Standards and specifications applicable to block paving

Why do standards and specifications matter?

Standards and technical specifications are not bureaucratic obstacles – they are the summary of the minimum requirements that guarantee durability. If the paving blocks do not comply with UNE-EN 1338, they will wear or spall prematurely under traffic and weathering. If the sub-base does not reach the bearing capacity required by the Spanish PG-3 specifications and technical recommendations for pavements, the surface will settle within a few years.

On small private jobs (garden, driveway, patio) compliance is not enforced by the authorities – but it is exactly what guarantees the quality. On urbanisation works, public roads or municipal contracts, compliance is mandatory.

1. Works specifications: the PG-3

PG-3 – the General Technical Specifications for Road and Bridge Works

This is the principal technical reference in Spain for pavement and surfacing works. Its articles regulate, among other things:

• The requirements for crushed-stone sub-bases (zahorras): grading, cleanliness, aggregate strength and compaction.
• Cement-treated materials (soil-cement and lean concrete) for high-capacity bases.
• Kerbs and urbanisation elements: laying on a concrete bed with haunching.
• Control of the formation and granular layers via the Ev2 modulus (plate load test) and density testing referenced to the Proctor test.
• Acceptance criteria and construction tolerances.

Always check the current version of each article before applying it: the PG-3 is periodically updated by ministerial orders.

Technical recommendations for block pavements

Alongside the PG-3, Spain has specific technical recommendations for concrete block pavements (industry association guides and sector technical publications) which develop the traffic categories, recommended pavement sections, bedding layer, laying patterns and jointing. Urbanisation project specifications commonly draw on them.

2. Product standards – precast concrete units

UNE-EN 1338 – Concrete paving blocks

This is the most important product standard for concrete pavers. It defines:

• Geometric characteristics: dimensions, thickness, tolerances.
• Mechanical characteristics: splitting tensile strength.
• Abrasion resistance: the Böhme test or wide-wheel abrasion test, plus slip resistance.
• Weathering durability: water absorption and freeze–thaw resistance classes (relevant mainly for the inland comarcas).
• CE marking and declaration of performance (DoP): the manufacturer's or distributor's obligation under Regulation (EU) 305/2011.

UNE-EN 1339 – Concrete paving flags

The product standard for concrete flags. Similar in structure to UNE-EN 1338, but applicable to flat-geometry units (slabs). It contains geometric, mechanical, abrasion and durability requirements, with bending strength classes.

UNE-EN 1340 – Concrete kerb units

The product standard for kerbs. Mechanical and geometric requirements, strength classes and CE marking. Check the current edition published by UNE.

3. Standards for base materials

UNE-EN 13242 – Aggregates for pavement layers

The product standard for the aggregates (crushed stone, gravel) used in unbound and hydraulically bound base layers. It defines:

• Grading – by sieve analysis.
• Resistance to fragmentation (Los Angeles test).
• Weathering durability.
• Cleanliness – clay and fines content.
• The CE marking obligation.

UNE-EN 13285 – Unbound mixtures

The standard for unbound granular mixtures (graded aggregates). Grading envelopes and bearing capacity requirements.

UNE-EN 1097 series – Tests for aggregates

The standard series covering the test methods for the mechanical and physical properties of aggregates. The individual parts (e.g. 1097-1, 1097-2, etc.) regulate different tests (abrasion, fragmentation, friability). Check which parts apply to your case.

4. Standards related to asphalt and concrete pavements (for information)

For asphalt

• PG-3, bituminous mixture articles – requirements for asphalt pavement layers. (Check the current version.)
• UNE-EN 13108 series – product standards for bituminous mixtures.
• UNE-EN 12697 series – tests for bituminous mixtures (binder content, grading, layer thickness, etc.).

For concrete pavements

• UNE-EN 206 and the Spanish Structural Code (Código Estructural) – technical requirements for concrete and their national application in Spain.
• UNE-EN 12620 – aggregates for concrete.
• PG-3 articles on vibrated concrete pavements: check the identifier currently applicable to your project.

5. Legal and administrative framework

CE marking and the declaration of performance

• Construction Products Regulation (EU) 305/2011 (CPR): paving blocks, flags, kerbs and aggregates covered by harmonised standards must be placed on the market with CE marking and a declaration of performance (DoP).
• The DoP is the document that certifies the declared classes (strength, abrasion, durability) – ask for it with every delivery.

Licences and works on public land

• Depending on the municipality and the scope, private paving works require a minor works licence (licencia de obra menor) or a prior notification at the town hall.
• Any work on a public footway or carriageway (vehicle crossings, service trenches) needs municipal authorisation and, where applicable, works signage in line with the traffic regulations in force.
• Public contracts above the legal thresholds fall under the Spanish Public Sector Contracts Act.

6. Where to find the current references?