EN 13036-3:2002

Overview

EN 13036-3:2002 is a CEN test method for measuring pavement surface horizontal drainability using the outflow meter as a stationary device. It is intended to assess the ability of smooth, non‑porous road and airfield surfaces (mean profile depth MPD ≤ 0.4 mm) to provide interconnecting voids that allow water to be squeezed out from the tyre/road contact area. The method can be used in the field or in the laboratory as an indicator of low surface texture and as part of surface skid resistance evaluation.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: Designed for relatively smooth, non‑porous surfaces (MPD 0–0.4 mm). Not suitable for coarse or highly porous pavements.
• Apparatus (outflow meter): Transparent cylinder (specified dimensions), brass weighting ring and a carrier ring with a precision vulcanised rubber sealing ring. Typical component specs given include cylinder height and internal diameter, total mass (≈ 3 500 g) and carrier-ring mass (≈ 138 g).
• Marks and calibration: Upper, intermediate and lower marks are placed on the cylinder (upper mark distances and water volumes for intermediate/lower marks are specified). The outflow meter must be calibrated and validated by an authorised calibration organisation at least annually; a seal and expiry date are affixed to the carrier ring.
• Test procedure: Wet the rubber ring, place the device vertically on the test surface, fill with potable water and record the time for the water level to fall from the upper to lower mark. If the intermediate mark is reached in more than 3 minutes, record the intermediate time and multiply by six (per standard rules).
• Sampling and reporting: At least 10 test points (approximately 2.5 m apart) over a 25 m panel are averaged to give the panel result. Tests should be carried out in the wheel track and on representative, homogeneous areas; details of site, operator, test times and mean results must be recorded.
• Performance notes: Repeated tests on fine textured, plane surfaces showed a standard deviation around 4.0 s in a specified outflow time range; the standard contains provisions for verification and annexed calibration procedures.

Applications and users

• Primary users: highway and airport pavement engineers, road authorities, maintenance contractors, pavement testing laboratories and consultants.
• Practical uses:
  • Screening for low macrotexture that may reduce water evacuation in the tyre contact patch.
  • Supporting skid-resistance assessment programs (used alongside pendulum or other skid tests).
  • Quality control of new surfacings and monitoring surface condition over time.
• Benefits: Simple, repeatable field method for detecting surfaces at risk of reduced horizontal drainability and increased hydroplaning potential on smooth pavements.

Related standards

• EN 13036-1 - volumetric patch technique for macrotexture depth (MPD)
• prEN 13036-2 - procedure for skid resistance determination
• prEN 13036-4 - pendulum test for slip/skid resistance
• ISO 13473 series - texture measurement methods

Keywords: EN 13036-3:2002, pavement surface horizontal drainability, outflow meter, road surface texture, macrotexture, pavement testing, CEN standard, skid resistance.