**************************************************************************
USACE / NAVFAC / AFCEC UFGS-10 14 53 (February 2015)
Change 1 - 05/17
------------------------------------
Preparing Activity: USACE New
UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS
References are in agreement with UMRL dated July 2024
**************************************************************************
SECTION TABLE OF CONTENTS
DIVISION 10 - SPECIALTIES
SECTION 10 14 53
TRAFFIC SIGNAGE
02/15, CHG 1: 05/17
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1 REFERENCES
1.2 GENERAL
1.3 SUBMITTALS
PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1 TRAFFIC SIGN POSTS
2.1.1 Steel Flanged Channel Section (U-Shape)
2.1.2 Perforated Steel Tube
2.1.3 Steel Tube
2.1.4 Structural Steel H Section
2.1.4.1 Slip Base, Fuse Plate and Splice Plate
2.1.4.2 High-Strength Bolts, Nuts and Washers
2.1.5 Wood
2.2 FLAT ALUMINUM SIGN PANELS
2.3 EXTRUDED ALUMINUM SIGN PANELS
2.4 TRAFFIC SIGN RETROREFLECTIVE SHEETING
2.4.1 Legend and Border
2.4.2 Screen Printed Transparent Colored Areas
2.4.3 Adhesive Performance
2.5 LETTERS, NUMERALS, ARROWS, SYMBOLS, AND BORDERS
2.6 DELINEATOR POSTS
2.6.1 Steel Posts
2.6.2 Flexible Posts
2.7 DELINEATOR RETROREFLECTORS
2.7.1 Circular Prismatic Reflectors
2.7.2 Retroreflective Sheeting
2.8 HARDWARE
2.9 CONCRETE
PART 3 EXECUTION
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 1
3.1 SIGN POSTS
3.1.1 [Steel Flanged Channel Section] [Perforated Square Steel Tube]
[Round Steel Tube]
3.1.2 Structural Steel H Section Posts
3.1.3 Wood
3.2 SIGN PANELS
3.3 DELINEATORS
3.4 LOCATION AND POSITION OF SIGNS
-- End of Section Table of Contents --
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 2
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USACE / NAVFAC / AFCEC UFGS-10 14 53 (February 2015)
Change 1 - 05/17
------------------------------------
Preparing Activity: USACE New
UNIFIED FACILITIES GUIDE SPECIFICATIONS
References are in agreement with UMRL dated July 2024
**************************************************************************
SECTION 10 14 53
TRAFFIC SIGNAGE
02/15, CHG 1: 05/17
**************************************************************************
NOTE: This guide specification covers the
requirements for traffic signs and sign posts.
The use of state DOT specifications and standard
detail drawings is encouraged.
Adhere to UFC 1-300-02 Unified Facilities Guide
Specifications (UFGS) Format Standard when editing
this guide specification or preparing new project
specification sections. Edit this guide
specification for project specific requirements by
adding, deleting, or revising text. For bracketed
items, choose applicable item(s) or insert
appropriate information.
Remove information and requirements not required in
respective project, whether or not brackets are
present.
Comments, suggestions and recommended changes for
this guide specification are welcome and should be
submitted as a Criteria Change Request (CCR).
**************************************************************************
PART 1 GENERAL
1.1 REFERENCES
**************************************************************************
NOTE: This paragraph is used to list the
publications cited in the text of the guide
specification. The publications are referred to in
the text by basic designation only and listed in
this paragraph by organization, designation, date,
and title.
Use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature
when you add a Reference Identifier (RID) outside of
the Section's Reference Article to automatically
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 3
place the reference in the Reference Article. Also
use the Reference Wizard's Check Reference feature
to update the issue dates.
References not used in the text will automatically
be deleted from this section of the project
specification when you choose to reconcile
references in the publish print process.
**************************************************************************
The publications listed below form a part of this specification to the
extent referenced. The publications are referred to within the text by
the basic designation only.
