US. Deportment 

of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Federal Highway 

Administra tion June I, 20 16 

In Reply Refer To: 

HSST-l/WZ-l 14A 

Mr. Troy Tapley 

MDl Worldwide 

3827 1 W. Twe lve Mile Road 

Fa rmington Hills, Michigan 4833 1 

Dea r 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, hardwa re, or system for eligibility 

for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program. This rI-IWA letter or eligibility is 

assigned FHWA control number WZ-1 I4A and is va lid until a subsequent letter is issued by 

FHW A that expressly references this device. 

Decision 

The following devices are eligible, with details provided in the form which is allached as an 

integral part of this letter: 

50 12 Sign Stands 

Scope of this Letter 

To be found eligible for Federal-aid fund ing, modified roadside safety devices should meet the 

crash test and evaluation criteria contained in the National Cooperati ve Highway Research 

Program (NCHRP) Report 350. However, the FHW/\., the Department ofTransportation, and the 

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

for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program does not establish approval, 

certification or endorsement of the device for any particul ar purpose or use. 

This letter is not a determination by the FHWA, the Department of 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, installation, and maintenance are required in order for this device to function as 

tested. 

This finding ofeligibility is limited to lhe crashworthiness of the system and does not cover other 

structural features, nor conforn1ity with the Manual on Unjform Traffic 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: 5012 Sign Stands 

Type ofsystem: Work Zone Traffic Control Device 

Date of original FHW A eligibility letter: April 9, 2002 

FHW A Control number: WZ-114 

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]. 

3. 	 The sign holding bracket differs. 

4. 	 The base unit ofthe sign stands to be constructed with and without the use of a wind 

deflecting steel spring. 

FHW A 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 

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

existing eligibility letter from FHW A, the manufacturer must notify FHW A ofsuch 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. 

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 rlevic.e to meet the relevant c.rash test c.riteria. 
3 

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 of the 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 Jetter if: (I) there are any inaccuracies in 

the information submitted in support of your request for this Jetter, (2) the qualification testing 

was flawed, (3) in-service perforn1ance 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 FHWA 

control number WZ-l l 4A 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 of road for experimental purposes. 
4 

Our regulations concerning proprietnry products arc contained in Title 23, Code of 

recleral Regulations, Section 635.411. 

Sincerely yours. 

Michncl S. Griffith 

Director, Office of Safety Technologies 

Office ofSafety 

Enclosures 
Date of Request: December 29, 2015 I \New Ci' Resubmission

Name: Troy Tapley 

... 

QI Company: MDI Worldwide 

~ 

E 

.c 

~ 

Cl'I 

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

Country: United States 

To: Michael S. Griffith, Director 

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. 

11-1-q 

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 

5012SS 

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 18] 

Company Name: MDI Worldwide Same as Submitter 18] 

Address: 38271 W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 Same as Submitter 18] 

Country: United States Same as Submitter 18] 

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 (TII) 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 TTI Proving Ground. 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 2 of 4 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 

,... New Hardware or 

' Significant Modification 

r.:-- Modification to 

'~ Existing Hardware 

IN s· .fi 

on- igni icant 

Product Description of 5012SS 


(Reference drawing ZA-07492-01) 


5012SS 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 5012SS 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 ofthe sign stand consists ofa .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 Screw Lock 


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


The overall height ofthe 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 27.3 lbs [12.4 kg) which includes the stand of 19.6 lbs. [8.9 kg), a 48" x 48n roll up sign of 6.7 lbs (3.0 


kg] and (3) vinyl flags of 1.0 lbs [0.5 kg). 


The 5012SS was deemed eligible for federal funding in WZ-114 


Modifications being requested: 


Note: We request WZ-114 to be amended. 


The following models listed below are modifications to the 5012SS. 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 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). 

c. The sign holding bracket differs. 

d. The base unit of the sign stands to be constructed with and without the use ofa wind deflecting steel spring. 

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

1. 5012SS Ref: Drawing No. ZA-07492-02 (Modified with larger legs) 

2. 5012SSAL Ref: Drawing No. ZA-07492-03 

3. 5012NS Ref: Drawing No.ZA-07492-05 

4. 5012NSAL Ref: Drawing No. ZA-07492-06 

5. 5012SSPL Ref: Drawing No. ZA-07492-14 

6. 5012SSALPL Ref: Drawing No. ZA-07492-15 

7. 5012NSPL Ref: Drawing No. ZA-07492-16 

Model Number Nomenclature Structure (Reference) 

50 = Steel legs 

12 = Bottom of sign held 12" above grade 

SS =Single spring 

NS = No spring 

AL =Aluminum legs (override prefix) 

PL= Pocket Lock sign holding bracket 
Version 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 3 of 4 

CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash test and its result: 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description Evaluation Results 

3-70 (820() 

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

3-71 (820() 

Modification Comparables: 

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

"Compact Sign Stand", Research Study No. 99002. 

b. Eligibility letter WZ-114 was issued for the 5012SS. 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 5012SS 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, the 

sign holding bracket and the base unit of the sign stands to 

be constructed with and without the use of a wind deflecting 

steel spring 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. 

