US. Deportment 

of Tronsportatioo 

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Federal Highway 

Administration 

May 6, 20 14 In Reply Refer To: 

HSST/ WZ-333 

Mr. Troy Tapley 

MDl Worldwide 

38271 West Twelve Mile Road 

Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 

Dear Mr. Tapley: 

This letter is in response to your request for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to 

review a roadside safety system for eligibility for reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway 

program. 

Name ofsystem: 48 I 4SL Screw Lock Sign Stand 

Type of system: Compact X-Footprint Roll Up Sign Stand 

Test Level: NCHRP Report 350 Test Level 3 

Testing conducted by: Texas Transportation institute 

Date ofrequest: 2/14/2014 

Decision 

The following device is eligible, v.rith details provided in the fotm which is attached as an 

integral part ofthis letter: 

• 48 14 SL Screw Lock compact X-footprint stand for Roll Up signs 

Based on a review of crash test results certifying the device described herein meets the crash test 

and evaluation criteria ofthe National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) 

Report 350, the device is eligible fo r reimbursement under the Federal-aid highway program. 

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

or endorsement by the FHWA for any particular purpose or use. 

The FHWA, the Department ofTransportation. and the United States Government do not 

endorse products or services and the issuance of a reimbursement eligibility letter is not an 

endorsement of any product or service. 

Requirements 

To be found eligible for Federal-aid funding, roadside safety devices should meet the crash test 

and evaluation criteria contained in the NCHRP Report 350 or the American Association of State 

Highway and Transportation Officia ls' Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH). 
2 

Description 

This stand qualifies as a "Compact Sign Stand" that does not require additional crash testing for 

certain modifications. The modifications to the crash-tested device and supporting 

documentation are described in the attached form. 

Summary and Standard Provisions 

Therefore, the system described and detailed in the attached form is eligible for reimbursement 

and may be installed under the range of conditions tested. 

Please note the following standard provisions that apply to FHW A eligibility letters: 

• 	 This finding of eligibility does not cover other structural features of the systems, nor 

conformity with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. 

• 	 Any changes that may influence system conformance with NCHRP Report 350 

criteria will require a new reimbursement eligibility letter. 

• 	 Should the FHW A discover that the qualification testing was flawed, that in-service 

performance reveals safety problems, or that the system is significantly different from 

the version that was crash tested, we reserve the right to modify or revoke this letter. 

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

installation 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 crash test and evaluation criteria of the NCHRP Report 350. 

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

number WZ-333 and 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 at our office 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. The FHW A does not become involved in issues concerning patent law. 

Patent issues, if any, are to be resolved by the applicant. 

• 	 The MDI sign stands are patented products and considered 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. 
3 

• 	 Our regulations 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 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 2 of 4 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

OfHighway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: February 14, 2014 (e New r Resubmission 

ame: TroyTapley Signature: 

B Company: MDI Worldwide Ei--~-=r-ir-----+-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---t 

E A ress: 38271 W. Twelve Mlle Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 

~r--~~~c~o-u~nt~ry-:-t-u-n-lted~S-ta-tes~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~---1 

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

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

highway program. .l 

i 

,. 

j 

·' System Type Submission Type Device Name I Variant Testing Criterion Test Level 

'W7:: Crash Worthy Work 

ZoneTraffic Control Devices 

0 Physical Crash Testlng 

("') FEA & VIN Analysis 4814 Sl NCHRP Report 350 ru 

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

that the product(s) was (were) tested In conformity with the NCH RP Report 350 (Report 350) and that 

the evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluatlon criteria In the Report 350. 

Identification of the Individual or organization responsible for the product: 

Contact Name: TroyTapley Same as Submitter 181 

Company Name: MDI Worldwide Same as Submitter 181 

Address: 38271 W. Twelve Mlle Road, Farmington Hiiis, Michigan 48331 Same as Submitter 181 

Country: United States Same as Submitter 181 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 1 of 3 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

OfHighway Safety Hardware 

Date of Request: February 14, 2014 r. New r Resubmission 

Name: Troy Tapley Signature:

.. Company: MDI Worldwide 

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

.a 

:I Country: en United States 


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

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

highway program. 

Test System Type Submission Type Device Name I Variant Testing Criterion Level 

NCHRP Report 350 TL3 'WZ': Crash Worthy Work r Physical Crash Testing 4814SL Zone Traffic Control Devices r FEA & V&V Analysis 

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 Mlle Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 Same as Submitter [8J 

Country: United States Same as Submitter [8J 

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION 


Modification to Existing Hardware Non-Significant - Effect is positive or Inconsequential 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 2 of 3 

Product Description of 4814SL 

The 4814SL Sign Stands are a variation of many MDl's and industry standard sign stands known as "Compact 

Sign Stands" for exclusive use in displaying roll up signs up to 48" diamond shape or 16 sq. ft. [1 .5 sq. meters]. 

