Learning About Road Surface Markings

We drive over them, alongside them, behind them, and we obey them. Surface stripes and pavement markings serve a very important purpose in traffic and road systems, and play a major role in the organization, functionality, and safety of drivers and pedestrians. But many drivers are unsure about the different colors, applications, and meanings behind the most common pavement stripes and markings. It is important to know this information so you can be safer on the road. To improve your driving acumen and security, continue reading to learn about pavement stripes and marks.

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Road Stripes and Markings

Road surface markings and striping is any material or device used to assist or convey official information to motorists and pedestrians. They are either mechanical, non-mechanical, or temporary, and used in several applications, including parking lots, roads, highways, toll booths, school zones, pedestrian crossings, and more. And today, there are new innovative technologies available for road marking systems, such as retro-reflectivity, that lasts longer and costs less to apply. So we can count on reliable traffic and pedestrian surface markings for years to come. Below is a review of some common road markers, and the purpose they serve.

Mechanical Markers

Botts’ Dots – A type of mechanical non-reflective marker that is raised off the ground in the form of small mounds, or “dots.” They are used to indicate the edges of traffic lanes and are commonly used in combination with raised reflective markers. Botts’ dots are also used to alert motorists of highway toll booths, school lanes, and speed limit reductions. Since they are easily damaged by snow plows, they are usually used in areas with warmer climates.

Rumble Strips – If you have ever accidentally veered off the road, then you have probably experienced driving over rumble strips. They are repetitive troughs carved into the pavement (generally 1 cm deep and 10 cm wide) on the edges of roads to alert or awake drivers that are falling asleep or not paying attention. When you drive on rumble strips, your vehicle shakes and vibrates as it moves over the deep ridges.

Raised Reflective Markers – Also called road studs, these markers are reflective, making them more visible at night and in poor weather. They are raised off the ground, usually in the form of dots or small squares, and used as travel lane dividers, median markers, exit slip-road markers.

Non-Mechanical Markers

Paint – The most common form of non-mechanical road markers is paint, sometimes containing retroreflective glass beads. The primary colors of road paint depend largely on locality, but generally include white, yellow, red, blue, and orange. Paint markers are used for a wide variety of purposes in terms of road systems and pavement, including driving lanes, parking lots, handicap parking, no-parking zones, time-restricted parking, loading zones, and much more.

Yellow Lines – Yellow lines are used to mark the center of two-way streets that have two-way traffic lanes. If the center yellow lines are dashes instead of solid lines, you can pass on a two-way street with two-way traffic. However, if they are solid, you cannot. So this means you cannot drive to the left of these lines.

White Lines – White lines are applied in the center and on the shoulder of a two-lane road to advise traffic traveling in your direction. If the lines are solid, you cannot legally pass on the road. If they are broken up into dashes, you can legally pass other vehicles if the way is clear.

ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc.

Parking Lot Paving Indianapolis Indiana

Indianapolis Paving 317-549-1833

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc. at 317-549-1833 for professional pavement installation and repair in Indianapolis, Indiana. Owner, Lindsey Lewis, and his team of licensed and insured pavers, are fully-equipped to manage any size pavement application or installation project for commercial, industrial, and municipal properties. We provide road striping services, as well as, pavement repair, pavement installation, pothole patching, and more. Call 317-549-1833 to speak with a knowledgeable Indianapolis paving contractor, today.

Tips for Interlocking Stone Pavement Installation

It is wise to take some time and research the process of installing and managing interlocking stone pavements before boldly attempting to do it all on your own. Successfully undertaking a project like this requires extensive knowledge, experience, and access to proper resources and equipment. Many “do-it-yourself” (DIY) enthusiasts have started a stone pavement installation job only to find out a few hours in that they are in over their heads. This leaves thousands of homeowners stuck with an incomplete pavement project, and no idea what to do next.

Needless to say, it is strongly advised to outsource professional paving contractors for accurate and proficient stone interlocking pavement installation services, done right the first time around. Continue reading to learn more about interlocking pavement installation, and what you need to know before choosing a DIY approach.

Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833
Asphalt Concrete Paving 317-549-1833

Interlocking Pavement Basics

One easy way to imagine and describe interlocking paving stones is to compare them to a jigsaw puzzle. The way these stones fit together is very similar to a puzzle. They are cut at a manufacturing company in specific grids and shapes, and then pieced together to fit or cover an intended surface. Interlocking stones are not to be confused with tile, which requires a flat non-flexible surface, and motor for securing. Interlock paving requires a separate type of bonding material, often times sand; and also requires a different before and after process. Minor to major preconstruction work is needed to prepare the surface for the stone, and the stones must then be fitted together through the use of friction and manual labor.

As you can see, it is much more than just laying stone in dirt and calling it a day! For a proper interlock paving job, and a lifetime of usage, the process from start to finish must be correct. This kind of pavement can be a fantastic and inexpensive way to add value to your home and instantly increase curb appeal.

Here is a generic timeline of what to expect with an interlocking pavement installation project:

First Step: Demolition

The surface area that is to be paved will need to be demolished and cleared. It usually requires a jackhammer, small bulldozer or bobcat, and other construction equipment and tools to complete this step. Existing walkway, sidewalk, concrete, grass, deck, patio tile, and more are broken apart and thrown away.

Second Step: Surface Leveling

The soil beneath whatever was excavated needs to be cleared of debris, flattened, and leveled to an even and apposite depth. Deeper excavation of soil and an added base or foundation is required for surface areas that are intended to hold extra weight; like cars, trucks, and recreation vehicles. Areas like driveways, garages, and more will need this extra depth. This is one of the most time-consuming and labor-intensive steps in the entire process; even WITH professional equipment. For those who wish to do this step on their own with just shovels and wheelbarrows, they can expect this part to cause a load of stress, frustration, and lots of time.

Third Step: Dirt Removal and Haul-Away

Once the level is properly surfaced, there will be an excess of soil, dirt, and debris leftover. A professional paving service provides a dump truck to haul away unused or excavated soil. For someone who is doing this on their own, they will have trouble finding somewhere to put all this dirt. It is costly to hire or rent a truck that will hold organic material as well.

Step Four: Installation

A woven geo-textile fabric is installed over the excavated area, but under aggregate rock foundations, to restrict the foundation base rock from sinking into the clay soil. Because it is permeable, it allows water to flow through without jeopardizing the structural integrity of the pavement and foundation. Once this is installed, a CLASS II base rock foundation and bedding sand are installed on top. It is imperative to use the proper rock base material for an accurate and effective interlocking stone pavement job. If installed properly, little or no maintenance is required over the following years. The last part is arranging and fitting the stones to form a beautiful pavement. This part truly requires the skill and expertise of a professional pavement and road construction company.

ACI Asphalt and Concrete Inc.

Call ACI Asphalt and Concrete at 317-549-1833 for commercial and industrial paving services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our licensed and qualified paving contractors provide several Indianapolis asphalt and concrete paving services, including pavement repair, sealcoating, road work, commercial paving, industrial paving, winter cold patching, and more. We are the industry veterans to trust for skilled craftsmanship and competitive prices! Request a free estimate, today.