CEN/TS 15209:2021

Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay and stone

This document specifies the method of measurement and acceptance criteria for the dimensions for surface profile features and patterns for the surface of pedestrian paving units, used to convey information for visually impaired people. It applies to paving units made of concrete, clay and stone where the tactile profiles are monolithic with the unit.
The surface profiles are intended to be applied to units manufactured to EN 1338, EN 1339, EN 1341, and EN 1344 which can be square or rectangular as specified by the designer.
It does not specify dimensions of a single tactile paving layout or profile but proposes ranges within which these dimensions should fall. Default dimensions are given in the absence of a national requirement.
This document proposes methods of measurement of profiles, light reflectance and colour but does not specify requirements for these characteristics. These properties will be decided by the designer taking into account the regulations, codes of practice, and guidance in the place of use of the units.
It does not specify material characteristics.

Taktile Bodenindikatoren gefertigt aus Beton, Ton und Stein

Dieses Dokument legt das Messverfahren und die Akzeptanzkriterien für die Maße der Elemente von Oberflächenprofilen und der Oberflächenmuster von Profilplatten für Fußgängerbereiche fest, die zur Übermittlung von Informationen an sehbehinderte Menschen verwendet werden. Es gilt für Profilplatten, die aus Beton, Ton und Stein gefertigt sind und bei denen die taktilen Profile monolithisch mit der Platte verbunden sind.
Die Oberflächenprofile sind für Platten vorgesehen, die nach EN 1338, EN 1339, EN 1341 und EN 1344 gefertigt werden und je nach Vorgabe des Gestalters quadratisch oder rechteckig sein können.
Es werden keine Maße von Layout oder Profil einer einzelnen taktilen Profilplatte festgelegt, sondern es werden Bereiche vorgeschlagen, in denen diese Maße liegen sollten. Beim Fehlen einer nationalen Anforderung werden Standardmaße angegeben.
Dieses Dokument gibt Verfahren zur Messung von Profilen, Lichtreflexionswert und Farbe an, legt aber keine Anforderungen für diese Merkmale fest. Diese Eigenschaften werden vom Gestalter unter Berücksichtigung der am Verwendungsort der Platten geltenden Vorschriften, Regeln der Technik und Leitlinien festgelegt.
Es werden keine Materialkennwerte festgelegt.

Surfaces tactiles d'indication au sol en béton, terre cuite et pierre naturelle

Le présent document spécifie la méthode de mesure et les critères d’acceptation des dimensions des caractéristiques de profil des surfaces des éléments de pavage soumis au trafic piétonnier, utilisés pour transmettre des informations aux personnes ayant une déficience visuelle. Il s’applique également aux éléments de pavage en béton, en terre cuite et en pierre dont les profils tactiles sont monolithiques avec l’élément.
Les profils de surface sont destinés à être appliqués aux éléments fabriqués conformément aux normes EN 1338, EN 1339, EN 1341 et EN 1344, qui peuvent être carrés ou rectangulaires selon les spécifications du concepteur.
Il ne précise pas les dimensions de la configuration ou du profil d’un seul élément de pavage tactile mais propose des plages de valeurs dans lesquelles ces dimensions doivent se situer. Les dimensions par défaut sont données en l’absence de toute exigence nationale.
Le présent document propose des méthodes de mesure des profils, de la réflexion lumineuse et de la couleur mais ne définit pas d’exigences pour ces caractéristiques. Ces propriétés seront décidées par le concepteur en tenant compte des règlements, codes de bonne pratique et recommandations en vigueur sur le lieu d’utilisation des éléments.
Il ne spécifie pas non plus les caractéristiques des matériaux.

