due to ease of pipe cutting and capping on site;
• Less tolerance on alignment with sign face required;
• Availability of fittings; and
• More easily realigned if bent over by wind or vehicle impact.
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RHS posts are significantly more efficient than CHS as structural sections, particularly with the
benefit of availability as Grade C350/450.
In regions of Mild and Moderate Atmospheric Classification¹, advantage may be taken of
pregalvanised (100g/ms) RHS which has recently become available for sizes up to 125 x 75 and is
half the cost of equivalent capacity galvanised CHS. This cost saving should be considered
against the erection advantages of CHS.
Note: ¹ Atmospheric Classification is as defined in AS2312 with Moderate zones having rainfall less than 1000mm p.a.,
average humidity 50 to 80%, and being situated further than 15km from the coast with only light industrial activity.
In urban areas, the likelihood of corrosion from dog urine should also be considered. Although
urine will attack all levels of galvanising, the heavier hot dip galvanised coating will give greater
protection to the steel.
Posts for signs located in “high risk” areas which are “non-frangible” (refer 8.3.4), must be hot dip
galvanised after fabrication of slip baseplate and fuse plate hinge details as specified in SD No.
1365 (refer Appendix D). The cost and convenience benefits inherent in having CHS
pregalvanised are therefore removed and the cost savings of RHS, as discussed above, should be
considered.
Posts in sleeves (refer Section 8.2.5) must be CHS posts.
A truss support comprises two CHS posts, or legs, connected together at a spacing 'S' by smaller
CHS web members zig-zagging down the length of the posts (refer to SD No. 1366). Trusses are
more efficient than RHS posts as structural members, provided a limit (2.5m in this Guide) is
placed on the sign ground clearance of the signs they support (to prevent buckling). For larger
signs, in certain locations, truss supports may be the only support type which can be used.
Additionally, truss supports may have more aesthetic appeal than large CHS/RHS posts as they
represent a more efficient, refined design.
8
8.3.3 Aternative post section sizes
Table B.5 presents some alternative post section sizes for CHS posts to those called up in Table
B.4. These alternative post section sizes are not applicable to trusses. The preferred sizes, based
on structural efficiency and availability, are highlighted in Table B.5.
8.3.4 Breakaway supports

The function of breakaway supports is to support the sign under normal wind load conditions, yet
fail in a relatively safe manner when struck by a vehicle.
FIGURE 8.1 IMPACT PERFORMANCE
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Breakaway supports are fabricated using RHS or CHS steel tube with both a slip baseplate and a
fuse plate hinge (except for single post signs). Failure occurs when the vehicle impact force
overcomes the frictional force between the baseplate and tension tearing of the fuseplate weld.
Breakaway support details are designed to accommodate impact from both traffic directions, to
cater for use in median strip and gore areas.
The slip base and fuse plate details are not required for small posts, which are considered to be
“frangible” in collisions. Refer to Table 8.3.
TABLE 8.3 SMALL SIZE STEEL POSTS CONSIDERED AS FRANGIBLE

Likely Collision Speed Post Size, Nominal Bore
km/h mm
<60 100
60 to 80 80
>80 65
Galvanised steel pipe posts up to 65 NB will rarely be found to cause injury to the occupants of
cars or heavier vehicles which collide with them. The same applies to low-speed urban type
conditions involving steel pipe up to approximately 100NB (RHS 75 x 50). For RHS, 75 x 50 posts
may be considered as “frangible”.
Consideration should be given to the use of an additional post that may reduce the required post
8
size to within the “frangible” limits. Increasing the number of posts is not a valid method for
resultant post spacing less than 1.5m, due to the increased likelihood of collision with two posts.
To maximise road safety and minimise cost the intention should always be to locate signs in “low
risk” regions where breakaway posts are not required.
“Low risk” regions are:
• Outside the Clear Zone defined in Section 4;
• Behind a guard rail or other barrier device; or
• At the bottom of a steep embankment or top of a steep cutting.
“High risk” regions are those within the Clear Zone defined in Section 4 which are not protected
by a barrier device or steep slope.
Breakaway Posts should be avoided where secondary accidents involving the impacting vehicle
or dislodged pole and sign are significant. This is particularly relevant in urban areas where
pedestrians may be struck by falling pieces.
The standard design of large signs, usually situated within the Clear Zone, incorporate breakaway
details in the truss support system.
To achieve satisfactory performance of the breakaway supports, the following criteria should be
met:
• The clearance of the sign above the ground should be a minimum of 2.1m to avoid penetration
of an impacting vehicle windscreen;
• Proper functioning of the slip base depends on control of clamping pressure between the base
plates produced by bolt tensioning. It is important for the specified bolt torque to be adhered
to. The drawings specify shop assembly of slip bases, to minimise the inaccuracies of torque
controlled bolt tensioning. Pre-assembled slip bases will also enable supports to be plumbed
prior to pouring concrete footings.
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• Large truss supports will often be difficult to erect prior to pouring footings. It is therefore
desirable to cast in the stub and then assemble the slip base on site. Special attention must be
given to the tensioning on site, with calibrated torque wrenches used and bolt threads kept
clean.
• For CHS/RHS posts, the fuse plate hinges have been designed to resist 45% of the post
moment capacity. Signs with panel height ('B') greater than 165% of the clearance ('H') between
the ground and sign produce a bending moment which exceeds the fuse plate hinge capacity.
For these signs the post size should be increased to the next section size. The allowable panel
height is then twice the clearance.
• For truss supports, the fuse plate hinges have been designed to resist 66% of the axial
compression capacity of their CHS posts/legs. Signs with panel height ('B') greater than 400%
of the clearance ('H') between the ground and sign, produce an axial force which exceeds the
fuse plate hinge capacity. For these signs, the truss size could be increased to the next
available size, though it must be noted that signs of this height would be outside the scope of
this guide.
Breakaway Support details are presented in SD No 1365 for CHS/RHS posts and SD No. 1365
and 1366 for trusses.
8.4 FITTINGS
8.4.1 Connection straps
Stiffener Rails are generally fixed to supports with circular or rectangular connection straps.
Galvanised steel connection straps for CHS supports (including trusses) and RHS posts are
detailed on SD 1364. 8
8.4.2 Erection cleats
To assist the erection of RHS posts, cleats may be welded to the posts to support the top stiffener
rail. Slotted cleats allow the sign to be levelled, as connection straps are fitted to the remaining
stiffener rails. Erection cleats are detailed on SD 1364.
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SECTION 9. STORAGE AND HANDLING OF SIGNS
9.1 GENERAL
In order for the sign to be effective, the surface of the sign must be free from damage, abrasion,
dirt, oil or other markings causing loss of legibility.
These problems are especially severe when dealing with reflective material, since night-time
legibility is directly related to the quality and clarity of the reflective surface.
9.2 GENERAL STORAGE

Signs should be stored vertically on edge, either in a rack, or in such a way that they are
supported vertically.
Damage is likely to occur to signs stored in contact with each other, or banded together.
Signs stacked tightly together result in pressure points being induced on the reflective sheeting
faces, leading to areas not reflecting.
9.3 INDOOR STORAGE

Signs stored indoors may be left in their original transport packaging, provided that the storage
area will be maintained at a constant room temperature and is well ventilated. However, the
banding around any sign should be cut and removed.
If the storage area is a small, non-ventilated area, signs should be unwrapped from their transport
packaging (ie. cardboard, bubble wrap, etc) and only stored for relatively short periods.
9.4 OUTDOOR STORAGE

9 Signs stored outdoors must be unwrapped from their transport packaging and stored upright, on
edge, using wooden battens on the floor, or as vertical supports, or both.
Signs stored outdoors, especially large direction signs, should be stored using a racking system,
providing vertical support, avoiding pressure points on sign faces and allowing adequate air
circulation between sign faces to prevent a build up of moisture.
9.5 SIGN TRANSPORT

When transporting signs by truck or trailer, it is imperative that signs be securely braced vertically,
and adequately supported and secured to avoid damage due to scuffing, abrasion and load
shifting.
Large direction signs should be braced using wooden stiffeners attached to the extrusions at the
back of the sign, and transported with the stiffeners in place to avoid buckling and rivet popping.
9.6 SIGN ERECTION

Once signs have been transported to the road site, they should not be laid flat on the ground.
Laying signs flat, can result in damage to the reflective face through direct contact with the
ground.
When attaching signs to posts, all connecting bolts should be tightened using offset spanners, not
socket wrenches. The use of offset spanners minimises tool and hand contact with the sign face and
avoids scratching of the surface, as well as allowing the extent of tightening to be observed. Only
one end of the nut and bolt should be tightened, preferable tightened from the rear of the sign.
Tightening from both sides can transfer stress into Class 1 Sheetings, with a top film resulting in
permanent pinwheel style wrinkles.
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Storage and Handling of Signs Design Guide for Roadside Signs
Avoid over-tightening the connecting bolts, as this can cause specular glare from dimples on the
sign face.
Nylon washers should be used between connecting bolt heads and the sign face, to protect the
reflective sheeting from the twisting action of the bolt heads.
A circle of diameter slightly larger than the bolt head may be scored in the reflective sign face around
the bolt hole, to minimise any fine cracking that may inadvertently occur during bolt tightening.
When erecting large Direction signs, care must be taken to prevent lifting ropes, cables and
chains from contacting the sign surface. These can cause permanent visible damage.
After installation, and before leaving the road site, inspect all signs to see that they have not been
damaged during erection and are free of oil and dirt residue from fingers and tools. A night
inspection will confirm that the surface has not been damaged.
9.7 SIGN COVERING

Covering signs is not recommended. If it is necessary to cover a sign face temporarily after
erection, caution must be exercised, as some coverings may cause permanent damage to the
sign face following exposure to moisture and sunlight.
Porous cloth covers, which are folded over the sign edges and secured to the back of the sign,
have been used successfully for limited periods.
Avoid the use of ropes, wire fasteners or strapping that may abrade the sign surface. Do not apply
tape to the sign face, as sunlight will cause it to bond permanently. Premask, or application tape
must be removed before exposure to sunlight.
Do not use paper or plastic covers, as heat and moisture entrapment can cause permanent
damage to the reflective sheeting on the sign face.
9.8 SIGN CLEANING 9

