SWARCO DURALUX Demonstrate Long-Term Performance in South Carolina Road Projects

SWARCO DURALUX = Proven Performance

SWARCO DURALUX premium glass beads continue to set the standard for durability and performance in roadway safety. A recent summary report from Beck Engineering highlights the exceptional results of three South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) projects utilizing SWARCOTHERM thermoplastic pavement markings enhanced with SWARCO DURALUX.

Three Years of Proven Durability

Now at the three-year mark post-installation, all three evaluated projects demonstrate exceptional durability. According to Beck Engineering’s findings, 100% of the SWARCO Road Markings Systems' pavement markings remain intact, with no evidence of de-bonding—an essential measurement of real-world resilience and product reliability.

Sustained Retroreflectivity Performance

Retroreflectivity remains strong across the evaluated corridors. The report shows:

  • 39% of white markings still meet initial SCDOT retroreflective standards after three years.
  • Over 75% of white markings continue to exceed SCDOT’s 180-Day minimum reflectivity requirements.
  • More than 10% of yellow markings maintain reflectivity above the 180-Day minimum specification, even after three years of wear.

These results demonstrate that SWARCO DURALUX premium glass beads contribute to long-lasting visibility and roadway safety, even under demanding traffic and environmental conditions.

Minimal Degradation Over Time

The degradation rates observed were notably low:

  • White thermoplastic markings exhibited only a 19.3% reduction from their 180-Day reflectivity levels.
  • Yellow markings followed impressively close with just a 20.3% decline.

This minimal performance drop reinforces the long-term effectiveness of SWARCO DURALUX premium glass beads in maintaining high levels of retroreflectivity over multiple years.

Beck Engineering
Project Report

This expert validation underscores the extended service life and quality assurance associated with SWARCO DURALUX enhanced pavement marking systems: 

“In my professional opinion, the SWARCOTHERM with SWARCO DURALUX premium glass beads provided the SCDOT on these three projects will meet drivers’ needs for years to come. These projects have been in place for three years now and should give the SCDOT durability and brightness well into the next three to four years or more.”

A Trusted Choice for Transportation Agencies

These results reaffirm SWARCO DURALUX premium glass beads as a leading solution for transportation agencies seeking dependable performance, enhanced safety, and long-term value. As road networks continue to demand materials that stand up to heavy use and environmental challenges, SWARCO DURALUX remains a proven and trusted choice.

Get Started

Contact the SWARCO Road Marking Systems team to learn how SWARCO DURALUX premium glass beads can be incorporated into your next project. With premium materials, advanced formulations, and proven field performance, SWARCO DURALUX are not just glass beads, they're an investment in safety.


About SWARCO Road Marking Systems

Quality products and services from SWARCO Road Marking Systems guide traffic safely from A to B by day and, above all, by night. On all types of roads. Whatever the weather. From a single source. Over 5,000 customers in more than 80 countries place their trust in them.