U.S. Deportment 

of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Ave .. SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Federal Highway 

Administ ration May 6. 2016 

In Repl y Refer To: 

11 SST-l /WZ-20A 

Nlr. Troy Tapley 

MDJ Worldwide 

3827 J W. Twelve Mile Road 

Farmington Hill s, Michi gan 4833 1 

Dear Mr. Tapley: 

This letter is in response to your December 29. 2015 request for the federal Highway 

Administration (fHWA) to review a roadside safety device, hardware, or system for eligibility 

for reimbursement under the federa l-aid highway program. This FI IWA letter of eligibili ty is 

assigned FHWA control number WZ-20A and is valid until a subsequent letter is issued by 

FHW A that expressly references this device. 

Decision 

The following devices arc eligible. with details provided in the fonn which is attached as an 

integral part of this letter: 

40C/\M Sign Stands 

Scope of this Letter 

To be found eligible for federal-aid funding. modified roadside safety devices should meet the 

crash test and evaluation cri teri a contained in the National Cooperative Highway Research 

Program (NCI !RP) Report 350. However, the 171 JWA, the Department of Transportation, and the 

United States Government do not regul ate the manufacture of roadside safety devices. Eligibility 

for reimbursement under the f ederal-aid highway program docs not establish approval, 

certification or endorsement of the device for any particular purpose or use. 

This letter is not a determination by the Pl IWA, the Department o f Transportation, or the United 

States Government that a vehicle crash involving the device will result in any particular 

outcome, nor is it a guarantee of the in-service performance of this device. Proper 

manufacturing, install ation. and maintenance are required in order fo r this device to function as 

tested. 

This finding of eligibility is limited to the crashworthiness of' the system and does not cover other 

structural fe atures, nor conformity with the Manual on Uniform Trame Control Devices. 
2 

Eligibility for Reimbursement 

FHW A previously issued an eligibility letter for the roadside safety system described in your 

pending request. Your pending request now identifies a modification to that roadside safety 

system. 

The original roadside safety device information is provided here: 

Name ofsystem: 40CAM Sign Stands 


Type of system: Work Zone Traffic Control Device 


Date ofOriginal Request: June 15, 1999 


Date of original FHW A eligibility letter: October 28, 1999 


FHWA Control number: WZ-20 


The pending modification(s) consists ofthe following changes: 

1. 	 The legs to be constructed with steel or aluminum. In addition, the legs to be 

telescoping and non-telescoping. 

2. 	 The legs to be constructed with square tubing not to exceed 1.25 in x 1.25 in x .06 in 

[30 mm x 30 mm x 1.5 mm] and 1.00 in x 1.00 in x .06 in [25 mm x 25 mm x 1.5 

mm]. 

FHWA concurs with the recommendation ofthe accredited crash testing laboratory as stated 

within the attached form. 

Full Description of the Eligible Device 

The device and supporting documentation, including reports ofthe crash tests or other testing 

done, videos of any crash testing, and/or drawings ofthe device, are described in the attached 

form. 

Notice 

Ifa manufacturer makes any modification to any oftheir roadside safety hardware that has an 

existing eligibility letter from FHWA, the manufacturer must notify FHWA of such modification 

with a request for continued eligibility for reimbursement. The notice of all modifications to a 

device must be accompanied by: 

o 	 Significant modifications - For these modifications, crash test results must be 

submitted with accompanying documentation and videos. 
3 

o 	 Non-signification modifications - For these modifications, a statement from the 

crash test laboratory on the potential effect ofthe modification on the ability of 

the device to meet the relevant crash test criteria. 

FHW A's determination of continued eligibility for the modified hardware will be based on 

whether the modified hardware will continue to meet the relevant crash test criteria. 

You are expected to supply potential users with sufficient information on design, installation and 

maintenance requirements to ensure proper performance. 

You are expected to certify to potential users that the hardware furnished has the same chemistry, 

mechanical properties, and geometry as that submitted for review, and that it will meet the test 

and evaluation criteria ofthe NCHRP Report 350. 

Issuance ofthis letter does not convey property rights of any sort or any exclusive privilege. 