For maximum performance, signs should be kept clean and free from dirt, road tar, oil, bituminous
material and mulch. Primarily, this means cleaning the surface of the reflective sheeting - the
essential characteristic of a sign.
A wet, detergent type, non-abrasive cleaner suitable for high quality paint surfaces is
recommended. The cleaner must also be free of strong aromatic solvents or alcohols and be
chemically neutral (ie. pH of around 7.0). Following use of any cleaning agent, the sign surface
must be thoroughly and immediately rinsed with clean water. In all cleaning operations, care should
be taken not to abrade the sign by use of stiff-bristle brushes or by unnecessary scrubbing.
Normal Cleaning Procedure:
1. Flush the surface with clean water to remove loose, dirt particles. A squeeze (or triggered) hose
nozzle is convenient for this purpose;
2. Wash the sign face with a rag or sponge using a suitable detergent or commercial cleaner.
Wash thoroughly from the top down. Once suds have been applied, keep a steady stream of
water flowing on the sign face to wash away dirt particles;
3. Rinse the entire sign face with clean water, and allow the sign to drain dry;
4. Take extreme care in cleaning screened sign faces since some cleaning solvents may damage
the screen print.
Use a mild solvent such as mineral spirits for cleaning the sign face. Follow with detergent and
water, then rinse with clean water.
Avoid high-pressure sprayers. Do not direct sprays at sign face edges.
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Storage and Handling of Signs
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APPENDIX A: TraSiS
TraSiS
Traffic Sign Structures Version 2.0
TraSiS is an electronic implementation of the structural design procedures outlined in the 2001
edition of the Design Guide for Roadside Signs. Our newest upgrade includes additional features
which greatly enhances the sign support structural design task. It replaces the Sign Design On-
Line Software.
The software automates the design procedure and utilises the following inputs:
• Sign size;
• Terrain cross-section;
• Use of frangible or non-frangible supports;
• Selection of wind region (in accordance with AS1170.2); and
• Foundation strength.
A detailed or summary output is provided, and includes:
• The type (CHS/RHS) and number of supports; A
• Support section details (including variable wall thickness for different grades of steel);
• Stiffener type, spacing and number of brackets; and
• Footing details.
A significant enhancement to the previous version of the software is the addition of a clear zone
module, which calculates clear zone distances based on the following variables:
• Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT);
• Horizontal alignment;
• Speed environment; and
• Terrain cross-section.
The user can consequently specify frangible or non-frangible support, contingent upon the sign
location.
For further information contact Principal Engineer Traffic.
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Appendix A Design Guide for Roadside Signs
APPENDIX B: DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR ROADSIDE SIGN

SUPPORT
Step 1
Determine sign size - refer to Section 3.
Step 2
Determine Geographic Wind Region, A, B, C or D - refer Figure B.1.
Note that for exposed locations (unshielded Terrain Category 2 in AS1170.2) prone to high wind,
or where support collapse is more hazardous than normal situations, a Wind Region one step up
from that derived from the appropriate Table B.3 should be used for stiffener and support design
in Step 5 and 6 (eg., use Region C values for Exposed Region B).
For exposed locations in Region D, a support size one size up from that derived from the graph
should be selected, or an additional support of the same size used.
Step 3
Determine if the sign has high or low risk collision exposure (refer section 8.3.4). Signs with high
risk exposure may require breakaway support details if the posts are not of frangible size. Sign
ground clearance ‘H’ for sign supports with breakaway details should be no lower than 2.1m.
Step 4
Determine if the sign requires a truss support. All truss supports require breakaway support
details and should have a sign ground clearance ‘H’ between 2.1m and 2.5m. If the sign ground
clearance exceeds 2.5m, Type B trusses with leg spacing S=1000 should be adopted. Sign
ground clearance should generally never exceed 3.25m for truss supports.
Step 5
Select panel stiffener type and number of supports (N) from Table B.1.1, based on the sign width.
For modular sign panels, use only Type 2 stiffeners.
Maximum sign widths are tabulated for 3 options of support spacing, as discussed in Section 8.
Option 1 will be most frequently adopted for normal situations. Option 2 may be adopted where
an additional support is required to satisfy the Design Tables B.3, or is used to achieve “frangible” B
section size, and Option 3 caters for widely spaced supports (eg. straddling footpaths). Note that
for signs of width less than the limiting values, support spacing may be reduced to less than the
“standard” spacing provided that the maximum stiffener overhang specified in Table B.1.2 is not
exceeded.
Select the number of panel stiffeners from Table B.2. For modular sign panels, use 3 stiffeners
(Type 2) at 580mm spacing per 1200mm high sign panel module.
Step 6
Select the support (size and type) from Table B.3 for the appropriate Region A, B, C or D and sign
area (10m², 28m² or 40m²). If no choice of support size is possible for the number of supports ‘N’
chosen in Step 5, then add an extra support to ‘N’ and choose a support size again from Table
B.3. Refer to discussion in Section 8 of the text on the criteria for selection of support type (CHS
Post, RHS Post or Truss Support) eg. requirement for breakaway supports, corrosion protection,
erection, structural efficiency, cost, aesthetics.
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Appendix B
For breakaway supports, note the limitation on sign panel height relative to sign ground clearance
height. For signs supported by CHS/RHS posts, with sign panel height ‘B’ greater than 1.65 x
clearance ‘H’, increase the post size as indicated on Table B.3. For truss supports, this limit is
increased to 4.0 x clearance ‘H’, which should cover the largest signs to be erected.
For truss supports, note that Type A (S=750) trusses are to be used for sign clearance less than
2.5m and Type B (S=1000) trusses for sign ground clearance up to 3.25m.
Step 7
Footings - Refer to Table B.4 for the selection of foundation strength category, based on either
simple field identification methods or soil parameters determined by laboratory tests. Note that
footings for sound rock or very soft or swampy ground conditions require individual design.
Step 8
Refer to Drawings in Appendix D for details of fabrication and erection.
McDonnel
Darwin Moreton
Weipa
Adelaide River
Katherine
Borroloola
Derby Ivanhoe Burketown Cooktown

Wyndam Dunbar Cairns
Broome West Moreland Mareeba
Atherton
Townsville
Pt. Hedland
Charters Towers
Bowen
20 Collinsville Mackay
Croydon Marble Bar
Millstream Alice Springs
Onslow Emerald
Mt Amy Rockhampton
Biloela
Bundaberg
Carnarvon Monto
Gascoyne Junction
25
25 Maryborough
Gallathard
Toowoomba Brisbane
Mullewa Casino
Geraldton Grafton
Morawa Glen Innes
Corindi
Goffs Harbour
30 Green Head
Gunyidi 30
B Perth
Adelaide Sydney
Canberra
Melbourne
Region A
Region B
Region C
Region D Hobart
FIGURE B.1 GEOGRAPHIC REGION
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Appendix B Design Guide for Roadside Signs
Table B.1.1 Stiffener Type and Number of Supports
OPTION 1 – Minimum No. of Supports; Standard Support Spacing

Panel Stiffener Type Type 1 Type 2 Type 2
No. of Supports (N) 2 2 3
Maximum Sign Width Region A/B 2.9m 5.6m 8.0m
(standard support spacing¹) Region C 2.9m 4.75 6.3m
Region D 2.9m 4.0m 5.3m
OPTION 2 – Additional Support; Standard Support Spacing

Maximum Sign Width Region A/B 4.7m 9.6m 5.5m
(standard support spacing¹) Region C 3.7m 7.6m 4.4m
Region D 3.0m 6.4m 3.6m
OPTION 3 – Minimum 10 % Sign Overhang

Maximum Sign Width Region A/B 1.8m 3.1m –
(10 % sign overhang) Region C 1.45m 2.55m –
Region D 1.2m 2.1m –

¹ support spacing may be reduced for signs of width less than tabulated limits provided maximum stiffener overhang specified in
Table B.1.2 below are not exceeded.
Table B.1.2 Maximum Stiffener Overhang
Panel Stiffener Type Type 1 Type 2

Maximum Stiffener Overhang Region A/B 0.7m 1.2m
Region C 0.55m 0.95m
B
Region D 0.45m 0.8m
Table B.2 Number of Panel Stiffeners
Sign Height, B No. of Stiffeners

(m) (Max. Stiffener spacing 500mm
Max. Sign Panel Overhang 150mm)
0.75 2
1.2 3
1.8 4
2.25 5
2.7 6
3.3 7
3.75 8
3.9 9
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SAMPLE CALCULATION
Step 1
Normal sign (single panel construction)
Sign width, A 4.8m
Sign height, B 2.2m
Sign ground clearance, H 2.0m
Location Moreton District, Rural Highway
Step 2
Region B, not exposed
Step 3
Low risk exposure as behind a guard rail - breakaway details not required.
Step 4 and 5
Table B.1.1 (Option 1) - Type 2 panel stiffeners with
2 posts for 4.8m panel width.
Table B.2 - 5 panel stiffeners required for 2.2m panel height
Step 6
In Table B.3.6 for Region B
Sign Area = 4.8 x 2.2 = 10.6m²
Height to Centre of Sign, H' = ground clearance height, H + B/2
= 2 + 2.2/2
= 3.1m
For 2 posts as determined in Step 4, interpolation of the design chart yields post choices of
2/100NB CHS or 2/100x50x4.0 RHS.
B For the Moreton District maximum corrosion protection is required so the RHS posts would
require hot dip galvanising. Select 2/100NB pregalvanised posts.
Step 7
Choose foundation strength category in Table B.4, based on field identification or laboratory
testing.
Step 8
Refer to Drawings in Appendix D for details of fabrication and erection.
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For Modular Sign Panels, use 3 stiffeners (Type 2) at 580mm spacing per 1200mm high sign panel
module (refer Figure 5.7).
Table B.4 Foundation Strength Category
COHESIVE CLAY SOILS

Strength Category Firm to Stiff Stiff to Hard
Undrained Shear Strength, 75 150

Cu (kPa)
Elastic Modulus, E (kPa) 8,000 16,000
Subgrade Reaction Modulus, 30 60

k (MN/m³)
Field Identification Effort is required to Only indented by thumb and

penetrate with thumb not possible to remould in
or remould with fingers fingers without adding water
COHESIONLESS SAND SOILS

Strength Category Loose to Medium Dense Dense
Friction Angle 35 45
Elastic Modulus, E (kPa) 40,000 80,000
Coefficient of Modulus 3 9
Variation, (MN/m³)
Field Identification No significant resistance Noticeable resistance to

to excavation with spade excavation with spade or
penetration by crowbar little penetration by crowbar
Table B.5 CHS Post Section Equivalence Table
Post Section from Table B.3 Equivalent Post Section
CHS
Nominal
Grade Wall
Thickness
CHS
Nominal
Grade Wall
Thickness
B
Bore (mm) Bore (mm)
*50 LIGHT C350 2.9 50 HEAVY C250 4.5

*65 LIGHT C350 3.2 65 HEAVY C250 4.5
*80 LIGHT C350 3.2 80 HEAVY C250 5.0
90 LIGHT C350 3.2 90 HEAVY C250 5.0
*100 LIGHT C350 3.6 100 HEAVY C250 5.4
125 LIGHT C350 3.5 *125 MEDIUM C250 5.0
150 LIGHT C350 3.5 *150 MEDIUM C250 5.0

Note: Not applicable to truss supports
* Indicates Preferred Sizes
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Table B.3.1 – Region A. RHS/CHS Posts: Sign Area ≤ 10m²
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Table B.3.2 – Region B. RHS/CHS Posts: Sign Area ≤ 10m²
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Table B.3.3 – Region C. RHS/CHS Posts: Sign Area ≤ 10m²
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Table B.3.4 – Region D. RHS/CHS Posts: Sign Area ≤ 10m²
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APPENDIX C: COMPARISON OF 2001 DESIGN GUIDE WITH

