Classe 2 reflective sheeting gives very good visibility on medium-traffic roads and for reflective road signs. Its strong retroreflectivity helps drivers see signs well in different weather, both day and night.
| Metric | Classe 1 (RA1) | Classe 2 (RA2) |
|---|---|---|
| Retroreflectivity (mean Ra) | 29 cd. lx⁻¹.m⁻² | 187 cd. lx⁻¹.m⁻² |
| Detection Rate (Night, mean) | 0.83 | 0.87 |
Research shows that using reflective materials can lower accidents at night by up to 30%. These materials also follow strict international rules, which means they are safe and save money over time.
To learn more about reflective traffic sign sheeting standards in Australia, check out our blog on Aperçu des normes de feuille de panneaux de trafic réfléchissants en Australie.
What is Class 2 Feuille de réflexion?
Definition and Standards
Classe 2 reflective sheeting is made to help people see better on roads with medium traffic. This material uses special technology to bounce light from car headlights back to drivers. This makes reflective road signs and markings much easier to spot at night or when the weather is bad.
There are important rules that say how Class 2 reflective sheeting should be used. These rules make sure the material is safe and works well.
- ANSI/ISEA 107 puts Class 2 in a group that needs more retroreflective material than Class 1. This rule is important for workers near traffic that moves faster than 25 mph.
- OSHA says workers near traffic must wear clothes that follow ANSI/ISEA 107 règles.
- Feuille de réflexion de qualité ingénieuse, which matches Class 2, meets ASTM D4956 Type I and AS/NZS 1906.1 Classe 2 règles.
- The material also follows EN 12899-1:2007 Type RA1 / ETA RA1 rules.
- Certificates from ASTM, BAST, CE, and DOT show that Class 2 sheeting is good quality and can be trusted.
These rules help make sure Class 2 reflective sheeting gives the right amount of visibility and lasts long enough to keep roads safe.
Key Features
Classe 2 reflective sheeting has many features that make it good for medium-traffic roads.
- High retroreflectivity: The material bounces light well, so signs can be seen from far away.
- Durabilité: Classe 2 sheeting stands up to bad weather, sunlight, and water, so it lasts outside for years.
- Versatilité: Makers use different materials like PMMA, PVC, and PET to fit different needs.
- Conformité: The sheeting follows both local and international rules, so it is a trusted choice for road safety.
Many local councils pick Class 2 sheeting for reflective road signs because it is not too expensive and works well. This material helps keep drivers, cyclistes, and people walking safe on the roads.
Key Features and Performance of Class 2 Feuille de réflexion
Reflectivity and Light Reflection
Classe 2 reflective sheeting uses special microprismatic or glass bead technology. This design lets the material send light from car headlights back to drivers. Because of its high retroreflectivity, signs can be seen from far away. Engineers check this using candela per lux per square metre (cd. lx⁻¹.m⁻²). Classe 2 sheeting usually has much higher values than Class 1. This means drivers have more time to see signs and react. It helps keep medium-traffic roads safer.
Visibility and Night-Time Performance
Drivers sometimes find it hard to see reflective road signs at night or in bad weather. Classe 2 reflective sheeting helps with this problem. The material shines brightly when car headlights hit it, so signs are easy to see even in the dark. This is very helpful at crossings, intersections, and busy streets in suburbs. Good visibility at night lowers the chance of accidents. It also helps drivers make better choices. Many councils use Class 2 sheeting where lighting changes quickly.
Conseil: Seeing signs well at night can help stop accidents and make roads safer.
Durability and Weather Resistance
Classe 2 reflective sheeting is made to last outside in tough weather. The WR-6100 Pre-Printed Sheeting Series meets strict European Class 2 rules for reflectivity and strength. Products like WR-7100M and WR-6100 are strong against scratches and can bend easily. These features help the sheeting work well after bumps or in rough places. Pre-striped barricade sheeting also stands up to bad weather and lots of use. These qualities make sure signs stay clear and useful for many years, even where there is heavy rain, hot sun, or lots of bumps.
Applications of Class 2 Reflective Sheeting in Medium-Traffic Roads
Suitable Road Types
Classe 2 reflective sheeting is best for roads with steady traffic. Councils often use it on suburban streets. These streets have cars, cyclistes, and people walking. The light changes a lot on these roads. Clear reflective road signs help keep everyone safe. Town and city intersections also use Class 2 sheeting. Drivers need to see signs fast at busy crossings. This is important during rush hour or when the weather is bad. Pedestrian crossings need to be easy to see. This helps protect people walking across the road. Classe 2 sheeting lets drivers see crossings from far away, Même la nuit.
Some roads near schools or parks use this sheeting. It helps drivers notice speed limits and warning signs. Rural roads with medium traffic also use Class 2 sheeting. These roads might not have street lights. Reflective signs with Class 2 sheeting help keep people safe after dark. The sheeting stays bright in all kinds of weather. This matters for roads with rain, brouillard, or strong sun.
Sign Types and Locations
Classe 2 reflective sheeting works for many road signs. Speed limit signs use it to remind drivers to slow down. Warning signs for sharp bends or animal crossings need to stand out. These reflective road signs must be clear both day and night. Regulatory signs like stop or give way signs need to be easy to see. This helps guide traffic safely.