This letter is based on the premise that information and reports submitted by you are 

accurate and correct. We reserve the right to modify or revoke this letter if: (I) there are 

any inaccuracies in the information submitted in support ofyour request for this letter, (2) 

the qualification testing was flawed, (3) in-service performance or other information 

reveals safety problems, ( 4) the system is significantly different from the version that was 

crash tested, or (5) any other information indicates that the letter was issued in error or 

otherwise does not reflect full and complete information about the crashworthiness ofthe 

system. 

Standard Provisions 

• 	 To prevent misunderstanding by others, this letter of eligibility designated as FHW A 

control number WZ-20A shall not be reproduced except in full. This letter and the 

test documentation upon which it is based are public information. All such letters and 

documentation may be reviewed upon request. 

• 	 This letter shall not be construed as authorization or consent by the FHW A to use, 

manufacture, or sell any patented system for which the applicant is not the patent 

holder. 

• 	 Ifthe subject device is a patented product it may be considered to be proprietary. If 

proprietary systems are specified by a highway agency for use on Federal-aid 

projects: (a) they must be supplied through competitive bidding with equally suitable 

unpatented items; (b) the highway agency must certify that they are essential for 

synchronization with the existing highway facilities or that no equally suitable 

alternative exists; or (c) they must be used for research or for a distinctive type of 

construction on relatively short sections ofroad for experimental purposes. 
4 

Our regul ations concerning proprietary products are contained in Title 23, Code of Federal 

Regulations, Section 635 .411. 

Sincerely yours, 

Michael S. Griffith 

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Office of Safety 

Enclosures 
Date of Request: December 29, 2015 

Name: Troy Tapley 

I \New r. Resubmission

... 

cu Company: MDI Worldwide ...

~ Address: E 38271 W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331

..0 

:s Country: en United States 


Michael S. Griffith, Director 
 To: FHWA, Office of Safety Technologies 

Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 1 of 4 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

ofHighway Safety Hardware 

I request the following devices be considered eligible for reimbursement under the Federal-aid 

highway program. 

11- I-'I 

System Type Submission Type Device Name I Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'WZ': Crash Worthy Work 

Zone Traffic Control Devices 

\Physical Crash Testing 

(i' Engineering Analysis 

40CAM 

NCHRP Report 350 TL3 

By submitting this request for review and evaluation by the Federal Highway Administration, I certify 

that the product(s) was (were) tested in conformity with the NCHRP Report 350 (Report 350) and that 

the evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation criteria in the Report 350. 

Identification of the individual or organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: Troy Tapley Same as Submitter 181 

Company Name: MDI Worldwide Same as Submitter 181 

Address: 38271 W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 Same as Submitter 181 

Country: United States Same as Submitter 181 

Enter below all disclosures of financial interests as required by the FHWA 'Federal-Aid Reimbursement 

Eligibility Process for Safety Hardware Devices' document. 

Texas Transportation Institute (lTI) Proving Ground was compensated for the cost to perform the evaluation. 

Contract No. 1600838. No consulting relationships, research funding or other forms of research support, 

patents, copyrights, other intellectual property interests, licenses, contractual relationships, business ownership 

or investment interests are retained for the TII Proving Ground. 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 2 of 4 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

(' New Hardware or (9 Modification to INon-Significant 

Significant Modification • Existing Hardware 

Product Description of 40CAM v 

(Reference drawing ZA-07492-07) 

40CAM Compact Sign Stand is used in displaying up to 48 inch diamond shape or up to 16 sq. ft. [1.5 sq. meters) 

roll up signs. 

Further description: 

The 40CAM Compact Sign Stand is a portable/fold-up sign stand that is manufactured with (1) vertically 

mounted wind deflecting steel spring to support roll-up signs. The base of the sign stand consists of a .188 in 

[Smm) thick steel base, (4) telescoping legs, square steel upright and (1) vertically mounted steel spring 

attaching the base and upright. The legs are constructed of square steel tubing 1.00 in x 1.00 in x .06 in [25 mm 

x 25 mm x 1.5 mm] and 0.75 in x 0.75 in x .06 in [20 mm x 20 mm x 1.5 mm). The upright consists of a square 

steel tube 1.25 in x 1.25 x .06 in [30 mm x 30 mm x 1.5 mm). The upright allows for a removable Cam Lock 

Bracket. The Cam Lock Bracket is used to attach the base unit and the fiberglass cross brace of the sign. 

