SIST-TS CEN/TS 15209:2008

Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay and stone

This document specifies the nominal dimensions for surface profile features and patterns for the surfaces of pedestrian paving units, used to convey information for visually impaired people. It applies to paving units made of concrete, clay and stone.
This document does not specify requirements for visibility (colour, luminance contrast or profile) except where this visibility is provided by the tactile paving surface indicator. It does not specify material characteristics.
NOTE 1   See Introduction for an explanation for the exclusion of luminance contrast requirements.
NOTE 2   A guide to the various applications of tactile surfaces in a number of European countries is given in informative Annex A.

Taktile Bodenindikatoren gefertigt aus Beton, Ton und Stein

Dieses Dokument legt die Nennmaße der Elemente von Oberflächenprofilen und der Oberflächenmuster von vorgefertigten Profilplatten (Straßenplatten) für Fußgängerbereiche fest, die zur Übermittlung von Informationen an sehbehinderte Menschen verwendet werden. Sie gelten für Profilplatten, die aus Beton, Ton und Stein gefertigt sind.
Dieses Dokument legt keine Anforderungen an die Sichtbarkeit (Farbe, Leuchtdichtekontrast oder Umriss) fest, es sei denn, die Sichtbarkeit wird durch den taktilen Bodenindikator sichergestellt. Es werden keine Materialkennwerte festgelegt.
ANMERKUNG 1 Für eine Erläuterung zum Ausschluss von Anforderungen an Leuchtdichtekontraste, siehe Einleitung.
ANMERKUNG 2 Ein Leitfaden zu verschiedenen Arten der Verwendung taktiler Oberflächen in einer Anzahl europäischer Länder ist im informativen Anhang A gegeben.

Spécifications relatives aux surfaces tactiles d'indication au sol

Le présent document spécifie les dimensions nominales des reliefs de surfaces et des modèles de surfaces pour unités de pavage piétonnier utilisées pour transmettre des informations aux malvoyants. Il s’applique aux unité de pavage en béton, terre cuite et pierre naturelle.
Le présent document ne spécifie pas les prescriptions relatives à la visibilité (couleur, contraste de luminance ou profil), sauf lorsque cette visibilité est fournie par la surface tactile d’indication au sol. Il ne spécifie pas les caractéristiques des matériaux.
NOTE 1   Voir dans l’introduction les raisons expliquant l’exclusion des prescriptions relatives au contraste de luminance.
NOTE 2   Un guide sur les différentes applications des surfaces tactiles dans plusieurs pays européens est donné dans l’Annexe informative A.

Otipni indikatorji tlakovane površine iz betona, opeke in kamna

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2008
• Withdrawal Date: 02-Jan-2022
• ICS: 11.180.30 - Aids for blind or partially sighted people
• ICS: 93.080.10 - Road construction
• Technical Committee: BBB - Concrete, reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete
• Current Stage: 9900 - Withdrawal (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 03-Jan-2022
• Due Date: 26-Jan-2022
• Completion Date: 03-Jan-2022
• Directive: 2001/16/EC - Directive 2001/16/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 19 March 2001 on the interoperability of the trans-European conventional rail system
• 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
• Directive: 89/106/EEC - Construction products
• Directive: 96/48/EC - Interoperability of the trans-European high-speed rail system
• Mandate: M/119 - Mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning the execution of standardization work for harmonized standards on floorings
• Mandate: M/275 - Mandate to CEN/CENELEC/ETSI for standardization in the field of railway equipment on the interoperability of the Trans-European high-speed rail system
• Mandate: M/334 - Mandate for programming and standardisation addressed to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI in the field of the Interoperability of the trans-european conventional rail system
• Ref Project: CEN/TS 15209:2008 - Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay and stone

Relations

• Replaced By: SIST-TS CEN/TS 15209:2022 - Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay and stone
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2022