Engineers put reflective signs where drivers need quick information. Overhead signs on busy roads use Class 2 sheeting. This keeps them visible from far away. Signs on the left side or at the edge of the road also use this material. Studies show that advanced sheeting, comme 3M™ Diamond Grade™ DG³, can cut crashes by up to 46% over time. This technology reflects more light. Signs stay bright even in hard-to-see places. Older drivers and lorry drivers find these signs easier to spot. This helps keep everyone safe.
Research says the colour and material of reflective road signs change how long they last. Blue signs often last the longest. White and red signs may need changing sooner. Councils use this to plan where to put signs and when to replace them. By picking Class 2 sheeting, they do not need to change signs as often. This saves money and keeps roads safer for longer.
Note: Putting the right reflective signs in the right places can lower accidents and help traffic move better on medium-traffic roads.
Comparing Reflective Sheeting Classes
Classe 1 vs Class 2
Classe 1 et classe 2 reflective sheeting help drivers see signs. They are made from different materials and have different brightness. Classe 1 sheeting uses glass bead technology. It gives a basic level of reflectivity. This type is good for roads with slow traffic or fewer cars. Classe 2 sheeting uses microprismatic or advanced glass bead technology. It is much brighter than Class 1. Drivers can spot signs with Class 2 sheeting from further away. This works well at night or when the weather is bad.
Classe 2 sheeting is also stronger and lasts longer outside. It does not fade quickly in sunlight or get damaged by rain or wind. Classe 1 sheeting might not last as long in harsh weather. Councils often pick Class 2 for busy streets and intersections. It helps keep everyone safer on the road.
Note: Classe 2 sheeting is made to be brighter and stronger, so it is a good choice for medium-traffic roads.
Cost and Performance
The price is important when picking reflective sheeting. Classe 1 sheeting is cheaper than Class 2. But Class 2 works better for the money spent. It is brighter and lasts longer. This means councils do not have to change signs as often. Au fil du temps, Classe 2 sheeting saves money because it needs less fixing and replacing.
Classe 2 is a popular choice for medium-traffic roads. It gives a good mix of price and performance. Councils get bright, tough signs without paying too much. Classe 2 sheeting helps keep roads safe and saves money.
Standards and Compliance
AU and International Guidelines
Classe 2 reflective sheeting must follow strict rules for safety. En Australie, the standards for road signs are governed by AS / NZS 1906.1, which outlines the requirements for reflective materials used on traffic signs. This ensures that signs provide excellent visibility, especially on medium-traffic roads, in various weather and lighting conditions.
Other countries use similar guidelines to ensure safety. In the United Kingdom, le Department for Transport follows the European standard DANS 12899-1:2007, which specifies how fixed signs should reflect light. The United States uses ASTM D4956 for types and grades of reflective sheeting. These international standards help ensure that reflective road signs remain visible and effective, keeping drivers, cyclistes, and pedestrians safe on the roads.
Certification and Testing
Manufacturers test Class 2 reflective sheeting to show it is good quality. The material meets many well-known standards:
- ASTM D4956 Type I and EN 12899 RA1 for engineer grade reflective sheeting.
- Test reports from Brazil show the product is better than local engineer grade standards and matches ASTM D4956 Type I.
- Australian case studies say Class 2 reflective tapes and vinyl work well for over 15 années, showing they last a long time.
- The sheeting is as good as top brands like 3M 3200 series, Avery T-1500, and Oralite.
- Outdoor use can last up to 7 années, proven by certificates and what clients say.
- The adhesive and glass bead build give strong results, backed by tests and real use.
- Sur 15 years of selling worldwide shows the manufacturer is reliable.
These certificates and tests help councils and road safety experts trust the sheeting. They know it will work well and last for many years, Même par temps difficile.
Selection Tips
Assessing Road and Traffic Needs
People making decisions need to look at the road and how busy it is before picking Class 2 reflective sheeting. Roads that are busy but not crowded, like those in suburbs or at intersections, work best with this material. Planners should see if there are lots of people walking, riding bikes, or if the light changes often. Signs in these places must be easy to see during the day and at night.
A table can help compare different types of sheeting. The table below shows how Prismatique à haute intensité (HANCHE) sheeting is used for different jobs:
| Sheeting Type | ASTM D4956 Type | Reflectivity Level | Ideal Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prismatique à haute intensité (HANCHE) | Type III, IV | Medium-High | Suitable for low traffic roadways, stop signs, speed limit signs, and other regulatory signs. |
Classe 2 HIP sheeting follows ASTM D4956 Type III or IV rules. This means it shines with medium-high brightness. Councils use it a lot for important signs on roads with some traffic. When planners pick the right sheeting for each road, they help keep everyone safe.
Conseil: Always choose the right reflectivity for the speed and number of cars for the best safety.
Ensuring Longevity
How long reflective road signs last is important for safety and saving money. Classe 2 reflective sheeting does well in rain, sun, and daily use. Planners should pick products that block UV rays and keep water out. Signs in open places need more protection from the sun and weather.
