Road marking. History of invention and production

Free technical library

HISTORY OF TECHNOLOGY, TECHNOLOGY, OBJECTS AROUND US
Free library / Directory / The history of technology, technology, objects around us

Road marking. History of invention and production

The history of technology, technology, objects around us

Directory / The history of technology, technology, objects around us

Comments on the article

Road marking (marking) - marking on the surface of highways. It serves to communicate certain information to road users. Road markings appeared at the beginning of the XNUMXth century on asphalt and concrete roads.

Road marking
Road with markings

Road markings have far more lives saved than seat belts and airbags.

Drivers driving at night on European and American roads are already accustomed to the flashing of dots of luminous reflectors separating traffic lanes and traffic flows. In recent years, such markers began to appear on Russian roads. These road markings have saved far more lives than seat belts and airbags combined.

The history of reflective markers dates back to the 1930s, when the British inventor Percy Shaw patented a retroreflective device for better visibility on the roads - "Cat's eye". It was actively used in Great Britain during World War II: reflectors made the road visible to drivers even during a blackout.

In the 1950s, this technology was taken overseas when Elbert Dysart Botts was hired by the engineering department of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). After receiving his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Wisconsin in 1924, he taught chemistry at the University of California, San Jose from 1928, where he became a distinguished paint chemist.

At Caltrans, Botts was tasked with improving the visibility of road marking paints. He began experimenting with various bases and fillers, including glass beads that imparted reflective properties. However, as soon as it started to rain, a layer of water covering the paint sharply reduced its visibility.

The solution was to create a paint with a hydrophobic (water repellent) surface, but even with moderate rain, a layer of water completely covered the markings. Botts acted in a very original way - he proposed to raise these elements above the road. Not much - just a quarter of an inch (about 6 mm). Already the first experiments showed that raised round or rectangular markers are not afraid of a layer of water. But there was another problem - when hitting the markers, the driver heard thuds. But it occurred to Botts that this was the greatest advantage of the new development, because it warned even those drivers who did not see it about crossing the marking lines!

Road marking machine

Initially, markers made of ceramic or plastic were attached to the road with special nails. But they quickly became loose, and flying nails posed a serious danger to tires, so in the late 1950s, one of Botts' former students, Herb Rooney, developed a special epoxy resin that reliably stuck markers to the road surface.

In 1966 markers dubbed Botts' Dots were placed on two stretches of American highways, Interstate 80 northwest of San Francisco and Highway 99 near Fresno, and soon other roads were blazing with reflectors. Elbert Botts himself, however, did not find his fame - he died in 1962. But tens of millions of "Botts points" in many countries of the world rise a quarter of an inch above the road as miniature monuments to their creator, saving thousands of lives.

Author: S.Apresov

We recommend interesting articles Section The history of technology, technology, objects around us:

▪ Deep sea manned submersible

▪ Record player

▪ Container

See other articles Section The history of technology, technology, objects around us.

Read and write useful comments on this article.

<< Back

Latest news of science and technology, new electronics:

Artificial leather for touch emulation 15.04.2024

In a modern technology world where distance is becoming increasingly commonplace, maintaining connection and a sense of closeness is important. Recent developments in artificial skin by German scientists from Saarland University represent a new era in virtual interactions. German researchers from Saarland University have developed ultra-thin films that can transmit the sensation of touch over a distance. This cutting-edge technology provides new opportunities for virtual communication, especially for those who find themselves far from their loved ones. The ultra-thin films developed by the researchers, just 50 micrometers thick, can be integrated into textiles and worn like a second skin. These films act as sensors that recognize tactile signals from mom or dad, and as actuators that transmit these movements to the baby. Parents' touch to the fabric activates sensors that react to pressure and deform the ultra-thin film. This ... >>

Petgugu Global cat litter 15.04.2024

Taking care of pets can often be a challenge, especially when it comes to keeping your home clean. A new interesting solution from the Petgugu Global startup has been presented, which will make life easier for cat owners and help them keep their home perfectly clean and tidy. Startup Petgugu Global has unveiled a unique cat toilet that can automatically flush feces, keeping your home clean and fresh. This innovative device is equipped with various smart sensors that monitor your pet's toilet activity and activate to automatically clean after use. The device connects to the sewer system and ensures efficient waste removal without the need for intervention from the owner. Additionally, the toilet has a large flushable storage capacity, making it ideal for multi-cat households. The Petgugu cat litter bowl is designed for use with water-soluble litters and offers a range of additional ... >>

The attractiveness of caring men 14.04.2024

The stereotype that women prefer "bad boys" has long been widespread. However, recent research conducted by British scientists from Monash University offers a new perspective on this issue. They looked at how women responded to men's emotional responsibility and willingness to help others. The study's findings could change our understanding of what makes men attractive to women. A study conducted by scientists from Monash University leads to new findings about men's attractiveness to women. In the experiment, women were shown photographs of men with brief stories about their behavior in various situations, including their reaction to an encounter with a homeless person. Some of the men ignored the homeless man, while others helped him, such as buying him food. A study found that men who showed empathy and kindness were more attractive to women compared to men who showed empathy and kindness. ... >>

Random news from the Archive

Sony Xperia Tablet Z Kitchen Edition 23.09.2013

Sony has released a version of the Xperia Tablet Z, adapted for use in the kitchen. The novelty is called the Sony Xperia Tablet Z Kitchen Edition.

The tablet is well suited for use in the kitchen: it has a large 10,1-inch screen, but it is very thin so it does not take up much space, and the body of the device is waterproof.

The package includes an iGrill cooking thermometer that connects to the tablet via Bluetooth wireless connection and a stand. In addition, specialized applications are installed on the tablet, including the BigOven cookbook, Evernote Food recipe notebook, Food Planner Pro menu planner and other programs.

The price of a kitchen tablet is $649.

Other interesting news:

▪ 3D printer and ultrasound will speed up the treatment of fractures

▪ Smartphones charge faster and understand voice

▪ Economy hatchback Peugeot 208

▪ Clean air helps you think

▪ The disk of our galaxy is curved at the edges

News feed of science and technology, new electronics

Interesting materials of the Free Technical Library:

▪ section of the site RF power amplifiers. Article selection

▪ article Asphalt (stone) jungle. Popular expression

▪ article What is an albino? Detailed answer

▪ article Unloading railway wagons. Standard instruction on labor protection

▪ article Power plants using low-temperature energy sources. Encyclopedia of radio electronics and electrical engineering

▪ article Egg sack. Focus Secret

Leave your comment on this article:

All languages of this page

Home page | Library | Articles | Website map | Site Reviews