ISO/FDIS 15686-3

• Abstract:

  This International Standard identifies and establishes Methodologies, data and communication for service life planning and a systematic framework for undertaking service life planning of a planned building or construction work throughout its life cycle (or remaining life cycle for existing buildings or construction works). The life cycle incorporates initiation, project definition, design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, refurbishment, replacement, deconstruction and ultimate disposal, recycling or re-use of the asset (or parts thereof), including its components, systems and building services. This International Standard is applicable to the service life planning of individual buildings. A series of service life plans, developed in accordance with this International Standard, can be used as input data to the strategic property management of a number of buildings.

• Status: Not Published
• ICS: 91.040.01 - Buildings in general
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 59/SC 14 - Design life
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 59/SC 14 - Design life
• Current Stage: 5020 - FDIS ballot initiated: 2 months. Proof sent to secretariat
• Start Date: 01-Oct-2026
• Completion Date: 01-Oct-2026

• Revises: ISO 15686-2:2012 - Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning — Part 2: Service life prediction procedures
• Effective Date: 22-Oct-2022
• Revises: ISO 15686-10:2010 - Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning — Part 10: When to assess functional performance
• Effective Date: 22-Oct-2022
• Revises: ISO 15686-3:2002 - Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning — Part 3: Performance audits and reviews
• Effective Date: 22-Oct-2022
• Revises: ISO 15686-4:2014 - Building Construction — Service Life Planning — Part 4: Service Life Planning using Building Information Modelling
• Effective Date: 22-Oct-2022
• Revises: ISO 15686-8:2008 - Buildings and constructed assets — Service-life planning — Part 8: Reference service life and service-life estimation
• Effective Date: 22-Oct-2022
• Revises: ISO/TS 15686-9:2008 - Buildings and constructed assets — Service-life planning — Part 9: Guidance on assessment of service-life data
• Effective Date: 22-Oct-2022
• Revises: ISO 15686-1:2011 - Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning — Part 1: General principles and framework
• Effective Date: 22-Oct-2022

ISO/FDIS 15686-3 is an ISO standard for service life planning of buildings and civil engineering works. It specifies methods, data structures and communication for documenting, estimating and reporting service life information for constructed assets and their components. The document is aimed at product, facility and information managers, and it also supports designers, constructors, owners, operators, demolishers and testing organizations.

What does ISO/FDIS 15686-3 specify?

ISO/FDIS 15686-3 specifies requirements and guidance for the methods, data and communication used in service life planning across the life cycle of a planned or existing constructed asset. It focuses on how service life information is represented, exchanged and used in four common transactions.

The scope covers the full asset life cycle, from initiation and design through construction, operation, maintenance, refurbishment, replacement, deconstruction and disposal, recycling or re-use. It also applies to individual buildings, and it notes that a series of service life plans can feed strategic property management for multiple buildings.

Annex	What it covers
Annex A	Templates and worked examples for documenting service life information
Annex B	Data definitions and IFC-based mappings for service life planning

The document is organized into clauses on scope, normative references, terms and definitions, overview, common requirements, product and material identification, testing and provision of service life metrics, product estimated service life, appraisal of components in use and residual service life, and uncertainty.

What are the key requirements of ISO/FDIS 15686-3?

ISO/FDIS 15686-3 requires service life planning work to be explicit about objectives, data quality, methods and outputs. In practice, that means each study should be traceable, comparable and usable by the people who need to make design, procurement, operation or maintenance decisions.

Common requirements apply to all methods

Clause 5 requires clear objectives, including the desired outcome and acceptable confidence. It also requires contextual information such as product or facility identification, responsible author, commissioning client, report date and version, and a statement of conformity with the document.

Clause 5 also requires input data to be identified with its source and confidence, and the quality of both input and output data to be stated. For users, this means they can judge whether a service life estimate is based on solid evidence, anecdotal information or something in between.

Units, grades and reporting must be consistent

Clause 5 requires service life values to be expressed in years. It also requires SI units for in-use conditions where relevant, and quantity symbols in line with the ISO 80000 series.

Grades are to be expressed in verbal terms unless a clear numeric metric is available for both the reference and contextual situations. This matters because the factor methods in later clauses depend on comparable grading of design, environment, use and maintenance conditions.

Product identification supports exchange and reuse of data

Clause 6 defines how a product, component, material or assembly is identified and described so that service life information can be exchanged and reused. It requires a detailed description, unique identity, source, and where useful, classification and grouping information.

Clause 6 also requires functional measures and quantities, and it distinguishes between product identification and the methods used to determine the quantities and characteristics. For practitioners, this means the standard is about how to capture and communicate the data, not about inventing test methods for the product itself.

Testing links products to service life metrics

Clause 7 covers the testing regimen and the service life metrics used to publish product data. It requires intended uses and limits on in-use conditions, plus reference service conditions, degradation agents and reference service life expressed as a single value or a statistical distribution.

Clause 7 recognizes both direct testing and indirect, or proxy, testing. It also distinguishes long-term and short-term testing, natural weathering or aging, and accelerated weathering or aging. In practice, this helps a user understand whether a result comes from field exposure, laboratory acceleration or a correlation to a proxy property.

Estimated service life is adjusted to context

Clause 8 sets out how estimated service life is derived from a reference service life by applying context factors. The standard uses seven factors - A to G - covering inherent performance, design level, work execution, indoor environment, outdoor environment, usage conditions and maintenance level.

Clause 8 also requires the in-use conditions to be selected so that they are similar to the object-specific conditions, to keep adjustments close to unity and reduce error. This matters because a good estimate depends on how closely the reference case matches the actual site, use and maintenance situation.

Residual service life depends on current condition

Clause 9 covers appraisal of components in use and their residual service life. It uses the actual condition and anticipated degradation to revise the service life factors, then calculates residual service life from estimated service life and age.

For asset managers, this is the part that supports inspections, remaining-life judgments and maintenance planning for components already in service.

Uncertainty must be stated, not hidden

Clause 10 requires uncertainty to be considered early and represented when it is significant. It allows three forms of presentation - a single value, a bounded value with lower and upper limits and a modal value, or a table of values with cumulative probability.

That means the standard expects users to say how sure they are, not just give one number. This is important for risk-based decisions, especially when data come from short-term tests or limited field evidence.

What terms does ISO/FDIS 15686-3 define?

Object - A unique instance of an item in a class, with its own identity, behavior and attribute values.

Property set - A group of properties that belong together for a common purpose, such as life cycle stage or function.

Quantity set - A grouping of characteristic measure properties.

Usage conditions - The in-use conditions created by users of a building or constructed asset and by human activity near it.

Performance characteristic - A measurable physical quantity used to represent a critical property, such as thickness, mass or reflectance.