1991 DESIGN GUIDE
The 2001 Design Guide for Roadside Signs has been extensively revised from the 1991 Design
Guide for Road Signs especially the structural aspects. This appendix outlines the major changes
and the reasons for those changes.
The guide now caters for signs up to 7.5m wide, up to 8 m high and up to 40m² in area.
There are now 3 tables for each wind region, with one table dedicated to the smaller signs
(<10m²) and one covering larger signs of area 10m² to 40m² which includes truss supports.
Trusses are an alternative for large signs in Regions C and D, and are a more structurally efficient
alternative than RHS posts for sign areas around 20m² to 35m² in in any region.
1 INTRODUCTION
The 2001 guide has been developed from the 1996 Draft Edition which was released in response
to negative feedback from users of the 1991 guide and a perceived deficiency in the treatment
and explanation of breakaway posts. This feedback was confirmed in a user survey with many
respondents indicating that the steel posts and footings derived from the 1991 guide to be
excessive to that required to support road signs. The survey indicated that users are adopting
alternatives to use of the guide including:
• Factoring of the 1991 guide Figure B2 to give less conservative post sizes;
• Use of the pre-1987 guide drawing TC9043 which uses steel yield as the allowable stress, 25
year return period, old shape factor of 1.2 and no cyclone factor;
• Avoidance of breakaway posts by only using CHS for which there are no breakaway details;
• Posts are generally embedded into footings without reinforcement as detailed.
Users indicated a strong preference for accepting that some signs may be blown over in a
cyclone or storm rather than using larger posts which present an increased traffic hazard. It was
seen to be a relatively simple operation to bend smaller posts (particularly CHS) back into position
if blown over.
The survey also indicated a preference for use of CHS posts (as discussed further) for which the
range of sizes and details are limited in the 1991 guide.
A limited field survey of road signs in Metropolitan District indicated that users are adopting post
sizes and details in variance to those prescribed by the guide.
The incorporation of a rational method in accordance with Australian standards for derivation of
C
acceptable post sizes was considered critical for the success of the revised guide.
In addition to addressing the issue of post size/design wind load and breakaway post details the
format of the text and design procedure was improved to produce a clearer document.
The following discussion outlines the approach taken in the revised guide and identifies
deficiencies in the 1991 guide.
2 DESIGN WIND PRESSURE

2.1 1991 Guide
The 1989 wind code Drag Co-efficient for hoardings of Cd = 1.5 was adopted in the 1991
guidereplacing the 1.2 co-efficient used in the 1987 guide. This accounts for a 25% increase in
wind pressure for all regions.
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Appendix C
The 1987 guide divided the state into coastal and inland wind regions in accordance with the old
wind code. However, the 1.15 wind factor for cyclonic regions was not used in the design. The
1989 wind code has replaced the 1.15 factor with Region C wind speeds. Region C wind speeds
are accommodated in the current guide, representing a further 32% increase in wind pressure for
cyclonic regions.
The 1991 guide particularly penalises inland regions by grouping together coastal region B with
inland region A. This represents a 43 % increase in pressure for inland regions.
The 1991 guide incorporates a structural importance multiplier, Mi =0.9 in accordance with the
new wind code AS1170.2–1989. This factor is relevant to structures causing a low degree of
hazard to life and property (to be discussed further). The structural importance multiplier replaces
the use of lower return period winds used in the previous wind code. The 1987 guide does not
appear to have adopted wind speeds of lower return period than 50 years, the typical design
return period for buildings (compared to the 1981 drawing. TC9043 which uses a 25 year return
period). So, the use of Mi=0.9 reduces the pressure increase by 19%.
Comments have been made that road sign supports should not be designed like building
structures and that some ‘plastic’ bending should be allowed to occur. Inspection of the
calculation file for the 1991 guide shows that intentionally or otherwise the steel yield stress was
used as the allowable stress, a method not in accordance with the AS1250 Steel Code upon
which the design was generally based. This means that the posts would indeed bend if exposed
to a design wind speed. This method may be a carry over from TC9043 which includes the
comment that “if allowable stress values are required, multiply Z values calculated by 1.5”. Use of
yield stress reduces post sizes by 40 % on that designed in accordance with the Steel Code.
2.2 New Strategy

From the discussion in 2.1 above it can be seen that, apart from the grouping of Region A with
Region B, the 1991 guide is not actually conservative relative to the Australian Standards, as a
reduced structural importance multiplier has been used and most significantly steel yield stress
was taken as the Allowable Bending Stress. How then can the post sizes be reduced in size with a
rational method based on the Australian Standards? The crux of the matter is the probability of
exceedence of the design wind speed which is considered acceptable. A higher acceptable
probability of exceedence produces smaller post sizes.
2.2.1 Structural Importance Multiplier
The structural importance multiplier, Mi in AS1170.2 represents a probability of exceedence of a
design wind speed. For Mi = 1.0 there is a 5% chance of exceedence of the Ultimate Wind Speed
in a 50 year return period. For the current choice, Mi=0.9, the chance of exceedence in 50 year
C and 1 year return periods is 25% and 0.5% respectively. The proposed importance multiplier
which relates to the maximum acceptable chance of exceedence is Mi=0.75. For Mi=0.75, the
chance of exceedence in 50 year and 1 year return periods is 96% and 6.5% respectively. That is,
every year there is a 6.5% chance of the sign experiencing its design ultimate wind speed.
2.2.2 Directionality
AS1170.2 allows a directionality factor of 0.95 on wind speed in non-cyclonic regions for
overturning calculations to account for the reduced probability of the design wind speed occurring
in the critical direction for a structure. It is proposed that this directionality factor is reduced further
to 0.9 to account for the fact that (in non-cyclonic regions) the design wind speed will generally
come from one direction for a particular locality. As the design wind speed for a particular locality
comes from one direction, depending on the road orientation, some signs will never experience
the design wind speed in their critical direction. Viewing the performance of the road signs
structures globally rather than designing for directionality in each individual sign justifies use of
the reduced directionality factor of 0.9.
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Appendix C Design Guide for Roadside Signs
2.2.3 Regions
It is proposed that signs in the different geographic regions defined in AS1170.2 (A, B, C and D)
are designed for the wind speed related to that region. This strategy alleviates the situation in the
1991 guide where inland regions are grouped with Coastal.
2.2.4 Terrain Category
The 1991 guide adopts the AS1170.2 terminology for Exposed (Terrain Category 2) and General
(Terrain Category 3 & 4) and uses a factor by which the post modulus is multiplied. It is suggested
that this introduces a complexity in the interpretation of the AS1170.2 definitions which could lead
to both under and over designed posts. The survey indicated that users will often choose the less
onerous General category for all signs.
Support sizes are chosen based on wind loads at locations which are assumed to be in the
general sheltered Terrain Categories, TC3 and TC4. The strategy selected is to go up one Wind
Region rather than one support size now that an extra Wind Region D has been added to the
manual. This strategy was found to be feasible and less conservative than just increasing the
support size. Obviously, for exposed locations in Region D, this strategy is not possible and it is
recommended in these situations that the user should increase the support size.
2.2.5 Safe Failure
It is important that signs should fail by post bending prior to stiffener rails and panel fixing failure
to prevent flying sign panels presenting a hazard. Stiffener rails are designed for the maximum
design wind pressure with an additional safety factor of 1.67 to ensure signs are not blown off
before the poles rotate. The factor 1.67 derives from the combination of load factor and capacity
reduction factor on the pole (1.5/0.9).
Inspection of the 1991 guide indicated that whilst post sizes increased from the 1987 to 1991
guides, the stiffener requirements were similarly derived, leading to a potentially unsafe failure
mode.
2.2.6 Comparison of Various Guides
The example presented in the 1991 guide is used to compare the post sizes derived from the
proposed new design with those derived from the current guide and other systems.
Example- sign area 6m², H’=2.5m, Region B, General terrain.
Source Result
1991 guide 2/100NB
1987 guide 2/100NB C
Victorian (1986) 2/100NB
TC9043 2/90NB
Australian Standard 1747.2 2/100NB
This guide 2/80NB
Table 1
It can be seen that for Region B there was no change between the 1987 and 1991 guide and that
the post sizes in the Australian Standard are similar to the existing 1991 guide. The proposed new
method produces sign posts significantly smaller than the current guide and other Australian
guides in some situations.
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2.2.7 Inclusion of Wind Region D

The guide now includes Region D to cater for the all Australian Standard wind regions and to
provide Exposed Region C design. The only special provision that had to be made for this Region
in the guide is the inclusion of one extra truss size. All details for RHS/CHS posts like stiffener/bolt
connection, stiffener spacings, connector straps and rivets are still satisfactory for Region D.
3 DESIGN METHOD
3.1 Stiffener Arrangement
The proposed design method of the sign support structure removes the iterative approach used in
the 1991 guide such that the number of posts and stiffener type, spacing and no. are selected
directly for a given sign size. Variations to the standard post spacing are catered for by an
additional table for widely spaced posts and a table of maximum stiffener overhangs for reduced
post spacing.
Sign width limits are tabulated for the four geographic regions to be consistent with the post
design method. The 1991 guide did not distinguish between regions for stiffener selection. This
would lead to either conservative or unsafe designs for some regions depending on the wind
pressure used in the stiffener design.
Table B.1 in the 1991 guide in attempting to cater for the range of options for stiffener type and
spacing and no. of posts is both confusing, impractical and incorrect. Stiffener spacings as low as
200mm are tabulated which is impractical for erection due to the number of fixings required. It was
indicated in the survey and verified by field inspection that signs with closely spaced stiffeners and
a large number of fixing brackets had brackets inadequately fixed or missing altogether. For the
larger width of sign, the close stiffener spacings also produce post sizes which are not included in
the guide. Maximum post spacings are tabulated without consideration of the balancing of
cantilever overhang and span moments which is inherent in the method adopted from the 1987
guide. For some tabulated values this produces excessive stress in the stiffeners. Consider also
the incorrect specification of post spacing ratio for 3 post signs in the 1991 guide which produces
double the allowable stiffener stress at the cantilever overhangs.
3.2 Post Size and Selection

A graphical method of post selection has been maintained in the new guide, similar in format to
the Australian Standard AS1742.2. Each geographic region is catered for with a separate set of
tables for clarity and ease of use. The post size is chosen directly off the table for a given sign
size, height and no. of posts. An option is given for either CHS or RHS posts for the smaller signs.
Guidance for choice of CHS or RHS is presented in the text.
C The benefits of the new method compared to the 1991 guide are:
• presentation of both CHS and RHS in one figure which both reduces the steps involved and
allows direct comparison of options.
• no extra multiplication step for geographic region
• no confusion about sign area supported for signs with more than 2 posts.
• direct selection of posts with deletion of tables of post section module.
A section equivalence table has been added to the guide for CHS posts to offer alternative Grade
C250 section sizes to those Grade C350 section sizes called up by the guide.
A table for RHS posts is not required since all post sizes called up by Table B.3 are available as
Duragal Dual Grade C350/450 RHS.
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4 TEXT FORMAT
The text of the 1991 guide has clarified and revised to suit the new design method. The major
modification was to sort the discussion into Single Post and Multiple Post supports with a
separation of the standard Regulatory etc. signs from the signs requiring design of supports.
Additional sections on Trusses, Modular signs and Plank board signs have also been included.
5 DRAWINGS
The Standard Drawings No SD 1363, 1364 and 1365 have superseded existing drawings 1360,
1361 and 1362. The Drawings have been organised to cater for Breakaway and Non-Breakaway
supports together, rather than providing separate drawings with repeated details.
This assists in providing a less fragmented document. The slip base and fuseplate hinge are
simply additional details incorporated as required onto the standard post.
The revised drawings also present CHS and RHS posts together rather than on separate drawings
with inconsistent specifications.
Specification of clearances, heights, orientation etc. are referred to the MUTCD document rather
than trying to incorporate some of this information on the structural drawings.
Drawing SD No.1295 has not yet been altered while drawings 1296, 1297, 1298, 1299, 1300 and
1360 have been withdrawn.
6 AS4100 STEEL STRUCTURES CODE

