Date of Award:

5-2012

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Kevin Heaslip

Committee

Kevin Heaslip

Committee

Paul J. Barr

Committee

Anthony Chen

Abstract

The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) now specifies minimum retroreflectivity requirements. These requirements include an obligation for agencies to develop a strategy for maintaining compliance. With budget considerations, it is important that transportation agencies be able to efficiently assess the performance of their assets and adopt management strategies to comply with such requirements. As a foundational work, this research develops specific methodology for assessing the condition and performance of sign assets that are maintained by a large transportation agency. In doing so, this research provides for the determination of key elements that should be considered when developing any sign asset management strategy. This work incorporates and builds upon previous research in order to develop an assessment strategy that can provide new insight and understanding into where sign asset management efforts should be focused. Given the conditions unique to the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) sign assets, the findings of this research present a potential paradigm shift from the previous assumptions regarding the best prospective management practices. Sign damage was determined to be the primary issue affecting the nighttime visibility of UDOT maintained signs. By controlling damage issues within UDOT's sign assets, retroreflectivity compliance may be maintained. The findings of this research provide for new options and considerations in managing both sign retroreflectivity and nighttime visibility at a large scale.

Checksum

182c6030aad35ab1617e649863d0359c

Comments

This work made publicly available electronically on May 11, 2012.

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