EN 13706-3:2002

Overview

EN 13706-3:2002 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies the requirements for pultruded profiles made from reinforced plastics composites. It is the third part of the EN 13706 series and focuses on defining specific material properties and performance levels for different grades of pultruded profiles used in various engineering and industrial applications. The standard primarily categorizes profiles into two grades, E23 and E17, based on their effective flexural modulus as measured on the full section profile.

This standard is critical for manufacturers, designers, and quality assurance professionals involved with pultruded composites because it ensures consistent mechanical properties, test methods, and classification of pultruded profiles across Europe. It complements Parts 1 and 2 of EN 13706, which cover designation and general testing methods, respectively.

Key Topics

• Grade Classification
  EN 13706-3 defines grades using codes such as E23 and E17, where the number relates to the Young’s modulus of the profile. These grades indicate different stiffness levels suitable for specific structural needs.

• Mandatory Properties
  The standard requires compliance with a set of minimum properties measured through standardized test methods, including:

  • Young’s modulus (full section and coupon tests)
  • Tension modulus and strength (axial and transverse)
  • Pin-bearing strength (axial and transverse)
  • Flexural strength (axial and transverse)
  • Interlaminar shear strength (axial)

• Additional Properties That May Be Reported
  Optional but informative properties include:

  • Compression strength
  • Fibre content percentage
  • Density
  • Poisson's ratio
  • Thermal expansion coefficient
  • In-plane shear modulus

• Testing Standards Referenced
  EN 13706-3 mandates use of international test methods such as:

  • EN ISO 527 series for tensile properties
  • EN ISO 14125 for flexural properties
  • EN ISO 14130 for interlaminar shear testing
  • ISO 1172 for fiber content determination
  • ISO 1183 for density

• Performance Metrics
  Profiles must meet specific performance criteria to be compliant, ensuring reliability in mechanical and thermal environments.

Applications

EN 13706-3 is crucial for professionals working with pultruded reinforced plastic profiles in industries such as:

• Construction and infrastructure (e.g., structural beams, frames)
• Transportation (lightweight structural components)
• Electrical and telecommunications (non-conductive supports)
• Marine and aerospace sectors requiring high strength-to-weight components

By adhering to this standard, manufacturers guarantee profiles meet minimum mechanical properties to sustain loads, resist environmental factors, and provide predictable performance in end-use applications.

Related Standards

• EN 13706-1: Designation – Establishes the naming conventions and classification system for pultruded profiles.
• EN 13706-2: Test Methods and General Requirements – Specifies the test procedures for measuring properties referenced in Part 3 and sets out general manufacturing and quality rules.
• ISO Standards Referenced – Including ISO 527, ISO 14125, ISO 1172, ISO 1183 for mechanical and physical testing of composite materials.

Manufacturers should consider EN 13706-3 in conjunction with these standards for a complete compliance and quality assurance framework for pultruded reinforced plastics composites.

By implementing EN 13706-3:2002, stakeholders ensure pultruded profiles meet stringent quality, consistency, and performance criteria, thereby enhancing the reliability and structural integrity of composite materials used in demanding applications worldwide.