Measurement of newly laid surfaces

National Highways proposes to replace the methods for the measurement of the initial profile and texture depth of newly laid asphalt surfaces (currently specified in terms of the profile measured using a straight edge according to BS8420, and texture depth measured using the Volumetric Patch Test (VPT) according to BS EN 13036-1), with non-contact (laser based) measurements.

Draft versions of MCHW clauses, the accreditation and QA specifications for the devices and the RCD survey file format that will be required to undertake these measurements are provided in this section. In addition some questions and answers on the trials and the new process are also provided. These are being made publicly available to support the engagement with industry taking place in 2023:

MCHW Draft surface macrotexture requirements V0.1

MCHW Draft ride quality requirements V0.1

Draft Specification For Devices To Measure Newly Laid Surface Texture V0.1

Draft Specification For Devices To Measure Newly Laid Surface Ride Quality V0.1

Surface Profile RCD Draft Specification V0.1

FAQ v2

The engagement with industry will include surveys carried out on newly laid sites for the measurement of profile and texture depth.  This page will provide updates and information on progress as it proceeds during 2023. Anonymised results on the data collected from the test sites are given in files in the table below. Individual installers will be provided with detailed results (including OSGR data) for their own sites by email:

To request notifications on the progress of this engagement and/or to provide feedback on these draft documents, please contact asphalt.compliance@trl.co.uk.