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ROADSIDE SIGN

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

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ROADSIDE SIGN INSTALLATION
AND MAINTENANCE

Importance of Signs

Roadway signs give information on highway

routes, directions, destinations and points of
interest, and are especially helpful for the
driver who is unacquainted with the highway
and the area. To be effective, signs must be
in good repair, properly placed and visible
both day and night. Timely and correct
maintenance of traffic signs is critical.
Damaged, obscured, or missing signs may fail
to provide needed information to a driver and
can contribute to a crash. When properly
installed and maintained they can make a big
contribution to the safety of the highway
system.

Common Def iciencies

The most common signing deficiencies are

missing signs, signs that cannot be seen due
to faded sheeting or hidden by trees, and
improperly installed breakaway posts.

Inspections

Inspections should be made at least once per

year to check for damage, visibility, proper
breakaway device operation, and general
condition. Inspections should be made by
trained and qualified personnel and is easier
if two persons make the inspections so that
notes can be taken without interfering with
driving. Warning lights should always be
used on the vehicle for safety. In addition to
regular inspections, maintenance personnel
should be alert during normal travel to
observe signs for legibility and damage.
Other employees who frequently travel the
highways should also be instructed to report
any obscured, damaged or missing signs.
Corrective action should be taken

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immediately. Sometimes damaged signs can
be replaced at a better location, but crews
should never move or take down a sign
unless someone with the appropriate -
authority has approved the change. Night
inspections should be made at least once per
year to check for reflectivity of the sign
face.

Breakaway Post Installation and

Maintenance

Roadside signs can be a severe roadside

hazard if they are not correctly installed and
regularly maintained. The following
guidance is to help field crews in their job
of installing and maintaining the breakaway
features on roadside signs. Several
breakaway types are commonly used,
depending on size of sign, etc:

Large Sign Breakaway Bases

• 4-bolt Slip Base

• 4-bolt Shear Connector

Large roadside signs may use either the

slip-base design (Figure 1) or the shear
connector type (Figure 2), but the slip-base
type is most commonly used in Saudi
Arabia. The 4-bolt slip-base and the 4-bolt
shear connector types both work on the
principle of having the signpost release at
ground line when hit by a vehicle. The post
then rotates up and out of the vehicle path
(Figure 3). To safely do this a hinge point is
required just below the sign face (Figure 4).

A. Slip-Base Breakaway:

When hit from the front the four bolts

clamping the two slip-base plates together
are pushed out of the slotted holes as the
upper post slides away from the fixed stub

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plate. Although the slip-base can break
away when struck from either the front or
back, it works best when hit from the front
(sign face) side. It will not work if hit from
the side, so this type should not be used in
intersections, etc., where side hits are
likely.

Slip-bases are normally used on multi-post

large signs, and as a general rule the posts
should be spaced at least 2.4 m apart
whenever possible so that only one post is
likely to be hit during a crash. The bottom
of the sign should also be at least 2.1 m
above the ground to avoid having the sign
panel hit the top of the car during a crash.

Another very critical item is how far the

stub posts are exposed above ground line.
Many times these stub posts are much too
high, either from poor installation practices
or from erosion around the foundation. The
stub posts should never be exposed more
than 100 mm.

Because of its design, the torque (tension)

in the high-strength bolts on the slip-base is
EXTREMELY CRITICAL for proper
operation. These high-strength bolts should
be loosened and re-torque at least once per
year so that wind vibration does not loosen
the bolts causing the sign to collapse. A
thin sheet metal bolt retainer (30-gauge)
placed between the slip-base plates will
help keep any loose bolts in place until the
next inspection and re-torquing. Figure 8
shows details of a 4-bolt slip-base and
torque requirements.

As previously mentioned, a hinge point is

required on the posts just below the sign
face, to allow the post to rotate away
from an impacting vehicle and to allow it
to pass under the sign. Without a hinge,
the sign panel binds the post and prevents
it from

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easily swinging out of the way of the
vehicle. Figure 9 shows details at a hinge
joint and the bolt torque requirement.

B. Shear Connector Breakaway:

Although not as commonly used, these types

of breakaway supports may be encountered.
These are specialized designs that must be
installed and repaired according to the
manufacturer's instructions. (Transpo
Industries is the supplier.) The Standard
Drawings should be referred to as well as
the manufacturer's installation procedures.
This type base will work when hit from any
direction and there are no bolt torque
requirements. Both of these features make
this a desirable design. As previously noted,
the stub post must not be installed too high;
height above ground line must not be more
than 100 mm. This design also uses hinges
and fuse plates just below the sign face, and
since it can function when hit from any
direction, fuse plates should be used on
both front and back sides of the posts.