Further description: 

The 4814SL Sign Stands are portable, compact sign stands that are manufactured with two vertically mounted 

steel coil springs to support vinyl roll up signs with an area not to exceed 16 sq. feet (1 .5 sq. meters). The four 

legs of the stand are constructed of 1.25 in x 1.25 in x 0.10 in [32 mm x 32 mm x 2.5 mm) square aluminum 

tubing or 1.00 in x 1.00 in x 0.06 in [25.4 mm x 25.4 mm x 1.5 mm] square steel tubing. The coil springs attach 

the 0.19 inch [5 mm) thick, coated steel base to the upright. The upright, consisting of a 1.25 in (32 mm) square 

tube supports and holds a screw lock bracket. The 4814SL Sign Stands are designed to hold vinyl roll up signs 

ranging from 12" to 18" above grade when the stands are fully assembled. 

The overall height of the sign stand, with flags is 110 inches (2794 mm) and 86 inches (2184 mm] without the 

flags. The bonom of the sign shall not exceed 18 inches (457 mm] above grade. The total weight of the sign 

stand is 31.0 lbs [14.0 kg] with aluminum legs, which includes the stand of 23.0 lbs (10.4 kg], the sign and flags 

of8.0 lbs [3.6 kg]. The total weight of the sign stand is 32.0 lbs [1 4.5 kg] with steel legs, which includes the stand 

of 24.0 lbs [10.9 kg), the sign and flags of 8.0 lbs (3.6 kg] respectively. 

CRASH TESTING 

A brief description of each crash test and its result: 

Required Test 

Number 

Narrative 

Description Evaluation Results 

3-70 (820() 

S3-70 (700() 

3-71 (820(} WAIVER REQUESTED 

S3-71 (700C) 

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

laboratory (cite the laboratory's accreditation status as noted in the crash test reports.): 

Laboratory Name: 

Laboratory Contact: 

Add ress: 

Country: 

Accreditation Certificate 

Same as Submitter 0 

Same as Submitter 0 

Same as Submitter 0 

Number and Date: 

ATTACHMENTS 

Attach to this form: 

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

support of this request. 

2) A drawing or drawings of the device(s) that conform 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 

information provided on the reverse. Additional drawings (not in TF-13 format) showing details that 

are key to understanding th e performance of the device should also be submitted to facilitate our 

review. 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 3 of 3 

EHWA Official Business Onlv: 

Eligibility Letter AASHTOTE13 

Number Date Designator Key Words 

WZ-333 April 21, 2014 

4814Sl Sign Stand 

Compact X-Footprint Sign Stand 

Roll Up signs 
Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

of Highway Safety Hardware 

February 21, 2013 


By: 


Troy Tapley 


MDI Worldwide 


38271 W. Twelve Mile Rd. 


Farmington Hills, Ml 48331 

To Whom It May Concern: 

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

program. 

System Type: WZ: Crash Worthy Work Zone Traffic Control Devices 

Device Name/Variant: 4814SL (Screw Lock) 

Testing Criterion: NCHRP Report 350 

Test Level: 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 National Cooperative Highway Research 

Program (NCHRP) Report 350 and that the test/evaluation results meet the appropriate evaluation 

criteria In the NCHRP. 

Contact Name: Troy Tapley 

Company Name: MDI Worldwide 

City/State/Zip: Farmington Hills, Ml 48331 

Country: USA 

Product Description of 4814SL 

The 4814SL Sign Stands are a variation of many MDl's and Industry standard sign stands known as 

"Compact Sign Stands" for exclusive use in displaying roll up signs up to 48" diamond shape or 16 sq. ft. 

[1.5 sq. meters]. 

Further description: 

The 4814SL Sign Stands are portable, compact sign stands that are manufactured with two vertically 

mounted steel coll springs to support vinyl roll up signs with an area not to exceed 16 sq. feet [1.5 sq. 

meters]. The four legs of the stand are constructed of 1.25 In x 1.25 In x 0.10 in [32 mm x 32 mm x 2.5 

mm] square aluminum tubing or 1.00 In x 1.00 In x 0.06 In (25.4 mm x 25.4 mm x 1.5 mm] square steel 

tubing. The coll springs attach the 0.19 Inch [S mm] thick, coated steel base to the upright. The upright, 

consisting of a 1.25 In (32 mm] square tube supports and holds a screw lock bracket. The 4814SL Sign 

Stands are designed to hold vinyl roll up signs ranging from 12" to 18" above grade when the stands are 

fully assembled. 

The overall height of the sign stand, with flags is 110 inches (2794 mm] and 86 Inches (2184 mm] 

without the flags. The bottom of the sign shall not exceed 18 Inches (457 mm] above grade. The total 

weight of the sign stand is 31.0 lbs (14.0 kg) with aluminum legs, which Includes the stand of 23.0 lbs 

(10.4 kgL the sign and flags of 8.0 lbs (3.6 kg]. The total weight of the sign stand Is 32.0 lbs [14.S kg] with 

steel legs, which Includes the stand of 24.0 lbs (10.9 kg], the sign and flags of 8.0 lbs [3.6 kg] 

respectively. 