The sign support posts have been designed in accordance with the new Limit State steel code
AS4100. Ultimate design wind speeds were used. Significant saving are possible for compact
tubular sections with ultimate limit state design compared to the AS1250 allowable stress method.
7 BREAKAWAY POSTS
7.1 Text
The text has been clarified in the explanation of where and why breakaway posts are required. In
particular the ambiguity of definition of “low” and “high” risk areas has been removed. Currently
“low” risk is defined as outside the clear zone, and “high” risk is within half the clear zone distance
of the traffic lane edge of the road.
The term Slip Base Supports has been dropped in favour of Breakaway Posts as Breakaway Posts
incorporate both a slip base and the fuse plate hinge.
7.2 Frangible Posts C

The explanation of when posts are considered to be adequately frangible without the
incorporation of breakaway post details has been expanded and revised. The size of posts
considered to be frangible has not been modified in accordance with the Australian Standard
AS1742.2. AS1742.2 nominates 80 OD and 114 OD as appropriate frangible sizes for high speed
and low speed areas compared to 60 OD and 89 OD in the 1991 guide. The AS1742.2 figures
have been advised by the MS12 Committee who revised the AS1742.2 as being incorrect.
The size of posts deemed to be frangible seems to be a subject of some contention.
The choice is probably influenced by the issue of the liability of Authorities erecting potential
roadside hazards. Opposing the issue of liability is the requirement for economical provision of sign
supports. It is noted that the Victorian Manual only nominates 60 OD posts and smaller as frangible.
This compares to experience in the Central District Office that indicates impact with 114OD CHS in
60 kph zones are survivable and advice from the Mackay District that 165 OD CHS safely collapse
without slip bases. The Moreton District considers that 114 OD is the frangible size limit.
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7.3 Criteria
Criteria for satisfactory performance of breakaway posts have been included in the new guide.
The AASHTO Roadside Design Guide criterion for 2.1m clearance has been incorporated. The
AASHTO criteria on post weight will be satisfied for all posts in the range of the guide.
A minimum post spacing of 1.5m has been recommended as the limit for use of additional posts
of “frangible” size to support signs in “high risk “ zones. The AASHTO Guide considers all posts in
a swept path of 2.1m when checking that the weight of posts is less than the recommended limit.
Design in accordance with the AASHTO Guide would therefore require consideration of the
combined resistance to impact of all posts within a 2.1m width, rather than designation of
individual posts as frangible if smaller than the recommended size. Adoption of a 2.1m swept path
would disqualify many signs from use of “frangible” post support. The 1.5m minimum spacing
limit is proposed as an acceptable, less conservative, limit for consideration of impact on posts in
isolation.
A limit on sign height relative to clearance has been incorporated to ensure that the fuse plate
moment capacity is not exceeded under the design wind speed. The current fuseplate detail
appears to be designed for the post capacity which relates to a sign height not greater than the
clearance. Many existing signs will not conform to this criterion and will therefore potentially fail at
the fuseplate at less than the design wind speed.
7.4 Post type

Breakaway Post details have been incorporated for both CHS and RHS posts.
7.5 Details
The breakaway details used in the 1991 guide have been revised and enhanced as discussed
below. It is intended that the performance under impact will be improved by the modifications,
however testing of impact performance is recommended.
7.5.1 Slip Base
The slip base plates have been detailed to accommodate angled impact from both traffic
directions.
Bolt tensioning requirements have been revised to improve the performance of the slip bases
under impact. The current guide specifies the part-turn method of tensioning which is relevant to
high strength friction grip bolts tensioned to the bolt Proof Load. AASHTO recommends clamping
forces relative to post size for satisfactory slip base performance. Excess bolt tension increases
the impact force transmitted to the vehicle. The clamping force recommended in AASHTO relates
C to very low bolt tension which may cause problems of a loose connection, unserviceable for wind
loading. The proposed method is to torque the bolts to 100 Nm which is the torque adopted in the
standard Light Column drawing No. 1285. This torque relates to only 1/2 and 1/3 of snug tight for
M16 and M20 respectively. AS4100 discourages the use of torque control of bolt tension in favour
of load indicating washers due to inaccuracies from thread cleanliness, wrench calibration, thread
type and various other factors. However load indicating washers do not cater for low bolt tension
and inaccuracies in torque control can be minimised by oiling the threads and assembling the
baseplates in the shop prior to delivery to site. Shop assembly has the added advantage of
enforcing the plumbing of the posts prior to pouring concrete rather than casting in the stub below
the slip base and then using shims between the baseplates (in the critical slip zone) to plumb the
posts, as is currently specified in the guide. It is further noted that AASHTO recommends regular
checking of bolt tension for signs in service.
Bolts have been sized with an additional factor of safety to ensure post failure prior to bolt failure.
This also recognises the cyclic loading and fatigue regime operable on the bolts.
Additional washers have been specified under the bolt head and nut to enable uniform pressure
under the head and nut with the slotted baseplates.
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The fillet welds of posts to baseplates have been corrected. The current guide specification shows
fillet weld size increasing with overall post size rather than with tube wall thickness. The weld sizes
currently tabulated are generally not compatible with the post strength such that failure would
occur at the welds before post bending capacity was mobilised.
7.5.2 Fuse Plate Hinge
The fuse plate detail has also been modified to accommodate impact from both traffic directions.
This has been achieved by use of a fuse plate on both sides of the post with a complete
separation/cut of the post.
The fuse plate detail has been increased in bending capacity to 45% of the post capacity to
enable sign height to be up to 165% of clearance (refer to discussion in 7.3 above). This will
accommodate a greater range of signs than is currently possible (although not specified).
Field inspection along the Gateway Arterial Rd. indicated that the fillet weld size and length on the
fuse plates are frequently less than specified on the drawings. Cracking was evident in some of
these inadequate welds. These inadequate welds could significantly reduce the expected life of
the posts, particularly as the welds are subject to cyclic wind gust loading and stress
concentration effects. Apart from a recommendation for improved Quality Control the detail has
been revised with thicker fuse plates to improve the chance of correct weld size. Thicker fuse
plates also improve the transfer of wind shear across the cut post. Welding is now continuous all
around the fuseplates which will also alleviate stress concentrations. A smaller 3 or 4mm weld is
specified for the post below the cut to facilitate failure on impact.
The current galvanising procedure specifies for posts to be hot dip galvanised prior to welding of
fuseplate with weld damaged area cold galvanised subsequent to welding. This has been
specified to ensure corrosion protection behind the fuseplate which is not sealed around the
edges. Field Inspection indicated that posts are susceptible to corrosion along the cut edges and
the weld regions which are cold galvanised. The revised procedure specifies welding of the
fuseplate prior to hot dip galvanising. Additionally, the post splice is specified to be full contact
which should enable the galvanising to seal across the cut. The fuse plate is welded all around to
effectively seal behind the plate such that the whole assembly can be protected with the hot dip
galvanising.
8 POSTS TYPES
The user survey indicated a strong preference for the use of CHS posts rather than RHS.
Advantages identified with CHS are pregalvanised, availability, cheaper (availability in 6.5m
lengths c.f 8m for RHS leading to less wastage is one consideration), readily cut and capped on
site with pipe cutters so less tolerance on post length required, less requirement for alignment
with sign face, availability of fittings and more easily pushed back to alignment if bent over by
wind or vehicle collision.
C
The 1991 guide is deficient in the treatment of CHS posts, with tabulation for up to 100NB only.
The new guide provides for CHS posts up to 150NB.
90 NB is included in the graphs but is not readily available. The current guide use of Grade 200
steel for CHS has been updated to incorporate the new Grade 250 rating. Additionally, posts of
100 nominal bore and smaller have been specified as Grade 350 “Light Gal”. The Grade 350 CHS
are lighter, stronger and the same cost as the equivalent “Medium Gal” Grade 250 posts.
RHS posts have been retained with further explanation to when they may be economical. The
structural efficiency and hence potential cost saving has been identified particularly with the use of
pregalvanised RHS. Tubemakers Duragal is only 3% more expensive than black steel and is rated
at Grade 450. The cost of a Grade 450 pregalvanised RHS post is 1/2 the cost of the equivalent
strength CHS. The use of pregalvanised RHS (without further hot dip galvanising) is limited to
regions of low corrosion potential due to the reduced thickness of zinc coating (100g/m²
compared to 300g/m² for hot dip galvanising).
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RHS posts may also be cost effective for Breakaway Posts where the advantage of pregalvanised
CHS is lost with the requirement on hot dip galvanising the Breakaway Posts after fabrication.
9 STIFFENER RAILS
A maximum stiffener spacing of 500mm with overhang of 150mm is proposed compared to the
1991 guide maximum of 450mm spacing and 100 overhang. This saves 1 rail on the common sign
heights of 1200, 750 and 1800.
The 1991 guide specifies a pole spacing ratio of 0.2/0.3/0.3/0.2 and 0.2/0.6/0.2 for 3 and 2 pole
signs respectively. The two post ratio is retained whilst the 3 post ratio is revised to the most
economical spacing ratio of 0.15/0.35/0.35/0.15. These ratios balance both pole load and stiffener
support and span moment.
For the wider 3 post signs, the stiffener moment is very sensitive to the post spacing ratio. The
20% overhang for 3 post signs in the 1991 guide produces double the stiffener moment produced
with the 15% overhang now specified. This means that stiffeners constructed in accordance with
the 1991 guide would be overstressed at the overhang.
The concept of utilising composite action between the sign panel and the stiffeners was proposed
at a previous stage in the review process. The use of composite action was necessary to make the
stiffeners work for the design wind pressures including a factor of safety to ensure safe failure
(refer 2.2.5). The design wind pressure has been reduced further such that composite action is
not required. This is fortunate as composite action relies on the panels to be spliced with a cover
strip in accordance with the current specification. The field survey indicated that the splice cover
strip is frequently omitted.
10 SINGLE POST SIGNS

The current guide allows signs less than 950mm wide to be supported on a single post. The sign
panel overhang for a sign of 950mm width is 475mm which is in excess of the maximum overhang
determined by a stress calculation. This concession is presumably to cater for the historical
development of standard sign supports and is retained in the new guide. It is however highlighted
in the text that the larger panels may be subject to twist from wind gusting and vandalism.
Drawing No. 1300 specifies 50NB posts for signs up to 1m². Depending on sign height, the post
size may not be in accordance with the design Table B.3. This is consistent with the reduced
capacity of the unstiffened sign panel bending capacity as discussed above.
A proposed addition to the guide is a new system and detail to accommodate the common
situation of signs wider than 950mm which cannot be supported on 2 posts, for eg. on a narrow
C median strip. The sign panel is stiffened and fixed to a single post with 6mm steel brackets. The
steel brackets are screwed into the post to prevent rotation. This detail is shown on SD No. 1368.
11 FOOTINGS
11.1 1991 Guide
A large discrepancy is noted in the 1991 guide between pier sizes for CHS (Drawing 1360) and
RHS (Drawing 1362). For example the 114CHS requires a 1200 dp. by 250 diam with 20Mpa
concrete compared to 100x50RHS which requires a 1400 dp by 600 diam. with 32 Mpa concrete
and reinforcement.
This discrepancy is due to the design method and soil lateral bearing capacities adopted. There
are various methods commonly used for design of laterally loaded piers including UBC, Rutledge
(U.S Outdoor Advertising Association) and Broms/Poulos (SAA Piling Code). The value of lateral
bearing capacity used is dependent on the acceptable amount of movement to mobilise that
resistance.
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The 1991 guide for RHS sections appears to have used the UBC method with 60kPa/m lateral soil
pressure. This is applicable to the design of footings for building in hard clay or well graded
sand/gravel. The CHS values can be derived from the UBC formula with lateral soil pressure of
120 kPa/m. This indicates a lower safety factor on soil capacity and greater movement at ground
level (hence pole rotation).
The use of the UBC method with soil values applicable to acceptable movements in building
foundations is over conservative.
It is further noted that the 1991 RHS footing sizes increased on the 1987 guide whereas the CHS
footings reduced on the 1987 guide sizes.
11.2 New Strategy