Small Sign Breakaway Bases

Small signs are usually placed on either a

slip-base (3-bolt) or a threaded pipe
coupling type breakaway base.

A. 3-Bolt Slip Base:

This design is excellent since it will work

when hit from any direction, and is
especially well suited for intersections
although it can be used anywhere a small
sign is needed. The base is triangular in
shape (see Figure 6) and has 3 bolts with
washers between the plates. The bolts must
not be overtightened. See the torque table in
Figure 8 for slip-bases. This type base
should be used to replace any of the older
type inclined (angled) slip bases due to

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being able to function when hit from any
direction.

B. Threaded Pipe Coupling:

This small sign breakaway base type is also

useful, and is simple to maintain. The
coupling is simply threaded onto the stub
post at ground line and the sign post is
threaded into the coupling. When hit, the
post usually shears off just above the
coupling or the coupling breaks, so
replacement of the post may only require
replacement of coupling. Sometimes the
post can be reused. It is very important that
the stub post and coupling be located at
ground line (see Figure 7), not above it.

Important Points to Remember

(S e e F i g u r e s 8 & 9 )

1. Keep the stub post height close to ground

line (max 100mm), so the impacting
vehicle does not hit it.

2. Slip-base designs must have correct bolt

torque. Many times the bolts are too
tight from vibrating out.

3. Use a bolt retainer plate (30-gauge

metal) on slip-base designs to prevent
loose bolts from vibrating out.

4. Washers must be placed between the

slip-base plates to prevent excess
friction.

5. When a sign is severely damaged and

must be completely replaced, consider
relocating it further from the roadway.
Large signs can be moved outward up to
10 m without reducing their visibility,
and they are seldom hit when placed that
far out from the roadway.

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6. Before starting any work, place all necessary
warning devices so that the work can be done
safely. Park all work vehicles away from traffic
when not needed. Refer to the Ministry's pocket
manual on work zone traffic control.

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BOLTING PROCEDURE FOR ASSEMBLY OF
A A BASE CONNECTION:

1. ASSEMBLE SIGN POST, BOLT KEEPER PLATE AND STUB POST WITH
BOLTS AND THREE FLAT WASHERS PER BOLT AS SHOWN.
2. SHIM AS REQUIRED TO PLUMB POST.
3. TIGHTEN ALL BOLTS THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE WITH A 305 TO 381 MM
STIFFENER WRENCH TO CLEAN BOLT THREADS AND TO BED WASHERS AND
PLATE SHIMS.
4. LOOSEN EACH BOLT IN SEQUENCE AND RETIGHTEN BOLTS IN A
SYSTEMATIC ORDER TO THE PRESCRIBED TORQUE. DO NOT OVER
TIGHTEN.
2 5. TO PREVENT NUT LOOSENING, BURR THREADS OF BOLT AT
W JUNCTION WITH NUT USING A CENTER PUNCH.
6. SEE BASE CONNECTION TABLE BELOW FOR BOLT TORQUE

(SEE PROJECT PLANS)

REQUIREMENTS.
1

POST LENGTH
W

varies varies

SIGN POST

varies
REMOVE ALL
GALVANIZING 1/2"
RUNS OR BEADS

t1 (Typ.)
IN WASHER AREA

SEE NOTE BELOW

WASHER

TYP.
(1/2 t1) 6
BASE CONNECTION
POST SIZE BOLT SIZE
& TORQUE
BOLT KEEPER W6X9
PLATE (30 GA)
W6X12 16 Ø X 70
50 NM
W6X15

W6X18

W8X21

W10X22 19 Ø X 90
W.P.
85 NM
W10X26
40 DESIRABLE
100 MAXIMUM

W12X26

STUB POST

FOUNDATION FLUSH
WITH GROUND

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
H.S. HEX HEAD BOLT, HEX NUT,
AND THREE WASHERS EACH BOLT.
SEE BASE CONNECTION DATA TABLE
Figure 5
AT RIGHT FOR BOLT TORQUE. DO NOT Breakaway Sign Posts
OVER TIGHTEN.