Service life factors - The factors used in the ISO 15686 factor method to adjust service life for specific conditions.

Grade - A condition rating that can be expressed by subjective scale or by objective measured values.

Who uses ISO/FDIS 15686-3?

ISO/FDIS 15686-3 is used by product, facility and information managers who need to structure service life data and make it usable over time. It is also relevant to designers, constructors, owners, operators and demolishers because the document follows the built asset life cycle.

Testing organizations and product data publishers use it when publishing service life metrics or test-based evidence. Design and asset managers use it when estimating service life, assessing residual life and supporting whole-life value or maintenance decisions.

What changed in ISO/FDIS 15686-3 from the previous edition?

The document states that this second edition replaces ISO 15686-3:2002 and also cancels and replaces ISO 15686-1:2011, ISO 15686-2:2012, ISO 15686-4:2014, ISO 15686-8:2008, ISO/TS 15686-9:2008 and ISO 15686-10:2010.

It also states these main changes:

• The ISO 15686 series has been reorganized into a new integrated three-part framework.
• The revised structure brings together methodologies, data structures, and communication recommendations.
• The reorganization is intended to better reflect current market needs and align with work on circular economy, climate adaptation, sustainable cities and service-life planning.
• Parts 5 and 7 remain unchanged because they were recently updated.

Which standards are used with ISO/FDIS 15686-3?

• ISO 15686-1 - gives the concepts and principles that frame service life planning.
• ISO 15686-2 - provides process considerations and prediction procedures used alongside the methods in this part.
• ISO 15686-7 - provides feedback from practice, which this part uses for service life data from actual performance.
• ISO 16739-1 - supplies the IFC data schema used for structuring and exchanging the information.
• ISO 80000 (all parts) - provides the quantities and units rules used for expressing values consistently.

What does the ISO/FDIS 15686-3 document contain?

ISO/FDIS 15686-3 contains a process map, common reporting requirements, factor-based estimation methods, uncertainty treatments and worked templates. Annex A gives templates and examples for general considerations, product identification, service life testing, design assessment, in-use residual life and uncertainty presentation.

Annex B maps the service life planning content to IFC concepts and property sets, including common attributes, product characteristics, testing data, design assessment, in-use assessment and uncertainty. The main body also includes tables, a factor method with A to G, and probability-based presentations that support design, testing, publication, appraisal and audit records.

FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 59/SC 14
Buildings and civil engineering
Secretariat: BSI
works — Service life planning —
Voting begins on:
2026-10-01
Part 3:
Methods, data and communication
Voting terminates on:
2026-11-26
Bâtiments et biens immobiliers construits — Prévision de la
durée de vie —
Partie 3: Méthodes, données et communication
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Reference number
FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 59/SC 14
Buildings and civil engineering
Secretariat: BSI
works — Service life planning —
Voting begins on:
Part 3:
Methods, data and communication
Voting terminates on:
Bâtiments et biens immobiliers construits — Prévision de la
durée de vie —
Partie 3: Méthodes, données et communication
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
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RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Overview . 2
4.1 Process map .2
4.2 Methods, data and communication .3
5 Common requirements . 4
5.1 Objectives .4
5.2 Information . .4
5.2.1 Contextual information .4
5.2.2 Input information .4
5.2.3 Data quality .5
5.3 Method .5
5.3.1 General .5
5.3.2 Units . .5
5.3.3 Grades .5
5.4 Outcomes .5
5.4.1 Output information .5
5.4.2 Presentation .5
6 Product and material identification . 6
6.1 Objectives .6
6.2 Information . .6
6.2.1 Contextual information .6
6.2.2 Input information .7
6.3 Method .7
6.4 Outcomes .7
6.4.1 Output information .7
6.4.2 Functional measures and quantities .7
6.4.3 Selection and performance characteristics.7
7 Testing and provision of service life metrics . 7
7.1 Objectives .7
7.2 Information . .8
7.2.1 Contextual information .8
7.2.2 Input information .8
7.3 Method .8
7.3.1 General .8
7.3.2 Service-life data from performance in use .8
7.3.3 Service-life data from testing methods .9
7.3.4 Service-life data from testing timescales .9
7.3.5 Service-life data from testing types.9
7.4 Outcomes .9
7.4.1 Output information .9
7.4.2 Presentation .10
8 Product estimated service life .11
8.1 Objectives .11
8.2 Information . .11
8.2.1 Contextual information .11
8.2.2 Input information .11
8.2.3 Input information relating to impacts . 12
8.3 Method . 12

iii
8.3.1 General . 12
8.3.2 Similarity of in-use conditions . 12
8.3.3 Service life by estimation . 12
8.3.4 Facility service life .14
8.3.5 Service life data from practical experience .14
8.3.6 Service life for innovative components .14
8.4 Outcomes .14
8.4.1 Output information .14
8.4.2 Presentation . 15
9 Appraisal of components in use and their residual service life .15
9.1 Objectives . 15
9.2 Information . . 15
9.2.1 Contextual information . 15
9.2.2 Input information . 15
9.3 Method . 15
9.3.1 Assessing estimated service life . 15
9.3.2 Assessing residual service life .16
9.4 Outcomes .16
9.4.1 Output information .16
9.4.2 Presentation .16
10 Uncertainty . 16
10.1 Uncertainty and reliability .16
10.2 Representing uncertainty . .16
10.2.1 General .16
10.2.2 Certain data .17
10.2.3 Simple uncertainty .17
10.2.4 Detailed uncertainty .18
Annex A (informative) Templates and examples .20
Annex B (informative) Data definitions .26
Bibliography .31

iv
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 59, Buildings and civil engineering works,
Subcommittee SC 14, Service life planning.
This second edition, together with ISO 15686-1 and ISO 15686-2, cancels and replaces ISO 15686-1:2011,
ISO 15686-2:2012, ISO 15686-3:2002, ISO 15686-4:2014, ISO 15686-8:2008, ISO/TS 15686-9:2008 and
ISO 15686-10:2010, which have been technically revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— the structure of the ISO 15686 series has been revised;
— the revised structure consolidates and clarifies guidance by bringing together: methodologies, algorithms
and procedures for documenting and applying service-life information; the data structures, properties
and relationships required to support service-life planning; and recommendations for the formatting,
presentation and communication of service-life information to facilitate consistent application.
A list of all parts in the ISO 15686 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