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2008
Otipni 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
Spécifications relatives aux surfaces tactiles d'indication au sol
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: CEN/TS 15209:2008
ICS:
11.180.30 3ULSRPRþNLLQSULODJRGLWYH]D Aids and adaptations for
EUDQMH reading
93.080.10 Gradnja cest Road construction
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
CEN/TS 15209
SPÉCIFICATION TECHNIQUE
TECHNISCHE SPEZIFIKATION
April 2008
ICS 11.180.30; 93.080.10
English Version
Tactile paving surface indicators produced from concrete, clay
and stone
Surfaces tactiles d'indication au sol en béton, terre cuite et Taktile Bodenindikatoren gefertigt aus Beton, Ton und
pierre naturelle Stein
This Technical Specification (CEN/TS) was approved by CEN on 18 September 2007 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, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36  B-1050 Brussels
© 2008 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. CEN/TS 15209:2008: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents page
Foreword. 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope. 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions. 5
3.1 General terms and definitions . 5
3.2 Types of tactile paving surface indicators . 6
4 Requirements for tactile paving surface indicators . 7
4.1 Profile feature arrangement . 7
4.2 Blister surface profile features . 10
4.3 Rib surface profile features . 15
4.4 Grooved surface profile features . 20
5 Marking . 22
Annex A (informative) Guide to the various applications of tactile surfaces in a number
of European countries. 23
Annex B (informative) Guide to the preferred dimensions for tactile paving surface
indicator profiles for use in a number of European countries. 32
Annex C (normative) Measurement of the dimensions of a single tactile paving unit. 34
C.1 General. 34
C.2 Width at base, WB. 34
C.3 Width at top, WT. 34
C.4 Spacing, S. 35
C.5 Height, PH . 35
C.6 Length at base of profile . 35
C.7 Length at top of profile. 36
C.8 Acceptance criteria. 36
Bibliography . 37

Foreword
This document (CEN/TS 15209:2008) 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 [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such
patent rights.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to announce this CEN Technical Specification: Austria, Belgium,
Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
Introduction
The nature of visual impairment
The nature of visual loss varies considerably among individuals. Generally, the result of different eye
conditions will 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.
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 paving surface tactile
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, may well have reduced sensitivity in their feet.
It is important that tactile warning 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.
The importance of luminance contrast
In addition to tactile information those visually impaired people who have some residual vision will
also make use of the luminance contrast between surfaces for orientation and guidance. Those
characteristics can therefore be used by designers, planners, engineers and others involved in the
design of the built and pedestrian environments to accentuate the presence of hazards and amenities.
This Technical Specification cannot deal with luminance contrast since it relies on the difference
between adjacent surfaces which need not both 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.
1 Scope
This document specifies the nominal dimensions for surface profile features and patterns for the
surfaces of pedestrian paving units, used to convey information for visually impaired people. It applies
to paving units made of concrete, clay and stone.
This document does not specify requirements for visibility (colour, luminance contrast or profile)
except where this visibility is provided by the tactile paving surface indicator. It does not specify
material characteristics.
NOTE 1 See Introduction for an explanation for the exclusion of luminance contrast requirements.
NOTE 2 A guide to the various applications of tactile surfaces in a number of European countries is given in
informative Annex A.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application 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 1339:2003, Concrete paving flags — Requirements and test methods
EN 1344:2002, Clay pavers — Requirements and test methods
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 General terms and definitions
3.1.1
visually impaired
blind or partially sighted
3.1.2
profile feature
single component of a tactile paving surface indicator
NOTE  For 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
3.2 Types of tactile paving surface indicators
3.2.1
blister surface – type B1
profiled paving finish comprising raised rows of domes, flat-topped domes, flat-topped pyramids or
cylinders
3.2.2
blister surface – type B2
profiled paving finish comprising raised off-set rows of domes, flat-topped domes or cylinders
3.2.3
blister surface – type B3
profiled paving finish comprising lozenge shapes with rounded edges
3.2.4
blister surface – type B4
profiled paving finish comprising raised lozenges
3.2.5
rib surface – type R1
profiled paving finish comprising parallel rounded bars running full width or diagonally on the unit
3.2.6
rib surface – type R2
profiled paving finish comprising flat-top bars with rounded ends running full width or diagonally on the
unit
3.2.7
rib surface – type R3
profiled paving finish comprising flat-top bars running full width or diagonally on the unit
3.2.8
rib surface – type R4
profiled paving finish comprising trapezoidal shapes
3.2.9
rib surface – type R5
profiled paving finish comprising a continuous sine-like wave
3.2.10
rib surface – type R6
profiled paving finish comprising trapezoidal intermittent rib
3.2.11
grooved surface – type G1
profiled paving finish comprising flat grooves running full width of the unit
3.2.12
grooved surface – type G2
profiled paving finish comprising flat trapezoidal grooves running full width of the unit
3.2.13
complementary fitting
curved paving unit used to maintain the general profile paving finish between paving units
4 Requirements for tactile paving surface indicators
4.1 Profile feature arrangement
4.1.1 Dimension designation
4.1.1.1 General
The tables in Clause 4 detail the designations for product dimensions. However, 4.2 and 4.3 limit the
possible combinations of designations.
NOTE Preferred dimensions for tactile paving surface indicator profiles for use in a number of European
countries are given in informative Annex B.
Dimensions shall be determined in accordance with Annex C.
Dimensions shall conform to the acceptance criteria in Annex C.
4.1.1.2 Spacing
The spacing, S, of profile features within a single paving unit shall be in accordance with the following
categories, with a permitted tolerance of (± 1 mm), and shall be defined as the dimension from
centre-to-centre of the profile feature.
Table 1 — Spacing of profile features, S, in mm (even spacings only)
S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10 S11
≥ 10 ≥ 15 ≥ 20 ≥ 25 ≥ 30 ≥ 35 ≥ 40 ≥ 45 ≥ 50 ≥ 55 ≥ 60
to to to to to to to to to to to
< 15 < 20 < 25 < 30 < 35 < 40 < 45 < 50 < 55 < 60 < 65
S12 S13 S14 S15 S16 S17 S18 S19 S20 S21 S22
≥ 65 ≥ 70 ≥ 75 ≥ 80 ≥ 85 ≥ 90 ≥ 95 ≥ 100 ≥ 105 ≥ 135 ≥ 195
to to to to to to to to to to to
< 70 < 75 < 80 < 85 < 90 < 95 < 100 < 105 < 110 < 145 < 205

