FlexCat Cathodic Test Station Marker
Description
A modified version of the Flex-Tough marker that provides flexibility and impact resistance while serving as a two terminal cathodic protection test station. Includes one standard two color vinyl decal, anchor, copper terminals and one standard cathodic protection decal (238ETS).
Specifications
Scope
This specification covers the minimum material, mechanical and performance requirements of Glasforms continuous glass fiber reinforced FLEX-CAT Composite Marker. This product may be used to provide a two lead test station and as a daytime and nighttime delineation for utilities or other marking applications requiring assured long-term outdoor durability, vandal resistance, and impact resistance.
General Requirements
DESIGN & Material:
The FLEX-CAT Marker shall be a single piece marker capable of simple, permanent installation by one person. It will provide two access points through copper terminals for attaching tracer wire. The FLEX-CAT upon proper installation shall resist displacement from wind and vehicle impact forces. The FLEX-CAT shall be of a constant flat I-beam design with thicker middle cross sectional design with reinforcing support ribs incorporated longitudinally along each edge that have been hollowed out to provide protection for decals and test wire. The bottom end of the marker shall be flat with an anchor attached to provide pullout resistance in non-compacted soil.
The FLEX-CAT Marker will be constructed of a durable, UV resistant, continuous glass fiber 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-CAT Marker shall conform to the shape and overall dimensions shown in the approved drawing. The nominal FLEX-CAT Marker width shall be 3.69 inches in order to accommodate a three inch wide reflector or 2.875” decal and provide adequate daytime visibility. The FLEX-CAT 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-CAT shall have the minimum mechanical properties as follows:
| Property | ASTM Test Method | Minimum Value |
| Ultimate Tensile Strenghts | D-638/D-3916 | 75,000 psi |
| Ultimate Compressive Strenght | D-695 | 50,000 psi |
| Specific Gravity | D-792 | 1.8 |
| Weight & Glass Reinforcement | D-2584 |
60% |
| Barcol Hardness | D-2583 | 50 |
| Flexural Strenght | D-4476/D-790 | 60,000 psi |
| Flexural Modulus | D-4476/D-790 | 3,300,00 psi |
COLOR FASTNESS:
The FLEX-CAT shall be pigmented throughout the entire cross-section so as to produce a uniform color, which is an integral part of the material. UV resistant materials shall be incorporated in the construction to inhibit fading or cracking of the delineator upon field exposure.
Temperature Resistance
Hot Resistance/Flexibility:
A four foot FLEX-CAT 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-CAT 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-CAT 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-CAT 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-CAT 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-CAT shall retain a minimum of 60% of its sheeting.
