ONTARIO

PROVINCIAL METRIC
STANDARD OPSS 1715
SPECIFICATION FEBRUARY 1991

MATERIAL SPECIFICATION FOR

PREFORMED PLASTIC PAVEMENT MARKING TAPE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1715.01 SCOPE

1715.02 REFERENCES

1715.03 DEFINITIONS

1715.05 MATERIALS

1715.05.01 General
.02 Colour
.03 Adhesive
.04 Material Composition
.05 Physical Property Requirements
.06 Service Test

1715.07 PRODUCTION

1715.07.01 General
.02 Quality Control

1715.08 QUALITY ASSURANCE

1715.08.01 Acceptance Criteria

.02 Quality Control of Production Batches
.03 Storage

1715.09 AUTHORITY PURCHASE OF MATERIAL BY PURCHASE ORDER

1715.09.01 Certificate of Compliance

.02 Delivery and Packaging of Preformed Plastic Pavement Marking Tape
.03 Measurement and Payment

1715.10 DESIGNATED SOURCES REQUIREMENTS

1715.01 SCOPE

This specification covers the requirements for reflective and non-reflective preformed plastic pavement
marking tapes which are suitable for use onto concrete and bituminous pavements.

Page 1 Rev. Date: 02/1991 OPSS 1715

1715.02 REFERENCES

This specification refers to the following standards, specifications or publications:

Ontario Provincial Standard Specifications, Materials:

OPSS 1750 Traffic Paint Reflectorizing Glass Beads

Canadian General Standards Board:

CGSB 1-GP-12C-1983 - Standard Paint Colours

American Society for Testing and Materials:

ASTM D523-89 - Method for Specular Gloss

ASTM D638-87b - Tensile Properties of Plastics

ASTM D713-87 - Conducting Road Service Tests on Traffic Paint

ASTM D1000-88a - Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive-Coated Tapes Used for Electrical and Electronic
Applications

ASTM D4505-85 - Preformed Plastic Pavement Marking Tape for Extended Service Life

ASTM D4592-86 - Preformed Plastic Pavement Marking Tape for Limited Service Life

ASTM E97-82(1987) - Method for 45-deg., 0-deg. Directional Reflectance Factor of Opaque
Specimens by Broad-Band Filter

ASTM E303-83 - Measuring Surface Frictional Properties Using the British Pendulum Tester

United States Federal Standard:

U.S. FED-STD-595B Dec. 15, 1989 - Colours Used in Government Procurement

International Commission on Illumination:

CIE 1976 - L*,a*,b* Uniform Colour Space and Colour Difference Equation.

1715.03 DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this specification, the following definitions shall apply:

Compliance Certification: refers to the procedure and requirements for establishing an approved
Source of Materials.

Durable Preformed Plastic Pavement Marking Tape: refers to preformed plastic pavement marking
tape with extended service life period, with a minimum service period of 2 years when placed conforming
to the manufacturer's recommended procedures on pavement surfaces with an annual average daily
traffic, AADT of about 20,000.

Fingerprinting: refers to the testing of preformed plastic pavement marking tape by Gas
Chromatographic method and other techniques for verification purposes.

Page 2 Rev. Date: 02/1991 OPSS 1715

Preformed Plastic Pavement Marking Tape: refers to plastic material specifically designed and
preformed into pliable rolls or ribbons of various lengths and width or into symbols either white, yellow, or
black for use as pavement marking on concrete or bituminous pavement.

Reflectorization: refers to a material, treatment or process to enable incident light to be returned in high
proportions in the general direction of the light source.

Service Test: refers to the evaluation of pavement marking materials on a test deck and performance
rating prior to compliance certification.

Temporary Preformed Plastic Pavement Marking Tape: refers to preformed plastic pavement marking
tape with a limited service life, and a minimum service period of 3 months when placed in conformance
with the manufacturer's recommended procedures on pavement surfaces with an annual average daily
traffic, AADT of about 20,000.

