Standards & Specifications

B3 - Asphalts for Thin Surface Course

The BS EN Standards for bituminous mixtures recognise two different types of asphalt for use in thin surface course:

• Asphalt concrete for very thin layers
• Stone mastic asphalt (SMA).

Full details are given in:

• BS Guidance: PD6691, Asphalt - Guidance on the use of BS EN 13108 Bituminous Mixtures, Material specifications
• Standard: BS EN 13108-2 and BS EN 13108-5, Bituminous mixtures – material specifications. Part 2: Asphalt concrete for very thin layers. Part 5: Stone mastic asphalt

In the UK, these materials have traditionally been supplied as a proprietary thin surface course system. 

Proprietary thin surface course systems are covered by a certification system managed by the British Board of Agrément (BBA).  Details can be found on: www.bbacerts.co.uk