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF STATE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION OFFICIALS
(AASHTO)
AASHTO M 133 (2012; R 2016) Standard Specification for
Preservatives and Pressure Treatment
Processes for Timber
AASHTO M 168 (2007; R 2012) Standard Specification for
Wood Products
AASHTO M 268 (2014) Standard Specification for
Retroreflective Sheeting for Flat and
Vertical Traffic Control Applications
AASHTO MASH (2016) Manual for Assessing Safety
Hardware - Second Edition
AMERICAN WOOD PROTECTION ASSOCIATION (AWPA)
AWPA T1 (2024) Use Category System: Processing and
Treatment Standard
AWPA U1 (2024) Use Category System: User
Specification for Treated Wood
ASTM INTERNATIONAL (ASTM)
ASTM A36/A36M (2019) Standard Specification for Carbon
Structural Steel
ASTM A123/A123M (2017) Standard Specification for Zinc
(Hot-Dip Galvanized) Coatings on Iron and
Steel Products
ASTM A320/A320M (2024) Standard Specification for
Alloy-Steel and Stainless Steel Bolting
for Low-Temperature Service
ASTM A499 (2015, R 2020) Standard Specification for
Steel Bars and Shapes, Carbon Rolled from
"T" Rails
ASTM A500/A500M (2023) Standard Specification for
Cold-Formed Welded and Seamless Carbon
Steel Structural Tubing in Rounds and
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 4
Shapes
ASTM A563 (2021; E 2022a) Standard Specification for
Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts
ASTM A563M (2007; R 2013) Standard Specification for
Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts (Metric)
ASTM A653/A653M (2023) Standard Specification for Steel
Sheet, Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) or
Zinc-Iron Alloy-Coated (Galvannealed) by
the Hot-Dip Process
ASTM A709/A709M (2021) Standard Specification for
Structural Steel for Bridges
ASTM A1011/A1011M (2023) Standard Specification for Steel
Sheet and Strip, Hot-Rolled, Carbon,
Structural, High-Strength Low-Alloy,
High-Strength Low-Alloy with Improved
Formability, and Ultra-High Strength
ASTM B209 (2014) Standard Specification for Aluminum
and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate
ASTM B209M (2014) Standard Specification for Aluminum
and Aluminum-Alloy Sheet and Plate (Metric)
ASTM B221 (2021) Standard Specification for Aluminum
and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods,
Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
ASTM B221M (2021) Standard Specification for Aluminum
and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods,
Wire, Profiles, and Tubes (Metric)
ASTM C94/C94M (2024a) Standard Specification for
Ready-Mixed Concrete
ASTM D4956 (2013) Standard Specification for
Retroreflective Sheeting for Traffic
Control
ASTM F436/F436M (2019) Standard Specification for Hardened
Steel Washers Inch and Metric Dimensions
ASTM F3125/F3125M (2019) Standard Specification for High
Strength Structural Bolts and Assemblies,
Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, Inch
Dimensions 120 ksi and 150 ksi Minimum
Tensile Strength, and Metric Dimensions
830 MPa and 1040 MPa Minimum Tensile
Strength
U.S. FEDERAL HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION (FHWA)
FHWA SHS (2004; Supplement 2012) Standard Highway
Signs
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 5
MUTCD (2009; Rev 2012) Manual on Uniform Traffic
Control Devices
NCHRP 350 (1993) Recommended Procedures for the
Safety Performance Evaluation of Highway
Features
1.2 GENERAL
**************************************************************************
NOTE: If the project is located in a state that has
their own MUTCD, signage must conform to the state
DOT MUTCD. State DOT MUTCD's should be in
substantial conformance with the national MUTCD.
Where local standards are more stringent than the
MUTCD, the local standards should be followed.
**************************************************************************
All signs must be in accordance with the MUTCD. Any signs not detailed
on the drawings must be in accordance with the FHWA SHS.
1.3 SUBMITTALS
**************************************************************************
NOTE: Review submittal description (SD) definitions
in Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES and edit
the following list, and corresponding submittal
items in the text, to reflect only the submittals
required for the project. The Guide Specification
technical editors have classified those items that
require Government approval, due to their complexity
or criticality, with a "G." Generally, other
submittal items can be reviewed by the Contractor's
Quality Control System. Only add a “G” to an item,
if the submittal is sufficiently important or
complex in context of the project.
For Army projects, fill in the empty brackets
following the "G" classification, with a code of up
to three characters to indicate the approving
authority. Codes for Army projects using the
Resident Management System (RMS) are: "AE" for
Architect-Engineer; "DO" for District Office
(Engineering Division or other organization in the
District Office); "AO" for Area Office; "RO" for
Resident Office; and "PO" for Project Office. Codes
following the "G" typically are not used for Navy
and Air Force projects.
The "S" classification indicates submittals required
as proof of compliance for sustainability Guiding
Principles Validation or Third Party Certification
and as described in Section 01 33 00 SUBMITTAL
PROCEDURES.
