BRITISH STANDARD BS 873-4:1987

Road traffic signs and

internally illuminated
bollards —
Part 4: Specification for road studs

UDC 625.745.5/.6:628.975:656.055.969
BS 873-4:1987

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Road

Engineering Standards Committee (RDB/-) to Technical Committee RDB/6,
upon which the following bodies were represented:

Aluminium Federation
Association of Road Traffic Sign Makers
British Plastics Federation
British Precast Concrete Federation Ltd.
British Rubber Manufacturers Association
British Sign Association
British Steel Industry
British Telecommunications plc
Bus and Coach Council
County Surveyor’s Society
Department of Transport (Highways)
Electrical Installation Equipment Manufacturers
Association (BEAMA Ltd.)
Electricity Supply Industry in England and Wales
Institution of Civil Engineers
Institution of Highways and Transportation
Institution of Lighting Engineers
Lighting Industry Federation Ltd.
Retro-Reflective Equipment Manufacturers Association
Vitreous Enamel Development Council
Zinc Development Association

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Road Engineering
Standards Committee, was
published under the authority of
the Board of BSI and comes
into effect on
30 January 1987

© BSI 01-1999 Amendments issued since publication

First published April 1973
First revision January 1987
Amd. No. Date of issue Comments

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference RDB/6
Draft for comment 85/13788 DC

ISBN 0 580 15653 2

 BS 873-4:1987

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Marking 1
4 Construction of road studs 1
5 Materials 2
6 Colorimetric requirements for the retroreflectors of reflecting
road studs 2
7 Photometric requirements for the retroreflectors of permanent
reflecting road studs 3
8 Colorimetric and luminance requirements for the body of
temporary reflecting road studs 3
9 Photometric requirements for retroreflectors of temporary
reflecting road studs 4
10 Colour fastness to light of body of temporary reflecting road studs 4
11 Corrosion resistance of the retroreflectors of reflecting road studs 4
12 Resilience of depressible reflecting road studs 4
13 Adhesives for bonding road studs 4
Appendix A Tests 6
Appendix B Sampling procedure for laboratory tests of road studs 6
Appendix C Method of test for corrosion resistance of retroreflectors
of reflecting road studs 6
Appendix D Method of test for resilience of depressible reflecting
road studs 6
Appendix E Method of test for adhesives for bonding permanent
road studs 6
Appendix F Information on test for performance of reflecting
road studs under conditions of traffic 7
Appendix G Installation of road studs 9
Figure 1 — Test specimen for shear strength test 8
Figure 2 — Restraining frame 9
Table 1 — Corner coordinates for white retroreflectors 2
Table 2 — Corner coordinates for red retroreflectors 2
Table 3 — Corner coordinates for amber retroreflectors 2
Table 4 — Corner coordinates for green retroreflectors 2
Table 5 — Minimum R values for category A permanent studs 3
Table 6 — Minimum R values for category B permanent studs 3
Table 7 — Corner factors for the retroreflectors of reflecting road studs 3
Table 8 — Corner coordinates and minimum luminance factor for
temporary road stud body 4
Table 9 — Minimum and maximum R values for category A
temporary studs 4
Table 10 — Minimum and maximum R values for category B
temporary studs 4
Table 11 — Test temperature for adhesive cure 5
Table 12 — Laboratory tests required 6
Table 13 — Number of studs required for laboratory tests 7
Publications referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 01-1999 i
BS 873-4:1987

