BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

13036-7:2003

Road and airfield

surface
characteristics —
Test methods —
Part 7: Irregularity measurement of
pavement courses — The straightedge
test

The European Standard EN 13036-7:2003 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 17.040.20; 93.080.20

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
BS EN 13036-7:2003

National foreword

This British Standard is the official English language version of

EN 13036-7:2003.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical Committee
B/510, Road materials, to Subcommittee B/510/5, Surface characteristics,
which has the responsibility to:

— aid enquirers to understand the text;

— present to the responsible international/European committee any
enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the
UK interests informed;
— monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.

A list of organizations represented on this subcommittee can be obtained on

request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue
under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index”, or
by using the “Search” facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of British
Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

This British Standard, was Summary of pages

published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
Strategy Committee on pages 2 to 10, an inside back cover and a back cover.
19 August 2003
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date Comments

© BSI 19 August 2003

ISBN 0 580 42477 4

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 13036-7
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 2003

ICS 17.040.20; 93.080.20

English version

Road and airfield surface characteristics - Test methods - Part 7:

Irregularity measurement of pavement courses : the
straightedge test

Caractéristiques de surface des routes et aérodromes - Oberflächeneigenschaften - Prüfverfahren - Teil 7:

Méthodes d'essai - Partie 7: Mesurage des déformations Messung von Einzelunebenheiten von Deckschichten für
localiséesdes couches de roulement des chaussées: essai Straßen, Flugplätze und andere Verkehrsflächen -
à la règle Messung mit der Richtlatte

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 28 November 2002.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United
Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2003 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 13036-7:2003 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
EN 13036-7:2003 (E)

Contents Page

1 Scope ..................................................................................................................................................... 4
2 Terms and definitions........................................................................................................................... 4
3 Apparatus .............................................................................................................................................. 5
4 Test methods......................................................................................................................................... 6
4.1 General................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.2 Longitudinal........................................................................................................................................... 6
4.3 Transverse ............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.4 Procedure .............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.5 Test report ............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.6 Reporting of results.............................................................................................................................. 7
Annex A (normative) Application and calibration........................................................................................... 8
A.1 Field of application ............................................................................................................................... 8
A.2 Apparatus calibration ........................................................................................................................... 8
Annex B (informative) A–deviations ................................................................................................................. 9

2
 EN 13036-7:2003 (E)

Foreword
This document EN 13036-7:2003 has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 227 “Road materials”,
the secretariat of which is held by DIN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2004, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn
at the latest by February 2004.

This European Standard is one of a series of standards as listed below.

EN 13036-1, Road and airfield surface characteristics — Test methods — Part 1: Measurement of pavement
surface macrotexture depth using a volumetric technique.

prEN 13036-2, Road and airfield surface characteristics — Test methods — Part 2: Procedure for
determination of skid resistance of a pavement surface.

EN 13036-3, Road and airfield surface characteristics — Test methods — Part 3: Measurement of pavement
surface horizontal drainability.

EN 13036-4, Road and airfield surface characteristics — Test methods — Part 4: Method for measurement of
slip/skid resistance of a surface — The pendulum test.

prEN (WI 00227131)-5, Road longitudinal evenness Definition (and calculation methods) of the longitudinal
evenness indices.

prEN (WI 00227132)-6, Road longitudinal evenness Longitudinal evenness — Profilametric test methods.

EN 13036-7, Road and airfield surface characteristics — Test methods — Part 7: Irregularity measurement of
pavement courses — The straightedge test.

Annex A is normative and Annex B is informative.

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

3
EN 13036-7:2003 (E)

Introduction
This European Standard describes a simple apparatus and a test method for the measurement of irregularities
in surfaces. Compliance within specified limits of irregularities is a prime determinant of quality in new
construction. Irregularities in the surface course of roads can cause high dynamic wheel load variations and
impede surface water drainage to the detriment of durability and adversely affect vehicle handling, safety,
running costs and comfort.

NOTE This apparatus can also be used transversely to measure rut depth of in-service roads. This application is the
subject of a separate standard prEN (WI 00227133).

1 Scope
This European Standard describes a standard apparatus and a test method (see NOTE of A.1) for measuring
single irregularities attributable to quality defects in new surface course(s) of roads, airfields and other
trafficked surfaces as well as in-service surfaces.

This test method is not applicable to providing information on profile or general unevenness. Single
irregularities are by nature random, and consequently no routine sampling rates or precision data are
specified.

2 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this European Standard, the following terms and definitions apply.