SEE BOLTING PROCEDURE FOR

ASSEMBLY OF BASE CONNECTION.
NOTE:
(MAY BE CUT AS SHOWN, OR MAY BE (Page 2 of 1)
RECTANGULAR & SIZED TO FIT POST.
DRAWING NUMBER DATE
BREAKAWAY SLIP BASE CONNECTION DETAIL
121 A

SS-3J 6/1418
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Top 45° Bevel Optional

45°
50

Sign Panel

FUSE PLATE BOLT TORQUE

1. ALL FUSE PLATE BOLTS SHALL BE TIGHTENED IN THE SHOP TO
PRODUCE THE REQUIRED MINIMUM TENSION IN CONFORMATION
WITH ASTM - A325 OR THE EQUIVALENT TORQUE AS SHOWN IN THE
TABLE BELOW. AFTER POSTS ARE SHIPPED AND ERECTED AT
THEIR SITES. THE NUTS SHALL BE LOOSENED AND RE-TORQUED
TO THEIR PROPER VALUE. Back Plate
2. AFTER BEING RE-TORQUED TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE ENGINEER. (if used)
THE NUTS, BOLTS AND WASHERS SHALL BE FREED OF RUST. CLEANED Sign Post Back Plate
Flat Washers (if used)
AND GIVEN A HEAVY AND THOROUGH COAT OF ZINC - RICH PAINT.

100
H.S. Bolts
Fuse Plate Fuse Plate
BOLT SIZE TORQUE MIN. RESIDUAL (treated with slots
towards base)

TENSION Saw Cut

3 (Max)
13 Ø 135 NM 54 KN

16 Ø 270 NM 85 KN Sign Post

See Bolt Torque at left CL
19 Ø 480 NM 126 KN

22 Ø 715 NM 175 KN
CL
25 Ø 1070 NM 229 KN
Washer

of Traffic
Direction
29 Ø 1835 NM 251 KN
Washer Direction
Bolt Keeper Plate of Traffic

H.S. Bolts
A A SECTION A-A
Washer Bolt Keeper Plate Washers (3)
Direction Base
FGL
of Traffic See Bolt Torque for
Stub Post
Base Connection
(page 2)
40 Desirable
100 Max

Stub Post

BREAKAWAY CONNECTION DETAIL

(SEE SHEET SS-3J)

KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA

MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS

Figure 6
Breakaway Sign Posts

(Page 1 of 2)
DRAWING NUMBER DATE
121 B

SS-3K 6/1418
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Triangular
Sign Cross-arm(s) slip base GENERAL NOTES:
(SEE DETAILS THIS DRAWING)
1. SUPPORT AND DESIGN SHALL CONFORM WITH CURRENT AASHTO STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS
FOR STRUCTURAL SUPPORTS OF HIGHWAY SIGNS, LUMINAIRES AND TRAFFIC SIGNALS WITH A
DESIGN WIND SPEED OF 100 KMPH.
Standard 2. STEEL PIPE SHALL BE GALVANIZED IN ACCORDANCE TO ASTM DESIGNATION A123.
Tack weld threaded pipe TRIANGULAR SLIP BASE SHALL BE USED FOR 76m 3. WHERE SOLID ROCK IS ENCOUNTERED AT GROUND LEVEL, THE FOUNDATION SHALL BE A
76 or 88 collar coupling AND LARGER PIPE POSTS. THE CROSS-ARM(S) SHOULD BE MINIMUM DEPTH OF 450mm WHEN SOLID ROCK IS ENCOUNTERED BELOW GROUND LEVEL, THE
Nominal dia. PARALLEL TO ONE SIDE OF THE TRIANGULAR SLIP BASE. FOUNDATION SHALL EXTEND INTO THE SOLID ROCK A MINIMUM DEPTH OF 450mm OR PROVIDE
pipe A MINIMUM FOUNDATION DEPTH OF 750mm ONLY CONCRETE FOUNDATION SHALL BE USED IN
(galvanized) ROCK.
Tack weld
Sign post 4. UNLESS OTHERWISE SHOWN ALL DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS.
Sign post
Base plate TRIANGULAR SLIP BASE NOTES:
6 159
Sign Cross-arm(s) 1. THE LIFTING RAMP MAY CONSIST OF WELDED RAMPS OR A CONICAL SHAPE FORMED
13 INTO THE CENTER OF THE STUB POST BASE PLATE.
BOLT Washer 2. THE SIGN POST BASE PLATE OF THE TRIANGULAR SLIP BASE SHALL HAVE THE SAME
KEEPER PLATE EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS AS THE BOTTOM PLATE. THE LIFTING RAMP SHALL BE A PART
Sign cross-arm(s) OF THE STUB POST BASE PLATE ONLY. A HOLE EQUAL TO THE INSIDE DIAMETER OF
SEE NOTE 1 THE SIGN POST BASE PLATE WITH THE HOLE EDGE BEVELED AS DETAILED.
Triangular
3. THE BASE PLATES AND LIFTING RAMP SHALL CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF
Lifting Ramp Slip Base
ASTM A36 OR A572 GRADE 50.
25