Foreword

This revision of BS 873-4 has been prepared under the direction of the Road
Engineering Standards Committee. It supersedes BS 873-4:1973 which is
withdrawn.
BS 873 was first published in 1939 in response to a request from the Association
of Road Traffic Sign Makers, and was revised in 1959 and 1970. As a result of
subsequent experience and the advent of new materials and methods of
construction, it is being further revised to bring it up to date. This process will
continue in future revisions.
The revised standard is being published in the following separate Parts, relating
to the various aspects of road traffic signs and internally illuminated bollards
which are considered to be suitable for standardization.
— Part 1: Methods of test;
— Part 2: Specification for miscellaneous signs;
— Part 3: Specification for internally illuminated bollards;
— Part 4: Specification for road studs;
— Part 5: Specification for internally illuminated signs and external lighting
luminaires;
— Part 6: Specification for retroreflective and non-retroreflective signs;
— Part 7: Specification for posts and fittings;
— Part 8: Specification for cones and cylinders.
NOTE BS 873-1 gives further details of the various Parts.
The main changes to this revision of BS 873-4 are as follows.
a) The fluorescent green-yellow, temporary reflecting road studs used at
road-work installations are now included.
b) A quality assurance procedure, to ensure that adequate quality control is
being adopted in the manufacture of road studs, has been added to Appendix A.
c) Recommendations for the installation of anchored studs have been added to
those for bonded studs in Appendix G. These recommendations, however,
should only be used in conjunction with the manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
Temporary reflecting road studs are normally installed at 1 m to 2 m centres, and
in order that the studs do not present a distracting reflective signal, maximum
as well as minimum photometric values have been incorporated in Table 9
and Table 10.
Some of the tests specified in this standard are such as to necessitate a
programme of sampling. Such a procedure should be agreed between the
manufacturers and the testing organization before supplying the samples.
Attention is drawn to BS 2635, BS 6000, BS 6001 and BS 6002.

ii © BSI 01-1999
 BS 873-4:1987

A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations. In particular, attention is drawn to the following.
The Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions
The Traffic Signs (Speed Limits) Regulations and General Directions.
The Pedestrian Crossing Regulations.
Information on the relationship between these regulations and BS 873 is given in
appendix A of BS 873-1:1983.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i to iv,
pages 1 to 10, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

© BSI 01-1999 iii

iv blank

1 Scope
This Part of BS 873 specifies requirements for
reflecting and non-reflecting road studs which may
be either bonded to or anchored within the road
surface. Sampling and test procedures applicable to
this standard are given in Appendix A to
Appendix F, with general advice for the installation
of road studs given in Appendix G.
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside back cover.
2 Definitions
For the purposes of this Part of BS 873 the
definitions given in BS 873-1 apply, together with
the following.
2.1
permanent reflecting road studs
a reflecting road stud as described in 2.8.4 of
BS 873-1:1983 that provides long-term warning,
guidance and information to road users
2.2
temporary reflecting road studs
a reflecting road stud as described in 2.8.4 of
BS 873-1:1983 that provides warning, guidance and
information to road users when required at road
works installations
NOTE Temporary reflecting road studs are designed to be
effective for a period of approximately 3 months.
2.3
unidirectional reflecting road studs
a reflecting road stud that has only one
retroreflecting face
2.4
bidirectional reflecting road studs
a reflecting road stud that has two opposing
retroreflecting faces
2.5
omnidirectional reflecting road studs
a reflecting road stud that is capable of providing
retroreflection when subjected to the light emitted
from the headlamp(s) of a motor vehicle
approaching from any direction
2.6
category A stud
a reflecting road stud incorporating one or more
corner cube retroreflectors
1) Marking BS 837-4:1987 on or in relation to a product is a claim by the manufacturer that the product has been manufactured
in accordance with the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of such a claim is therefore solely the manufacturer’s
responsibility. Enquiries as to the availability of third party certification should be addressed to the appropriate certification
body.
2)
See foreword for details.
© BSI 01-1999
BS 873-4:1987
2.7
category B stud
a reflecting road stud incorporating one or more
biconvex retroreflectors
3 Marking
Road studs and/or their containers shall be clearly
marked with the following information.
a) The number and date of this British Standard,
i.e. BS 873-4:19871).
b) The name, trade mark or other means of
identification of the manufacturer.
4 Construction of road studs
NOTE 1 Attention is drawn to the requirements of the
Regulations2) regarding shape, size and colour of road studs.
NOTE 2 Reflecting road studs for use on public roads in the UK
require to be type approved by the appropriate Government
Department responsible for highways. Information regarding the
required road test is given in Appendix F.
4.1 Non-reflecting road studs
The upper surfaces of non-reflecting road studs
shall retain their original colour throughout the life
of the studs. The enveloping profile of the head of
the studs shall not present any sharp edges to
traffic.
4.2 Reflecting road studs
Reflecting road studs require the incorporation of
retroreflectors which shall comply with the
colorimetric requirements of clause 6 and the
photometric requirements of clause 7 or 9. The
enveloping profile of the head of the studs shall not
present any sharp edges to traffic.
When the studs are constructed in two or more
parts, one of these shall incorporate the reflectors
and shall be a removable insert which shall only be
removable by the use of a tool recommended by the
manufacturer.
NOTE Any removable insert incorporating the retroreflector
should preferably be capable of fitment into the fixed part(s) in
two opposite directions so that the retroreflectors are capable of
being reversed.
4.3 Depressible reflecting road studs
Depressible reflecting road studs shall comply
with 4.2 and clause 12. They shall be self-wiping
and shall revert to their original form after being
traversed by a vehicle.
1
BS 873-4:1987

