EN 13036 Road and Airport Surface Properties - Test Methods

The European standard “ EN 13036 Road and airport surface characteristics - Test methods” consists of the following sub-sections published under the same title:

• The standard “EN 13036-1 Part 1: Measurement of pavement surface macrotexture depth using the volumetric patch technique” describes a method for determining the average depth of pavement surface macrotexture by carefully applying a known volume of material to the surface and then measuring the total area covered.

This method is designed to provide only the average depth of the pavement macrotexture and is considered insensitive to pavement microtexture characteristics. This test method is suitable for field testing to determine the average macrotexture depth of a pavement surface. When used in conjunction with other physical tests, the macrotexture depth values ​​derived from this test method can be used to determine pavement slip resistance capacity, noise characteristics, and the suitability of pavement materials or finishing techniques. When used in conjunction with other tests, care should be taken to ensure that all tests are conducted at the same location.

• The standard “EN 13036-2 Part 2: Assessment of the slip resistance of a road pavement surface using dynamic measuring systems” describes the method for determining the slip resistance of a road or airport pavement surface.

This method describes a process for comparing friction results from a range of devices. By combining friction and texture data from separate measurement devices, it allows the slip resistance determined by different dynamic methods to be expressed on a common scale, the slip resistance index. Because its accuracy has not been established, the method should not be used in specifications for surface materials. This standard excludes surfaces for winter road conditions. It also excludes road marking surfaces.

• The standard “EN 13036-3 Part 3: Measurement of the horizontal drainage ability of road surfaces” describes a method for determining the horizontal drainage ability of a road surface as an indicator of relatively low surface texture, using the outlet meter as a fixed device.

This method provides a measure of drainage ability in the road/tire contact patch for use on all smooth, non-porous road surfaces (average profile depth less than 0,4 mm) in the field or laboratory. Because this method measures the horizontal drainage ability of only a small area of ​​the surface, the selection of the test area should be carefully considered to ensure it is representative of the overall area where measurements will be made.

• The standard “EN 13036-4 Part 4: Method for measuring the sliding/frictional resistance of a surface: pendulum test” describes a method for determining the sliding/frictional resistance of a surface using a device that remains stationary at the test location.

Sliding/friction resistance is measured by means of a slider mounted at the end of a pendulum arm. The method provides a field or laboratory measure of a surface's sliding/friction resistance properties. This method measures the sliding/friction resistance of a small area (approximately 0,01 m2) of a surface. This should be considered when determining its applicability to surfaces that may have non-uniform surface characteristics, such as those containing ridges or grooves or having a rough texture (average texture depth exceeding 1,2 mm). Because the results from this test were taken at a single small location, they cannot be compared with results obtained from devices (e.g., mobile devices) that measure sliding/friction resistance over a long length of a surface.

• The standard "EN 13036-5 Part 5: Determination of longitudinal unevenness indices" covers the mathematical processing of digitized longitudinal profile measurements to produce smoothness indices. This standard describes the procedure for calculating the international roughness index, the root mean square and variance of the longitudinal profile, and the weighted longitudinal profile from three separate wavelength bands.

The purpose of this standard is to provide a standard practice for calculating and reporting road smoothness estimates from digitized longitudinal profiles. It also facilitates comparison of smoothness measurement results performed with different profiling devices in European countries.

The smoothness range covered in this standard is defined as a wavelength range of 0,5 m to 50 m. It is noted that both shorter and longer wavelengths can affect ride comfort, but these are not addressed in this standard. The quantitative smoothness indices derived from this standard are a useful support for road management systems. The output can also be used for type approval and performance control of new and existing pavements. The indices can be used on hard, flexible, and gravel road surfaces. This standard does not define the location at which the longitudinal profile should be obtained on the road. The derived indices are portable in the sense that they can be obtained from longitudinal profiles measured with various instruments.

• The standard “EN 13036-6 Part 6: Measurement of transverse and longitudinal profiles in the uniformity and megatexture wavelength ranges” describes the minimum requirements and criteria for profiling devices designed to measure transverse or longitudinal profiles in the roughness and megatexture wavelength ranges, as well as the classification and measurement procedures.

Verification and calibration recommendations are included. Profiling devices are equipment used to measure the evenness of pavements in the transverse or longitudinal direction. Highway agencies, airport authorities, equipment manufacturers, and other organizations can use this standard to define the measurement capabilities of surveying equipment that collects data necessary to characterize surface conditions. Evenness measurements can be made using either static or dynamic devices. This standard includes high-speed, low-speed, and stationary equipment. A dynamic measurement is a measurement performed using a device operating at or above the minimum speed acceptable in normal traffic flow (high speed).

• The standard “EN 13036-7 Part 7: Irregularity measurement of road pavements: straight edge testing” describes a standard apparatus and a test method for measuring single irregularities attributable to quality defects in the new surface course of roads, airports and other trafficked surfaces as well as in-service surfaces.

This test method is not applicable for providing information on the profile or overall irregularity. Individual irregularities are random in nature, and therefore routine sampling rates or sensitivity data are not specified.

• In the standard “EN 13036-8 Part 8: Determination of transverse irregularity indices”, different transverse irregularity indices of pavement surfaces of roads and airports and appropriate evaluation and reporting methods are described.

The indices are defined essentially independently of the measuring instrument. This standard focuses on transverse irregularity measurements for the following purposes:

• Indexes to provide a means of quality control of the paving surfaces of newly laid floors, particularly for evidence of cross-fall and irregularities resulting from improper laying or compaction action.
• Indices to be used to assess the condition of pavements in service as part of routine condition monitoring programmes. These are designed to detect transverse deformations caused by traffic, pavement wear or subsurface movement.
• Indices to be used for resurfacing activities on pavements in use. Parameters and evaluation methods applicable to both roads and airports.

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