Taktilni indikatorji tlakovane površine iz betona, opeke in kamna

Ta dokument določa metodo in kriterije sprejemljivosti za dimenzije površinskih profilov in vzorcev za tlakovane površine za pešce, ki se uporabljajo za prenos informacij slabovidnim osebam. Uporablja za tlakovce iz betona, opeke in kamna, pri katerih so taktilni profili monolitni z enoto.
Ne določa zahtev za profil in dimenzije posameznega taktilnega profila tlakovanja, ampak predlaga obsege, znotraj katerih naj bi bile te dimenzije. Navedene so privzete dimenzije, ki se lahko uporabljajo, če ni nacionalnih zahtev.
Ta dokument predlaga metode merjenja profilov, odbojnosti svetlobe in barv, vendar ne določa zahtev za te značilnosti. O teh lastnostih se bo odločil projektant ob upoštevanju predpisov, kodeksov ravnanja in navodil na mestu uporabe enot.
Ne določa značilnosti materiala.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 21-Dec-2021
• ICS: 11.180.30 - Aids for blind or partially sighted people
• ICS: 93.080.10 - Road construction
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 178 - Paving units and kerbs
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 178 - Paving units and kerbs
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 03-Dec-2025
• Completion Date: 17-Dec-2025
• Directive: 305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Mandate: M/119 - Mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning the execution of standardization work for harmonized standards on floorings
• Ref Project: SIST-TS CEN/TS 15209:2022 - Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay and stone

Relations

• Replaces: CEN/TS 15209:2008 - Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay and stone
• Effective Date: 05-Dec-2018

Overview

CEN/TS 15209:2021 - Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay and stone specifies measurement methods and acceptance criteria for the surface profile features and patterns of pedestrian paving units that convey information to visually impaired people. It applies to tactile indicators that are monolithic with the paving unit and intended for use on units manufactured to EN 1338, EN 1339, EN 1341 and EN 1344. The Technical Specification defines dimensional ranges and default values (where no national requirement exists) and proposes methods to measure profile geometry, colour and light reflectance value (LRV). It does not set material property requirements or mandate a single layout; local regulations and designers decide final layouts and contrast criteria.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope: Applicability to concrete, clay and stone tactile paving units with monolithic tactile profiles.
• Dimensional measurement and acceptance criteria: Methods for measuring profile features (width at base/top, spacing, profile height, length) and criteria for conformity - ranges and default values are provided rather than single fixed dimensions.
• Profile types and layouts: Definitions and ranges for common tactile profiles (e.g., blister and rib patterns) and edge/continuity considerations.
• Light reflectance value (LRV) and colour measurement: Procedures for determining LRV and colour of individual units to support visual contrast decisions; the document proposes measurement methods but does not set required LRV thresholds.
• Normative annexes: Detailed measurement procedures and conformity checks are included (annexes cover measurement apparatus, procedures, and LRV measurement methods).
• Market placement: Designed to support manufacturers placing products on the market (e.g., CE marking) while leaving layout/design decisions to local authorities.

Applications and who uses this standard

• Manufacturers of tactile paving units - to define production tolerances, measurement procedures and documentation for conformity.
• Specifiers and designers (urban designers, landscape architects, transport planners) - to choose tactile profiles and verify dimensions and contrast in line with local codes.
• Contractors and testing laboratories - for on-site and factory acceptance testing of tactile paving units.
• Accessibility officers and authorities - to ensure tactile indicators meet measurable dimensional and visual criteria that support safe wayfinding for visually impaired people.

Related standards

• EN 1338, EN 1339, EN 1341, EN 1344 (paving unit product standards)
• National regulations and local guidance on tactile paving layouts and LRV/contrast requirements

For implementation or purchase, obtain CEN/TS 15209:2021 from CEN or your national standards body.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-februar-2022
Nadomešča:
SIST-TS CEN/TS 15209:2008
Taktilni indikatorji tlakovane površine iz betona, opeke in kamna
Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay and stone
Taktile Bodenindikatoren gefertigt aus Beton, Ton und Stein
Surfaces tactiles d'indication au sol en béton, terre cuite et pierre naturelle
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TS 15209:2021
ICS:
11.180.30 Pripomočki za slepe in Aids for blind or partially
slabovidne sighted people
93.080.10 Gradnja cest Road construction
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

CEN/TS 15209
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE
December 2021
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION
ICS 93.080.10; 11.180.30 Supersedes CEN/TS 15209:2008
English Version
Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete,
clay and stone
Surfaces tactiles d'indication au sol en béton, terre Taktile Bodenindikatoren gefertigt aus Beton, Ton und
cuite et pierre naturelle Stein
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 29 November 2021 for provisional application.

The period of validity of this CEN/TS is limited initially to three years. After two years the members of CEN will be requested to
submit their comments, particularly on the question whether the CEN/TS can be converted into a European Standard.