The new guide specifies footings sizes for two soil strength categories for both cohesive and non-
cohesive soils. Cohesive and non-cohesive soils are distinguished between, due to different
mechanisms of soil resistance and hence design formulae. For non-cohesive soils, lateral
resistance is dependent on overburden stress, so footings are deeper and narrower than for
cohesive soils.
The new Table B.4 in the Appendix B design procedure enables choice of appropriate Foundation
Strength Category by use of either simple Field Identification procedures or parameters derived
by laboratory testing.
11.2.1 Cohesive Soils
The footings for cohesive soils are designed using the method suggested by Coyle and
Bierschwale, “Design of Rigid Shafts in Clay for Lateral Load”, ASCE J Geotech Eng, Vol 109,
No.9, 1983. This method determines the ultimate lateral load that can be applied to a pile for a
limiting deflection criteria. A pile rotation of 2 degrees is considered to be the serviceable limit
beyond which loosening of the pile may occur due to plastic deformation of the soil. This method
produces less conservative results than other methods which limit soil pressure.
11.2.2 Non-Cohesive Soils
The SAA Piling Code (AS2159-1978) was used for design of footings in non-cohesive soils with an
appropriately chosen Factor of Safety on ultimate lateral resistance.
11.2.3 Other Soils
The guide highlights the requirement for special design of footings in very soft or swampy soils
and sound rock.
11.2.4 Details
The cast-in anchor bolt detail for non-breakaway posts has been deleted from the guide due to
C
the preference of users to simply embed the posts into the concrete footing. This also saves on
fabrication and avoids damage to pregalvanised coatings.
The footings have been designed without reinforcement by utilising the combined bending
resistance of the embedded post and unreinforced concrete pier.
The diameter and depth of piers have been chosen with consideration to minimising pier depth.
The survey indicated a requirement to minimise depth for avoidance of services.
12 SIGN DETAILS
12.1 Stiffener Connection Straps
The connection strap detail has been retained apart from some revision to the dimensions for RHS
straps. The RHS strap dimensions were tabulated such that there was no gap between the strap
and stiffener to enable clamping of the stiffener against the post.
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Reference to aluminium post straps has been deleted from the guide due to inadequate strength.
Calculations indicate that the Type 2 stiffener has inadequate local bending strength at the 10mm
bolt connection to the strap. The Type 2 stiffeners are subject to very high local bending stress at
the connection strap bolt. The calculations indicate overstress under the design wind load but
there may also be a problem of overstress from tensioning of the connection bolt. ALCAN in
Sydney have indicated that they make the extrusion to the Department specification and have
never performed any testing or design. A modified Type 2A section has been provided and is
shown in TC9382 which has the same section modulus as the current type 2 and an increased lip
thickness. This solves the problem of local bending weakness of the current Type 2.
12.2 Galvanising Vent Hole

The size of the vent and drain holes for galvanising have been modified in accordance with the
recommendations of the Galvanisers Association.
12.3 Erection Cleats

The detail referred to in the 1991 guide as the “fused plate detail”, for hanging the sign off the top
of the poles and then clamping is adopted by some users. This has been retained in the guide. To
avoid confusion with the breakaway fuse the new name, “Erection Cleats” has been adopted.
13 INCORPORATION OF TRUSS TYPE SUPPORTS

Truss supports have been proposed by the Gympie District office of Queensland Transport for use
with larger signs. An extensive check of their design has been carried out with a view to
rationalisation for incorporation in the Design Guide.
13.1 Design Philosophy

The design philosophy used in the calculations was to limit the inter-post spacing S for a truss
support (Refer Drawing DS no. 1366) to the minimum of 750 mm where possible to allow greater
flexibility in matching the web member node spacings to the specified post height for a certain
sign. This was not possible for Region D, which includes a truss size T3B which is a truss with
80NB CHS posts at a post spacing S of 1000 mm. The choice of truss sizes was also rationalised
down to six:
T1A (65 NB CHS posts, S=750), (C350, 3.2 m wall thickness);
T1B (65 NB CHS posts, S=1000), (C350, 3.2 m wall thickness);
T2A (80NB CHS posts, S=750), (C350, 3.2 m wall thickness);
C T2B (80NB CHS posts, S=1000), (C350, 3.2 m wall thickness);

T3A (80 NB CHS posts, S=750) (C350, 5.5 m wall thickness); and
T3B (80 NB CHS posts, S=750) (C350, 5.5 m wall thickness).
T1, T2 and T3A are suitable choices for all Wind Regions while T3B is normally only used in
Region D.
13.2 Joint Efficiency and ‘Roark’s’ Buckling

A truss support consists of two CHS legs or posts connected together with smaller CHS web
members. The truss resists wind-induced bending by developing axial forces in the posts.
Therefore, the moment capacity of the truss is proportional to the axial capacity, specifically the
compressive capacity, of its posts. Because of the complexity of the web connection to the posts,
the normal axial capacity of the posts have to be modified slightly. There is some eccentricity in
the post axial force caused by the transfer of axial forces from the webs to the posts. This has
resulted from the reduction of pin diameter (which the web members are bent round at the web
nodes) to 120mm to reduce the bending effects due to web force eccentricity at the nodes. Thus a
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joint efficiency factor of 0.8 has been used in design to modify the post axial capacity.
Because axial forces vary along the length of the posts to a maximum at the supported base, the
critical buckling load and thus the compressive axial capacity of the posts was modified further.
“Roark’s Formulas for Stress and Strain” provided a factor of 1.25 for the modification of the axial
post capacity.
13.3 Compressive Leg Bracing and Effective Length for Buckling

The capacity of the trusses is very sensitive to the effective buckling length of the compression leg.
The truss legs fixed to the sign face provide an effective sway frame which limits out of plane
deflection to less than 3.150% x Le under the action of the restraint forces. The unsupported truss
legs are therefore braced back to sign face legs.
A sign clearance limit of 2.5 m maximum is recommended for truss supported signs to keep the
trusses reasonably efficient. The capacity tables have been based on this limit. Exceedence of this
limit will significantly reduce the capacity of the trusses.
13.4 Breakaway Details

Breakaway Details are standard for the Trusses as recommended by the Gympie District to assist
erection and because most large signs are located in the Clear Zone of high speed roads.
13.5 Footing Design

The truss footings have been designed taking into account a combination of effects including, pier
bending, pad footing base bearing and side face shear.
14 MODULAR SIGN PANELS

Modular Sign panels have been included in the guide to facilitate the installation of larger signs. A
sketch which details the general arrangement for these signs has been included in the guide.
Each 1200mm high sign panel module is required to have 3 stiffeners at a set spacing of 580 mm.
The guide design procedure for selection of supports for Modular Sign Panels is exactly the same
as for normal signs.
15 RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations are made on items and issues which may require further
investigation.
15.1 Frangible Post Size

As discussed in Clause 7.2 above, there are various opinions on the appropriate size limit on C
posts which may be considered as frangible. It has been recommended by Lance Christiansen of
the Central District Office that the testing facility at the Rocla plant at Gailes be used to carry out
some crash tests to determine at what size post, breakaway details are required.
15.2 Breakaway Post Performance

The slip base and fuse plate hinge details were adapted from the method presented in the
AASHTO Guide. There are however significant differences between the AASHTO method which
uses hot rolled I-beams and the QT designs which use RHS and CHS sections. The AASHTO
Guide also stresses the importance of slip base and fuse plate clamping pressures. Although the
bolt tension in the new guide has been significantly reduced from the 1991 guide it is still greater
than recommended in the AASHTO Guide for the reasons presented. Conversely the bending
capacity of the fuse plate hinge has been increased on that provided in the 1991 guide to
accommodate a greater range of sign configurations. The above discussions leads to the
recommendation for inclusion of testing of breakaway post performance in any program of testing
of frangible post limits.
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15.3 Fuse Plate Fabrication

As discussed in Clause 7.5.2, the welding of the fuse plate is critical for successful performance
under both wind loading and vehicle impact. Based on the very limited field survey along the
Gateway Arterial Rd., it is recommended that an improved Quality Control procedure be
implemented on the fillet weld size and quality.
The galvanising procedure of the breakaway posts has been modified such that the posts are
welded after fabrication of the fuseplate. It is intended that the galvanising will seal across the post
cut. Industrial Galvanisers have advised that they would undertake some trial galvanising of the
fuseplate to confirm that the cut can indeed be effectively protected by the galvanising.
There is still a need to carry out vehicle impact tests to verify the performance of the slip base and
fuse plate hinge. The use of the slip base and fuse plate for truss supports is carrying the concept
even further from the original AASHTO application and should be verified by impact testing.
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Appendix D: STANDARD DRAWINGS
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Design Guide for Roadside Signs Appendix D
D
92
Post cap
Standard post spacing (see note G1) CHS - cap with approved galvanised post GENERAL NOTES:
0.60 x sign width for 2 posts caps or as per RHS treatments
0.35 x sign width for 3 posts RHS - cap with 5mm galvanised plate butt G1. Standard post spacing must not be altered without
B Erection cleats (not standard) B welded and finished flush with top approval of principal. Tables in the Road Sign Design
0.25 x sign width for 4 posts
Appendix D
150 max. 1364 (see note G5) 1364 of post. Cold galvanise damaged Manual specify reduced sign width limits for increased
overhang 75 post if pregalvanised spacings.
G2. Refer to MUTCD guidelines for sign clearances from kerb
face and shoulder edge and sign orientation to road. Also
Sign face 10mm ø galvanised vent air hole refer to SD1365 for breakaway post clearances and Note
Aluminium
500mm max. in supports required to be hot dip G8.
panel stiffeners
stiffener spacing galvanised. Locate diagonally
(see note G3) G3. Refer to TC9382 for dimensions and specifications of type
A opposite vent drain hole in base 1 & 2 aluminium panel stiffeners. Refer to specification
Sign height plate. ES126 for fixings to sign face.
‘B’ 1364
(see note G8) G4. Selection of foundation type and strength category to be
Fuse plate approved by Principal.
150 max.
overhang 100 G5. Optional erection cleats to be provided on RHS posts only,
as required.
A D E
E Fuse plate G6. Slip base and fuse plate details 1365 and 1365
100 max. 1364
1365 (see note G6) are to be incorporated in breakaway posts only, as
overhang instructed by the principal.
CHS or RHS 2.1m min.
Clearance G7. Footing depth ‘L’ is embedment length into soil of strength
steel posts slip clearance
‘H’ category tabulated. Disregard loose top soil and fill when
(refer Table 1 for details) ‘Hs’
(see notes measuring footing depth.
G2 & G8) RHS smallest G8. Minimum slip clearance ‘Hs’ for breakaway posts is 2100
dimension Slip base RHS largest mm. Sign height ‘B’ must not exceed 1.65 x ‘H’ for
D dimension
Standard Drawing No. 1363 – Traffic Sign Support