2.1
irregularity
maximum variance of a surface from the measurement edge of the straightedge between two contact points of
the straightedge when placed perpendicular to the surface

2.2
pavement
structure composed of one or more courses, to assist the passage of wheeled traffic over terrain

2.3
layer
structural element of a pavement laid in a single operation

2.4
surface
surface of an individual layer

2.5
surface course
upper layer of the pavement which is in contact with the traffic

2.6
detritus
loose surface matter

4
 EN 13036-7:2003 (E)

3 Apparatus
3.1 Straightedge, to measure the distance of a surface from the plane of its measurement edge. The
measurement edge of the straightedge shall be identifiable.

3.2 The straightedge shall be (3 000 ± 3) mm and of rigid construction such that when suspended at the
end points its measurement edge shall not deviate from a true plane by more than ±0,5 mm at any point. The
straightedge shall also be straight along its length and shall not deviate from straight by more than 1,5 mm.
The horizontal width of the measurement edge shall be (25 ± 1) mm (see Figure 1).

Key
1 length, l = (3 000 ± 3) mm
2 width, w = (25 ± 1) mm

Figure 1 — Sketch of a straightedge type (not to scale)

3.3 The distance between the measurement edge and the surface shall be measured with a calibrated
wedge (300 ± 1) mm in length and (25 ± 1) mm in width. It shall be permanently marked on the slope plane in
increments of 1mm for the first 10mm and 2,5 mm increments thereafter and the true height at each marked
increment shall be accurate to ±0,1 mm (see Figure 2).

Key
1 length, l = (300 ± 1) mm
2 width, w = (25 ± 1) mm

Figure 2 — Sketch of a wedge type (not to scale)

3.4 The straightedge and its associated measurement wedge(s) shall be permanently marked with the
same unique reference.

NOTE Other methods of measuring the distance between the measurement edge of the straightedge and the surface
may be used, providing that the measuring device(s) can bridge minor discontinuities of the surface and can be
demonstrated to achieve an equivalent standard of accuracy as required in 3.3.

5
EN 13036-7:2003 (E)

4 Test methods

4.1 General

Ensure that the surface is free from detritus. Place the straightedge on the surface perpendicular to it, at any
place and in any direction.

4.2 Longitudinal

Ensure that the surface is free from detritus. Place the straightedge on the surface perpendicular to it, and
parallel to the centre line of the road.

4.3 Transverse

Ensure that the surface is free from detritus. Place the straightedge on the surface perpendicular to it, and
perpendicular to the centreline of the road. The straightedge may be moved across the lane width and
construction joints to determine the greatest irregularity.

NOTE This apparatus can also be used transversely to measure rut depth of in-service roads. This application is the
subject of a separate standard prEN (WI 00227133).

4.4 Procedure

4.4.1 Place the wedge on the surface so that firm contact with the surface is obtained. The wedge shall be
perpendicular to the measurement edge of the straightedge. Measurements may be taken from both sides of
the straightedge, between two contact points of the straightedge and the surface.

4.4.2 Measure the distance between the measurement edge of the straightedge and the surface by
inserting the wedge in the gap to refusal and by reading off the marked increments on the slope of the wedge.
Measurements shall be made to ascertain the greatest distance between the straightedge and the surface to
be measured.

4.4.3 Measurements shall be recorded to the nearest 1 mm

4.5 Test report

The test report shall contain the following information:

a) reference to this European standard;

b) test date;

c) reference number of the straight edge and wedge;

d) test location e.g. road number, lane, chainage reference;

e) type of measurement e.g. longitudinal, diagonal, transverse;

f) whether the surface has been trafficked;

g) signature of the person accepting the technical responsibility for the report.

NOTE For repeatability and reproducibility the location of each measurement position should be recorded as
accurately as possible.

6
 EN 13036-7:2003 (E)

4.6 Reporting of results

4.6.1 If specified contractually the number and amplitude of single irregularities per specified unit length
longitudinally and/or transversely and/or in any direction shall be recorded, e.g. where two default values are
specified

 exceeding a mm, n per x linear metres,

 exceeding b mm, n per x linear metres,

where

a is a specified default value;

b is a larger specified default value;

n is number of measurements of a and b;

x is specified unit length, e.g. 100 linear metres.

7
EN 13036-7:2003 (E)

Annex A
(normative)

Application and calibration

A.1 Field of application

Irregularities measured by this European Standard defines solely the variance of level from the measurement
edge of the apparatus between two contact points to the surface and is limited, therefore, to the length, 3 m, of
the apparatus and may not correspond to values obtained by other methods.

NOTE This test method is slow and labour intensive and visual, static level. Mechanised response apparatuses (e.g.
rolling straightedge) and profilometric methods can be used to identify the irregularities to be measured by this European
Standard.

A.2 Apparatus calibration

The straightedge, and measurement wedge(s) shall be calibrated annually and shall have a dated
accompanying certificate.