4.4 Temporary reflecting road studs 6.3 Red retroreflectors

Temporary reflecting road studs shall be of the
unidirectional type. The body of the studs shall be a
fluorescent green-yellow colour complying with the
colorimetric and luminance requirements of
clauses 8 and 10. The retroreflector or combination
of retroreflectors on the face of the stud shall comply
with the colorimetric requirements of clause 6 and
the photometric requirements of clause 9.
Red retroreflectors shall have chromaticity
coordinates that lie within the area formed by the
straight lines joining the corner coordinates having
x and y values given in Table 2.
Table 2 — Corner coordinates for red
retroreflectors
Point x y

1 0.665 0.335
5 Materials 2 0.657 0.335
Road studs shall be made from any materials such 3 0.730 0.262
that they shall comply with clause 4 and the 4 0.735 0.265
appropriate requirements listed in Appendix A.
NOTE Experience has shown that the following materials are 6.4 Amber retroreflectors
satisfactory for non-reflecting road studs.
a) Stainless steel castings complying with 302C25 of BS 3100. Amber retroreflectors shall have chromaticity
b) Stainless steel forgings complying with 304S31 of BS 970-1. coordinates that lie within the area formed by the
c) Aluminium castings complying with LM 4M or LM 6M of straight lines joining the corner coordinates having
BS 1490. x and y values given in Table 3.
d) Aluminium forgings complying with 2014A TB of BS 1472.
Table 3 — Corner coordinates for amber
6 Colorimetric requirements for retroreflectors
retroreflectors of reflecting road studs Point x y

6.1 General 1 0.570 0.429

The colour limits of the retroreflector(s) when 2 0.564 0.429
illuminated by CIE standard illuminant A3), with 3 0.595 0.398
an entrance angle V (vertical) = 0°, 4 0.602 0.398
H (horizontal) = 5° L (left) or R (right), and an
observation angle of 0.3° shall comply with 6.2 6.5 Green retroreflectors
to 6.5.
Green retroreflectors shall have chromaticity
NOTE Compliance with the colorimetric requirements of the coordinates that lie within the area formed by the
retroreflectors should normally be verified by means of a visual
comparison test. If any doubt remains after this test, compliance straight lines joining the corner coordinates having
should be verified by the determination of the chromaticity x and y values given in Table 4.
coordinates.
Table 4 — Corner coordinates for green
6.2 White (uncoloured) retroreflectors retroreflectors
White (uncoloured) retroreflectors shall have Point x y
chromaticity coordinates that lie within the area
formed by the straight lines joining the corner 1 0.030 0.385
coordinates having x and y values given in Table 1. 2 0.228 0.351
Table 1 — Corner coordinates for white 3 0.321 0.493
retroreflectors 4 0.302 0.692
Point x y

1 0.440 0.380
2 0.480 0.410
3 0.451 0.439
4 0.409 0.411

3)
As defined in the proceedings of the 1951 meeting of the International Commission on Illumination (CIE).
CIE Publication No. 15:1971 Colorimetry.