v
Introduction
The ISO 15686 series on constructed assets, including service life planning, is an essential contribution to
the development of a policy for service life planning of constructed assets.
This document specifies methods, data structures and communication activities to be implemented as part
of service life planning of constructed assets and their components. Supporting guidance is given in the
form of templates and data definitions. The main audience is product, facility and information managers.
For this to occur it is considered that an information system is needed. An information management system
suitable for carrying out the service life planning process should, for example, be able to:
— capture enough information and support the methods needed to calculate the effect of the environment
and microclimate on the materials and components used;
— define maintenance schedules for different qualities of materials installed under different environmental
conditions;
— apply life cycle costing methodologies using the captured data to calculate the benefits of using either
high performance materials with little maintenance or lower performance materials with better
maintenance procedures. Procedures need to be able to take ease of replacement and demolition into
account;
— incorporate new knowledge and predictive methods for material performance and maintenance without
affecting methods and data structures that enable calculations based on current knowledge;
— support interoperability between software applications;
— be used by designers, constructors, owners, operators and demolishers throughout the built asset life
cycle.
In practice, this means applying the technology that is generally being termed information management
and in some cases building information modelling (BIM) systems. BIM and the use of software applications
that enable it is becoming a normal way of working within the built environment sector. It offers significant
benefits including the ability to work with components and assemblies as objects that encapsulate both
shape (in the form of geometric information) and other information about performance, delivery, operation
and more. Performance can include information about durability and sustainability metrics. This offers
powerful capabilities for dealing with these key areas of interest at every level from individual component
to constructed facility.
This document is particularly concerned with the provision of information for service life planning. It
proposes structures for the capture and exchange of service life planning information based on the Industry
Foundation Classes (IFC) standard for information exchange and sharing.
Clause 4 provides the service life planning context within which it is prepared. Clauses 5 to 10 each covers a
stage of the life cycle of service life information, starting with its measurement and publication, followed by
its adjustment in the context of a particular facility and finally its use in whole-life calculations. Annexes A
and B summarize the standard properties and provide worked examples of how the data might be used in
manual or automated calculations.

vi
FINAL DRAFT International Standard ISO/FDIS 15686-3:2026(en)
Buildings and civil engineering works — Service life
planning —
Part 3:
Methods, data and communication
1 Scope
This document provides requirements and guidance on the methods, data, and communication of service
life planning of constructed assets and their components as well as the required supporting data.
This document specifies the structure and representation of service life data. It is focused on key exchange
requirements underlying four common transactions.
This document can be used:
a) to achieve and maintain a common understanding within the national and project contexts;
b) to establish the desired outcomes and to define appropriate quality;
c) to identify appropriate management effort and tools;
d) to identify necessary effort and resourcing.
Service life planning involves the application of data about elements within constructed assets to enable
their design, predicted or estimated service life to be determined and communicated.
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.
1)
ISO 15686-2:— , Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning — Part 2: Process considerations
ISO 15686-7, Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning — Part 7: Performance evaluation for
feedback of service life data from practice
ISO 80000 (all parts), Quantities and units
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
1) Third edition under development. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/FDIS 15686-2:2026.

3.1
object
unique occurrence of an item belonging to a class such that the attributes and constraints are defined by the
class, having its own identity, behaviour and values for its attributes (state)
3.2
property set
grouping of properties that belong together based on some principle
EXAMPLE A principle can be life cycle stage or purpose.
3.3
quantity set
grouping of characteristic measure properties
3.4
usage condition
in-use condition due to users of a building or constructed asset and human activity adjacent to a building or
constructed assets
3.5
performance characteristic
physical quantity that is a measure of a critical property
More information on measure can be found in ISO 6707-1:2020, 3.7.1.6.
EXAMPLE A performance characteristic can be the same as the critical property, for instance, reflectance. On
the other hand, if the critical property is strength, for instance, thickness [ISO 6707-1:2020, 3.7.2.48] or mass can in
certain cases be utilized as a performance characteristic.
4 Overview
4.1 Process map
The process map (see Table 1) shows the sequence of processes (ISO 15686-2) and information exchanges
(this document) in context.
In summary, this document covers four methods for working with service life data.
— Clause 6 covers the specification/selection of product: product and testing are brought together to obtain
the service life characteristics.
— Clause 7 covers the testing regimen and the key service life metrics: the characteristics are brought into
a specific context to obtain a predicted service life.
— Clause 8 covers the facility context and the predicted/estimated service life: the predicted or measured
service life is used with cost or environmental impact rates to obtain a life cycle cost or assessment.
— Clause 9 covers the impacts (to date and predicted) for stages in the life cycle value: the context factors
are revised to reflect in-use surveys.
To support these:
— Clause 5 defines the common requirements for applying this document;
— Clause 10 covers the consideration and representation of uncertainty;
— Clauses A.6 to A.10 offer templates;
— Clauses B.6 to B.10 offer formal data definitions.

Table 1 — Service life processes and information requirements
Testing and inspection Publication Prediction Appraisal
Manufac- Clause 6
turer
2)
Tester ISO 15686-2:— , Clause 7
Clause 5
Product ISO 15686-2:—, Clause 8
data sup- Clause 6
plier
Facility ISO 15686-7 ISO 15686-2:—, Clause 9
designer or Clause 7
manager
Service life  ISO 15686-5
consultant
The determination of service life is undertaken at various times during the product development and during
design, construction and operation of a facility. During the early design stages when product information
is aggregated at a level such as the whole facility or as specifications of whole systems; it is only the design
life of a product that can be determined. At the earliest design stages when only product occurrences are
defined, the design life is estimated at the occurrence level. At later design stages, when individual products
are located and these products are designated by type, the design life can be indicated for all occurrences
at the type level. Similarly, when individual products are identified, it becomes possible to determine a
reference service life when a manufacturer/supplier can be identified. As with the design life, the reference
service life can be allocated to the product type level.
At later design stages and during construction, when the configuration and location of products has been
fully established, it becomes possible to analyse the service life of products according to in-use conditions.
These conditions can vary the reference service life depending on factors such as exposure to weather,
aggressiveness of the local environment and other degrading (or upgrading) factors. The result of applying
in-use conditions is to define an estimated service life which is simply the length of time of a product
occurrence life cycle.
Finally, the condition of a product occurrence can be checked from time to time during the operational stage.
From the condition of the product, a residual service life can be assessed. If degradation is more than has
been expected, the residual service life is reduced.
4.2 Methods, data and communication
The overall data requirements for the process are summarized in Figure 1.
2) Third edition under development. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/FDIS 15686-2:2026.

Figure 1 — Service life planning view
5 Common requirements
5.1 Objectives
The application of any of the methods detailed in Clauses 6 to 10 shall be based on clear objectives including
the desired outcome and the acceptable levels of confidence.
5.2 Information
5.2.1 Contextual information
Context information shall be provided, including:
a) identification of the product or facility;
b) identification of the responsible author;
c) identification of the commissioning client;
d) date and version of the report;
e) statement that the study has been conducted in accordance with all the requirements of this document.
5.2.2 Input information
The information inputs shall be clearly stated with their source and confidence.
Sources of data and any third-party assessment or test results shall be provided to enable the data user to
assess the quality of the data.

