Abstract
OBJECTIVES : Visibility at night can be improved by using retroreflection for short distances and phosphorescent line markings for long distances. In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of the phosphorescent line marking through a laboratory luminance test. Field performance analysis was performed through tests conducted on the road. We also examined the luminance measurement methods using the digital image obtained during the phosphorescent visibility evaluation. METHODS : In this study, the laboratory luminance test of the phosphorescent line marking was conducted using seven specimens to characterize the luminance changes according to the type of the glass beads, the thickness of the phosphorescent line marking, and the brightness and irradiation time of the light source. Phosphorescent and general line markings were made at 150 m to investigate the field luminance performance. A preliminary review of the luminance measurement methods was made using a digital image from a digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera. The measured luminance ratio of the general and the phosphorescent line markings was compared with the calculated luminance ratio using luminance analysis. RESULTS : Through the laboratory luminance test, it was seen that the change in luminance, which corresponds to the brightness of the light source, appears large but the influence of the thickness and irradiation time is low. The field performance test of the phosphorescent line marking conducted on the road involved measuring the luminance on the day the marking was made and 7 days after the marking was made. The luminance was found to be $190mcd/m^2$ at 30 min after sunset and approximately $10-12mcd/m^2$ 4h after sunset. The results of the luminance test were captured using a digital image for each time group. The luminance ratio of the phosphorescent line marking, when compared to that of the general line marking, showed a similar trend within a 13% maximum error. Additionally, when this luminance ratio is compared to the direct field measurement, it could be confirmed that the luminance ratio, as captured in the digital image, showed a similar tendency. CONCLUSIONS : 1) The change in luminance corresponding to the brightness of the light source is significant in comparison with that corresponding to the thickness and the irradiation time. In addition, the results of the field test for the phosphorescent line marking satisfied the phosphorescent fire protection standard. 2) We examined the validity of the luminance measurement method using a digital image and we concluded that the change in the luminance ratio shows a similar tendency in both the cases. The results can form the basis for luminance measurement methodology for the construction and maintenance of phosphorescent line markings.