1715.05 MATERIALS

1715.05.01 General

Only material properties which are necessary for proper installation and satisfactory performance of
preformed plastic pavement marking tape are specified here. The material as supplied, shall be free of
cracks, and have edges true, straight and unbroken conforming to ASTM D4505. Preformed plastic
pavement marking tape of all types shall have a uniform width and thickness.

The material used in the manufacture of preformed plastic pavement marking tape shall be of high quality
so that the appearance will not change in service to impair the colour or the visibility of the delineation.

1715.05.02 Colour

The preformed plastic pavement marking tape shall conform to the following colour requirements:

White - CGSB 1-GP-12C white 513-301.

Yellow - hall match either the yellow traffic paint chip of the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario or U.S.
Federal 595B, Yellow 33538.

Black - CGSB 1-GP-12C black 512-301.

The tolerance in colour allowed is as follows in CIE L*, a*, b* Uniform Colour Space and Colour
Difference Equation when calculated from instrumentally measured colour differences conforming to
ASTM D 2244:

White L* = +2 and -1.5 max

a* = +1.5 and -1 max
b* = +4 and -4 max

Yellow - MTO L* = +2 and -1.5 max

a* = +3 and -1.5 max
b* = +7 and -1.5 max

Yellow - U.S. L* = -2 and +4 max

a* = -6 and +4 max
b* = -9 and +10 max

Page 3 Rev. Date: 02/1991 OPSS 1715

1715.05.03 Adhesive

The preformed plastic pavement marking tape shall be either precoated with a factory applied adhesive at
the base or supplied with a suitable adhesive and any other material such as a primer that is necessary
for installation of the tape onto the pavement.

1715.05.04 Material Composition

The material composition of the preformed plastic pavement marking tape shall be at the discretion of the
manufacturer and shall be certified by the Authority.

1715.05.05 Physical Property Requirements

The physical properties of the preformed plastic pavement marking tape submitted for compliance
certification shall conform to Table 1.

Samples are required by the Authority for laboratory testing. The supplier shall submit with each test
sample, one complete set of data on physical properties, application procedure, and material safety for
Preformed Plastic Pavement Marking Tape.

1715.05.06 Service Test

Preformed plastic pavement marking tape conforming to 1715.05.06, Table 1 shall be submitted for
service test when requested by the Authority.

Preformed plastic pavement marking tape for extended service, durable preformed plastic tape will be
service tested conforming to the following:

a. Test deck location and time for installation shall be determined by the Authority.

b. The test strips shall be 10 cm in width and installed transversely across the lanes of the road. The
installation of the preformed plastic pavement marking tape will be made by personnel from the
supplier/manufacturer or his agent using the pieces of equipment recommended by the manufacturer
for installation.

c. A service test shall consist of installation of test stripes of pre-formed plastic pavement marking
tape(s), onto bituminous or a concrete pavement with about 20,000 AADT.

d. Ease of application and quality and nature of the stripes will be assessed.

e. The installed tape will be inspected periodically and its service performance will be rated by the
Authority as outlined in Table 2.

f. Approval will be given after two years of service rating of durable preformed plastic pavement
marking tape, providing the material conforms to Table 2 and meets the conditions of 1715.05.05.

Temporary preformed plastic pavement marking tape(s) of removable type shall conform to this
specification and also to ASTM D 4592 except that the required minimum service life is 3 months at about
20,000 AADT.

1715.07 PRODUCTION

1715.07.01 General

In order to qualify as a supplier of preformed plastic marking tape, a manufacturer must satisfy the
following minimum requirements:

Page 4 Rev. Date: 02/1991 OPSS 1715

a. Adequate production facilities;

b. A laboratory sufficiently equipped and staffed to provide a quality control program which will ensure
compliance with this specification; and

c. Properly documented production, sampling and testing procedures and methods.

1715.07.02 Quality Control

A manufacturer shall be responsible for carrying out a quality control program to ensure that the
preformed plastic pavement marking tape(s) conform(s) to this specification.