The overall height of the sign stand with vinyl flags mounted above the sign is 104 in [2642 mm) and 80 in 

[2032 mm) without the flags. The bottom of the sign is 12 in [305 mm) above grade. The total weight of the 

sign stand is 28.4 lbs [12.9 kg] which includes the stand of 20.7 lbs. [9.4 kg], a 48" x 48" roll up sign of6.7 lbs [3.0 

kg] and (3) vinyl flags of 1.0 lbs [O.S kg). 

The 40CAM was deemed eligible for federal funding in WZ-20 

Modifications being requested: 

Note: We request WZ-20 to be amended. 

The following models listed below are modifications lo the 40CAM. The primary differences are as follow: 

a. The legs to be constructed with steel or aluminum. In addition, the legs to be telescoping and nontelescoping. 

b. The legs to be constructed with sq uare tubing not to exceed 1.25 in x 1.25 in x .06 in [30 mm x 30 mm x 1.5 

mm) and 1.00 in x 1.00 in x .06 in (25 mm x 25 mm x 1.5 mm]. 

Models "MDI Compact Sign Stands" being requested for approval: 

1. 40CAM Ref: Drawing No. ZA-07492-08 (Modified w ith larger diameter legs). 

2. 40CAMAL Ref: Drawing No. ZA-07492-09 

Model Number Nomenclature Structure (Reference) 

CAM = Cam Lock Bracket 

AL = Aluminum legs 

CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash t est and its result: 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description Evaluation Results 

3-70 (820C) 

NCHRP-350 states this test is intended to evaluate the 

breakaway, fracture, or yielding mechanisms. Therefore, this 

test is not needed for this device. 

Non-Critical, not conducted 

S3-70 (700C) Testing is optional and not needed for these devices. Non-Critical, not conducted 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 3 of 4 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description Evaluation Results 

3-71 (820C) 

Modification Comparables: 

a. A NCHRP-350 3-71 test was conducted on the MDI 4814CS 

"Compact Sign Standa, Research Study No. 99002. 

b. Eligibility letter WZ-20 was issued for the 40CAM. The 

primary difference between sign stands was the gripping 

mechanism. The 4814CS was constructed with the mast 

extended to the center of the sign. The 40CAM is constructed 

with the gripping mechanism as low as possible on the sign 

cross brace member. 

c. The modifications listed above of the leg construction 

results in different mass properties and kinetic energy 

properties within each model. These modifications to the 

"MDI Compact Sign Stands" should not affect their 

performance nor the crashworthiness. Non-Critical, not conducted 

d. TTI Engineering Analysis, Project No. 690900-MDI MISC2 

analyzed the overall geometry of the "MDI Compact Sign 

Stands", their mass properties and the energy the sign stands 

exerts on a vehicle during a collision. The modifications to the 

"MDI Compact Sign Stands" listed above were found 

comparable in design and the mass properties and kinetic 

energy properties to be within the threshold. 

e. TTI concluded with the comparable properties, the "MDI 

Compact Sign Stands" should perform in the same manner 

and require no further testing. 

S3-71 (700C) Testing is optional and not needed for these devices. Non-Critical, not conducted 

Full Scale Crash Testing was done in compliance with NCHRP Report 350 by the following accredited 

crash test Laboratory. By signature below, the Laboratory agrees in support of this submission that all 

critical and relevant crash tests for the device listed above were conducted. (cite the laboratory's 

accreditation status as noted in the crash test reports.): 

Testing Laboratory's signature concurs that these modifications are considered Non-Significant. 

Laboratory Name: Texas Transportation Institute 

Dean C. Alberson c.g....,._...,o.....c ......... 

Laboratory Signature: ON-~~C.~o-T.-usAMTrlftSPOtlatlOl\lmhtaolt'.OV•~ 

s.!oly>M""1<dS«"""°"'"°" ...... ......-c•US ~:.: 2016-0lll 1 S-14_)) .OSW 

Address: 3135 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-3135 Same as Submitter D 

Country: USA Same as Submitter D 

Accreditation Certificate 

Number and Dates of current 

Accreditation period: 

A2LA # 2821.01 Valid until 04/30/2017 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 4 of 4 

- ~ ./ 0. ullysJ9nedbyT oyT.J

Submitter Signature*: , ,,. "' ' /"Z'...- o... . 20 16.01.0116:1s: 1a 

'/" ·OS'OO' 

Submit Form 

ATTACHMENTS 

Attach to this form: 

1) Additional disclosures of related linancial interest as indicated above. 

