Testing and Evaluation of Work Zone Traffic Control Devices (May 1 to August 31, 1991)

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is currently using or considering to use various plastic traffic control devices in work zones. Of special interest are chevron signs, vertical panels, and flashing or steady burn lights mounted on plastic drums. Since there are no existing standards or guidelines governing the impact performance of these traffic control devices and the devices have not been subjected to full-scale crash testing, there is a need to evaluate the impact performance of these traffic control devices. This is the third study in the continuing effort by TxDOT to evaluate the impact performance of these traffic control devices. The specific objectives of the report are to: (1) evaluate an add-on sand-filled compartment for the base of a plastic drum manufactured by Flex-O-Lite, (2) evaluate the impact performance of various sign substrates, and (3) develop specifications for plastic drums.