159 4. ALL STRUCTURAL STEEL SHALL BE GALVANIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM A123.
THE ENTIRE SUPPORT SHALL BE GALVANIZED FROM THE TOP DOWN TO A MINIMUM
Non-reinforced 40 TO 100 DEPTH OF 150mm INTO THE FOUNDATION. ALL NUTS, BOLTS,
6 Concrete Footing
(100 MAX)

Coupling shall be AND WASHERS SHALL BE GALVANIZED IN ACCORDANCE WITH ASTM DESIGNATION B695
40 TYP.

WASHER Standard threaded pipe

flush or projected CLASS 50 OR A153 CLASS C OR D.
collar coupling SEE DETAIL 'A'
a max. 6mm 5. ALL HIGH STRENGTH BOLTS SHALL CONFORM TO ASTM A325 (ASTM A449 MAY BE
TOP OF CONCRETE FOOTING above top of foundation SUBSTITUTED FOR ASTM A325 PROVIDED PROPER BOLT HEAD, NUT AND/OR WASHER
TO MATCH GROUND LINE Non-reinforced CLEARANCES ARE MAINTAINED) ALL HIGH STRENGTH NUTS SHALL BE OF SUCH CAPACITY
concrete footing AS TO DEVELOP THE BOLT STRENGTH.

Min.
380
BOLTING PROCEDURE FOR ASSEMBLING OF BASE CONNECTION:

For 76 and 89 dia. pipe

Stub post 1. ASSEMBLE SIGN POST, BOLT KEEPER PLATE AND STUB POST WITH BOLTS AND THREE

1000 footing depth

380
base plate FLAT WASHERS PER BOLT AS SHOWN.

For 51 and 64 dia. pipe

2. SHIM AS REQUIRED TO PLUMB THE POST.
16 Ø x 70 H.S. Hex Bolt Permissible 3. TIGHTEN ALL BOLTS THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE WITH A 300 TO 400mm WRENCH TO CLEAN
(3 required, with 3 washer each) Shop Splice BOLT THREADS AND TO BED WASHERS AND SHIMS.

750 Footing Depth

4. LOOSEN EACH BOLT IN SEQUENCE AN RETIGHTEN BOLTS IN A SYSTEMATIC ORDER TO
THE PRESCRIBED TORQUE OF 50 NM DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN .
5. TO PREVENT NUT LOOSENING, BURR THREADS OF BOLT AT JUNCTION WITH NUT USING
BREAKAWAY TRIANGULAR SLIP BASE Permissible
Shop splice
A CENTER PUNCH.

150
DETAIL 'A' 30

150
TRIANGULAR SLIP BASE SHALL BE USED FOR SIGNS
SUPPORTED ON 76mm DIAMETER AND LARGER PIPE POSTS
306

BREAKAWAY PIPE COLLAR COUPLING BREAKAWAY TRIANGULAR SLIP BASE

THE BEVEL END SHALL BE TANGENT TO

51

51
THE BOLT HOLE. ANY MISALIGNMENT 30°30° 30°30°
SHALL BE CORRECTED BY GRINDING.
FACE OF BEVEL SHALL BE FINISHED
TO A MINIMUM SMOOTHNESS
OF f=500
264
264

21 D
SHIM
TYP. SEAL WELD AT 22
60° FURNISH TWO 0.3 THICK
60° ENDS-GROUND SMOOTH
10 DI AND TWO 0.8 THICK
A.

44
4 10 SHIMS PER POST. SHIMS
8 SHALL BE FABRICATED FROM

22
6
BRASS SHIM STOCK OR STRIP
9
CONFORMING TO ASTM B36.
44
6 TYP.
32

32
PLUG WELD 18 DIA. HOLES

PROVIDE 13 DIA. (MAX) 76 76 76 76

HOLE IN THE STUB POST BASE
264
PLATE WITHIN THE INSIDE RADIUS
264
OF THE STUB POST FOR
GALVANIZED DRAINAGE. NOTE: BOLT KEEPER PLATE SHALL BE 30 GAUGE GALVANIZED STEEL. KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIA
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
SIGN POST & STUB POST BOLT KEEPER PLATE
SECTION A-A Figure 7
Breakaway Sign Details
For Small Roadside Signs

DRAWING NUMBER DATE

110-E

SS-1Q Jumada, 1 - 1418

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