Overview
EN ISO 13473-5:2025 (ISO 13473-5:2025) defines a standardized procedure for the determination of pavement megatexture by measuring surface profiles and computing a megatexture descriptor. The standard is intended to provide meaningful, accurate megatexture measurements for use in predicting acoustic quality (road‑noise), assessing rolling resistance and other pavement performance indicators. The 2025 edition updates the 2009 version and adopts RMS in millimetres as the default descriptor, uses digital filtering, and aligns pre‑processing with ISO 13473-1.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Measurement principle: obtain longitudinal surface profiles and calculate a megatexture descriptor (default: RMS in mm).
- Instruments & calibration: requirements for profile measurement devices, calibration and performance checks to ensure valid data.
- Pre‑processing: procedures for handling drop‑outs and spike removal consistent with ISO 13473-1.
- Data processing:
- resampling to a defined spatial resolution,
- filtering using digital megatexture filters,
- calculation of RMS and longitudinal statistics,
- averaging and reporting of results.
- Measurement method details: guidance on measuring speed sensitivity, test lengths and vehicle motion effects.
- Uncertainty: specification and informative guidance on measurement uncertainty, and examples in informative annexes.
- Reporting and safety: required content for test reports and safety considerations during field measurements.
- Supplementary material: normative and informative annexes provide spike removal procedures, example reports, filter specifications and reference program code.
Applications
EN ISO 13473-5:2025 is used wherever quantifiable megatexture metrics are needed:
- Road authorities & asset managers: pavement monitoring, maintenance planning and performance benchmarking.
- Acoustics and environmental consultants: predicting tyre/road noise and verifying low‑noise surface treatments.
- Pavement engineers & researchers: studying rolling resistance, ride comfort and texture-related durability.
- Contractors & QA laboratories: construction quality control and acceptance testing of surfacing works.
- Tire and vehicle manufacturers: investigating tyre–pavement interaction effects.
Related standards
- ISO 13473-1 - general profile‑based texture measurement and pre‑processing procedures (compatible).
- ISO 8608 - characterization of roughness spectra (related spectral methods).
- EN 13036-5 - volumetric and other macrotexture measurement methods (compatibility noted).
EN ISO 13473-5:2025 is a practical, harmonized reference for consistent megatexture measurement and reporting, supporting road noise prediction, rolling resistance assessment and pavement performance management.