NOTE Straightedges are accurate measuring devices and although of robust construction require care in
transportation and use to retain factory calibration.

The straightedge shall be checked on a calibrated plane, accurate to ±0,1 mm over the length of the
straightedge and the distance between the measurement edge and the plane when checked by callipers, shall
be equal to or less than the distance detailed in 3.2.

8
 EN 13036-7:2003 (E)

Annex B
(informative)

A–deviations

A-deviation: National deviation due to regulations, the alteration of which is for the time being outside the competence of
the CEN/ CENELEC member.

This European Standard does not fall under any Directive of the EU. In the relevant CEN/ CENELEC countries
these A-deviations are valid instead of the provisions of the European Standard until they have been removed.

In the relevant CEN/CENELEC country this A-deviation is valid instead of the provisions of the European
Standard until it has been removed.

GERMANY

National regulation: Decree of the German Ministry of Transport from 4 March 1977,
RSch StB 9/38.56.60 –01/9020 Vms 77

Clause 2.1.1 – Straightedge

Clause 2.2.2.2.1 – Measuring with the Straightedge

Deviation
Country National Regulation
Germany Decree of the German Ministry of Transport from 4 March 1977, RSch StB 9/38.56.60 –
01/9020 Vms 77 concerning evenness measurements of pavement courses with a
straightedge according "Merkblatt für Ebenheitsprüfungen" (1976).
Clause Deviation
Merkblatt für Ebenheitsprüfungen Pursuant to the decree of the German Ministry of
Transport from 4 March 1977 (RSch StB 9/38.56.60 –
Clause 2.1.1 – Straightedge
01/9020 Vms 77) evenness measurements of
For measuring evenness in general a straightedge pavement courses with a straightedge shall be in
with a length of L = 4 m (± 4 mm) is to use. accordance with "Merkblatt für Ebenheitsprüfungen"
(1976).
The straightedge introduced on the basis of the
"Merkblatt für Ebenheitsprüfungen" has generally a
width of W = (18 ± 1)mm.
To reduce the effect of texture the width of the
wedge W shall be 25 –35 mm.
The wedge introduced on the basis of the "Merkblatt
für Ebenheitsprüfungen" has generally a length of
L ≤ 300 mm. It is permanently marked on the slope
plane in increments of 1 mm starting at the height of
2 mm (Figure 1).
Clause 2.2.2.2.1 – Measuring with the
Straightedge
The results of the measurements shall be rounded
down between 0,1 – 0,5 mm and rounded up
between 0,6 – 0,9 mm.

9
EN 13036-7:2003 (E)

Bibliography

ASTM E1703/E 1703M-95, Standard test method for measuring rut depth of pavement surfaces using a
straightedge.

Swedish National Road Administration, VV Method 107–1993.

Volume 1 – Specification for Highway Works, DD 227:1996 (GB).

NF P 98-218-1, Test relating to pavements — Evenness test — Part 1: Measurement using a 3 m straight
edge (May 1992).

10
blank
BS EN
13036-7:2003
BSI — British Standards Institution
BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing
British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.

Revisions
British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of
British Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
editions.
It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services.
We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
responsible, the identity of which can be found on the inside front cover.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9000. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7400.
BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.

Buying standards
Orders for all BSI, international and foreign standards publications should be
addressed to Customer Services. Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 9001.
Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001. Email: orders@bsi-global.com. Standards are also
available from the BSI website at http://www.bsi-global.com.
In response to orders for international standards, it is BSI policy to supply the
BSI implementation of those that have been published as British Standards,
unless otherwise requested.

Information on standards
BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and
international standards through its Library and its Technical Help to Exporters
Service. Various BSI electronic information services are also available which give
details on all its products and services. Contact the Information Centre.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7111. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7048. Email: info@bsi-global.com.
Subscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments
and receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For details
of these and other benefits contact Membership Administration.
Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7002. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7001.
Email: membership@bsi-global.com.
Information regarding online access to British Standards via British Standards
Online can be found at http://www.bsi-global.com/bsonline.
Further information about BSI is available on the BSI website at
http://www.bsi-global.com.

Copyright
Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. BSI also holds the copyright, in the
UK, of the publications of the international standardization bodies. Except as
permitted under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 no extract may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any
means – electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written
permission from BSI.
This does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard,
of necessary details such as symbols, and size, type or grade designations. If these
details are to be used for any other purpose than implementation then the prior
BSI written permission of BSI must be obtained.
389 Chiswick High Road Details and advice can be obtained from the Copyright & Licensing Manager.
London Tel: +44 (0)20 8996 7070. Fax: +44 (0)20 8996 7553.
Email: copyright@bsi-global.com.
W4 4AL