Overview
ISO 13473-5:2025 - Characterization of pavement texture by use of surface profiles - Part 5: Determination of megatexture defines a standardized procedure to measure and quantify pavement megatexture from surface profile data. The document specifies how to record profiles, preprocess and filter the data, and calculate a megatexture descriptor (default: RMS in mm) that is suitable for assessing acoustic performance and rolling resistance. It is the 2025 second edition and aligns measurement practices with related ISO and EN documents.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Measurement instruments and performance checks: Requirements for profilometers and performance verification (including handling of drop-outs and indication of invalid readings).
- Test surface and measurement conditions: Guidance on test lengths, measuring speed, vehicle vertical motion sensitivity and calibration procedures.
- Data preprocessing: Detection and treatment of drop-outs and spikes, with a normative spike-removal procedure and conditioning before filtering.
- Resampling and filtering: Resampling to fixed spatial resolution and use of digital filters to isolate the megatexture wavelength range (replacing earlier spectral techniques).
- Descriptor calculation: Calculation of megatexture descriptors (default RMS in mm), averaging methods and longitudinal standard deviation.
- Measurement uncertainty and validation: Procedures for estimating uncertainty and validating results; informative annexes include example reports and reference program code.
- Documentation and safety: Required content of the test report and safety considerations during field measurements.
Practical applications and users
ISO 13473-5:2025 is intended for professionals and organizations needing reliable megatexture metrics:
- Road authorities and pavement maintenance agencies for condition assessment and prioritization.
- Pavement engineers and researchers studying surface texture effects on tyre/road noise, rolling resistance, ride comfort and tyre wear.
- Acoustic consultants predicting pavement acoustic quality and mitigation measures.
- Vehicle and tyre manufacturers evaluating tyre–surfacing interactions.
- Equipment manufacturers (profilometers, data loggers) ensuring device compatibility with standard procedures.
Practical uses include acoustic modelling, estimating fuel/CO2 implications from rolling resistance, quality control during construction or resurfacing, and long-term pavement monitoring.
Related standards
- ISO 13473-1: macrotexture profiling procedures
- ISO 13473-2: terminology and basic requirements
- ISO 13473-3: profilometer specification and classification
- ISO/PAS 13473-6: verification of laser profilometers
- ISO 8608 and EN 13036-5: complementary procedures for texture/roughness and volumetric methods
Keywords: ISO 13473-5, pavement megatexture, pavement texture, surface profiles, megatexture descriptor, RMS, tyre/road noise, rolling resistance, profilometer, digital filters.