CEN members are required to announce the existence of this CEN/TS in the same way as for an EN and to make the CEN/TS
available promptly at national level in an appropriate form. It is permissible to keep conflicting national standards in force (in
parallel to the CEN/TS) until the final decision about the possible conversion of the CEN/TS into an EN is reached.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TS 15209:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
3.1 General terms and definitions . 7
3.2 Types of tactile paving surface indicators . 8
4 Requirements for tactile paving surface indicators . 9
4.1 General. 9
4.2 Profile feature arrangement . 9
4.2.1 General. 9
4.2.2 Spacing of profiles . 9
4.2.3 Dimensions and tolerances . 9
4.2.4 Edge details . 10
4.2.5 Continuity of finished surface . 10
4.3 Tactile surface layouts and profiles . 11
4.3.1 General. 11
4.3.2 Blister surface layout and profile features . 11
4.3.3 Rib surface layout and profile features. 17
4.3.4 Central delineator strip (complementary fitting). 23
5 Light reflectance value (LRV) of paving surface indicators . 23
Annex A (informative) Use of the value specified in place of use . 24
A.1 Terminology . 24
A.2 Tolerances for use with specified values . 24
Annex B (normative) Measurement of the dimensions of a single tactile paving profile . 25
B.1 General. 25
B.2 Width at base, WB . 25
B.2.1 Apparatus . 25
B.2.2 Procedure . 25
B.2.3 Conformity . 25
B.3 Width at top, WT . 25
B.3.1 Apparatus . 25
B.3.2 Procedure . 25
B.3.3 Conformity . 25
B.4 Spacing, S . 25
B.4.1 Apparatus . 25
B.4.2 Procedure . 25
B.4.3 Conformity . 26
B.5 Profile height, PH . 26
B.5.1 Apparatus . 26
B.5.2 Procedure . 26
B.5.3 Conformity . 26
B.6 Length at base of profile, LB. 26
B.6.1 Apparatus . 26
B.6.2 Procedure . 26
B.6.3 Conformity . 26
B.7 Length at top of profile, LT . 26
B.7.1 Apparatus . 26
B.7.2 Procedure . 26
B.7.3 Conformity . 26
B.8 Acceptance criteria . 26
Annex C (normative) Methods for determination of the light reflectance value (LRV) of a
single tactile paving unit . 27
C.1 General . 27
C.2 Method using a hand-held contact colourimeter . 27
C.3 Measurement with a non-contact type instrument – procedure of measurement . 28
C.4 Visual method using colour swatches . 28
Bibliography . 29