2 © BSI 01-1999
 BS 873-4:1987

Table 5 — Minimum R values for category A permanent studs

Entrance angle V = 0° V = 0° V = 0° V = 0°
H = 15° L and R H = 10° L and R H = 10° L and R H = 5° L and R
Observation angle 2° 1° 0.5° 0.3°
R (mcd/lx) 2.5 25 120 220

Table 6 — Minimum R values for category B permanent studs

Entrance angle V = 0° V = 0° V = 0° V = 0°
H = 15° L and R H = 10° L and R H = 10° L and R H = 5° L and R
Observation angle 2° 1° 0.5° 0.3°
R (mcd/lx) 2 10 15 20

7 Photometric requirements for
retroreflectors of permanent
reflecting road studs
7.1 Unidirectional and bidirectional studs
When tested in accordance with 7.4 each
retroreflector or combination of retroreflectors on
each face of the stud shall have a coefficient of
luminous intensity R4) not less than that given in
Table 5 or Table 6 as appropriate, multiplied by the
appropriate colour factor given in Table 7.
NOTE 1 The two categories of road stud A and B are defined
in 2.6 and 2.7 and the method of measurement and failure
criteria are described in 7.4.
NOTE 2 The vertical entrance angle of 0° corresponds to the
normal aspect of the retroreflector(s) when the reflecting road
stud is installed in a horizontal road surface.
7.2 Omnidirectional studs
Each omnidirectional stud shall have a minimum
coefficient of luminous intensity of not less
than 2 mcd/lx (measured at an entrance angle V
of 0° and an observation angle of 0.3°) multiplied by
the appropriate colour factor specified in Table 7.
7.3 Colour factors for the retroreflectors of
reflecting road studs
The colour factors for the retroreflectors of reflecting
road studs shall be as specified in Table 7.
Table 7 — Colour factors for the
retroreflectors of reflecting road studs
Colour White Amber Red Green
Multiplying 1 0.5 0.2 0.2
factor
7.4 Measurement and assessment of luminous
intensity
Measurements of the coefficient of luminous
intensity shall be made by the method given in
CIE Publication No. 54:1982.
Under test conditions a stud shall not be considered
to fail the photometric requirements if the
measured coefficient of luminous intensity R at any
one position of measurement is less than the values
specified in Table 5 or Table 6 provided that:
a) the value is not less than 80 % of the specified
minimum;
b) the average of the left and right measurements
for the specific angle is greater than the specified
minimum.
At least nine studs of the batch of 10 shall have
R values in accordance with Table 5 or Table 6 or a)
and b) above. In the event of this requirement not
being met, a second batch of 10 studs shall be
submitted for test and all 10 shall meet the
requirements.
8 Colorimetric and luminance
requirements for body of temporary
reflecting road studs
The colour of the stud body, (fluorescent
green-yellow) when measured in accordance with
CIE Publication 15:1971 and illuminated by
polychromatic radiation simulating CIE standard
illuminant D 65 with an illumination angle of 45°
and an observation angle in a direction normal to
the surface (CIE 45/0 geometry) shall be within the
area bounded by the trapezium with corner
coordinates having the x and y values given in
Table 8 and shall have the minimum luminance
factor Y given in Table 8. All calculations shall be
carried out using the CIE 1931 standard
colorimetric observer and CIE standard
illuminant D 65.
NOTE Measurements should be made on a flat area of the stud
with the stud backed by a matt black material.

4)
As defined in CIE Publication No. 54:1982. Retroflection, definition and measurement.

© BSI 01-1999 3
BS 873-4:1987

Table 8 — Corner coordinates and minimum 11 Corrosion resistance of

luminance factor for temporary road stud retroreflectors of reflecting road studs
body
After treatment as described in Appendix C the
Point x y Minimum luminance retroreflectors incorporated in reflecting road studs
factor Y
shall comply with the colorimetric and photometric
% requirements of clauses 6, 7 and 9.
1 0.38 0.62 ü
2 0.32 0.54 ï 12 Resilience of depressible reflecting
ý 75 road studs
3 0.38 0.48 ï
4 0.46 0.54 þ
When tested as described in Appendix D depressible
reflecting road studs shall show no breakdown of the
9 Photometric requirements for depressing action or the self-wiping action, and
retroreflectors of temporary no “permanent set” of such an extent that the
reflecting road studs reflective portion is permanently either wholly or
partially obscured.
The retroreflector or combination of retroreflectors
on the face of the stud shall have a coefficient of 13 Adhesives for bonding road studs
luminous intensity R within the limits given in
Table 9 or Table 10 as appropriate, when multiplied 13.1 Adhesives for permanent road studs
by the appropriate colour factor given in Table 7. 13.1.1 General. Adhesives that are furnished as
NOTE 1 The two categories of road stud A and B are defined separate components shall be in contrasting colours,
in 2.6 and 2.7 and the method of measurement and failure each packed separately. Satisfactory cure shall be
criteria are described in 7.4.
achieved with the quantity of hardener varying
NOTE 2 The vertical entrance angle of 0° corresponds to the
normal aspect of the retroreflector(s) when the reflecting road by ± 5 % of the recommended quantity. No volatile
stud is installed in a horizontal road surface. solvents shall be present in any adhesive used.