The basis, including the sources and quality of the data used, shall be clearly stated in a written report.
NOTE This is essential to enabling the judgement of the quality of the service-life prediction being undertaken
and to enabling risk of error to be adequately considered.
5.2.3 Data quality
The quality of both input data/information and output data/information shall be stated in the report of any
service life planning activity.
NOTE The quality of service life estimation depends in part on the quality of the data used to generate the service
life estimation. A possible problem with observations in situ is that agents (e.g. weather conditions) can be not reported,
or those reported can be not typical, and cannot reflect conditions comparable to those to which a component would
be exposed in service. Anecdotal evidence of performance is less reliable than scientific evidence, but can be all that
is available. In addition, selective reporting of data can be encountered when commercial interests are involved (e.g. a
supplier might report positive, but not negative, exposure results). It is expected that the situation will improve when
criteria are established for the scope and quality of data to be supplied by manufacturers and others for inclusion in
databases, and as computer-integrated knowledge systems for service life estimation are developed.
5.3 Method
5.3.1 General
The method applied shall be clearly stated including a reference to Clauses 6 to 10 and any deviations noted.
The report shall also provide the assumptions underlying the estimations.
5.3.2 Units
Values related to the service lives shall be expressed in a period of years, whether they consist of discrete
values, such as mean values and standard deviations, or full distributions. For the description of the in-use
condition(s), where applicable, the International System of units (SI) shall be used. Symbols for quantities
shall be chosen, wherever possible, in accordance with the ISO 80000 series.
5.3.3 Grades
Grades shall be expressed in phrases taken from a verbal scale unless there is a clear numeric metric for
intensity available for both reference and contextual situations.
5.4 Outcomes
5.4.1 Output information
The information outputs shall be clearly stated with their confidence.
The report shall also provide a conservative estimate of the uncertainty.
NOTE These records can be required for a subsequent review or audit.
5.4.2 Presentation
The context, inputs, method and outputs shall be presented in a structured and clear format.
Results shall be communicated to the parties who can use the information so that they are aware of the
actions implied. The results of the study shall be reported to all interested parties.
The findings of all analyses, data, methods, assumptions and limitations shall be presented in sufficient
detail to enable assessment the quality of the information. The report shall also allow the results and
interpretation to be used in a manner consistent with the goals of the study.

The report shall include measured, calculated or estimated statistical distributions (see Clauses 10 and
A.10).
NOTE 1 Distributions can, for example, be expressed in terms of distribution functions, standard deviations or
levels of confidence.
NOTE 2 These records can be required for a subsequent review or audit.
NOTE 3 Clauses A.6 to A.10 provide presentation templates.
NOTE 4 Clauses B.6 to B.10 provide formal information specifications.
6 Product and material identification
6.1 Objectives
This clause, along with Clause 5, provides the definition of a product typically provided by the manufacturer
so that the information associated can be exchanged and used, particularly by testing organizations. The
identification of a product is central to the effective persistence of the information.
This subclause defines the representation of the characteristic measures of a product as a quantity
set. Performance characteristics specific to its specification and selection can also be added. These
characteristics are relevant to deeper searching and the construction of benchmarks and comparators.
6.2 Information
6.2.1 Contextual information
A detailed description of the product, component, material or assembly shall be provided.
Context information shall be provided, including:
a) the product, initially as an abstract library type and lastly as an instantiated occurrence;
b) the identity of the product, including its name, description and other properties that make it uniquely
identified;
c) the source of the product, in terms of the originating organizations, author and any reference documents;
d) optionally, classification and grouping of the product according to local practice which aids in the
searching and the reporting of the product; one or more classifications can be associated to a product:
1) name, source and edition of the classification system;
2) name and description of the classification entry;
e) component description, comprising:
1) main or other identification marks of the components;
2) designation of the components in accordance with recommendations or prescriptions expressed in
official standards or regulations;
3) description of the components;
f) an owner history with a definition of the authoring person and organization; these can have full address
and contact details:
1) authoring person and organization with role;

2) application or method used;
g) additional information relating to constituent components:
1) model descriptions;
2) name and address of manufacturer or supplier of the components;
3) date of supply of the components.
6.2.2 Input information
The component to be evaluated shall be characterized thoroughly in terms of structure, physical properties
and chemical composition.
6.3 Method
Methods for determining the quantities and characteristics are out of the scope of this document.
NOTE ISO 12006-3 specifies dictionaries suitable for defining such quantities and characteristics.
6.4 Outcomes
6.4.1 Output information
This subclause defines the representation of the characteristic measures of a product as a quantity
set. Performance characteristics specific to its specification and selection can also be added. These
characteristics are relevant to deeper searching and the construction of benchmarks and comparators.
6.4.2 Functional measures and quantities
Information shall be provided for characteristic functional measures and quantities. If no measure is given,
then a unit count shall be assumed. In the case of materials and layered constructions, a unit volume or area
shall be provided.
6.4.3 Selection and performance characteristics
Information shall be provided for characteristic selection and performance properties. The selection of
these properties may be specific to the type of product, the locale and the procurement method.
7 Testing and provision of service life metrics
7.1 Objectives
This clause, along with Clause 5, covers the testing regimen and the key service life metrics for the publication
of product data, typically by testing organizations and product data publishers so as to associate service life
information to a generic or specific material or assembly.
This clause adds representation of the testing regime that has evaluated a product and the key service life
metrics so as to associate service life information to a generic or specific material or assembly, for use in the
subsequent use cases. The authority for the metrics is documented so that the metrics can be verified by
recourse to the original source.

7.2 Information
7.2.1 Contextual information
Products shall have their several possible applications or intended uses described. intended uses and any
limits on in-use conditions for which it is suitable shall be provided. Guidance shall be given on the end uses
to which the service-life data provided are relevant.
Context information shall be provided, including:
— identification of the product;
— identification of the responsible author, appointer;
— date and version.
7.2.2 Input information
The information inputs shall be clearly stated with their source and confidence.
The reference service (in-use) conditions and degradation agents to which the component is expected to be
exposed in service shall be given. Where the reference (in-use) conditions assume specific provisions for
particular measures, these shall be stated. Such measures may include:
— use of a protective coating or cover;
— use of a given (minimum) thickness of material;
— recommendations on installation conditions in the works;
— recommended maintenance requirements.
Reference service life shall be stated as either a single value (e.g. a modal value) or a statistical distribution
for the assessment or testing under particular conditions under the prescribed conditions.
The reference in-use conditions, as well as the reference service life, shall be stated so that users of the
data can judge the possible differences between the reference in-use conditions and the likely actual in-use
conditions in a particular case.
NOTE Common sets of reference in-use conditions can be defined by producers or users of products, in order to
facilitate comparison of service-life data for a number of products within the same product family.
7.3 Method
7.3.1 General
The method applied shall be clearly stated.
NOTE Service-life data can be obtained from several sources.
Service-life data shall be based on feedback data in accordance with ISO 15686-7 or data resulting from
prediction procedures in accordance with ISO 15686-2:—, Clause 6.
7.3.2 Service-life data from performance in use
Wherever possible, performance data that have been obtained from practical experience of actual
performance under clearly documented in-use conditions should be used for service-life prediction.
Evidence of performance in use shall be documented to ensure transparency.
NOTE ISO 15686-7 gives further guidance on the use of feedback data from actual performance.