European foreword
This document (CEN/TS 15209:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 178 “Paving
units and kerbs”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes CEN/TS 15209:2008.
In comparison with the previous edition, the following technical modifications have been made:
a) Introduction
The introduction has been extended to cover the measurement of light reflectance values (LRVs) of
units to enable designers to implement adequate visual contrast between tactile units and adjacent
surfaces in accordance with standards in the place of use.
This introduction confirms that the given default values should be used where no standards exist.
b) Scope
The scope covers the method and acceptance criteria for the dimensions of the surface and profile
features for tactile paving units. It does not specify requirements for profile and dimensions of a
single tactile paving unit but proposes ranges within which these dimensions should fall. These
properties are decided by the designer taking into account the regulations, codes of practice, and
guidance in the place of use of the units.
c) Definitions
Generally updated to include light reflectance value, visual contrast and designer. Requirements for
tactile paving surface indicators.
Dimensions and tolerances restated. Consolidated layouts and profiles added with ranges and default
values given.
Light reflectance value (LRV) of paving surface indicators. Methods for determining light reflectance
values defined.
d) Annex A
Use of the value specified in place of use replaces guides to the various specifications of tactile
surfaces in a number of European countries.
e) Annex B
Guide to the preferred dimensions for tactile paving surface indicator profiles for use in a number of
European countries deleted and replaced with old Annex C (Measurement of the dimensions of a
single tactile paving unit).
f) Annex C
Measurement of the dimensions of a single tactile paving unit moved to Annex B.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to announce this Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United
Kingdom.
Introduction
The nature and extent of visual impairment varies considerably among individuals and are very different
from person to person. Generally, the result of different eye conditions can lead to the following types of
impairment:
— a limited field of vision, being unable to see to the sides or up and down;
— some loss of central vision limiting the ability to see fine detail;
— acute short-sightedness, seeing the world as a continuous blur;
— uncontrollable oscillations of the eyeball leading to an inability to see objects clearly;
— night blindness, a sensitivity to light and a tendency to be dazzled by glare;
— disease can also lead to vision loss and blindness.
Visually impaired people detect information about the environment by the use of non-visual features, for
example, audible and tactile features. A loss of sight is not accompanied by an increase in the effectiveness
of other non-visual senses. However, visually impaired people generally place more emphasis on
information received via other senses, for example the sense of touch.
The use of tactile information: when moving around the pedestrian environment, visually impaired
people, using a range of mobility equipment including the long cane, will actively seek and make use of
tactile paving surface information, particularly detectable contrasts in surface texture.
The ability to detect contrasts in texture underfoot varies from one individual to another. For example,
older visually impaired people and people who have lost their sight through certain medical conditions,
such as diabetes, can have reduced sensitivity in their feet.
It is important that tactile warnings of potential hazards, e.g. a road crossing or a stair, are rigorous
enough to be detectable by most people but without constituting a trip hazard or causing extreme
discomfort.
Considering the walking speed and the length of one step by a visually impaired pedestrian, the width of
any warning surface is a critical parameter.
Visually impaired people who have some residual vision will make use of the luminance contrast between
surfaces for orientation and guidance, in addition to tactile information. To provide visual and tactile
guidance as well as to accentuate the presence of hazards and amenities, luminance contrast between
tactile paving units and the adjacent surface needs to be considered by designers, planners, engineers
and others involved in the design of the built and pedestrian environments.
Whereas this document covers the measurement of light reflectance values of individual units, it does not
cover the required criteria necessary to enable designers to implement adequate luminance contrast
since this relies on the difference between adjacent surfaces, which do not both need to be tactile surfaces.
However, manufacturers should be aware of this issue in considering the range of colour and tones they
provide in their tactile products. Methods for measurement of light reflectance values and the colour of
individual units are proposed in this document.
This document is not intended to set requirements for the layout of tactile paving units, but to allow
manufacturers to place their products on the market with a CE marking. It is intended that layouts and
the specific layout of individual tactile profiles within units will be set locally taking into account
regulations, codes of practice, standards and guidance at the place of use and be within the ranges given
in this document. Where no local guidance is available default values are given which should be used.
1 Scope
This document specifies the method of measurement and acceptance criteria for the dimensions for
surface profile features and patterns for the surface of pedestrian paving units, used to convey
information for visually impaired people. It applies to paving units made of concrete, clay and stone
where the tactile profiles are monolithic with the unit.
The surface profiles are intended to be applied to units manufactured to EN 1338, EN 1339, EN 1341, and
EN 1344 which can be square or rectangular as specified by the designer.
It does not specify dimensions of a single tactile paving layout or profile but proposes ranges within which
these dimensions should fall. Default dimensions are given in the absence of a national requirement.
This document proposes methods of measurement of profiles, light reflectance and colour but does not
specify requirements for these characteristics. These properties will be decided by the designer taking
into account the regulations, codes of practice, and guidance in the place of use of the units.
It does not specify material characteristics.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1338, Concrete paving blocks - Requirements and test methods
EN 1339, Concrete paving flags - Requirements and test methods
EN 1341, Slabs of natural stone for external paving - Requirements and test methods
EN 1344, Clay pavers - Requirements and test methods
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1 General terms and definitions
3.1.1
visually impaired
completely or partially blind, including those with some vision loss or residual sight
3.1.2
profile feature
single component of a tactile paving surface indicator
EXAMPLE dome, flat-topped dome, cylinder, bar or cuboid
3.1.3
tactile paving surface indicator
profiled paving finish used to convey information to visually impaired pedestrians about hazards and
amenities
3.1.4
light reflectance value
LRV
proportion of visible light reflected (Y) by a surface, weighted for the sensitivity to light of the human eye
Note 1 to entry: The LRV is measured under a D65 illumination.
Note 2 to ent
...