1715.08 QUALITY ASSURANCE

1715.08.01 Acceptance Criteria

The Authority may request samples to be taken from the shipments of preformed plastic pavement
marking tape for quality assurance testing. Samples shall be taken from each batch produced for delivery
to the Authority. Criteria for accepting the preformed tape include the following requirements and
tolerances:

a. Composition as determined by fingerprinting and other tests shall not vary by more than ± 5% from
that of the reference sample.

b. Colour difference, ∆E shall be within ± 1.5 of the value established on the reference sample.

c. Directional Reflectance, Y shall not vary by more than ± 3 and have a minimum value of 65 and 45 for
white and yellow tapes respectively.

d. Retroreflectance shall not vary by more that ± 10 mcd/m2/lux.

Viscosity and the infrared spectograph of any adhesive and/or primer shall match that obtained for the
approved reference samples.

1715.08.02 Quality Control of Production Batches

a. One metre sections of each type and colour of the tapes, and a section of legends and/or symbols
shall be supplied to the Authority for laboratory testing from each production batch.

b. 200 ml of primer or adhesive, if the use of such surface preparation material or adhesive is
recommended by the manufacturer, from each production batch, to be supplied to the Authority.

1715.08.03 Storage

The preformed plastic pavement marking tape shall conform to this specification after storage.

1715.09 AUTHORITY PURCHASE OF MATERIAL BY PURCHASE ORDER

1715.09.01 Certificate of Compliance

The manufacturer shall submit a certificate of compliance, with tenders, indicating that the physical
properties, material composition, and installation characteristics of all of the manufacturer's production
batches of preformed plastic pavement marking tapes for the Authority shall conform to this specification
and shall not deviate from the allowable tolerances, unless approved by the Authority.

Page 5 Rev. Date: 02/1991 OPSS 1715

1715.09.02 Delivery and Packaging of Preformed Plastic Pavement Marking Tape

The delivery schedule, delivery location, colour, type, and quantity shall be as specified on the Authority's
Purchase Order.

Each package of preformed plastic pavement marking tape shall be clearly identified with the following
information:

a. manufacturer's name and address

b. types and colour of preformed plastic pavement marking tape
c. manufacturer's code and batch numbers
d. dimension and length or numbers of legends and symbols
e. date of manufacture.

1715.09.03 Measurement and Payment

The unit of measurement for preformed plastic pavement marking tapes will be in metres. All legends
and symbols will be numerically counted.

Payment for supplying preformed plastic pavement marking tape shall as specified on the Authority's
purchase order.

1715.10 DESIGNATED SOURCES REQUIREMENTS

In order for a Supplier to be considered for addition to the List of Designated Sources of the Ministry of
Transportation, Ontario, for preformed plastic pavement marking tape, the manufacturer shall supply a
production sample of the preformed plastic pavement marking tape to the Ministry along with complete
material data in a prescribed form PAV.M.1715, available at the Ministry for conformance testing.

If the test sample conforms to this specification and the Ministry is satisfied that the Supplier has the
equipment and ability to produce the material in bulk quantities, then the Ministry, upon written request to
the Manager, Purchasing and Supply Office of the Ministry of Transportation, 1201 Wilson Ave.,
Downsview, Ontario, M3M 1J8 will place the Supplier on the List of Designated Sources for Materials.

Subsequent changes in formulation, the inability to maintain quality production or to meet commitments,
or failure to conform to this specification shall be cause for cancellation of approval and shall necessitate
application for reapproval.

Page 6 Rev. Date: 02/1991 OPSS 1715

 TABLE 1

PHYSICAL PROPERTY REQUIREMENTS FOR

PREFORMED PLASTIC PAVEMENT MARKING TAPE

Durable Preformed Temp. Preformed Test Methods

Property Plastic Tape Plastic Tape

Min. Max. Min. Max. ASTM Others

Directional Reflectance % E97
White 65 65
Yellow 45 45
Black Temporary 12

Retroreflectance Instrument
mcd/m2/lux Mirolux 12
White ** **
Yellow ** **
Black Temporary **

Tensile Strength MPa 7.5* D638

Elongation at Break % 50 50 D638

Adhesion at
10°C 500 500 D1000
24°C 500 500 D1000
g/25.4 mm of width

60° Gloss D 523

White 10 10
Yellow 10 10
Black Temporary 5

Skid Resistance ** ** E-303

BPN Units

* This requirement is applicable to temporary preformed tape of removable type.