Unless specified otherwise, the spacing, S, shall be uniform, determined centre-to-centre and
independent of direction.
4.1.1.3 Width
Within a single paving unit, the profile feature width at base and the profile feature width at top (WB
and WT respectively) shall be in accordance with the following categories with a permitted tolerance
of (± 1 mm):
Table 2 — Width of profile feature at base, WB in mm
WB1 WB2 WB3 WB4 WB5 WB6 WB7 WB8
≥ 5 ≥ 10 ≥ 15 ≥ 20 ≥ 25 ≥ 30 ≥ 35
to to to to to to to to
< 5 < 10 < 15 < 20 < 25 < 30 < 35 < 40
WB9 WB10 WB11 WB12 WB13 WB14 WB15 WB16
≥ 40 ≥ 45 ≥ 50 ≥ 55 ≥ 60 ≥ 65 ≥ 70 ≥ 80
to to to to to to to to
< 45 < 50 < 55 < 60 < 65 < 70 < 75 < 85

Table 3 — Width of profile feature at top, WT in mm
WT0 WT1  WT2 WT3 WT4 WT5 WT6 WT7
0 1
≥ 5 ≥ 10 ≥ 15 ≥ 20 ≥ 25 ≥ 30
to to to to to to to
< 5 < 10 < 15 < 20 < 25 < 30 < 35
WT8 WT9 WT10 WT11 WT12 WT13 WT14 WT15
≥ 35 ≥ 40 ≥ 45 ≥ 50 ≥ 55 ≥ 60 ≥ 65 ≥ 70
to to to to to to to to
< 40 < 45 < 50 < 55 < 60 < 65 < 70 < 75