7.3.3 Service-life data from testing methods
Where actual performance data under clearly documented in-use conditions are not available, test data
shall be used for service-life
...

ISO/DISFDIS 15686-3.2:2025(en)
ISO/TC 59/SC 14
Secretariat: BSI
Date: 2025-11-062026-09-16
Buildings and civil engineering works — Service life planning —
—
Part 3:
Methods, data and communication
Élément introductif — Élément central — Partie 4: Titre de la partie

Copyright notice
ThisBâtiments et biens immobiliers construits — Prévision de la durée de vie —
Partie 3: Méthodes, données et communication
FDIS stage
ISO/DISFDIS 15686-3.2:2025:2026(en)
© ISO document is a Draft International Standard and is copyright-protected by ISO. Except as permitted under 2026
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Published in Switzerland
iii
iv
ISO/DISFDIS 15686-3.2:2025:2026(en)
Contents Page
Foreword . vi
Introduction . viii
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 2
4 Overview . 2
4.1 Process map . 2
4.2 Methods, data and communication . 4
5 Common requirements . 6
5.1 Objectives . 6
5.2 Information . 6
5.3 Method . 6
5.4 Outcomes . 7
6 Product and material identification . 7
6.1 Objectives . 7
6.2 Information . 8
6.3 Method . 9
6.4 Outcomes . 9
7 Testing and provision of service life metrics . 9
7.1 Objectives . 9
7.2 Information . 9
7.3 Method . 10
7.4 Outcomes . 11
8 Product estimated service life . 13
8.1 Objectives . 13
8.2 Information . 13
8.3 Method . 14
8.4 Outcomes . 17
9 Appraisal of components in use and their residual service life . 17
9.1 Objectives . 17
9.2 Information . 17
9.3 Method . 17
9.4 Outcomes . 18
10 Uncertainty. 18
10.1 Uncertainty and reliability . 18
10.2 Representing uncertainty . 19
Annex A (informative) Templates and examples . 23
Annex B Data definitions . 29
Bibliography . 34

v
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has
been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see
www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 59, Buildings and civil engineering works,
Subcommittee SC 14, Service life planning.
This second edition, together with ISO 15686-1:— and ISO 15686-2:—,, cancels and replaces ISO 15686-
1:2011, ISO 15686-2:2012, ISO 15686-3:2002, ISO 15686-4:2014, ISO 15686-8:2008, ISO/TS 15686-9:2008
and ISO 15686-10:2010, which have been technically revised.
The main changes are as follows:

The structure of the ISO 15686 series has been revised. The series, originally comprising ten separately
developed parts published since 2000 by ISO/TC 59/SC 14, is being reorganised into a new, integrated
three‑part framework to better reflect current market needs and align with contemporary standards
work in areas such as circular economy, climate adaptation, sustainable cities and service‑life planning.
Parts 5 and 7 remain unchanged as they were recently updated and do not require revision.

— Thethe structure of the ISO 15686 series has been revised;
the revised structure consolidates and clarifies guidance by bringing together:
a) methodologies, algorithms and procedures for documenting and applying service‑life information;
b) the data structures, properties and relationships required to support service‑life planning; and
— c) recommendations for the formatting, presentation and communication of service‑life information
to facilitate consistent application.
A list of all parts in the ISO 15686 series can be found on the ISO website.
vi
ISO/DISFDIS 15686-3.2:2025:2026(en)
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
vii
Introduction
The ISO 15686 series on constructed assets, including service life planning, is an essential contribution to the
development of a policy for service life planning of constructed assets.
This document specifies methods, data structures and communication activities to be implemented as part of
service life planning of constructed assets and their components. Supporting guidance is given in the form of
templates and data definitions. The main audience is product, facility and information managers.
For this to occur it is considered that an information system is needed. An information management system
suitable for carrying out the service life planning process should, for example, be able to:
— — capture enough information and support the methods needed to calculate the effect of the
environment and microclimate on the materials and components used;
— — define maintenance schedules for different qualities of materials installed under different
environmental conditions;
— — apply life cycle costing methodologies using the captured data to calculate the benefits of
using either high performance materials with little maintenance or lower performance materials with
better maintenance procedures. Procedures need to be able to take ease of replacement and demolition
into account;
— — incorporate new knowledge and predictive methods for material performance and
maintenance without affecting methods and data structures that enable calculations based on current
knowledge;
— — support interoperability between software applications;
— — be used by designers, constructors, owners, operators and demolishers throughout the built
asset life cycle.
In practice, this means applying the technology that is generally being termed information management and
in some cases building information modelling (BIM) systems. BIM and the use of software applications that
enable it is becoming a normal way of working within the built environment sector. It offers significant
benefits including the ability to work with components and assemblies as objects that encapsulate both
shape (in the form of geometric information) and other information about performance, delivery, operation
and more. Performance can include information about durability and sustainability metrics. This offers
powerful capabilities for dealing with these key areas of interest at every level from individual component to
constructed facility.
This document is particularly concerned with the provision of information for service life planning. It
proposes structures for the capture and exchange of service life planning information based on the Industry
Foundation Classes (IFC) standard for information exchange and sharing.
4Clause 4 provides the service life planning context within which it is prepared. 5Clauses 5 to 1010 each
covers a stage of the life cycle of service life information, starting with its measurement and publication,
followed by its adjustment in the context of a particular facility and finally its use in whole-life calculations.
Annex AAnnexes A and Annex BB summarize the standard properties and provide worked examples of how
the data might be used in manual or automated calculations.
viii
DRAFT International Standard ISO/DIS 15686-3.2:2025(en)

Buildings and constructed assets civil engineering works — Service
life planning — —
Part 3:
Methods, data and communication
1 Scope
This document provides requirements and guidance on the methods, data, and communication of service life
planning of constructed assets and their components as well as the required supporting data.
This document specifies the structure and representation of service life data. It is focused on key exchange
requirements underlying four common transactions.
This document can be used:
a) a) to achieve and maintain a common understanding within the national and project contexts;
b) b) to establish the desired outcomes and to define appropriate quality;
c) c) to identify appropriate management effort and tools;
d) d) to identify necessary effort and resourcing.
Service life planning involves the application of data about elements within constructed assets to enable
their design, predicted or estimated service life to be determined and communicated.
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.
ISO 15686-1, Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning — Part 1: Concepts and principles
1)
ISO 15686-2,-2:— , Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning — Part 2: Process considerations
ISO 15686--7, Buildings and constructed assets — Service life planning — Part 7: Performance evaluation for
feedback of service life data from practice
ISO 16739-1, Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) for data sharing in the construction and facility management
industries — Part 1: Data schema
ISO 80000 (all parts), Quantities and units

1)
Third edition under development. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/FDIS 15686-2:2026.