**************************************************************************
Government approval is required for submittals with a "G" or "S"
classification. Submittals not having a "G" or "S" classification are for
Contractor Quality Control approval. Submittals not having a "G" or "S"
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 6
classification are for information only. When used, a code following the
"G" classification identifies the office that will review the submittal
for the Government. Submit the following in accordance with Section
01 33 00 SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES:
SD-03 Product Data
Traffic Sign Posts
FHWA Acceptance Letter
Traffic Sign Retroreflective Sheeting
SD-04 Samples
Flexible Posts
PART 2 PRODUCTS
2.1 TRAFFIC SIGN POSTS
**************************************************************************
NOTE: Sign posts located within the clear zone of
roads and streets must be a breakaway or yielding
design meeting the crashworthiness criteria of NCHRP
350 or the Manual for Assessing Safety of Hardware
(MASH) or must be shielded by guardrail, barrier, or
an energy absorbing system meeting the requirements
of NRCRP 350 or AASHTO MASH. FHWA acceptance
letters for various breakaway supports for signs are
available on the FHWA Safety Program webpage.
Ensure details of sign posts are included in the
drawings. Breakaway support anchor posts may extend
no more than 100 mm 4 inches above grade to lessen
the probability of snagging the undercarriage of a
vehicle after a support has broken away from its
base. Extend anchor posts at least 450 mm 18 inches
below grade.
**************************************************************************
2.1.1 Steel Flanged Channel Section (U-Shape)
Fabricate steel posts from steel conforming to ASTM A36/A36M or ASTM A499
and with a minimum yield strength of 207 MPa 30 ksi and a minimum tensile
strength of 345 MPa 50 ksi. Punch or drill 7.9 to 9.5 mm 5/16 to 3/8 inch
diameter holes spaced at 25.4 or 50.8 mm 1 or 2 inch centers along the
centerline of the web prior to galvanizing for the entire length of the
post. Galvanize posts after punching in accordance with ASTM A123/A123M.
2.1.2 Perforated Steel Tube
Fabricate steel posts from steel conforming to either ASTM A653/A653M,
structural steel, Grade 340 50, Class 1, coating designation G90 or
ASTM A1011/A1011M, structural steel, Grade 340 50, hot-dip galvanized
after punching in accordance with ASTM A123/A123M. Prepunch holes
approximately 11.1 mm 7/16 inch in diameter spaced at approximately 25.4 mm
1 inch centers along each side of the tube for the entire length of the
post.
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 7
2.1.3 Steel Tube
**************************************************************************
NOTE: Fill in the required Test Level (TL) if
triangular slip bases are used.
NOTE: Sign supports are tested at two levels under
NCHRP 350. TL-2 includes four tests conducted at
speeds of 35 and 70 km/hr. TL-3 includes four tests
conducted at speeds of 35 and 100 km/hr.
Sign supports are tested at three levels under
MASH. TL-1 includes three tests conducted at speeds
of 30 and 50 km/hr. TL-2 includes three tests
conducted at speeds of 30 and 70 km/hr. TL-3
includes three tests conducted at speeds of 30 and
100 km/hr.
**************************************************************************
Conform to ASTM A500/A500M, Grade B or C, and hot-dip galvanized in
accordance with ASTM A123/A123M. [Manufactured triangular slip bases must
be approved by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for use under the
provisions of NCHRP 350, TL-[_____] or AASHTO MASH, TL-[_____]. Submit a
copy of the FHWA Acceptance Letter.]
2.1.4 Structural Steel H Section
Conform to ASTM A709/A709M, Grade 345 50 or 345W 50W. Galvanize posts,
fuse plate and splice plate after fabrication in accordance with
ASTM A123/A123M.
2.1.4.1 Slip Base, Fuse Plate and Splice Plate
Conform to ASTM A36/A36M, minimum yield strength 345 MPa 50,000 psi.
2.1.4.2 High-Strength Bolts, Nuts and Washers
High strength bolts must conform toASTM F3125/F3125M. Nuts must conform to
ASTM A563M ASTM A563. Washers must conform to ASTM F436/F436M. High
strength bolts, nuts and washers must be zinc coated.
2.1.5 Wood
**************************************************************************
NOTE: Wood species and preservative type conforming
to applicable state DOT standards and specifications
may be specified in lieu of the requirements below.
**************************************************************************
Wood posts must be dry no. 1 grade Douglas fir, southern or Ponderosa
pine, hemlock, spruce, or western larch conforming to AASHTO M 168. Treat
the posts with water-borne preservative according to AASHTO M 133, AWPA T1
and AWPA U1.
2.2 FLAT ALUMINUM SIGN PANELS
Aluminum sign panels must conform to ASTM B209M ASTM B209, alloy-temper
6061-T6 or 5052-H38. The blanks must be free from laminations, blisters,
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 8
open seams, pits, holes, other defects that may affect their appearance or
use. The thickness must be uniform and the blank commercially flat.