NOTE WT0 indicates a dome. A cylinder or square requires WT = WB.
4.1.1.4 Length
Within a single paving unit, the profile feature length at base and profile feature length at top, where
applicable, shall be in accordance with the following categories, or as specified.
Table 4 — Length of profile feature at base
LB1 LB2 LB3 LB4
25 mm 26 mm 80 mm 150 mm
Table 5 — Length of profile feature at top
LT1 LT2 LT3 LT4
15 mm 20 mm 50 mm 120 mm
4.1.1.5 Spacing length
Lengths of profile features shall be split into two or more sections, separated by profile gaps PG as
specified (± 1 mm).
Table 6 — Length of profile gap
PG1 PG2 PG3 PG4
10 mm 13 mm 30 mm 50 mm
4.1.1.6 Profile height
Within a single paving unit, the profile height shall be in accordance with the following categories.
Table 7 — Profile height
PH1 PH2 PH3 PH4
3 mm 4 mm 5 mm 6 mm
4.1.1.7 Profile rounded ends
The radius at top and base for rounded end profiles shall be in accordance with the following
categories.
Table 8 — Profile radius at top
PRT1 PRT2
≥ 10 mm to ≤ 15 mm ≥ 40 mm to < 45 mm

Table 9 — Profile radius at base
PRB 1
≥ 40 mm to 45 mm
4.1.2 Continuity of finished surface
Tactile paving units shall be manufactured so that the profile of the tactile paving surface indicator is
maintained across individual units, such that the spacing between profile features at the edges of
adjoining units is within the range of 0,5 S to 1,6 S (see Figure 1).
NOTE Where possible, profiled paving units should be manufactured in such a way that the profile of the
whole finished surface has the same dimensions as the profile of the individual units including any joints, i.e.
spacing S is maintained between the centre of profile features at the edges of adjoining units.

Figure 1 — Continuity of finished surface
4.2 Blister surface profile features
4.2.1 Type B1
The profile features of blister surface – type 1 shall be arranged so as to meet the requirement of
4.1.2 and shall have the following dimensions, in accordance with 4.1.1:
 width at base WB6 to WB8 (≥ 25 mm to < 40 mm), or WB12 (≥ 55 mm to < 60 mm);
 width at top WT0 (0 mm), or WT3 (≥ 10 mm to < 15 mm) to WT8 (≥ 25 mm to < 40 mm);
 spacing S7 to S14 (≥ 40 mm to < 80 mm);
 profile height PH1 to PH3 (3 mm to 5 mm).
An example of Type B1 is given in Figures 2 and 3.

S
Figure 2 — Example of blister surface – type B1

S
Z
WB
WT
Z
Figure 3 — Indication of profile for blister surfaces type B1, B2a and B2b

4.2.1.1 Type B2a
The profile features of the blister surface – type B2a shall be as specified for blister surface – type B1
(see 4.2.1) but with alternate rows each displaced in the same direction by 0,5 S.
An example of Type B2a is given in Figures 3 and 4.
4.2.1.2 Type B2c
The profile feature of blister surface type B2c shall be specified for blister surface and shall have the
following dimensions: width at base WB6 to WB8 and spacing < S1.

PH
S
Figure 4 — Example of blister surface – type B2a
4.2.1.3 Type B2b
The profile features of the blister surface – type B2b shall be as specified for blister surface – type B1
(see 4.2.1) but with alternate rows in both directions, each displaced by 0,5 S.
An example of Type B2b is given in Figure 5.

