Análise da retrorrefletividade na sinalização viária de um trecho urbano da Avenida Caverá na cidade de Alegrete-RS

Abstract

In order to have an efficient horizontal signage, glass microspheres must be applied to the demarcation. The use of microspheres causes an amplification of the light reflected by the signage back to the driver's eyes due to the retroreflectivity effect, resulting in a better perception for drivers, consequently, a reduction in the number of accidents on the highways. In this sense, this work consisted of monitoring the retroreflectivity during a period of one year in an urban section of the Caverá Avenue, located in Alegrete, RS. The objective was to evaluate how the visibility is affected over time considering different paint thicknesses, types and densities of microspheres. Monitoring was carried out with a horizontal retroreflectometer for the 15- and 30-meter geometries. For a period of one year, the results did not show major changes in retroreflectivity measurements between the first and last day of evaluation, however there is a tendency towards greater durability (time until the signage is redone) for signs with a greater quantity of microspheres and greater paint thickness. On the other hand, thinking from a cost-benefit point of view, the results showed that the sample with the smallest paint thickness (0.3 mm) containing 200 g/l of Type-IB microspheres and 400 g/m2 of Type-IIA microspheres proved to be more advantageous compared to the other samples evaluated, since the theoretical model used revealed a durability similar to the best case (greater quantity of microspheres (density) and greater paint thickness), but at a much lower cost. Comparing the best cost-benefit sample with the sample commonly used on highways (paint thickness of 0.5 mm containing 200 g/l of Type-IB microspheres and 400 g/m2 of Type-IIA microspheres), the durability, according to model used, increases by 40% while the cost per kilometer decreases by 30%. Continuous monitoring for a longer period will allow, with greater precision, to determine the ideal time for repainting, contributing to cost reduction and increased traffic safety. Keywords: Retroreflectivity, horizontal road markings, road maintenance, glass beads, road safety.