EN 13706-1:2002

Overview

EN 13706-1:2002 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies a systematic designation system for pultruded profiles made from fibre reinforced plastic composites. This standard defines a data block coding system to clearly identify profiles based on their polymer matrix type, reinforcement material, reinforcement type, and in-service performance features like fire retardancy or UV stability. Applicable exclusively to structural pultruded profiles made from fibre reinforced plastics, EN 13706-1:2002 supports manufacturers, engineers, and specifiers in accurately categorizing and communicating product characteristics.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application
  EN 13706-1:2002 applies to pultruded fibre reinforced plastic composites in straight lengths or coils intended for structural use. It excludes profiles designed primarily for electrical properties or those not meeting the minimum structural grade E17.

• Designation System
  The core of this standard is the data block system used to designate pultruded profiles. This system includes:

  • Data Block 1: Profile shape and reinforcement materials (e.g., glass fibre, carbon fibre, aramid fibre) and any additional processes (e.g., surface veil).
  • Data Block 2: Polymer matrix type (e.g., isophthalic polyester, epoxy, vinyl ester) and specific resin properties like fire retardancy or UV stability.
  • Data Block 3: Mechanical grade defined by effective flexural modulus values (currently grades E17 and E23).
    The designation uses a standardized coding format with letters and numbers to ensure unambiguous identification.

• Standardization and Compliance
  This standard aligns with ISO 1043-2 for coding and incorporates definitions consistent with EN ISO 472. National standard bodies across Europe are required to adopt the text without modification, ensuring harmonization across member countries.

Applications

• Structural Engineering and Construction
  The designation system helps architects, engineers, and fabricators select appropriate pultruded composite profiles by quickly identifying their mechanical properties, material composition, and functional features. This is essential for the design of load-bearing frameworks, panels, and infrastructure elements requiring corrosion resistance and light weight.

• Composite Manufacturing and Quality Control
  Producers of pultruded profiles benefit from EN 13706-1:2002 by having a clear, standardized method to describe and label their products. This enables consistent communication in technical documentation, tendering, and international trade.

• Product Specification and Procurement
  The classification encourages informed specification processes by providing a straightforward way to recognize profiles with specialized properties such as fire retardancy or UV stability. This aids procurement teams in ensuring compliance with safety and performance requirements without ambiguity.

Related Standards

• EN 13706-2:2002 – Methods of Test and General Requirements
  Specifies the test methods and general criteria needed to assess pultruded profiles for performance validation.

• EN 13706-3:2002 – Specific Requirements
  Details minimum mechanical and physical performance requirements for different profile grades referenced in EN 13706-1.

• EN ISO 472:2001 – Plastics Vocabulary
  Provides terminology and definitions for plastics and composites to maintain consistency within EN 13706 series.

Keywords: EN 13706-1:2002, pultruded profiles, fibre reinforced plastics, composite designation system, polymer matrix, reinforcement materials, fire retardant composites, UV stability, European Standard, structural composites, pultrusion, mechanical properties, flexural modulus.

By implementing EN 13706-1:2002, stakeholders in the composite material industry gain a practical, reliable framework for identifying and specifying pultruded fibre reinforced plastic profiles, facilitating improved manufacturing quality, structural design, and regulatory compliance across Europe and beyond.