S
S
S
Figure 5 — Example of blister surface – Type B2b
4.2.2 Type B3
The profile features of blister surface – type B3 shall be arranged so as to meet the requirement of
4.1.2 and shall have the following dimensions:
 width at base WB16 (≥ 80 mm to < 85 mm);
 width at top WT11 (≥ 50 mm to < 55 mm);
 spacing S22 between lozenge horizontally and S21 between lozenge vertically;
 length at base LB4 (150 mm);
 length at top LT4 (120 mm);
 profile height PH1 to PH4 (3 mm to 6 mm).
The rounded ends of the bars shall have the following dimensions:
 radius at base PRB1 (≥ 40 mm to 45 mm);
 radius at top PRT1 (≥ 10 mm to ≤ 15 mm).
An example of Type B3 is given in Figure 6.
LB PG LT
PRT
PH
Figure 6 — Blister surface type B3
4.2.3 Blister type B4
The surface profile of blister paving – type B4 shall be formed of a series of lozenge profiles arranged
so as to meet the requirement of 4.1.2 and shall have the following dimensions:
 spacing of the lozenges shall be S3 (≥ 20 mm to < 25 mm);
 width at top of the lozenge shall be WT2 (≥ 5 mm to < 10 mm);
 length of the lozenge at top LT2 shall be (20 mm);
 length of the lozenge at bottom LB2 shall be (26 mm);
 profile height of the lozenge shall be PH1 (3 mm).
An example of this type of paving is given in Figure 7.
PRB
S
WT
WB PH
B
WT
90 ˚
Figure 7 — Example of blister surface type B4
4.2.4 Complementary fittings
The arrangement of the profile features of the blister surface for complementary fittings shall remain
as specified for the respective types.
NOTE Where otherwise unavoidable, the spacing between the blisters may be varied to suit a radial
arrangement within the range of 0,5 S to 1,6 S.
4.3 Rib surface profile features
4.3.1 Type R1
The profile features of rib surface – type R1 (see Figure 7) shall be arranged so as to meet the
requirement of 4.1.2 and shall have the following dimensions, in accordance with 4.1.1:
 width at base WB3 (≥ 10 to < 15 mm) and spacing S7 (≥ 40 mm to 45 mm), or
 width at base WB5 (≥ 20 to < 25 mm) and spacing S9 (≥ 50 mm to < 55 mm) and width at top
WT0 (≥ 45 mm to < 50 mm) and profile height PH3 (5 mm), or
 width at base WB6 (≥ 30 mm to < 35 mm) and width at top WT3 (≥ 10 mm to < 15 mm) and
profile height PH3 (5 mm).
NOTE The profile features may be orientated parallel, or at an angle of 45°, with respect to the edge of the
paving unit.
An example of Type R1 is given in Figure 8.

S
LT
LB
PH
Figure 8 — Example of rib surface – type R1
4.3.2 Type R2
The profile features of rib surface – type R2 shall be arranged so as to meet the requirement of 4.1.2
and shall have the following dimensions, in accordance with 4.1.1:
 width at base WB6 (≥ 25 mm to < 30 mm), width at top WT5 (≥ 20 mm to < 25 mm) and spacing
S9 (≥ 50 mm to < 55 mm), or
 width at base WB7(≥ 30 mm to < 35 mm), width at top WT8 (≥ 50 mm to < 55 mm) and spacing
S9 (≥ 50 mm to < 55 mm), or
 width at base WB7 [30 (± 1) mm to 35 (± 1) mm], width at top WT6 (≥ 25 mm to < 35 mm) and
spacing S12 (≥ 65 mm to 70 mm), or
 width at base WB8 (≥ 35 mm to < 40 mm), width at top WT6 (≥ 25 mm to < 30 mm) and spacing
S15 (≥ 80 mm to < 85 mm), PH3 (5 mm), or
 width at base WB9 (≥ 40 mm to < 45 mm), width at top WT7 (≥ 30 mm to < 35 mm) and spacing
S15 (≥ 80 mm to < 85 mm), PH3 (5 mm).
S
WB
The rounded ends of the bars shall have the following dimensions:
 radius at base PRB (≥ 10 mm to < 20 mm) and radius at top PRT (≥ 10 mm to 15 mm).
NOTE The profile features may be orientated parallel, or at an angle of 45°, with respect to the edge of the
paving unit.
An example of Type R2 is given in Figure 9.
.P.G
PRB/PRT
PH
Figure 9 — Example of rib surface – type R2
4.3.3 Type R3
The profile features of rib surface – type R3 shall be arranged so as to meet the requirement of 4.1.2
and shall have the following dimensions, in accordance with 4.1.1:
 profile height PH3 (5 mm) and spacing between profile features S19 (≥ 100 mm to < 105 mm)
width at base WB7 = width at top WT7 (≥ 30 mm to < 35 mm), or
 profile height PH4 (6 mm) and spacing between profile features of S19 (≥ 100 mm to < 105 mm),
or
 width at base WB5 = width at top WT5 (≥ 20 mm to < 25 mm), or
 profile height PH3 (5 mm) and spacing between profile features of S7 (≥ 40 mm to < 45 mm).
WB/WT
S
NOTE The profile features may be orientated parallel, or at an angle of 45°, with respect to the edge of the
paving unit.
An example of Type R3 is given in Figure 10.
PH
Figure 10 — Example of rib surf
...