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. 

Non-Critical, not conducted 

S3-71 (700() Testing is optional and not needed for these devices. Non-Critical, not conducted 
Submitter Signature*: --;::::r/ 

Submit Form 

Vers ion 9.1 (11/15) 

Page 4 of 4 

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 

laboratory Signature: Dean C. Alberson ()lg tJ.lly 1oig'W'd by Oun C. Alb<orscn 

oP-4 <l'l•OunC.A.~0-·T('.~AJt/!f .vtSpol1.1I JOn ln.1M\oU.ouos:AcMcM<~y 

~ety...,Ph,.,..caJs.e.tlM'tr11'.).~~l-4'•~t..ltml.l-f'di&.t•VS 

O..~Xl16Cl211Sl8 0-0SW 

Address: 3135 TAMU, College Station, TX 77843-3135 Same as Submitter 0 

Country: USA Same as Submitter 0 

Accreditation Certificate 

Number and Dates of current 

Accreditation period : 

A2LA # 2821.01 Valid until 04/30/ 201 7 

ATTACHMENTS 

Attach to this form: 


I) Additional disclosures ofrelated financial interest as indicated above. 


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


support of thi s request. 

3) A draw ing or draw ings of the device(s) that confom1 to the Task Force-13 Drawing Specifications 

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

usually acceptable to illustrate the product, with detailed specifications, intended use, and contact 

informati on provided on the reverse. Additional drawings (not in T F- 13 format) showing details that 

are relevant to understanding the dimensions and performance or the device should also be submitted 

to facilitate our review. 

FHWA Official Business Only: 

Eligibility Letter AASHTO TF13 

Number Date Designator Key Words 

WZ-114A Work Zone Sign Stand, compact sign stand 
STEEL BASE 

SCREW LOCK 

BRACKET 

5012SS WZNOTE:

5012SS PREVIOUSLY ACCEPTED SCHEMATICDRAWING AND RECORDED UNDER WZ-114 

ROLL UP SIGNS 


'-I•--52"--·-ii 

.J

;a. 

VINYL FLAGS 

FIBERGLASS 

CROSS BRACE 

104" 

68" 

80" 

12" MIN. 

MDI Tmffic Control Products, 38271West12 Mile Ro:ul, Fnnnington Hills, Ml 48331·3041 800-521-6776

1.00" - SQ. STEEL LEG 

.75" -SQ. STEEL 

TELESCOPING LEG 

RUBBER CAPS 

5012SS WEIGHT 

ROLL UP SIGN 

FLAGS 

SIGN STAND 

TOTAL 

6.7 lbs. 

1.0 lbs. 

19.6 lbs. 

27.3 lbs. 

ZA-07492-01 L-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--~-~~~~~~~~~-~~~~~___.

N

>

-

.a
1.2511 

- SQ. STEEL LEG 

1.00" - SQ. STEEL 

TELESCOPING LEG 

(1) COIL SPRING 12" MIN. 

RUBBER CAPS I....,____ 52" --·--ii 

68" 

STEEL BASE 

VINYL FLAGS 

5012SS 

SCHEMATICDRAWING 

ROLL UP SIGNS 

BRACKET 

5012SS WEIGHT 

ROLL UP SIGN 

FLAGS 

SIGN STAND 

TOTAL

C 

SCREW LOCK 

6.7 lbs. 

1.0 lbs. 

23.1 lbs. 

30.8 lbs. 

MDI Tmffic Control Products, 38271 West 12 Mile Road, Fnrmington Hills. !'.II 48331·304 I 800.S2l-6776 ZA-07492-02
 L_~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

-1 

N

t

\

N

-.
5012SSAL 


SCHEMATICDRAWING 


ROLL UP SIGNS 


VINYL FLAGS 

104" 

68" 

80" 

CROSS BRACE 

FIBERGLASS 

48" X 48" VINYL 


ROLL UP SIGN 


12" MIN. (1) COIL SPRING----

i...1·--52" --•-ii 

1.00" - SQ. ALUM. t 

TELESCOPING LEG\....J===-~~k====--===-- I 

RUBBER CAPS 

STEEL BASE 

5012SSAL WEIGHT 

ROLL UP SIGN 6.7 lbs. 

FLAGS 1.0 lbs. 

SIGN STAND 18.1 lbs. 

TOTAL 25.8 lbs. 