MDI Worldwide 2 
Modifications from previous accepted Compact Sign Stands (See previously excepted MDI Compact 

Sign Stands below) 

The 4814SL Sign Stands functions the same as MDl's current Compact Sign Stands and the industry 

standard sing stands known as "Compact Sign Stands" as recorded in FHWA HAS-10/WZ-85 with only a 

few changes. The changes are listed below. 

1. 	 We ask for acceptance of all shapes and sizes suggested within the WZ-85 letter (Roll Up Signs 


not to exceed 16 sq. ft). 


2. 	 We ask for acceptance of variable footprint sizes (not to exceed 62" x 88" (1575 mm x 2235 


mm]). 


3. 	 We ask for acceptance of the legs to be constructed with steel or aluminum. In addition, we ask 


for acceptance for the legs to be telescoping and non-telescoping. 


Reason for Seeking Approval for Modification 

When comparing MDl's current Compact Sign stands and reviewing the proposed changes, we concur 

the changes will not affect the results of the stand due to the following reasons: 

1. 	 Although the footprints have a variable range, we concur the sign stand would perfonn in the 


same predictable manner by having the car pass over the base and legs. 


2. 	 Although the legs could be constructed with different materials and be telescoping or non­


telescoping, we concur the sign stand would perform In the same predictable manner. 


3. 	 Per the WZ-85 letter, we concur the 4814SL Sign Stand qualifies as a "Compact Sign Stand" 


requiring no additional crash testing. Reference Q&A #2: 


ncompact Sign Stands are "X-Footprint" sign stands of steel or aluminum with a short mast. The 

mounting height of 1220 mm x 1220 mm (48 x 48 in) diamond sign is 300 mm to 450 mm (12 to 

18 in) only. A number of manufactures have crash tested compact sign stands. These stands 

perfonned well because there are no metal elements at a height that can Impact the windshield 

during a crash." 

Previously excepted MDI Compact Sign Stands and Memorandum HAS-10/WZ-85 

HAS-10/WZ-85 Memorandum: Design and Materials of Crashworthy Work Zone Traffic Control Devices; 

Portable Sign Stands, Type Ill Barricades, and category IV Devices 

WZ-3 4814DUC & 4814HDK 

WZ·3 SOSM (successfully tested by TTI: test number 453580-1) 

WZ·20 3612DUC 

WZ-314 4814CAM 

Request Prepared By: ~';/ ~~ Date:--....1..£.)_1__.'1f'--1-'-'/___ 

Signlture:/~~ Title: &Jed~~.

MDI Worldwide 	 3 
I 

I 

1

•• 

J 

I 


i 

I 

I 

! 

.. 


MDI Worldwide 4 
Version 7.0 (3/13) 

Page 2 of 4 

Request for Federal Aid Reimbursement Eligibility 

OfHighway Safety Hardware 

I 

i

., 

Date of Request: February 14, 2014 (i' New ( Resubmission 

Name: TroyTapley Signature: 

jt--~~C~o~m~p_a_n_y:-+-M_o_1_w_o_~d_w_1_de~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--i 

E A ress: 38271 W. Twelve Mlle Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48331 ~--~~-=-~,....--+-~~,....-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~--1 JI Country: United States 

To: Michael S. Griffith, Director 

FHWA, Offlce of Safety Technologies 

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

highway program. 

'j 

.. 1 System Type Submission Type Device Name I Variant Testing Criterion Test 

Level 

'WZ': crash Worthy Work 

Zone Traffic Control Devices 

()Physical Crash Testlng 

(":. FEA & V&V Analysis 48145 

L NCHRP Report 350 TL3 

By submlttfng 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: TroyTapley Same as Submitter 181 

Company Name: MDI Worldwfde Same as Submitter 181 

Address: 38271 W. Twelve Mlle Road, Farmington HUis, Michigan 4833t Same as Submitter 181 

Country: United States Same as Submitter 181 
4814SL 


SCHEMATIC DRAWING 


ROLL UP SIGN 


110· 

as· 

1.25"-SQ ALUMINUM LEG 

1a• MAX RUBBER 1.00"-SQ ALUMINUM 

LEG CAPS TELESCOPING LEG 

48!4SL WEIGHT NOTE: 


FOOTPRINT NOT TO 
 ROLL UP SIGN 8.0 lbs. EXCEED 62" X 88" 

SIGN STAND 


W/ALUMLEGS 23.0 lbs. 


WISTEEL LEGS 24.0 lbs. 


TOTAL 31.0 lbs. 

MDITllllkQlonl-JGJI WCll IJMlltlload.F""'""'°" l!illa.MI 4Pll•JO<I SOO.Sll-6716 

L-~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ZA-07294 IO