Ground level at footing breakaway posts unless otherwise advised by principal.
1365 (see note G6) 100 max. to be confirmed prior
to fabrication of posts STEEL NOTES:
S1. Steel grades (FY) to be:
Slope concrete
surface away Section and plates to AS1204 - 250Mpa.
Post
from post at 1:6 ‘L’ CHS to AS1163 - 250/350/450 Mpa, as
embedded
into concrete (see note G7) specified.
footings S2. Welded connections shall be with 6mm continuous fillet
welds in accordance with AS1554 category special
purpose (SP), using electrode type E48XX/W50X MIG
75
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welding or MIG welding unless noted otherwise.
cover
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‘d’ S3. All bolts commercial grade unless noted otherwise.
S4. All bolts, fitments, plates, etc. to be hot dipped
REAR ELEVATION SIDE ELEVATION galvanised, U.N.O.
(refer to note G2) S5. Corrosion protection.
Non-breakaway posts:-
POST SPECIFICATION FOOTINGS (SEE NOTE G4) CONCRETE NOTES: 2
CHS posts - pregalvanised 300g/m
POST WALL COHESIVE CLAY SOILS COHESIONLESS SAND SOILS 2
DIMENSIONS THICKNESS GRADE FIRM TO STIFF VERY STIFF LOOSE TO MEDIUM DENSE C1. Concrete specification: RHS posts - pregalvanised 300g/m
(mm) (mm) ‘d’ (mm) ‘L’ (mm) ‘d’ (mm) ‘L’ (mm) ‘d’ (mm) ‘L’ (mm) ‘d’ (mm) ‘L’ (mm) Slump 80mm
Breakaway posts:-
Max. aggregate 20mm 2
50NB 2.9 C350 300 450 300 450 300 750 300 750 3
Min. cement content 250kg/m CHS & RHS posts - hot dipped galvanised 300g/m after
65NB 3.2 C350 300 700 300 500 300 1000 300 800 fabrication of fuse plate and slip base
Max. water/cement ratio 0.55
80NB 3.2 C350 300 900 300 600 300 1100 300 900 Concrete N25 to AS3600 plates.
CHS 90NB 3.2 C350 450 750 300 750 300 1200 300 1000 Note: Requirements for vent holes to RHS posts & CHS posts.
100NB 3.6 C350 450 900 450 700 450 1200 300 1200 C2. Mechanically vibrate full depth of concrete.
125NB 5.0/3.5 C250/C350 450 1200 450 800 450 1350 450 1200
150NB 5.0/3.2 C250/C350 600 1300 450 1100 450 1600 450 1300 C3. Concrete poured directly against auger hole
75 x 50 3.0 C450 300 900 300 600 300 1100 300 900
100 x 50 4.0 C450 450 900 450 700 450 1200 300 1200
125 x 75 3.0 C450 450 1200 450 800 450 1350 450 1200
RHS
125 x 75 5.0 C450 600 1300 450 1100 450 1600 450 1300 TRAFFIC SIGN
150 x 100 5.0 C350 600 1500 600 1000 450 1700 450 1400
200 x 100 5.0 C350 600 1800 600 1300 450 2000 450 1700
Size A4 Drawing No
TRAFFIC SIGN SUPPORT Not 1363
TABLE 1 to Date 09/95
scale D E

* 2.5/3mm galvanised steel
2 RHS smallest 1 RHS largest ‘x’ G450 Z275
dimension dimension See Table 2
‘t’
Sign
50 face
10mm galv. square ‘t’
neck cuphead bolts,
25 incl. hex. nuts and
washers ‘d’
‘y’
Aluminium ‘r’
‘w’ CL
‘w’/2 stiffener
5
11mm dia. Connection Aluminium stiffener RHS CHS
holes strap (see note G3 on SD1363)

SECTION 2
CHS/RHS CHS/RHS
NOTE:
SECTION 1 Approved alternative sign brackets can be used where applicable.
REAR ELEVATION
STIFFENER CONNECTION STRAP DETAIL

A POST CONNECTION STRAPS
DIMENSIONS
(mm) ‘r’ (mm) ‘d’ (mm) ‘t’ (mm) ‘w’ (mm)
RHS smallest 3 RHS largest 50NB 30 25 2.5 G450 Z275 40
dimension dimension
65NB 38 33 2.5 G450 Z275 40
80NB 45 40 2.5 G450 Z275 40
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50 Sign CHS 90NB 51 46 2.5 G450 Z275 40
10mm galv. square face
25 neck cuphead bolts, 100NB 57 52 2.5 G450 Z275 40
incl. hex. nuts and 125NB 70 65 3.0 G450 Z275 50
washers 150NB 83 78 3.0 G450 Z275 50
Standard Drawing No. 1364 – Connection Strap and Erection Cleat Details
‘x’ (mm) ‘y’ (mm) ‘t’ (mm) ‘w’ (mm)
75 x 50 50 70 2.5 G450 Z275 40
Aluminium 100 x 50
65 50 95 2.5 G450 Z275 40
CL
Cold galvanise RHS 125 x 75 75 120 3.0 G450 Z275 50
25 stiffener weld area for Aluminium stiffener 150 x 100 100 145 3.0 G450 Z275 50
pregalvanised (see note G3 on SD1363)
posts 200 x 100 100 195 3.0 G450 Z275 50
Connection plate
6mm galv. mild Erection cleat (E48/W50) 6 TABLE 2
steel 6mm galv.
mild steel
CHS/RHS CHS/RHS
SECTION 3
REAR ELEVATION
TRAFFIC SIGN
ERECTION CLEAT (Optional - see note G5 on SD1363) Size A4 Drawing No
B CONNECTION STRAP AND
RHS posts only Not 1364
ERECTION CLEAT DETAILS to Date 03/95
scale B
Appendix D
93
D
D
94
Tapered slots for bolts in upper Sign

5mm radius to face Bottom of
and lower base plates - radius sign face
to suit bolt diameter corners typ. 30° 30° 6mm fillet weld
full width of plate
25 Above cut
Appendix D
Refer to note B7 6
25
30 Z 100
20 50 RHS Cut 50 RHS
40 CHS behind 40 CHS
6mm
fillet weld
‘Sb’ above cut Fillet weld ‘Sf’
‘Sb’ 50 RHS ‘m’ 50 RHS
below cut
Diameter ‘V’ Fuse plate 40 CHS 40 CHS
galvanised to each side Post cut through at
vent drain hole fuse plate hinge
diagonally opposite Fillet weld
Fillet weld ‘Sf’ ‘Sf’ below
vent air hole below cut cut
Bolt dia.
SIDE ELEVATION (CHS/RHS) FRONT ELEVATION (CHS/RHS)
Above cut
Above cut Sign face
Sign face 6 (E41/W40) BREAKAWAY NOTES:
6 (E48/W50)
35 RHS width 35 35 CHS ouside diameter 35 B1. Refer to steel notes S1-5 on
(75 min. spacing) ‘Tf’ drawing No. SD1366.
B2. Slip base to be shop assembled
‘m’ with correct bolt tensioning prior
RHS BASEPLATE CHS BASEPLATE ‘m’ to transport to site where
X possible.
B3. High strength galvanised bolts to
be cleaned, lightly oiled and
tensioned as follows:
‘Tf’ Fuse plate radius M36 - 100Nm
4 galvanised. grade
X to suit CHS M20 - 30Nm
Nyloc nut 8.8 bolts, diameter ‘p’.
Supply 5 washers per outside radius M16 - 20Nm.
bolt. Shop assembled. RHS SECTION CHS SECTION B4. Assemble upper to lower base
Z Z
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Refer to note B3 for plate with one flat washer on each
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tightening torque. bolt between plates with washer
‘Tb’ 4 holes, 2mm 3mm above the keeper plate.
oversize on typ. FUSE PLATE DETAIL (TWO OR MORE SUPPORTS ONLY) B5. Seal gap between base plates with
2 washers bolt diameter E caulking compound.
Keeper plate Remove galvanising runs Refer to Table 3 for dimensions ‘Tf’, ‘m’, ‘Sf’ B6. Fillet weld of post to base plate to
see section Y or beads at washer area be with E48XX or W50X MIG
1.2mm thick welding.
MULTI POLE SLIPBASE DETAIL
1 washers on top galvanised POST WALL B7. The post ends at the cut are to be
steel keeper GRADE SLIP BASE DETAIL FUSE PLATE DETAIL full contact in accordance with
of keeper plate SIZE THICKNESS
‘Tb’ plate ‘Tb’ ‘p’ ‘Sb’ ‘V’ ‘Tf’ ‘m’ ‘Sf’ AS100 Cl. 14.4.4.2 requirements
65NB 3.2 C350 16 M16 8 25 8 45 3 for full contact compression
Baseplate splice.
2 washers under 80NB 3.2 C350 16 M16 8 25 8 55 3
75 bolt head outline B8. Weld at fuse plate:
90NB 3.2 C350 16 M16 8 25 8 60 3
X CHS RHS - E48XX or W50X MIG
100NB 3.6 C350 16 M16 8 25 8 70 3
Post extends into footing welding.
125NB 5.0/3.5 C250/C350 20 M16 8 32 8 85 3
similar to standard posts CHS - E41XX or W40X MIG
150NB 5.0/3.2 C250/C350 20 M20 8 32 8 100 3 welding.
Weld sizes are to be strictly
100 x 50 4.0 C450 20 M16 10 25 8 35 3
Standard Drawing No. 1365 – Traffic Sign Support Breakway Post Details (two or more supports)
Footing adhered to, to ensure satisfactory
125 x 75 3.0 C450 20 M16 8 32 8 60 3 performance of fuse plate hinge.
RHS 125 x 75 5.0 C450 25 M20 12 32 10 60 4
150 x 100 5.0 C350 25 M20 10 38 10 75 4
SLIP BASE DETAIL KEEPER PLATE 200 x 100 5.0 C350 25 M20 10 50 10 75 4
D Y TRAFFIC SIGN
Refer to Table 3 for dimensions ‘Tb’, ‘Sb’, ‘V’, ‘p’ T1 (65NB) 3.2 C350 16 M16
Size A4 Drawing No
TRUSS T2 (80 NB) 3.2 C350 16 M16 TRAFFIC SIGN SUPPORT
T3 (80 NB) 5.5 C350 20 M16 BREAKAWAY POST DETAILS Not 1365
to Date 09/95
TABLE 3 (TWO OR MORE SUPPORTS) scale C D