** Values to be established.

Page 7 Rev. Date: 02/1991 OPSS 1715

 TABLE 2

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR SERVICE TEST AT ABOUT 20,000 AADT

FOR PREFORMED PLASTIC PAVEMENT MARKING TAPE

Performance Requirements

Property Temp. Durable Tape Test

Tape
Method
3 Mths 1 yr 2 yr 3 yr 4 yr 5 yr
Directional Reflectance %
White ≥ 65 ≥ 50 ≥ 50 ≥ 50 ≥ 50 ≥ 50 E97
Yellow ≥ 45 ≥ 35 ≥ 35 ≥ 35 ≥ 35 ≥ 35
Black Temporary ≤ 12

Retroreflectance
mcd/m2/lux
White * * * * * * Instrument
Yellow * * * * * * Mirolux
Black Temporary * 12

Durability % ≥ 95 ≥ 95 > 90 > 80 ≥ 75 ≥ 70 MTO**

Appearance ≥8 ≥8 ≥7 ≥6 ≥5 ≥5 D713 & MTO

***

* Values to be established.

** Durability is calculated, first by estimating the % wear from the photographs/video images of stripes
taken at test sites, and then deducting the value obtained from 100.

*** Rating 1 - 10; Perfect Score is 10.

Rating made on inspection of the markings by a panel of evaluators from the Authority.

Page 8 Rev. Date: 02/1991 OPSS 1715

 FORM PAV.M 1715
Page 1

PREFORMED PLASTIC PAVEMENT MARKING TAPE MATERIAL DATA FORM

A. MANUFACTURER’S NAME _____________________________________________

ADDRESS _____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

TELEPHONE NO. _______________________________

B. SAMPLE IDENTIFICATION
Commercial/Trade Name of Sample _____________________________________________
Manufacturer’s Code No. ______________________________________
Batch No. ______________________________________
Colour ______________________________________
Width ______________________________________
Thickness ______________________________________
Date of Manufacture ______________________________________

C. MATERIAL COMPOSITION
Resins and Conditioners wt % ___________________________________________________
Pigments and Fillers wt % ___________________________________________________
Beads wt, % ___________________________________________________

D. TEST DATA
1. Preformed Tape
a. Tensile strength, Mpa ASTM D638
at 24°C 0.6 cm/min ___________________

b. Elongation and Break % ASTM D638

0.6 cm/min ___________________

c. Adhesion at 10°C ASTM D1000

g/25.4 mm at 24°C ___________________
Softening Point °C ASTM E28 ___________________

2. Adhesive and Primer, if used separately

Primer Adhesive
Viscosity 25°C ASTM D562 ________________ _______________

E. MATERIAL SAFETY DATA

 FORM PAV.M. 1715
Page 2

F. PROCEDURE FOR OVERLAY AND INLAY APPLICATION/INSTALLATION

1. Pavement Surface Preparation Procedure ___________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

2. Pavement Temperature Range for Installation

Minimum °C __________________________________
Maximum °C __________________________________

3. Air Temperature
Minimum °C __________________________________

4. Humidity Maximum % __________________________________

5. Adhesive Application Procedure __________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

6. Type of Pavement * where the application is recommended ____________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

7. Equipment for Installation _______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

8. Any Other Relevant Information __________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________

* Refers to the age of the pavement, the surface texture, e.g. OFC, DFC, and whether it is asphalt
or concrete.

NOTE: This form must be completed in full and forwarded with tape sample. Samples submitted
without a completed Data Form will not be considered.