1.25" - SQ. ALUM. LEG 


SCREW LOCK 

BRACKET 

MDI Traffic Control Producis, 38271 WCS1 12 Mile Road, Fnnnington Hills, Ml 48331-304 I 800-521-6776 ZA-07 492-03 

fiL---~-------~-----~------------~-~---~--~---'

N

=

N 

I 
5012NS 


SCHEMATICDRAWING 


ROLL UP SIGNS 


VINYL FLAGS 

104" 

68" 

80" FIBERGLASS 


CROSS BRACE 


48" X 48" VINYL 


ROLL UP SIGN 


12" MIN. NO SPRING-----' 

1.....--52" --.. -ii

68" 

1.25" - SQ. STEEL LEG 

1.00" - SQ. STEEL 

TELESCOPING LEG 

~~-===~__l 

RUBBER CAPS 

STEEL BASE 

5012NS WEIGHT 

ROLL UP SIGN 6.7 lbs. 

FLAGS 1.0 lbs. 

SIGN STAND 20.7 lbs. 

TOTAL 28.4 lbs. 

SCREW LOCK 

BRACKET 

f 

24" 

------~~----------M-Dl-Tm_m_cc_®tt-ol-Pr-~u_~_3_s21_1w_~_1_2M-ilc_Roa_~_F_mrn_ms_•on_11_;n~_~_fl4-83-31--30-41-80-0--S21-~7-76--------~--~Z~A~-~07~4~9~2~-0=5~_J 

I 

N

~'

-.
5012NSAL 


SCHEMATICDRAWING 


ROLL UP SIGNS 


VINYL FLAGS 

FIBERGLASS 

CROSS BRACE 

48" X 48" VINYL 

ROLL UP SIGN 

NO SPRING------.i1 

1--~-52" --1­

68" 

104" 

68" 

80" 

12 MIN. 

1.25" - SQ. ALUM. LEG 

1.00" - SQ. ALUM. 

TELESCOPING LEG 

RUBBER CAPS 

5012NSAL WEIGHT 

ROLL UP SIGN 

FLAGS 

SIGN STAND 

TOTAL 

MDI Traffic Control Products, 38271West12 Mile Road. Fmmington Hills, Ml 48331-3().11 800°S21-6776 

SCREW LOCK 

BRACKET 

6.7 lbs. 

1.0 lbs. 

15.7 lbs. 

23.4 lbs. 
STEEL BASE 

5012SSPL 


SCHEMATICDRAWING 


ROLL UP SIGNS 


MDI Tmffic Control Products, 38271West12 Mile Rottd, Fonnington Hills, Ml 48331·304 I 800.S21-6776 ZA-07492-14 

104" 

68" 

80" 

VINYL FLAGS 

FIBERGLASS 

CROSS BRACE 

48" X 4811 VINYL 

ROLL UP SIGN 

1.25" - SQ. STEEL LEG 

1.00" - SQ. STEEL 

TELESCOPING LEG 

12" MIN. 

RUBBER CAPS I-•t-- 52" --·-1 

5012SSPL WEIGHT 

ROLL UP SIGN 

FLAGS 

SIGN STAND 

TOTAL 

POCKET LOCK 

BRACKET 

18" 

T 

6.7 lbs. 

1.0 lbs. 

23.0 lbs. 

30.7 lbs. 

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------1 

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..,. 

~'-
VINYL FLAGS 

FIBERGLASS 

CROSS BRACE 

5012SSALPL 

SCHEMATICDRAWING 

ROLL UP SIGNS 

TELESCOPING LEG\~b-i=d~~=:::..:===-

104" 

68" 

80" POCKET LOCK 1.25" - SQ. ALUM. LEG BRACKET 

1.00" - SQ. ALUM. 

(1) COIL SPRING 18" 12" MIN. 

STEEL BASE 

t 1....--52" --...i·I RUBBER CAPS 

68" 

5012SSALPL WEIGHT 

ROLL UP SIGN 6.7 lbs. 

FLAGS 1.0 lbs. 

SIGN STAND 18.0 lbs.

TOTAL 25.7 lbs. 

MDITmfficControl Pr~s, 38271Wcst12 Mile Road, Fmminglon Hills. Ml 48331·3~1 800-521-6776 

L.--~~~~~~~~~~~~----~~~~~~~~~-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ZA-07492-15

N 

~ 

=....... 

\C

w 

I 
STEEL BASE 

5012NSPL WEIGHT 

ROLL UP SIGN 

FLAGS 

SIGN STAND 

TOTAL 

MDI Traffic Con1rol Products, 38271 Wcst 12 Mile Road, Fmmingion Hills. Ml 48331·3G.i I 800.S2 l-6776 

6.7 lbs. 

1.0 lbs. 

21.0 lbs. 

28.7 lbs. 

ZA-07492-16 

5012NSPL 

SCHEMATICDRAWING 

ROLL UP SIGNS 

VINYL FLAGS 

NO SPRING----~~ 

104" 

6811 

FIBERGLASS 80" CROSS BRACE POCKET LOCK 1.25" - SQ. STEEL LEG BRACKET 

48" X 4811 VINYL 

ROLL UP SIGN 

18

1.00" - SQ. STEEL 

TELESCOPING LEG 11 

12"MIN. 

Ii...__52" --..~1 RUBBER CAPS