There is a wealth of information related to life-cycle costs of the different sign sheeting materials and considerable amount of information on common sign posts, but there is little or no information about the life-cycle costs of the different types of posts used for mounting the signs. The primary objective of this research was to determine the best, cost-effective policy, consistent with safety, for sign post materials and types used on state highways in Kansas. Literature review for this project consisted of research reports, state Department of Transportation (DOT) and commercial signpost manufacturer's websites. A matrix was constructed detailing the various materials used for sign posts by each state. This was followed with a survey questionnaire to gather information on what other states were using for the three major signs used in Kansas, namely, 9'x5' rectangular sign, 36"x36" diamond shape sign with 18"x18" square plaque and 30"x78" sign. Based on the data obtained from the state DOTs, test installations were carried out by three vendors, namely, Northwest Pipe Company, Xcessories Squared and Sign Support System. Life-cycle economic analysis was conducted taking into considerations the labor, equipment and time requirements for the initial installation and the replacement. Among the four systems compared for a single sign post, Poz-Loc Socket System is the cost effective alternative in terms of life-cycle costs, followed by Break-Out Sign Support System, 4"x4"x14' Wood post and Telespar Anchor driven unit. Among the three systems compared for a double sign post, Poz-Loc Slipbase System is the cost effective alternative, followed by Telespar Slip Base System and double 4"x6"x16' wood post. The present worth analysis and sensitivity analysis, conducted by varying the interest rate, did not have any significant effect in changing the cost effective alternative.
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