scope:

This European Standard specifies the properties of aggregates obtained by processing natural, manufactured or recycled crushed unbound aggregates for use in construction of the upper layer of railway track. For the purposes of this standard, the aggregate is referred to as railway ballast.

A list of the source materials that have been considered and are within the scope of this European Standard is given in Annex A (normative).

NOTE 1 Reused railway ballast: railway ballast resulting of previously used railway ballast on site and without putting it on the market is not covered by this European Standard.

Requirements for the Assessment and Verification of the Constancy of Performance (AVCP) of railway balast to this European Standard are given in prEN 16236.

It incorporates a general requirement that railway ballast shall not release any dangerous substances in excess of the maximum permitted levels specified in a relevant European Standard for the material or permitted in the national regulations of the Member State of destination.

Railway ballast used in construction shall conform with all the requirements of this European Standard. The standard includes comprehensive and specific requirements for natural aggregates and recycled ballast, dealing with, for example, the stability of certain basalts.

NOTE 2 Guidance on selection of appropriate categories for specific applications can be found in national provisions in the place of use of the railway ballast.