Sign face External fitted plug.
Diagonal braces to Top compressive 75 Refer note S6
unsupported leg. leg strut system. STEEL NOTES:
Refer note G4 Refer note G4 S1. Steel grades (FY) to be:
Section and plates to AS1204 - 250Mpa.
Sign attachment. CHS to AS1163 - 250/350/450 Mpa, as specified.
See detail Overhang varies
S2. Welded connections shall be with 6mm continuous fillet welds
on SD1364 to suit specified 150
in accordance with AS1554 category special purpose (SP), post length Level of top strut.
using electrode type E48XX/W50X MIG welding, (max 1.75S Refer note G4
Immediate leg strut except at fuse plate where E41XX/W40X electrodes are to be used. min 150 mm)
at 3m CTS max.
S3. All bolts are to be galvanised grade 8.8 unless noted otherwise. Pitch=2 x S
Fuse plate. (if required)
S4. All bolts, fitments, plates, etc. to be hot dipped galvanised, U.N.O.
Refer detail
on SD1367 S5. Corrosion protection. CHS post assembly to be hot dipped galvanised Pin diameter
(see note G7)

Sign height ‘B’
300g/m² after fabrication of fuse plate and slip base plates.
Truss spacing Bottom compressive S6. External end plugs are not to be fitted prior to galvanising. Post spacing (S)
2 Trusses: 0.6 x Sign Width leg strut system
3 Trusses: 0.35 x Sign Width
4 Trusses: 0.25 x Sign Width Bottom strut above
150 bottom of sign face.
BREAKAWAY NOTES: Refer note G4

< 2500 type A trusses (S=750) B1. Slip base bolts are to be cleaned, lightly oiled Fuse plate.
Bracing chord and adaptors * Refer detail
150mm
and tensioned as follows:
Post length as specified

to be used to align stubs on SD1367
S M36 - 100Nm
(breakaway and non-breakaway)

prior to concretre setting. > 2500 < 3250 type B
Refer Note G4 trusses (S=1000) M20 - 30Nm
M16 - 20Nm.
B2. Assemble upper to lower base plate with one flat
Slope concrete Slip base. washer on each bolt between plates with washer Horizontal web struts
surface away Refer SD1365 above the keeper plate.
200 from top and
from post at 1:6 B3. Seal gap between base plates with caulking
Clearance ‘H’
bottom of stubs.
2.1m min.
compound.
(see notes G6 & G7)

slip clearance ‘Hs’
B4. The post ends at the cut are to be full contact in

100 max. accordance with AS100 Cl. 14.4.4.2
requirements for full contact compression Horizontal 100 min.
Stubs embedded into splice. web strut
75 cover concrete footing
min. 300mm max.
Road
side 100 max.
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REAR ELEVATION * Adjust the overhang to avoid
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Depth (D)
Refer Table
having a fuse plate within

Stub Length (st)
Width (W) 50mm of a web node.
SIDE ELEVATION
TRUSS SPECIFICATION SLIP BASE DETAIL FUSE PLATE DETAIL* FOOTINGS
Standard Drawing No. 1366 – Traffic Sign Support Detail – Truss Type Breakway
Breadth (B) (see SD1365) (see SD1367)
POST WEB IN CLAY IN SAND
Post Post Wall Web Wall Pin Base Bolt Weld Weld Stub Stub
Truss Width Breadth Depth Width Breadth Depth
Spacing Dim. Thickness Grade Dim. Thickness Grade Dia. Plate Size Length Length Length Length
Type W(mm) B(mm) D(mm) W(mm) B(mm) D(mm)
S(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) (mm) Tb(mm) p n(mm) m(mm) st(mm) st(mm)
PLAN T1A 750 65NB 3.2 C350 25NB 3.2 C250 120 16 M16 40 45 500 1200 1300 1300 500 1200 1600 1600
GENERAL NOTES: T1B 1000 65NB 3.2 C350 25NB 3.2 C250 120 16 M16 40 45 500 1500 1300 1300 500 1500 1600 1600
G1. Standard post spacing is not to be altered without approval of principal. T2A 750 80NB 3.2 C350 25NB 4.0 C250 120 16 M16 45 55 500 1200 1600 1600 500 1200 1900 1900
G2. Refer to TC9382 for dimensions and specifications of type 1 & 2 aluminium panel CONCRETE NOTES: T2B 1000 80NB 3.2 C350 25NB 4.0 C250 120 16 M16 45 55 500 1500 1600 1600 500 1500 1900 1900
stiffeners. Refer to specification ES126 for fixings to sign face. C1. Concrete specification: T3A 750 80NB 5.5 C350 32NB 4.0 C250 190 20 M16 80 55 500 1200 2000 2000 500 1200 2000 2000
G3. Refer to SD1364 for details of connector straps. Slump 80mm
Max. aggregate 20mm T3B 1000 80NB 5.5 C350 32NB 4.0 C250 190 20 M16 80 55 500 1500 2000 2000 500 1500 2000 2000
G4. Refer to SD1367 for details of unsupported leg strut system and adaptor plate. 3
Min. cement content 250kg/m * Fuse plate location and details differ from standard slip base support details on SD1365.
G5. For non-slip base supports exclude keeper plate and fuse plate details. Base Assembly Max. water/cement ratio 0.55 TABLE 4
still required unless specified as not being required by principle. Concrete N25 to AS3600
DIMENSION WALL THICKNESS GRADE TRAFFIC SIGN
G6. Refer to MUTCD guidelines for sign clearances from kerb face and shoulder edge and
sign orientation to road. Also refer to SD1365 for breakaway post details. C2. Mechanically vibrate full depth of concrete. HORIZONTAL STRUTS 32NB 4.0 C250
Size A4 Drawing No
G7. Minimum slip clearance ‘Hs’ for breakaway posts is 2100 mm. Sign height ‘B’ must not DIAGONAL STRUTS 32NB 4.0 C250 TRAFFIC SIGN SUPPORT DETAIL
exceed 1.65 x ‘H’ for breakaway posts unless otherwise advised by principal. C3. Concrete poured directly against excavated hole
unless approved otherwise. DIAGONAL BRACES 40NB 4.0 C250 Not 1366
TRUSS TYPE BREAKAWAY to Date 09/95
TABLE 5 scale E F
Appendix D
95
D
D
96
1xM12 bolt Sign

150 from
top of
X
Struts Strut rear post
Road ce e
ra c
Appendix D
ra lb
side CHS ends n al b on a
Truss Cleat welded flattened Truss go g
X Dia Dia
to post 32 NB Struts Strut
Plane of ce ce
bra bra 3m CTS
diagonal o nal go nal
X iag Dia max.
bracing D
Cleat for Additional cleats Struts Strut 150 from
1xM12 bolt Flatten ends until there 1xM12 bolt
diagonal where more than bottom of
brace is no clash between two trusses
top & bottom CHS sign
(diagonal brace not
shown for clarity)
PLAN
75x75x8 PL cleat 50 40 NB CHS diagonal brace

All horizontal struts: 32 NB CHS
M12 Bolt All diagonal braces: 40 NB CHS SIDE ELEVATION
32 NB CHS diagonal strut
50 min. REAR ELEVATION
32 NB CHS horizontal strut m*
Above cut Above cut
n* (E41/W40) 6 6 (E41/W40)
Truss Z
rear post Below cut
60 wide 8 mm PL cleat n* Below cut 4 (E41/W40) Road strut
(E41/W40) 4 Truss axis onal
125 25 side Diag
Cut
Horizontal strut Bracing sets at top, bottom
FOR 3 POSTS and 3m CTS max. if required
ELEVATION * Refer to Table 4, SD1366 PLAN
axis
X
for dimensions ‘m’ and ‘n’.
Sign face
BRACING DETAIL BRACING INSTALLATION DIAGRAM
(to rear posts on trusses) ELEVATION SECTION
Z
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FUSE PLATE DETAIL M12 nut and
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LS washer
40 12
20 6 14 dia. hole 18 dia. hole
20 Vertical adaptor rod for
Traffic sign post 5 PL positioning the bracing
40
chord member on vertically
50 displaced footings
Adaptor rod 20 radius
11dia. 20 125 20 400 (2 required per bay)
90
Level
Adaptor piece to allow M12 nut and
bracing chord members LS washer
180 80 140 to be used to align stubs
Adaptor plate for footings
11dia. R4 Galvanised (4 required per bay)
mild steel 12 dia. threaded rod
R4
Standard Drawing No. 1367 – Traffic Sign Support Detail – Truss Type Breakway Bracing Details
11dia.
ADAPTOR PLATE AND ROD DETAIL
ELEVATION SIDE ELEVATION
Used either side of a post where a node interferes with the
TRAFFIC SIGN
location of a stiffener and attachment of connector straps.
Use normal bolt to attach to stiffener. TRAFFIC SIGN SUPPORT DETAIL Size A4 Drawing No
TRUSS TYPE BREAKAWAY Not 1367
SPREADER PLATE USE OF ADAPTOR PLATE AND ROD FOR LOCATION OF FOOTINGS to Date 05/95
BRACING DETAILS scale D

1800 max. 1800 max.
75mm 75mm
30° 30° Approved galvanised Approved galvanised

caps for posts caps for posts
Sign face
1.2mm thick galvanised

steel keeper plate
30
‘Sb’ refer
‘CHS/RHS’ Aluminium Aluminium

‘r’ Length of post panel Length of post panel
baseplate
similar to be ordered stiffeners to be ordered stiffeners
Note: Fuse plate detail is not used

on single post signs Clearance Clearance
0°
‘H’ * ‘H’ *
12

Corners
setout on
circular arc
10 50 NB
CHS post Length of stub
‘L’ * ‘L’ *
Bolts, diameter ‘p’

5 radius Post may need to be
75mm ‘d’ * * Refer to SD1363, Table 1 for ‘d’ * deformed at base to
Standard Drawing No. 1368 – Single Traffic Sign Support

‘v’ RHS post cover footing and typical details prevent rotation
similar
Metal wedge SLIP BASE OR ASSEMBLED POST LOW RISK OR FRANGIBLE SUPPORT
driven into soil L*
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CHS/RHS SINGLE POST SLIPBASE SINGLE POST SIGN
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* Refer to manufacturer’s
( Refer SLIP BASE DETAIL ) specification for guidance
D on insertion depth and
SD1365 50NB CHS post
connection details.
TYPICAL WEDGE INSTALLATION Dress-ring

50NB CHS post
FOR 50 NB POSTS
SINGLE POLE SLIPBASE DETAIL 50 Loc-socket
Sign face M8 x 90 long
POST SLIPBASE BOLT high tensile embeded into
RADIUS
DIMENSIONS THICKNESS DIAMETER Aluminium stiffener galv bolt concrete
‘r’ (mm)
(mm) ‘Tb’ (mm) ‘p’
50NB 16 M16 65 5 M10 galv. square neck Loc-socket
65NB 20 M16 70 cuphead bolts, incl.
80NB 20 M16 75 hex. nuts and washers Post embeded
CHS
90NB 32 M20 80 12mm dia. hole Connection strap. into concrete LOC-SOCKET OR SIMILAR
drilled on site See SD1364 for details
100NB 32 M20 100 SYSTEM - 50NB POSTS
125NB 32 M24 100 20mm long, M10
Strap tapped galvanised bolt
150NB 32 M24 115 for M10 bolt 65NB CHS galv sleeve
SECTION 2
100 x 50 x 4 32 M20 85
RHS 125 x 75 x 3 32 M24 100
TRAFFIC SIGN
125 x 75 x 5 32 M24 115 TYPICAL SINGLE POST TYPICAL SLEEVE Size A4 Drawing No
For Slip Base note see SD1365.
SINGLE
CONNECTION STRAP DETAIL INSTALLATION FOR 50NB POSTS Not 1368
For General Steel & Concrete notes see SD1363. to
TRAFFIC SIGN SUPPORT Date 02/2001
scale A B C
Appendix D
97
D
D
98
Standard post spacing (see note G1) GENERAL NOTES:

0.60 x sign width for 2 posts Post top
0.35 x sign width for 3 posts G1. Standard post spacing must not to be altered
taper 1:6 1800 without approval of principal. Tables in the
150 max. 0.25 x sign width for 4 posts max. Road Sign Design Manual specifiy reduced
overhang sign width limits for increased spacing of 2
post supports.
Appendix D
Typical D G2. Refer to MUTCD guidelines for sign
69 clearances from kerb face and shoulder edge
Aluminium and sign orientation to road. Also refer to note
Sign height panel stiffeners G6 for breakaway posts.
‘B’ (see note G3)
500 max. G3. Refer to TC9382 for dimensions and
stiffener specifications of type 1 & 2 aluminium panel
spacing stiffeners. Refer to specification ES126 for
Type 2 fixings to sign face.
aluminium G4. Selection of foundation type and strength
B/C panel category to be approved by principal.
B/C stiffeners
69 G5. Footing depth ‘L’ is embedment length into
100 max. 69 soil of strength category tabulated. Disregard
overhang loose top soil and fill when measuring footing
depth.
Sawn or round Breakaway base A
Clearance G6. Minimum clearance ‘H’ for breakaway posts
timber posts
‘H’ 69 is 2100 mm.
(refer Table 1 for details) Sawn timber
(see notes
G2 & G6) Sawn timber largest
smallest dimension TIMBER NOTES:
dimension A Breakaway base
Ground level at footing T1. Durability and preservative treatment
69 See SD1451 to be confirmed prior (i) Plantation softwood posts, round or
to fabrication of posts sawn, shall be preservative treated in
‘L’ accordance with AS1604 to ‘H4’ level. Sawn
Slope concrete timber shall have a maximum of 20% of
surface away untreated heartwood.
Post
from post at 1:6 ‘L’ Refer to Table 1 (ii) Hardwood posts shall be durability class
embedded
into concrete (see note G5) for footing and 1 or 2 and shall have any sapwood present
footings typical details preservative treated in accordance with AS
‘d’ 1604 to ‘H4’ level.
T2. Strength
Standard Drawing No. 1450 – Traffic Sign Support Timber Posts

FRONT ELEVATION (i) Round plantation softwood posts shall be
‘d’ minimum strength group S5.
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(ii) Sawn plantation softwood posts shall be
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FRONT ELEVATION SIDE ELEVATION minimum stress grade F5 in accordance with
SINGLE POST SIGN the relevant Australian standard for visual,
POST SPECIFICATION FOOTINGS (SEE NOTE G4) machine or proof grading.
COHESIVE CLAY SOILS COHESIONLESS SAND SOILS (iii) Sawn hardwood posts shall be a
POST GRADE FIRM TO STIFF VERY STIFF LOOSE TO MEDIUM DENSE minimum stress grade of F8/F14 as noted on
DIMENSIONS (mm) d (mm) L (mm) d (mm) L (mm) d (mm) L (mm) d (mm) L (mm) Table 1.
125 ø F14 300 700 300 600 300 1000 300 800 T3. Tolerances
CONCRETE NOTES:
150 ø F14 300 900 300 750 300 1100 300 900 (i) Round plantation softwood posts shall be
ROUNDS
175 ø F14 450 900 450 750 450 1200 300 1200 C1. Concrete specification: machined round and shall be -0, +4mm of
200 ø F14 450 1200 450 900 450 1350 450 1200 nominal diameter.
Slump 80mm (ii) Sawn timber posts shall be ±3mm of
150 x 75 F8 300 900 300 750 300 1100 300 900 Max. aggregate 20mm nominal dimensions.
175 x 75 F8 450 800 300 800 300 1200 300 1000 Concrete N25 to AS3600
(iii) All posts shall have a maximum spring or
200 x 75 F8 450 900 450 750 450 1200 300 1200 bow of 12mm in 2.4m or equivalent.
C2. Mechanically vibrate full depth of concrete.
SAWN 200 x 100 F8 450 1200 450 900 450 1350 450 1200
T4. Moisture content
HARDWOOD C3. Concrete poured directly against excavated Unseasoned timber posts shall have their end
150 x 75 F14 450 900 450 750 450 1200 300 1200 hole unless approved otherwise.
175 x 75 F14 450 1050 450 800 450 1300 450 1200
grain sealed and plated to minimise splitting
and shrinking cracks.
200 x 75 F14 450 1200 450 900 450 1350 450 1200
200 x 100 F14 450 1350 450 1100 450 1600 450 1300
TRAFFIC SIGN
SAWN 150 x 75 F5 300 700 300 600 300 1000 300 800
PINE 200 x 75 F5 450 750 450 600 450 900 450 750 Size A4 Drawing No
200 x 100 F5 450 750 450 750 450 900 450 750 TRAFFIC SIGN SUPPORT
Not 1450
TIMBER POSTS to Date 09/95
TABLE 1 scale A B

Sign face Sign face M10 bolt and
orientation orientation stiffener - refer
Standard dwg.
50 x 3 G450 ‘t’ No. 1364
B Z275 galvanised
steel brackets M10 bolt and
A
50 stiffener - refer
Slot Standard dwg.
No. 1364
‘w’
400
5 50
‘r’ Z275 galvanised

Central core steel strap
diameter, Dc Keyhole
diameter, Dk Bracket both sides
for 175 & 200 deep
75 hardwood posts only
50 No.14 type 17 hex head
galv screws (50 long) thru
pre drilled strap (6mm hole)
50

25
‘v’
2 - No.14 type 17 hex
Holes through for head galv screws
concrete filling (50 long) to each
of core, ø6 hole ø11 hole
Concrete bracket. Brackets
Diameter Dh pre drilled.
@300 crs footing
STIFFENER CONNECTION
Standard Drawing No. 1451 – Timber Support Details

STIFFENER CONNECTION A
STRAP DETAIL - ROUNDS
B
Dc Dk STRAP DETAIL - SAWN
M10 galv. square neck cuphead
bolt, incl. hex. nuts and washers
Aluminium M10 galv. square neck cuphead
@seismicisolation
stiffeners bolt, incl. hex. nuts and washers Aluminium
@seismicisolation
stiffeners
SECTION A SECTION B
5
ROUND TIMBER SAWN TIMBER 5
Typical 50x3
BREAKAWAY BASE connection
A straps to Connection strap
both sides refer A
of post
CONNECTION STRAP
POST GRADE BREAKAWAY BASE
ROUNDS SAWN
SIZE (mm) Pre drilled
Dc(mm) Dh(mm) Dk(mm) ‘r’ ‘w’ ‘v’ ‘t’ No. PER POST 6mm hole
125 ø F14 - - - 63 60 40 2.5 - M10 galv. coach bolt
150 ø F14 75 50 - 75 72 40 2.5 - 50 embedment
ROUNDS
175 ø F14 100 75 - 88 85 40 2.5 -
200 ø F14 125 75 - 100 97 50 3.0 -
SINGLE POST CONNECTION
150 x 75 F8/F14 - - 25 - - - - 1 D
SAWN 175 x 75 F8/F14 - - 50 - - - - 2
STRAP DETAIL - ROUNDS
HARDWOOD 200 x 75 F8/F14 - - 75 - - - - 2
200 x 100 F8/F14 - - 75 - - - - 2
SINGLE POST CONNECTION TRAFFIC SIGN
150 x 75 F5 - - - - - - - 1 D
SAWN Size A4 Drawing No
200 x 75 F5 - - 75 - - - - 1 STRAP DETAIL - SAWN
PINE TIMBER SUPPORT
200 x 100 F5 - - 75 - - - - 1 Not 1451
DETAILS to Date 09/95
TABLE 2 scale C D
Appendix D
99

Design Guide For Roadside Signs Manual Traffic Engineering Road

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Design Guide For Roadside Signs Manual Traffic Engineering Road

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Design Guide

For document control enquiries contact: Document Control Officer

© The State of Queensland Department of Main Roads, 2001

Traffic & Road Use Management Division

Design Guide for Roadside Signs

G Internal Mail G Post Enquiries

Internal Holder External Holder

G Main Roads G Held by Organisation, Association etc. (eg library)

Request for Modification to Guide Content:

Review (by Traffic Engineering & Road Safety Branch)

Signature .............................................................. Date .....................................................................

Traffic Engineering Section – Traffic & Road Use Management

This page is purposely

SECTION 1. SCOPE AND INTRODUCTION ..................................................................1

SECTION 2. DESIGN WIND PRESSURE .......................................................................3

SECTION 3. SIGN DESIGN ............................................................................................6

SECTION 4. CLEAR ZONE CRITERIA .........................................................................15

SECTION 5. SIGN FACE CONSTRUCTION .................................................................24

5.2.2 Standard construction ........................................................................................30

SECTION 6. SIGN ERECTION .....................................................................................38

SECTION 7. SIGN FOUNDATIONS ..............................................................................49

SECTION 8. SIGN SUPPORTS ....................................................................................50

8.3.4 Breakaway supports ...........................................................................................53

SECTION 9. STORAGE AND HANDLING OF SIGNS ..................................................56

This page is purposely

DEPARTMENT OF MAIN ROADS

SECTION 1. SCOPE AND INTRODUCTION

1.5 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

85th percentile speed (V85 km/h):

SECTION 2. DESIGN WIND PRESSURE

2.2 FAILURE MODE

2.2.2 Timber supports

2.3 STRUCTURE IMPORTANCE MULTIPLIER

2.6 TERRAIN CATEGORY

2 2.7 GANTRIES AND CANTILEVERS

2.8 SPECIAL LOCATIONS

2.9 SELECTION OF REGION AND EXPOSURE

2.10 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TABLE 2.1 APPLICATION TABLES FOR REGIONS

A – Exposed 0 – 10m² B.3.2 (RHS/CHS)

B – Exposed 0 – 10m² B.3.3 (RHS/CHS)

C – Exposed 0 – 10m² B.3.4 (RHS/CHS)

D – Exposed 0 – 10m² B.3.4 (RHS/CHS) Increase one section size

Derby Ivanhoe Burketown Cooktown

FIGURE 2.1 GEOGRAPHIC REGION

SECTION 3. SIGN DESIGN

3 3.2 SIGNS OF STANDARD DESIGN

3.3 SIGNS REQUIRING INDIVIDUAL DESIGN

TABLE 3.1 ALPHABET SERIES USAGE

Alphabet Usage Legibility Distance

A Only used for signs which do not have

FIGURE 3.1 LETTER SERIES AND SPACING

3.4.1 Selection of letter series

TABLE 3.2 GUIDE SIGNS

Sign Type Environment Comment

ADVANCE DIRECTION SIGNS

Multi-paneled G1-1, G1-2 and G1-6 As Above As Above

TABLE 3.2 GUIDE SIGNS (cont’d)

Sign Type Environment Comment

Diagrammatic G1-3, G1-5 As Above As Above

LANE DESIGNATION SIGNS

Multiple Direction/ lane G9-42, Calculate for

INTERSECTION DIRECTION SIGNS