3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— — ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— — IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1 3.1
object
unique occurrence of an item belonging to a class such that the attributes and constraints are defined by the
class, having its own identity, behaviour and values for its attributes (state)
3.2 3.2
property set
grouping of properties that belong together based on some principle
EXAMPLE A principle can be life cycle stage or purpose.
3.3 3.3
quantity set
grouping of characteristic measure properties
3.4 3.4
usage conditionscondition
in-use conditions (3.1.53.1) (3.1.53.2) (3.1.53.3)condition due to users (3.1.131) of a building (3.1.10) or
constructed asset (3.1.15) and human activity adjacent to a building or constructed assets
3.5 3.5
performance characteristic
physical quantity that is a measure [ISO 6707-1:2014, 9.1.7] of a critical property [
More information on measure can be found in ISO 6707-1:2014, 9.1.2020, 3].7.1.6.
EXAMPLE : A performance characteristic can be the same as the critical property, for instance, reflectance. On the
other hand, if the critical property is strength, for instance, thickness [ISO 6707-1:2014, 92020, 3.7.2.24]48] or mass
can in certain cases be utilized as a performance characteristic.
4 Overview
4.1 Process map
The process map (see Table 1 Table 1)) shows the sequence of processes (ISO 15686-2) and information
exchanges (this document) in context.
In summary, this document covers four methods for working with service life data.
— 6— Clause 6 covers the specification/selection of product: product and testing are brought
together to obtain the service life characteristics;.
— 7— Clause 7 covers the testing regimen and the key service life metrics: the characteristics are
brought into a specific context to obtain a predicted service life;.
ISO/DISFDIS 15686-3.2:2025:2026(en)
— 8— Clause 8 covers the facility context and the predicted/estimated service life: the predicted or
measured service life is used with cost or environmental impact rates to obtain a life cycle cost or
assessment;.
— 9— Clause 9 covers the impacts (to date and predicted) for stages in the life cycle value: the
context factors are revised to reflect in-use surveys.
To support these:
— 5— Clause 5 defines the common requirements for applying this document;
— 10— Clause 10 covers the consideration and representation of uncertainty;
— A.6— Clauses A.6 to A.10A.10 offer templates;
— B.6— Clauses B.6 to B.10B.10 offer formal data definitions.
Table 1 — Service life processes and information requirements
Testing and Publication Prediction Appraisal
inspection
Manufactu 6ISO15686-3
rer Clause 6
Tester ISO15686ISO 15686- 7ISO15686-3
2)
2:— , Clause 7
Clause 5
Product  ISO15686ISO 15686- 8ISO15686-3
data 2:—, Clause 8
supplier Clause 6
Facility ISO15686ISO 15686-7 ISO15686ISO 15686- 9ISO15686-3
designer 2:—, Clause 9
or Clause 7
manager
Service life   ISO15686ISO 15686-5
consultant
The determination of service life is undertaken at various times during the product development and during
design, construction and operation of a facility. During the early design stages when product information is
aggregated at a level such as the whole facility or as specifications of whole systems; it is only the design life
of a product that can be determined. At the earliest design stages when only product occurrences are
defined, the design life is estimated at the occurrence level. At later design stages, when individual products
are located and these products are designated by type, the design life can be indicated for all occurrences at
the type level. Similarly, when individual products are identified, it becomes possible to determine a
reference service life when a manufacturer/supplier can be identified. As with the design life, the reference
service life can be allocated to the product type level.
At later design stages and during construction, when the configuration and location of products has been
fully established, it becomes possible to analyse the service life of products according to in-use conditions.
These conditions can vary the reference service life depending on factors such as exposure to weather,
aggressiveness of the local environment and other degrading (or upgrading) factors. The result of applying

2)
Third edition under development. Stage at the time of publication: ISO/FDIS 15686-2:2026.

in-use conditions is to define an estimated service life which is simply the length of time of a product
occurrence life cycle.
Finally, the condition of a product occurrence can be checked from time to time during the operational stage.
From the condition of the product, a residual service life can be assessed. If degradation is more than has
been expected, the residual service life is reduced.
4.2 Methods, data and communication
The overall data requirements for the process are summarized in Figure 1 Figure 1.
ISO/DISFDIS 15686-3.2:2025:2026(en)

