Overview - ISO 15645:2018 (Road milling machinery)
ISO 15645:2018 defines terminology, functions, types and commercial specifications for road milling machinery used in the planing and removal of pavements made of concrete, asphalt and similar materials. Intended for the road maintenance “retread” process, this ISO standard provides a common vocabulary and a clear set of technical characteristics for manufacturers, buyers and users of milling machines. The second edition (2018) updates the 2002 edition and incorporates the 2013 amendment.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard covers both descriptive terminology and detailed commercial specifications. Key technical topics include:
- Terminology and definitions - standardized terms such as road milling machinery, road milling carrier, cutting and milling system, levelling system, operating mass.
- Machine components - required descriptions for the traction/transport system, cutting and milling system (rotor and drum sprinkler), levelling and working-depth control, and material removal/windrow systems.
- Rotor and tool layout - guidance on rotor diameter, tool types (e.g., wand or mushroom tools with sintered-carbide bits), tool attachment and tool track/step layout.
- Drive and transmission - rotor drive methods (hydraulic, hydromechanical, mechanical), position of drive/steering, and maximum working/transfer speeds.
- Levelling and control systems - specification of level reference (ground, machine element, cord), sensor types (laser, ultrasound, electronic/hydraulic), and manual/automatic adjustment.
- Commercial specifications - dimensional data (overall length/width/height, overhangs, turning radii), mass characteristics (operating mass, axle loads), engine and transmission data, tank capacities, and shipping dimensions.
- Auxiliary systems - drum sprinkler characteristics (pump flow, pressure, nozzle count) and conveyor/windrow systems (type, output, drive and positioning).
- Annex A - informative examples and figures illustrating machine designs, rotor tool positioning and dimensional references.
Note: ISO 15645 contains no normative external references; it does reference ISO 14396 for engine guidance.
Applications and users
ISO 15645 is practical for:
- Manufacturers and designers of road milling machines (for product specifications and documentation).
- Procurement officers and specifiers in public works and road maintenance agencies (to define contract requirements).
- Construction and milling contractors (to compare equipment capabilities and ensure compatibility with project needs).
- Inspection and certification bodies (for conformity checks and technical assessment).
- Engineers and technical writers preparing technical datasheets, manuals and tenders.
Typical applications include pavement planing, surface profiling, asphalt or concrete removal before resurfacing or rehabilitation.
Related standards
- ISO 14396 (engine power and measurement guidance) - referenced for engine rated power guidance.
- Documents produced by ISO/TC 195 (Building construction machinery and equipment) provide complementary context.