Flex-Tough Composite Marker by Glasforms

Description

Our newest marker is specially designed with a thicker middle for easier installation into hard soil surfaces. The recessed area is ideal for decals on both sides. Used to mark gas, petroleum, water and sewer pipelines, the Flex-Tough markers come pointed and ready for installation. Decals are optional and can be applied at the plant before shipping.

Specifications

Scope

This specification covers the minimum material, mechanical and performance requirements of Glasforms continuous glass fiber reinforced FLEX-TOUGH Composite Marker. This product may be used to provide daytime and nighttime delineation for survey/boundary lines, utilities or other marking applications requiring assured long-term outdoor durability, vandal resistance, and vehicle impact resistance. 

General Requirements

DESIGN & Material: 
The FLEX-TOUGH Marker shall be a single piece marker capable of simple, permanent installation by one person using a manual driving tool.  The FLEX-TOUGH upon proper installation shall resist displacement from wind and vehicle impact forces. The FLEX-TOUGH shall be of a constant cross sectional design with two reinforcing support ribs incorporated longitudinally along the back of the marker providing structural rigidity. The bottom end of the marker shall be pointed for ease of ground penetration.

The FLEX-TOUGH Marker shall be constructed of a durable, UV resistant, continuous glass fiber and marble reinforced, thermosetting composite material which is resistant to impact, ozone, and hydrocarbons within a service temperature range of -80°F to +160°F.

Physical and Mechanical Requirements

DIMENSIONS:The FLEX-TOUGH Marker shall conform to the shape and overall dimensions shown in the approved drawing. The nominal FLEX-TOUGH Maker width shall be 3.84 inches in order to accommodate a 2.875” decal and provide adequate daytime visibility. The FLEX-TOUGH Marker shall be of such length to provide the required height above the road surface with a minimum embedment depth of 18 inches. 

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES:
The FLEX-TOUGH shall have the minimum mechanical properties as follows: 

COLOR FASTNESS:

The FLEX-TOUGH shall be pigmented throughout the entire cross-section so as to produce a uniform color, which is an integral part of the material.  Ultraviolet resistant materials shall be incorporated in the construction to inhibit fading or cracking. 

Temperature Resistance

Hot Resistance/Flexibility:
A four foot FLEX-TOUGH Marker shall be conditioned for a minimum of two hours at 140°F ± 3°F. The unit shall then be held at the bottom end in a vertical position and the top end bent 90 such that it parallels the floor.  The marker shall return to within 5° of the upright position within 30 seconds. The bend test shall be repeated three times in quick succession, completing the test within 2.5 minutes of post removal from the conditioning temperature. 

Cold Resistance/Flexibility:
A four foot FLEX-TOUGH Marker shall be conditioned for a minimum of two hours at -40°F ± 3°F. The unit shall then be held at the bottom end in a vertical position and the top end bent 90° such that it parallels the floor. The marker shall return to within 5° of the upright position within 30 seconds. The bend test shall be repeated three times in quick succession, completing the test within 2.5 minutes of post removal from the conditioning temperature. 

Cold Impact Resistance:
The FLEX-TOUGH shall be conditioned a minimum of two hours at -40°F ± 3°F. A minimum two-pound spherical weight shall be dropped a distance of five feet through FLEX-TOUGH V19 Spec a virtually frictionless vertical guide to impact the surface of the marker at mid section. The surface of the post being struck by the steel ball shall be in a horizontal position with the post supported and held in position at both ends. The post shall be subjected to five impact tests concentrated near the middle of the post within 10 minutes from the removal from the environmental chamber. Excessive fracturing, cracking, or splitting of the posts shall constitute failure. Another marker shall be struck flush against a flat solid surface three times within two minutes after removal from the conditioning chamber. To strike the marker it should be manually swung through a 90° arc, and the marker shall not fracture or shatter upon impact. 

VEHICLE IMPACT RESISTANCE

The Glasforms FLEX-TOUGH Marker shall be capable of selferecting and remain functional after being subjected to an impacts by a typical passenger sedan at 35 m.p.h. The FLEX-TOUGH shall retain a minimum of 60% of its sheeting.

Drawing

Installation