Figure 1 — The ‘service — Service life planning view’view
5 Common requirements
5.1 Objectives
The application of any of the methods detailed in 6Clauses 6 to 1010 shall be based on clear objectives
including the desired outcome and the acceptable levels of confidence.
5.2 Information
5.2.1 Contextual information
Context information shall be provided, including:
a) a) identification of the product or facility;
b) b) identification of the responsible author;
c) c) identification of the commissioning client;
d) d) date and version of the report;
e) e) statement that the study has been conducted in accordance with all the requirements of this
document.
5.2.2 Input information
The information inputs shall be clearly stated with their source and confidence.
Sources of data and any third-party assessment or test results shall be provided to enable the data user to
assess the quality of the data.
The basis, including the sources and quality of the data used, shall be clearly stated in a written report.
NOTE This is essential to enabling the judgement of the quality of the service-life prediction being undertaken and
to enabling risk of error to be adequately considered.
5.2.3 Data quality
The quality of both input data/information and output data/information shall be stated in the report of any
service life planning activity.
NOTE The quality of service life estimation depends in part on the quality of the data used to generate the service
life estimation. A possible problem with observations in situ is that agents (e.g. weather conditions) can be not
reported, or those reported can be not typical, and cannot reflect conditions comparable to those to which a component
would be exposed in service. Anecdotal evidence of performance is less reliable than scientific evidence, but can be all
that is available. In addition, selective reporting of data can be encountered when commercial interests are involved
(e.g. a supplier might report positive, but not negative, exposure results). It is expected that the situation will improve
when criteria are established for the scope and quality of data to be supplied by manufacturers and others for inclusion
in databases, and as computer-integrated knowledge systems for service life estimation are developed.
5.3 Method
5.3.1 General
The method applied shall be clearly stated including a reference to 6Clauses 6 to 1010 and any deviations
noted.
ISO/DISFDIS 15686-3.2:2025:2026(en)
The report shall also provide the assumptions underlying the estimations.
5.3.2 Units
Values related to the service lives shall be expressed in a period of years, whether they consist of discrete
values, such as mean values and standard deviations, or full distributions. For the description of the in-use
condition(s), where applicable, the International System of units (SI) shall be used. Symbols for quantities
shall be chosen, wherever possible, in accordance with the ISO 80000 series.
5.3.3 Grades
Grades shall be expressed in phrases taken from a verbal scale unless there is a clear numeric metric for
intensity available for both reference and contextual situations.
5.4 Outcomes
5.4.1 Output information
The information outputs shall be clearly stated with their confidence.
The report shall also provide a conservative estimate of the uncertainty.
NOTE These records can be required for a subsequent review or audit.
5.4.2 Presentation
The context, inputs, method and outputs shall be presented in a structured and clear format.
Results shall be communicated to the parties who can use the information so that they are aware of the
actions implied. The results of the study shall be reported to all interested parties.
The findings of all analyses, data, methods, assumptions and limitations shall be presented in sufficient detail
to enable assessment the quality of the information. The report shall also allow the results and
interpretation to be used in a manner consistent with the goals of the study.
The report shall include measured, calculated or estimated statistical distributions (see 10Clauses 10 and
A.10A.10).).
NOTE 1 Distributions can, for example, be expressed in terms of distribution functions, standard deviations or levels
of confidence.
NOTE 2 These records can be required for a subsequent review or audit.
NOTE 3 A.6Clauses A.6 to A.10A.10 provide presentation templates.
NOTE 4 B.6Clauses B.6 to B.10B.10 provide formal information specifications.
6 Product and material identification
6.1 Objectives
This clause, along with 5Clause 5,, provides the definition of a product typically provided by the
manufacturer so that the information associated can be exchanged and used, particularly by testing
organizations. The identification of a product is central to the effective persistence of the information.
This subclause defines the representation of the characteristic measures of a product as a quantity set.
Performance characteristics specific to its specification and selection can also be added. These
characteristics are relevant to deeper searching and the construction of benchmarks and comparators.
6.2 Information
6.2.1 Contextual information
A detailed description of the product, component, material or assembly shall be provided.
Context information shall be provided, including:
a) a) the product, initially as an abstract library type and latterlylastly as an instantiated
occurrence;
b) b) the identity of the product, including its name, description and other properties that make it
uniquely identified;
c) c) the source of the product, in terms of the originating organizations, author, and any reference
documents;
d) d) optionally, classification and grouping of the product according to local practice which aids in
the searching and the reporting of the product; one or more classifications can be associated to a
product:
1) 1) name, source and edition of the classification system;
2) 2) name and description of the classification entry;
e) e) component description, comprising:
1) 1) main or other identification marks of the components;
2) 2) designation of the components in accordance with recommendations or prescriptions
expressed in official standards or regulations;
3) 3) description of the components;
f) f) an owner history with a definition of the authoring person and organization; these can have
full address and contact details:
1) 1) authoring person and organization with role;
2) 2) application or method used;
g) g) additional information relating to constituent components:
1) 1) model descriptions;
2) 2) name and address of manufacturer or supplier of the components;
3) 3) date of supply of the components.
ISO/DISFDIS 15686-3.2:2025:2026(en)
6.2.2 Input information
The component to be evaluated shall be characterized thoroughly in terms of structure, physical properties
and chemical composition.
6.3 Method
Methods for determining the quantities and characteristics are out of the scope of this document.
NOTE ISO 12006-3 specifies dictionaries suitable for defining such quantities and characteristics.
6.4 Outcomes
6.4.1 Output information
This subclause defines the representation of the characteristic measures of a product as a quantity set.
Performance characteristics specific to its specification and selection can also be added. These
characteristics are relevant to deeper searching and the construction of benchmarks and comparators.
6.4.2 Functional measures and quantities
Information shall be provided for characteristic functional measures and quantities. If no measure is given,
then a unit count shall be assumed. In the case of materials and layered constructions, a unit volume or area
shall be provided.
6.4.3 Selection and performance characteristics
Information shall be provided for characteristic selection and performance properties. The selection of these
properties may be specific to the type of product, the locale and the procurement method.
7 Testing and provision of service life metrics
7.1 Objectives
This clause, along with 5Clause 5,, covers the testing regimen and the key service life metrics for the
publication of product data, typically by testing organizations and product data publishers so as to associate
service life information to a generic or specific material or assembly.
This clause adds representation of the testing regime that has evaluated a product and the key service life
metrics so as to associate service life information to a generic or specific material or assembly, for use in the
subsequent use cases. The authority for the metrics is documented so that the metrics can be verified by
recourse to the original source.
7.2 Information
7.2.1 Contextual information
Products shall have their several possible applications or intended uses described. intended uses and any
limits on in-use conditions for which it is suitable shall be provided. Guidance shall be given on the end uses
to which the service-life data provided are relevant.
Context information shall be provided, including:
— — identification of the product;
— — identification of the responsible author, appointer;
— — date and version.
7.2.2 Input information
The information inputs shall be clearly stated with their source and confidence.
The reference service (in-use) conditions and degradation agents to which the component is expected to be
exposed in service shall be given. Where the reference (in-use) conditions assume specific provisions for
particular measures, these shall be stated. Such measures may include:
— — use of a protective coating or cover;
— — use of a given (minimum) thickness of material;
— — recommendations on installation conditions in the works;
— — recommended maintenance requirements.
Reference service life shall be stated as either a single value (e.g. a modal value) or a statistical distribution
for the assessment or testing under particular conditions under the prescribed conditions.
The reference in-use conditions, as well as the reference service life, shall be stated so that users of the data