Checking signs often helps them stay bright and easy to read. Councils should clean signs and fix them quickly if they break. Using sheeting that meets tough rules, like ASTM D4956, helps signs last longer and stay bright. This means signs do not need to be changed as often and saves money over time.
Note: Picking good sheeting and looking after it helps keep roads safe for everyone.
Installation and Maintenance
Meilleures pratiques
Putting up Class 2 reflective sheeting the right way makes it last longer and keeps roads safe. Workers need to clean and dry the spot before sticking on the sheeting. If there is dirt or water, the sticky part will not hold well and the sign will not last as long. Marking where to put the sign helps drivers see it better and keeps roads safer.
Manufacturers give step-by-step instructions for using the adhesive. Installers must follow these steps and let the glue set all the way. If they skip this, the sheeting might peel off or not shine as much. The weather and temperature are important too. Installers should pick the best glue for the road surface. Epoxy resins are good for asphalt, and butyl pads are better for concrete. It is best to install signs when the weather is dry and not too hot or cold.
Reports show that doing all these things makes Class 2 sheeting last longer and stay bright. Councils that use these tips have fewer broken signs and signs last longer.
Checking signs often keeps them working well. The IRC Code 67 says to check and clean signs two times a year. Inspectors look for signs that are faded, peeling, or hard to read. If a sign has any of these problems, it should be changed right away. The posts and mounts also need looking after. Cleaning and painting them every two years helps signs stay strong and easy to see.
Conseil: Looking after reflective road signs save money and helps keep everyone safe on the road.
Common Pitfalls
Some mistakes can make Class 2 reflective sheeting not last as long. Putting sheeting on a wet or dirty spot is a common mistake. This makes the sticky part weak and the sign can fall off early. Not following the manufacturer’s steps for glue or not letting it set can make the sheeting peel or not shine well.
Weather is important. Putting up signs in rain, very hot, or very cold weather can stop the glue from working. Not checking signs often lets small problems get worse. Signs that are faded or broken might not get fixed, which can be dangerous for people on the road.
A table below shows common mistakes and what happens:
| Pitfall | Effect on Sheeting |
|---|---|
| Wet or dirty surface | Weak stick, sign fails early |
| Wrong glue or not letting it set | Peeling, less brightness |
| Not thinking about the weather | Sign does not last as long |
| Not checking signs | Missed damage, not safe |
Note: Doing the job carefully and checking signs often helps stop these problems and keeps signs working well.
Études de cas
Urban Examples
Many Australian city councils use Class 2 reflective sheeting on busy roads. In one Australian city centre, engineers installed new signs made from Class 2 matériel. These signs replaced old ones that were hard to see. Drivers could spot the new signs from further away, even in rain or fog. The local police reported fewer accidents at night after the upgrade. Pedestrians felt safer at crossings because the signs were brighter under streetlights.
A study in Melbourne found that Class 2 sheeting made signs up to 40% easier to see than older materials. Bus drivers noted they could read speed limits and warnings sooner, which helped them slow down in time. The city council saved money because the signs lasted longer and required less maintenance.
Note: Clear signs in cities help drivers and people walking. Good visibility makes roads safer for everyone.
Suburban Results
Suburban roads often twist and have different light during the day. In one suburb, the council put up new signs with Class 2 sheeting near schools and parks. Parents felt better about letting children walk to school. Drivers slowed down more at crossings because the signs were easy to see, even when it was getting dark.
A table below shows what happened in a suburban test:
| Location | Accident Rate Before | Accident Rate After |
|---|---|---|
| School Zone | 5 per year | 2 per year |
| Park Entrance | 3 per year | 1 per year |
The drop in accidents shows that better signs really help. Councils also saw that the signs stayed bright after heavy rain and strong sun.
Conseil: Councils can make roads safer and save money by picking the right reflective sheeting.
Classe 2 reflective sheeting is easy to see and lasts a long time. It follows important rules for medium-traffic roads. Councils and planners like it because it saves money on road signs. Picking the right sheeting helps keep people safe and does not cost too much.
- Look at what the road needs and use the right standards.
- Check signs often to make sure they stay bright and safe.
Conseil: If a road project is tricky, ask road safety experts for help.
FAQ
What is the main use of Class 2 reflective sheeting?
Classe 2 reflective sheeting helps drivers see road signs clearly on medium-traffic roads. Councils often use it for speed limits, warnings, and pedestrian crossings. The material improves safety, surtout la nuit ou par mauvais temps.
How long does Class 2 reflective sheeting last outdoors?
Most Class 2 reflective sheeting lasts up to 7 years outdoors. The material resists rain, sunlight, and dirt. Regular cleaning and checks help signs stay bright and easy to read.
Can Class 2 sheeting be used on all road types?
Classe 2 sheeting works best on suburban streets, intersections, and roads with steady traffic. It may not suit very busy highways or places with heavy lorry traffic. Planners choose the right class for each road.
How should councils maintain signs with Class 2 sheeting?
Councils should clean signs twice a year and check for fading or damage. Quick repairs keep signs visible and safe. Regular care helps signs last longer and saves money.
