This European Standard specifies the characteristics 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). Requirements for the Assessment and Verification of the Constancy of Performance (AVCP) of railway ballast to this European Standard are given in FprEN 16236. Aggregates used in construction are meant to conform with all the requirements of the relevant European Standards for aggregates. These standards include comprehensive and specific requirements for natural aggregates and recycled ballast, dealing with, for example, the stability of certain basalts. Reused railway ballast is not covered by this European Standard.