2) A copy of the full test report, video, and a Test Data Summary Sheet fo r each test conducted in 

support of this request. 

3) A drawing or drawings of the device(s) that conform to the Task Force-1 3 Drawing Specifications 

[Hardware Guide Drawing Standards]. f-or proprietary products, a single isometric line drawing is 

usually acceptable to ill ustrate the product, with detailed specificat ions, intended use, and contact 

in fo rmation provided on the reverse. Add itional drawings (not in Tf-- 13 fo rmat) showing details that 

are relevant to understanding the dimensions and performance of the device should also be submit1ed 

to fac ilitate our review. 

FHWA Official Business Only: 

Eligibility Letter AASHTO TF13 

Number Date Designator Key Words 

WZ-20A Work Zone Sign Stands, Compact sign stand 
STEEL BASE 

CAM LOCK 

BRACKET 

40CAM 
 WZNOTE:

40CAM PREVIOUSLY ACCEPTED SCHEMATICDRAWING AND RECORDED UNDER WZ-20 

ROLL UP SIGNS 

VINYL FLAGS 

104" 

68" 

FIBERGLASS 80" 

CROSS BRACE 

48" X 48" VINYL 1.00" - SQ. STEEL LEG 

ROLL UP SIGN 


.75" - SQ. STEEL 


TELESCOPING LEG 
 (1) COIL SPRING----

Ql 

RQJAD Ill 

Ill _______\A/~r""11l/' ______ _ 

--- -~v:.v~::r-ic;-------

m 

AHEiAD m 

12" MIN. 

RUBBER CAPS 1-..---52" ---·-1 

68" 

40CAM WEIGHT 

ROLL UP SIGN 6.7 lbs. 

FLAGS 1.0 lbs. 

SIGN STAND 20.7 lbs. 

N TOTAL 28.4 lbs. 

~ = 

~ N 

~.__________________________________________________________________________________ MDI Tniffic Control Pr~s. 38271 West 12 Mile Rood. Farminglon Hills. Ml 48331-30~ I 800.S2 l-6776 ___. c= ZA-07492-07 I 
VINYL FLAGS 

FIBERGLASS 

CROSS BRACE 

48" X 48" VINYL 

ROLL UP SIGN 

QI 

RdAD QI 

QI 

QI 

====-=~======= di 

di 

di 

AH~AD di 

(1) COIL SPRING---­

.-.1--- s2" -­..I 

68" 

40CAM 

SCHEMATIC DRAWING 

ROLL UP SIGNS 

104" 

68" 

80" 

12" MIN. 

RUBBER CAPS 

40CAM WEIGHT 

ROLL UP SIGN 

FLAGS 

SIGN STAND 

TOTAL 

MDI Traffic Con1rol Producls, 38271 West 12 Mile Road, Fmnington Hills, Ml 48331-3041 800·521-6776 

CAM LOCK 

BRACKET 

6.7 lbs. 

1.0 lbs. 

24.4 lbs. 

32.1 lbs. 
STEEL BASE 

40CAMAL WEIGHT 

ROLL UP SIGN 

FLAGS 

SIGN STAND 

TOTAL 

CAM LOCK 

BRACKET 

6.7 lbs. 

1.0 lbs. 

19.4 lbs. 

27.1 lbs. 

MDI TrDffic Control Products, 38271Wesl12 Mile Road. Fmming1on Hills, Ml 48331·3041 800·521-6776 

WZNOTE: 40CAMAL 	 40CAMAL PREVIOUSLY ACCEPTED 

SCHEMATIC DRAWING 	 AND RECORDED UNDER WZ-20 

(FORMERLY KNOWN AS 4814SSCK) ROLL UP SIGNS 

VINYL FLAGS 

104" 

68" 

FIBERGLASS 80" 

m 

RdAD m 

m 

m 

===--==~~Ir<======= 

m 

AHfAD 

Ill 

(1) COIL SPRING-----

CROSS BRACE 

48" X 48" VINYL 1.25" - SQ. ALUM. LEG 

ROLL UP SIGN 

1.00" - SQ. ALUM 

TELESCOPING LEG 12" MIN. 

"""'I•i----52" -----1•..il 	 RUBBER CAPS