10 Colour fastness to light of body of

temporary reflecting road studs
The colour of the road stud body shall comply with
clause 8 of this standard after being subjected to the
natural exposure weathering test specified in 15.2.1
of BS 873-1:1983 for a period of 3 months
between 1 April and 31 October.
Table 9 — Minimum and maximum R values for category A temporary studs
Entrance angle V = 0° V = 0° V = 0° V = 0°
H = 15° L and R H =10° L and R H = 10° L and R H = 5° L and R
Observation angle 2° 1° 0.5° 0.3°
R (mcd/lx) 2 to 8 10 to 36 32 to 100 60 to 200

Table 10 — Minimum and maximum R values for category B temporary studs

Entrance angle V = 0° V = 0° V = 0° V = 0°
H = 15° L and R H = 10° L and R H = 10° L and R H = 5° L and R
Observation angle 2° 1° 0.5° 0.3°
R (mcd/lx) 1.4 to 8 7 to 36 10 to 100 13 to 200

4 © BSI 01-1999
 BS 873-4:1987

13.1.2 Rate of cure. When tested as described in 13.1.5 Skinning. The adhesive shall be such that
Appendix E the time taken to develop a bond none of the components exhibit skinning after
strength of 1.4 N/mm2 at each test temperature having been stored for 12 months from the date of
shall be not more than that given in Table 11. manufacture.
Table 11 — Test temperature for 13.1.6 Storage stability. The adhesive shall be such
adhesive cure that after being stored in a closed container
Test temperature ± 1 °C Time
for 2 weeks at 40 °C it shall comply with 13.1.2
to 13.1.4.
°C min
13.2 Adhesives for temporary reflecting
25 100 road studs
15 190
Adhesives used to bond temporary reflecting road
5 270
studs shall complement the colour of the surface of
13.1.3 Minimum shear strength of adhesive bond. the road, being black or dark-brown on bituminous
When tested as described in Appendix E the shear and white or cream on concrete, and shall be such to
strength of the adhesive bond shall be not less than: allow the stud to remain in position on the road
surface for a period of 3 months but shall permit
a) 8.9 N/mm2 after 24 h cure at 25 ± 2 °C when
easy removal of the stud without causing damage to
tested dry;
the road surface.
b) 6.2 N/mm2 after 24 h cure at 25 ± 2 °C followed
by 7 days’ immersion in distilled water
at 25 ± 2 °C. The specimen shall be tested
immediately it is removed from the water.
13.1.4 Adhesive bond strength. The adhesive shall
be such that when tested as described in
Appendix E the bond strength of the bonded road
stud is not less than 3.447 N/mm2.