2.3 EXTRUDED ALUMINUM SIGN PANELS
**************************************************************************
NOTE: Extruded aluminum sign panels are used for
large signs.
Delete aluminum edge molding if not used.
**************************************************************************
Conform to ASTM B221MASTM B221, alloy 6063-T6. The maximum allowable
deviation from flat on the face is 4.2 mm per meter 0.05 inches per foot.
[Aluminum edge molding must be in accordance with ASTM A320/A320M or SAE
J405d austenitic steel, minimum yield strength of 207 MPa 30,000 psi.]
2.4 TRAFFIC SIGN RETROREFLECTIVE SHEETING
All background sheeting applied to flat sheet and extruded panel signs
must be in accordance with ASTM D4956, Type III, IV, VII, VIII, IX or XI
retroreflective sheeting and must have Class 1, 3, or 4 adhesive backing.
Retroreflective sheeting must be high intensity that is an unmetallized
micro prismatic reflective material.
Retroreflective sheeting must have sufficient adhesion, strength and
flexibility such that the sheeting can be handled, processed and applied
according to the manufacturer's recommendations without appreciable
stretching, tearing, cracking or other damage.
2.4.1 Legend and Border
Apply retroreflective sheeting as legend and border in accordance with
ASTM D4956, Type IX, XI, or AASHTO M 268 Type C or D, Class 1.
Retroreflective sheeting must be an unmetallized cube corner
microprismatic reflective material. Retroreflective sheeting applied as
legend and border for specific signing applications, without a datum mark
on the surface of the sheeting, must be evaluated for rotational
sensitivity in accordance with AASHTO M 268, Section 3.3.1 and fabricated
in accordance with AASHTO M 268, Section 3.3.2.
2.4.2 Screen Printed Transparent Colored Areas
For screen printed transparent colored areas or transparent colored
overlay films on white sheeting, the coefficient of retroreflection (RA)
must be no less than 70 percent of the original values for the
corresponding color.
2.4.3 Adhesive Performance
Adhesive performance for retroreflective sheeting must be in accordance
with ASTM D4956. The sheeting surface must be in condition to be readily
screen processed and compatible with transparent overlay films, plus
recommended transparent and opaque screen process colors. Furnish
manufacturer's information as to the type of solvent or solvents that may
be used to clean the surface of the sheeting without detrimental loss of
performance and durability.
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 9
2.5 LETTERS, NUMERALS, ARROWS, SYMBOLS, AND BORDERS
Apply letters, numerals, arrows, symbols, and borders on the
retroreflective sheeting or opaque background of the sign using the direct
or reverse screen process. Apply messages and borders of a color darker
than the background to the paint or the retroreflective sheeting using the
direct process. Messages and borders must be of a color lighter than the
sign background and applied using the reverse screen process. Use opaque
or transparent colors, inks, and paints of the type and quality
recommended by the retroreflective sheeting manufacturer in the screen
process. Perform the screening in a manner that results in a uniform
color and tone, with sharply defined edges of legends and borders and
without blemishes on the sign background that will affect intended use.
Air dry or bake the signs after screening according to the manufacturer's
recommendations to provide a smooth hard finish. Reject any signs with
blister's or other blemishes.
2.6 DELINEATOR POSTS
2.6.1 Steel Posts
Fabricate posts from steel conforming to ASTM A36/A36M or ASTM A499 and
having a minimum yield strength of 207 MPa 30 ksi and a minimum tensile
strength of 345 MPa 50 ksi. Galvanize posts after punching in accordance
with ASTM A123/A123M.
2.6.2 Flexible Posts
**************************************************************************
NOTE: Indicate the color of post on the drawings.
**************************************************************************
Provide [one-piece driveable] [or] [two-piece with driveable steel anchor]
flexible posts. Posts must be impact-resistant, integrally colored UV
stabilized polymer or polycarbonate extrusion or fiberglass reinforced
composite material. Other materials are subject to approval by the
Contracting Officer's Representative. Include a retroreflective sheeting
plate with each post as indicated.
2.7 DELINEATOR RETROREFLECTORS
2.7.1 Circular Prismatic Reflectors
Retroreflectors attached to steel posts must be a 75 mm 3-inch minimum
diameter acrylic plastic lens with prismatic optical elements and a
smooth, clear, transparent face. Fabricate the back from similar material
and fuse to the lens around the entire perimeter to form a homogeneous
unit. Permanently seal the units against the intrusion of dust, water, or
air. Mount the retroreflector unit in a housing fabricated from 1.6 mm
0.063-inch aluminum alloy or similar, or from cold-rolled, hot dip,
galvanized steel, having a thickness of 1.6 mm 0.064 inches. Provide the
indicated color.