can judge the possible differences between the reference in-use conditions and the likely actual in-use
conditions in a particular case.
NOTE Common sets of reference in-use conditions can be defined by producers or users of products, in order to
facilitate comparison of service-life data for a number of products within the same product family.
7.3 Method
7.3.1 General
The method applied shall be clearly stated.
NOTE Service-life data can be obtained from several sources.
Service-life data shall be based on feedback data in accordance with ISO 15686-7 or data resulting from
prediction procedures in accordance with ISO 15686-2 clause :—, Clause 6.
7.3.2 Service-life data from performance in use
Wherever possible, performance data that have been obtained from practical experience of actual
performance under clearly documented in-use conditions should be used for service-life prediction.
Evidence of performance in use shall be documented to ensure transparency.
NOTE 2 ISO 15686-7 gives further guidance on the use of feedback data from actual performance.
7.3.3 Service-life data from testing methods
Where actual performance data under clearly documented in-use conditions are not available, test data shall
be used for service-life prediction. If properly documented test data are already available, they shall be used
without further testing. Where further testing is required, it shall be performed in accordance with ISO
15686-2 clause :—, Clause 6.
There are two categories of testing, direct and indirect.
ISO/DISFDIS 15686-3.2:2025:2026(en)
a) a) Direct testing: the achievement of a certain level of performance in a test of a particular
property shall be recognized as being direct evidence of expected service life (e.g. abrasion, fatigue,
closing and impact tests).
b) b) Indirect (proxy) testing: the measurement of “proxy” characteristics shall be correlated to
actual performance and hence service life (e.g. porosity for freeze-thaw resistance and hardness for
abrasion resistance).
7.3.4 Service-life data from testing timescales
Tests can be long -term, short -term or a combination of both. They can be carried out using small-scale or
full-scale specimens, or a combination of both.
a) a) Long-term tests can include:
1) 1) field exposure;
2) 2) exposure in experimental facilities.
b) b) Short-term tests can include:
1) 1) accelerated short-term tests;
2) 2) short-term in-use exposures.
7.3.5 Service-life data from testing types
Tests can be either:
a) a) natural weathering/aging tests, which either give a direct indication of service life (e.g.
corrosion tests) or enable normal performance tests to be carried out after treatment, thus allowing the
likely degradation under in-use conditions to be determined; or
b) b) accelerated weathering/aging tests, in which the normal aging process is speeded up to
reduce the duration of the test. Care shall be taken to ensure that degradation mechanisms are
accelerated and not significantly altered in such tests.
The methodology used to derive the reference service life shall be reported.
The data sources used and a brief explanation of the reasons for their use shall be provided.
7.4 Outcomes
7.4.1 Output information
Information shall be provided for the service life characteristics:
a) a) service life type;
b) b) service life;
c) c) seven service life factors A to G, except where they are defaulted to 1,0,.
7.4.2 Presentation
The context, inputs, method and outputs shall be presented in a structured and clear format.
As short-term exposures typically involve a significant degree of uncertainty, the results shall be considered
with care.
A report shall include the following information, wherever applicable:
a) a) Goal and range definition
b) b) Exposure programme description, including exposure at pre-tests:
1) 1) general exposure situation, i.e. at outdoor exposure data as latitude, longitude, altitude,
distance from coast, special factors like high wind, climate type, etc.;
2) 2) design of the exposure programme, including possible maintenance undertaken for samples,
and any accidental deviations thereof;
3) 3) environmental data (including any neighbouring dissimilar components), degradation agent
intensities and cycling data;
4) 4) exposure period.
c) c) Performance evaluation description, including evaluation at pre-tests:
1) 1) methods of measurements or inspections;
2) 2) component data, results of measurements or inspections.
d) d) Interpretation of data:
1) 1) account for external data sources utilized;
2) 2) specific models or algorithms;
3) 3) results of interpretation;
4) 4) limitations of the interpretation, related to methodology as well as to data;
5) 5) data quality assessment.;
6) 6)  service limit.
e) e) Critical review:
1) 1) details of reviewers;
2) 2) critical review reports;
3) 3) responses to recommendations.
When the results of the SLP are to be communicated to a third party (i.e. an interested party other than the
commissioning client and the commissioned specialist of the study), a third-party report shall be prepared,
containing all information indicated above, except what is agreed between the commissioning client and the
commissioned specialist to be closed information. This report constitutes a reference document and shall be
made available to any third party to whom the communication is made.
ISO/DISFDIS 15686-3.2:2025:2026(en)
8 Product estimated service life
8.1 Objectives
This clause, along with 5Clause 5,, covers the facility context and the predicated estimated service life for
reliability and flexibility in use, typically this is for product data publishers and for design and asset
managers.
This clause adds representation of the context of a product and the predicted service life. The context is
provided so that the estimate can be verified. The estimate is provided so that it can be reviewed and used in
whole life value assessments.
This clause also adds representation of the economic and environmental impacts of a product, both to-date
and ongoing. Cost is generalized to be an Impact value, thereby ensuring that economic and environmental
accounting can be documented. For example, economic cost can be documented along with climate change
measures.
Each impact shall be described and the basis of any value shall be given.
NOTE These values can be used to construct aggregate values for aspects of the facility.
8.2 Information
8.2.1 Contextual information
Context information shall be provided, including:
a) a) identification of the instance and its site, facility, system, location;
b) b) identification of the responsible author, appointer;
c) c) date and version.
8.2.2 Input information
When developing service life predictions for products or components, a specific or generic set of in-use
conditions shall be identified for documenting the specific study. This shall account for the specific use of the
component, covering the design consequences, and shall comprise a description of the environment,
including static and dynamic mechanical stress, at the site where a built asset is planned. A description of the
effects of occupancy (such as water vapour, heat or abrasion) and the principles on which the built asset is
operated (e.g. high or low thermal inertia) shall also be included if appropriate.
Estimated service life shall take account of the aspects that will influence the performance and degradation
of the components throughout their service life and will therefore modify the reference service life,
including:
a) a) inherent performance of the component;
b) b) design level of the works;
c) c) standard of workmanship;
d) d) indoor environment;
e) e) outdoor environment;
f) f) usage conditions;
g) g) maintenance level.
Predicted/estimated service life uses the same property set as for product reference service life
(6(Clause 6)) but with the service life type set to EXPECTED SERVICE LIFE. Context grades for evaluations
(matching factors A to G) shall be associated to the product or to the nearest space, storey, facility, site or
project in which the product occurs, based on a n-point, typically 5-point, scale.
NOTE The context parameters that are neutral or have no effect on service life can be omitted from this data set.
The product utilization shall be given or a utilization of 1,0 (100 %) shall be assumed if not available.
8.2.3 Input information relating to impacts
Information shall be provided for:
a) a) name and description of impact with a value with unit;
b) b) life cycle stage, with duration if applicable;
c) c) source.
NOTE Justification and documentation of service life data used in Environmental Product Declarations are
required by EN 15804. These requirements are based on the ISO 15686 series.
8.3 Method
8.3.1 General
An estimate of the service life of a built asset shall be built up from estimates of the service life of all the
relevant components that comprise the built asset. Estimates shall be based on a reference service life.
8.3.2 Similarity of in-use conditions
Data based on reference in-use conditions similar to the object-specific in-use conditions shall be sought to:
— — keep the modifying factors as close to unity as possible, thus minimizing the probability of
error in the ESL due to uncertainty in the way mechanisms of degradation are taken into account by the
modifications;
— — minimize the probability that a critical property not encompassed by data becomes the
terminal critical property.
NOTE To judge which reference in-use conditions are most similar to, or deviate the least from, the object-specific
in-use conditions, consideration can be given only to the in-use conditions or degradation agents known to, or believed
to, have the greatest impact on the service life.
8.3.3 Service life by estimation
Factor-based estimation shall consider seven discrete aspects given in Error! Refer
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