© BSI 01-1999 5
BS 873-4:1987
Appendix A Tests
A.1 Type testing
A.1.1 Test studs
When type approval is sought, studs for test should
be submitted by the applicant and should be
accompanied by a dimensioned drawing and brief
description of the material(s) and fixing methods
relevant to the stud. The studs supplied should be
representative production samples. The number of
studs for testing should be in accordance with
Appendix B and Appendix F.
A.1.2 Laboratory tests
The studs are required to be capable of passing the
tests listed in Table 12 and described in clauses 6
to 12. The adhesive used with bonded road studs is
required to comply with clause 13.
Table 12 — Laboratory tests required
Stud Tests required
Non-reflecting None
Anchored reflecting Clauses 6, 7, 11
non-depressible
Anchored reflecting Clauses 6, 7, 11, 12
depressible
Bonded reflecting Clauses 6, 7, 11, 13
non-depressible
Bonded reflecting Clauses 6, 7, 11, 12, 13
depressible
Bonded temporary Clauses 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13
reflecting
A.2 Quality assurance
In order to maintain type approval, manufacturers
have to submit a sample of studs from current
production to an independent testing laboratory for
photometric testing. An agreed method of selection
should be adopted and the number of studs for
testing should be in accordance with Appendix B.
These checks should be made every 3 to 5 years;
however, following the first occasion that the studs
fail to comply with 7.4 one reassessment check will
be permitted within 6 months.
Appendix B Sampling procedure for
laboratory tests of road studs
To obtain approval for a particular type of road
stud, 10 sample road studs of each colour should be
submitted by the applicant to an independent
testing authority for type testing in accordance with
Table 13.
With the exception of the photometric tests
described in clause 7, failure of any sample in any
other test will be sufficient to cause rejection of the
studs. In the case of photometric tests, reference
should be made to 7.4 for the failure criteria.
6 © BSI 01-1999
Appendix C Method of test for
corrosion resistance of retroreflectors
of reflecting road studs
Prepare a solution containing 30 g of sodium
chloride complying with BS 3247 per litre of water.
Immerse a sample reflecting road stud in the
solution for 30 days. During this period, cycle the
temperature once a day by regularly varying it over
the range – 5 °C to + 10 °C.
Remove the road stud and rinse the reflectors.
Appendix D Method of test for
resilience of depressible reflecting
road studs
NOTE This test is not intended to simulate the actual wear
conditions occurring in use.
Mount the road stud securely on a bed plate and
subject the depressible portion of the road stud
to 900 000 depressions at a rate of 300 to 360
depressions per minute the depth of the depression
being either to the top edge of the reflector face, or
to the extent to which the portion is depressed by
normal traffic, whichever is the greater.
Appendix E Method of test for
adhesives for bonding permanent
road studs
E.1 Rate of cure test
Clean and sand-blast a 100 mm × 100 mm area on
the flat surface of a concrete block that has a tensile
strength in excess of 1.75 N/mm2. Condition the test
equipment, adhesive components and concrete at
the test temperature for 24 h prior to testing.
Maintain the same temperature throughout the
duration of the test.
Thoroughly mix the adhesive until it is a
homogeneous mixture of uniform colour. Start
timing from the commencement of mixing. Apply
the adhesive to the concrete test area and to a
sand-blasted 50 mm diameter steel pull-off plate.
Press the surfaces together and remove excess
squeezed out adhesive.
Just before the required test period expires, apply
the tensile load at a rate of 365 N/s.
E.2 Minimum shear strength of adhesive
bond test
Obtain three clean, dry and sound fully-cured
concrete blocks each of
dimensions 50 mm × 100 mm × 200 mm to be bonded
together as shown in Figure 1 to form a test
specimen.
 BS 873-4:1987

Table 13 — Number of studs required for laboratory tests

Clause or appendix Test Number of studs to be
references tested

5 and Appendix A General inspection 10 of any colour

6 Colorimetry of reflectors: visual comparison 10 of each colour
measurement of chromaticity coordinates in case of doubt 1 of each colour
8 Colorimetry of stud body (temporary studs): measurement 1 stud
of chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor
7.1 and 9 Photometry: at all test positions 10 of each colour
7.2 Photometry (omnidirectional) 10 of each colour
Photometry: quality assurance limited to observation 10 of each colour
A.2
angle of 0.3° and entrance angle of V = 0° H = 5° R
at all test positions, for the two road studs giving the 2 of each colour
maximum and minimum readings
10 Colour fastness of stud body (temporary studs) 2 studs
11 and Appendix Ca Corrosion resistance 1 of any colour
12 and Appendix D Resilience 1 of any colour
13.1.4 and E.3a Adhesive bond strength 2 of any colour
a No individual stud should be submitted to more than one of these tests.

