Development of Sustainable Road Traffic Signs for Developing Countries

Abstract:

Traffic control devices are a compulsory component of any road network. Theft of metallic signs is a growing issue in many developing countries. It leads to safety risks and financial losses. . This study explores a sustainable alternative to traffic control devices by introducing fiberglass sheets and bamboo posts as the primary manufacturing materials. A schematic of the developed signpost assembly is presented. Market survey conducted in Karachi confirms that fiberglass has negligible resale value, making it less susceptible to theft. Mechanical testing, including tensile and flexural assessments, showed reliable strength. The material achieved an average tensile strength of 4.45 kN and a flexural strength of 36 MPa, suitable for outdoor use. The total estimated cost per unit is PKR 5,400, offering a low-cost alternative to conventional materials. These results support the variability of the proposed design for deployment in resource-constrained and theft-prone environments.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 929)
• Pages: 157-164
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-YP3uWh
• Online since: December 2025
• Authors: Ashar Ahmed*
• Keywords: Bamboo Composite, Fiberglass, Salvage Value, Sustainable Investment, Tensile Test, Three-Point Bending Test

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