BS EN 13286-47:2021

What is BS EN 13286‑47 about?  

BS EN 13286‑47 is the 47th part of a multi-series of documents that is applicable to unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures. BS EN 13286‑47 specifies the test methods for the laboratory determination of the California bearing ratio and immediate bearing index. 

When immersion in water is specified as part of the curing of the specimen, BS EN 13286‑47 also includes the determination of vertical swelling of the specimen before the determination of the California bearing ratio. 

As per BS EN 13286-47, the California bearing ratio is used to characterise the bearing capacity of a mixture, determined immediately after compaction, or after a period of curing. Meanwhile, the immediate bearing index is the immediate California bearing ratio test without surcharge.  

Who is BS EN 13286‑47  for? 

BS EN 13286‑47 on testing of unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures relevant to: 

• Manufacturers and suppliers of unbound and hydraulically bound mixtures 
• Suppliers of binders such as cement, fly-ash needed to make hydraulically bound mixtures 
• Civil engineers 
• Contractors 
• Highway and road transport authorities 

Why should you use BS EN 13286‑47?  

A hydraulically bound mixture is a mixture of aggregate, water and hydraulic binder and is one of the most commonly used materials in pavement sub-base layers where cement-treated bases or cement-bound materials have traditionally been used. For the optimum functioning of hydraulically bound mixtures, water content is an important factor as it decides on the hardness of the material that gains strength over time by creating interlocking bonds. 

Through BS EN 13286-47, you can gain expertise on how to conduct tests to determine the California bearing ratio which is helpful to evaluate the subgrade strength of concrete. As a result, it will help you with an efficient designing taking into consideration the necessary thickness and component layers.   

Thus, BS EN 13286-47 can equip you with high-performance materials, thereby enabling a more efficient designs for construction of roads and highways. Complying with tests methods and its assessment will also improve service-life of your construction, minimize costs and prevent accidents. 

 What’s changed since the last update?  

BS EN 13286‑47:2021 supersedes BS EN 13286‑47:2012, which is withdrawn. BS EN 13286‑47:2021 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 13286‑47:2012. These include: 

• Editorial changes 
• A revised Clause 10 that provides more information for the possible force-penetration curves and where necessary their correction 
• A revised Annex A reflecting the revised Clause 10. Annex A is normative