2.7.2 Retroreflective Sheeting
A retroreflective sheeting plate must be applied to each flexible post by
the post manufacturer and must be in accordance with ASTM D4956, Type III,
IV, V, VII, VIII, IX or XI retroreflective sheeting. Retroreflective
sheeting must be high intensity that is an unmetallized cube corner micro
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 10
prismatic reflective material. Provide the size and color of the
retroreflective sheeting plate as indicated.
2.8 HARDWARE
Bolts, nuts, post clips, lock and flat washers must be either aluminum
alloy or commercial quality stainless steel, hot-dip galvanized or cadmium
plated after fabrication. [Bolts/nuts must be an approved tamper
resistant design.] Provide fiber washers of commercial quality.
2.9 CONCRETE
ASTM C94/C94M, using 19 mm 3/4 inch maximum aggregate, and having minimum
compressive strength of 21 MPa 3000 psi at 28 days.
PART 3 EXECUTION
3.1 SIGN POSTS
**************************************************************************
NOTE: Sign supports located within the roadway
clear zone must be designed to yield, fracture, or
separate when impacted by a vehicle. Although the
clear roadside concept is still the goal of the
designer, compromises are often required in urban or
restricted environment areas. Chapter 10 of the
AASHTO Roadside Design Guide provides guidance for
roadside safety in urban or restricted area. In
these areas, sign supports located within the
enhanced lateral offset should be designed to yield,
fracture, or separate when impacted by a vehicle.
**************************************************************************
3.1.1 [Steel Flanged Channel Section] [Perforated Square Steel Tube]
[Round Steel Tube]
Sign posts consist of a base post and sign post. [Drive steel sign base
posts with a suitable driving head. Attach sign posts to base posts.
Replace any base posts damaged during driving or otherwise at no
additional cost to the Government.] [Embed steel sign base posts in
concrete as indicated.] [Install manufactured triangular slip bases in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.]
3.1.2 Structural Steel H Section Posts
**************************************************************************
NOTE: Ensure the drawings indicate the procedure
for tightening bolts and the required torque.
**************************************************************************
Tighten all breakaway assembly bolts in a systematic manner to the
prescribed torque indicated. Loosen each breakaway assembly bolt and
re-tighten to the required torque in the same order as the initial
tightening. Burr the threads at the nut using a center punch to prevent
the nut from loosening. Tighten nuts on hinge plate bolts to the required
minimum bolt tension values indicated.
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 11
3.1.3 Wood
Drill holes in the post as indicated.
3.2 SIGN PANELS
Clean, degrease and etch the face of metal panels using methods
recommended by the retroreflective sheeting manufacturer. After cleaning
and degreasing, apply retroreflective sheeting material to the sign panels
as recommended by the manufacturer. Perform shearing, cutting and
punching prior to preparing the blanks for application of reflective
material. Do not field drill holes in any part of the panel. Use nylon
washers recommended by the sign sheeting manufacturer between the bolt
heads and sign faces on flat sheet aluminum signs. Replace any damaged
sign panels at no additional cost to the Government.
3.3 DELINEATORS
**************************************************************************
NOTE: Flexible delineators driven into the soil
require a manufacturer's installation tool to
install.
**************************************************************************
Drive steel delineator posts into the ground in a manner that will not
damage the post. Attach flexible delineator posts to steel anchors [or
drive into the soil in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions].
Demonstrate the method of installation for the Contracting Officer's
Representative to verify that posts will be installed without being
damaged.
3.4 LOCATION AND POSITION OF SIGNS
**************************************************************************
NOTE: Some State DOT single post sign mounting
details bend the sign panel. If this type of
mounting detail is used, delete the requirement for
flat sign face surface.
**************************************************************************
Locate and erect all signs in accordance with the drawings and MUTCD.
Vertically mount signs at right angles to the direction of, and facing,
the traffic that they are intended to serve. Where mirror reflection from
the sign face is encountered to such a degree as to reduce legibility,
turn the sign slightly away from the road. Turn signs that are placed 9 m
30 feet or more from the pavement edge toward the road. On curved
alignments, determine the angle of placement by the direction of
approaching traffic rather than by the roadway edge at the point where the
sign is located. Mounted signs must present a smooth flat surface varying
no more than 10 mm 3/8 inch from a 1.2 m 4-foot straightedge placed in any
position on the face of the sign after erection. Mount signs on traffic
signal posts with strap or clamp type sign supports. Each installed sign
will be inspected by the Contracting Officer's representative prior to
acceptance by the Government.
-- End of Section --
SECTION 10 14 53 Page 12
