Analysis of optical parameters of materials used for road markings

Piotr Jaskowski; Piotr Tomczuk; Marcin Chrzanowicz; Paweł Skierczyński; Artur Sakowski

doi:10.7409/rabdim.025.040

Published: 2025-12-23

Vol. 24 No. 4 (2025)

Analysis of optical parameters of materials used for road markings

Piotr Jaskowski

, Piotr Tomczuk

, Marcin Chrzanowicz

, Paweł Skierczyński

, Artur Sakowski

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.7409/rabdim.025.040

Abstract

The study aimed to determine the optical parameters of road pavement markings using both stationary and dynamic measurement methods. The research described in the article was conducted on ten road sections with different surface types and marking technologies. The analyses enabled the determination of the retroreflection coefficient R_L, luminance coefficients Q_D/β, and verification of marking contrast. The practical feasibility of using the dynamic method to determine contrast DC and evaluate road markings was demonstrated. Results indicated significantly higher R_L and Q_D values for thick-layer markings compared to those of thin-layer markings. For example, the minimum required R_L value for expressways is 150 mcd/lx/m². In contrast, the surveyed sections achieved thick-layer markings of up to 573 mcd/lx/m², while thin-layer markings ranged from 25 to 185 mcd/lx/m². The conclusions highlight the need for regular monitoring of marking conditions (especially R_L and Q_D), the use of materials that ensure durable retroreflection, and the utilisation of dynamic measurements for assessing longer road sections.

Keywords:

dynamic/stationary methods, pavement marking, retroreflection, traffic safety, visibility

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Jaskowski, P., Tomczuk, P., Chrzanowicz, M., Skierczyński, P., & Sakowski, A. (2025). Analysis of optical parameters of materials used for road markings. Roads and Bridges – Drogi I Mosty, 24(4), 597–606. https://doi.org/10.7409/rabdim.025.040

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Piotr Jaskowski

piotr.jaskowski@pw.edu.pl
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6563-1917

Affiliation:

Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Transport, 75 Koszykowa St., 00-662 Warsaw Poland

Piotr Tomczuk

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2357-5961

Affiliation:

Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Transport, 75 Koszykowa St., 00-662 Warsaw Poland

Marcin Chrzanowicz

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9203-5208

Affiliation:

Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, 1 Politechniki Sq., 00-661 Warsaw Poland

Paweł Skierczyński

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0912-5163

Affiliation:

Road and Bridge Research Institute, 1 Instytutowa St., 03-302 Warsaw Poland

Artur Sakowski

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3450-8713

Affiliation:

Road and Bridge Research Institute, 1 Instytutowa St., 03-302 Warsaw Poland

Analysis of optical parameters of materials used for road markings

Abstract

Keywords:

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Piotr Jaskowski

Piotr Tomczuk

Marcin Chrzanowicz

Paweł Skierczyński

Artur Sakowski