Prepare the surfaces of the blocks to be bonded by E.3.2 Procedure for permanent studs
sand-blasting. Thoroughly mix the adhesive until it Thoroughly mix the adhesive as recommended by
is a homogeneous mixture of uniform colour. Apply the manufacturer and place it on the bottom of the
the adhesive to the surfaces. road stud and also on the flat sand-blasted end
Lightly clamp the test specimen across the joints so surface of a 50 mm diameter steel rod or pipe cap.
as to prevent movement until the adhesive has set Press the stud firmly into place, remove any excess
and remove excess squeezed out adhesive. Leave the adhesive and allow the bond to cure at 20 ± 1 °C.
specimen clamped for the curing period specified After curing, measure the bond strength using a
in 13.1.3 and then release the clamp. suitable tensile testing machine at a loading rate
Place the test specimen in a restraining frame as of 365 N/s.
shown in Figure 2 and apply a shear force to the E.3.3 Procedure for self-adhesive studs
joint with a compressive loading rate of 735 N/s in
Carry out the test as described in E.3.2 using only
the direction shown in Figure 1.
the adhesive supplied on the stud for bonding.
NOTE A swivel type head should be used at the top of the
testing press to ensure complete loading in the plane of the joint.
Appendix F Information on test for
Calculate the shear strength of the adhesive bond as
follows:
performance of reflecting road studs
under conditions of traffic
Total load at failure
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Area of joints F.1 Eligibility for test
E.3 Adhesive bond strength test In order for this test to be carried out, suitable
evidence should be produced confirming the
E.3.1 Conditioning successful completion of all tests listed in Table 13.
Immediately before the test, condition the steel rod F.2 Test sites
or pipe cap specified in E.3.2, the road stud under
test and the specified adhesive at a temperature F.2.1 Selection of sites
of 20 ± 1 °C for 24 h. Three or more sites will be selected from a list of test
sites provided by the Department of Transport in
collaboration with the Scottish Development
Department and the Welsh Office.

© BSI 01-1999 7
BS 873-4:1987

Figure 1 — Test specimen for shear strength test

F.2.2 Variation of conditions at sites selected
Of the three or more sites selected for the test, one
will be a concrete surface carriageway and one will
be situated in an area with severe climatic
conditions.
NOTE It is recommended that one site should be new asphalt.
F.3 Test sample requirements
F.3.1 Supply of test studs
50 studs of each colour for each test site should
normally be supplied for test purposes.
F.3.2 Installation of studs
The applicant is responsible for the installation of
the test studs at the three or more sites. Not fewer
than 50 test studs of each colour are to be installed
at each test site selected.
F.4 Control studs
Road studs of similar type to those submitted for
test will be selected for use as controls and will be
installed at each of the test sites selected. These
control studs will either have been approved in
accordance with this standard or have been
approved previous to the publication of this
standard for use on roads by the Department of
Transport in collaboration with the Scottish
Development Department and the Welsh Office.

8 © BSI 01-1999

Figure 2 — Restraining frame
F.5 Spacing of test studs and control studs and
method of fixing
F.5.1 Spacing
Permanent test studs will be placed alternately with
control studs to form an overall pattern of road stud
markings as recommended in chapter 5 of the
Traffic Signs Manual or as varied by the Highway
Authority for the road on which the test is to be
carried out.
Temporary test studs will be placed at 1 m centres
in groups of not fewer than five, with similar groups
of control studs interspaced alternately.
F.5.2 Method of fixing
The test studs and the control studs are to be fixed
in accordance with the respective manufacturers’
recommended instructions.
F.6 Duration of test
The studs will be tested under conditions of traffic
for 12 calendar months for permanent studs
and 3 calendar months for temporary studs.
NOTE The test may be terminated earlier if the studs under
test are found to perform unsatisfactorily or present a safety
hazard.
© BSI 01-1999
BS 873-4:1987
F.7 Assessment of performance
After exposure to traffic as detailed in F.6,
comparative assessments of the performance of the
test studs covering standards of general
performance will be made at the test site,
e.g. durability, the resistance to lifting, tilting and
rotational movement, the adhesive quality of
bonded road studs and photometric values of
reflective road studs all of which should not be below
those of the control studs installed at the same test
site.
Temporary studs will, in addition, be assessed
visually for their conspicuousness in daytime
conditions.
A representative sample of trial and control studs
(normally 10 of each colour) will be removed from
each test site and tested for the relevant
photometric and colorimetric performance as
described in clauses 6, 7, 9 and 10 and a
comparative assessment of the laboratory
measurements between trial and control studs will
be made.
Appendix G Installation of road studs
G.1 Recommendations for the installation of
bonded road studs
G.1.1 General
It is essential that bonded road studs are fixed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
with the recommendations of G.1.2 to G.1.6 applied
where necessary.
G.1.2 Cleaning of the road surface
The road surface should be cleaned and dust, oil,
grease and other contaminants removed.
G.1.3 Concrete surfaces
Studs should not normally be laid before the
concrete is cured. If the concrete is clean and well
worn it may be prepared by wire brushing. New
concrete which may have a curing agent on the
surface (to which epoxy adhesives will not bond)
should be prepared by applying a 10 % hydrochloric
acid solution. This should be put on with a stiff
brush and then rinsed thoroughly with fresh water.
The surface should then be allowed to dry
thoroughly before proceeding with the installation.
G.1.4 Newly laid asphalt or coated macadam
The surface should, where possible, be allowed to
weather and compact for a minimum period
of 6 weeks to 8 weeks depending on traffic
conditions prior to the installation of permanent
studs.
9
BS 873-4:1987
G.1.5 Installation of bonded studs
Road studs should not be installed on white lines or
on joints in the road surface. It is advisable to install
them when the road surface is completely dry and
when the road surface temperature is greater
than 4 °C unless the manufacturer of the adhesive
recommends that it is suitable for use in other
conditions.
NOTE 1 A blowlamp may be used to prepare the road surface in
damp or cold weather but care should be taken not to overheat
the road surface as this can weaken it.
NOTE 2 In cases of doubt the adhesive manufacturer’s advice
should be obtained on whether the adhesive is appropriate to the
surface in question.
G.1.6 Method of use of adhesive
Any settling of fillers or pigments in the adhesive
components should be completely dispersed by
stirring before the components are mixed.
Just before use the components should be
thoroughly mixed to give a homogeneous mixture of
uniform colour.
The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed
regarding the application of the adhesive and any
safety precautions. The adhesive should be used as
quickly as possible after mixing and never after it
has started to set in the container. The whole of the
bottom surface of the road stud should be bonded to
the road surface. The adhesive should be allowed to
set sufficiently before allowing traffic to over run the
stud.
10
G.2 Recommendations for the installation of
anchored road studs
G.2.1 General
It is essential that anchored road studs are fixed in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
with the recommendations of G.2.2 and G.2.3
applied where necessary.
G.2.2 Preparing concrete surfaces
The cavities formed in concrete surfaces for
accepting the anchored part of an anchored road
stud should be thoroughly cleaned of dust and loose
material. This should be achieved by either pressure
blasting or suction using appropriate equipment.
The cavities should be primed with a spirit based
bituminous primer unless otherwise recommended
by the manufacturer.
G.2.3 Bituminous surfaces
The cavities formed in bituminous surfaces should
be cleaned as for concrete in G.2.1. In cold weather,
the temperature of the bituminous material
immediately surrounding the cavities formed to
accept the anchored part of an anchored road stud
may be gently heated in order to prevent rapid
cooling of any heated bituminous adhesive or grout
used in the cavity.
NOTE Care should be taken not to overheat the road surface as
this can weaken it.
© BSI 01-1999
 BS 873-4:1987

Publications referred to

BS 873, Road traffic signs and internally illuminated bollards.

BS 873-1, Methods of test.
BS 970, Specification for wrought steels for mechanical and allied engineering purposes.
BS 970-1, General inspection and testing procedures and specific requirements for carbon, carbon
manganese, alloy and stainless steels.
BS 1472, Wrought aluminium and aluminium alloys for general engineering purposes — forging stock and
forgings.
BS 1490, Aluminium and aluminium alloy ingots and castings.
BS 2635, Drafting specifications based on limiting the number of defectives permitted in small samples5).
BS 3100, Specification for steel castings for general engineering purposes.
BS 3247, Specification for salt for spreading on highways for winter maintenance.
BS 6000, Guide to the use of BS 6001. Sampling procedures and tables for inspection by attributes5).
BS 6001, Sampling procedures and tables for inspection by attributes5).
BS 6002, Specification for sampling procedures and charts for inspection by variables for percent defective5).
CIE Publication No. 15 Colorimetry6).
CIE Publication No. 54 Retroreflection, definition and measurement6).

5)
Referred to in the foreword only.
6)
CIE (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage) publications are available from the National Illumination Committee of
Great Britain, c/o The Library, Thorn Lighting Ltd., Great Cambridge Road, Enfield, Middlesex EN1 1UL.

© BSI 01-1999
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