Author
R A SMITH, Brick Development Association

Abstract
For construction products, the European single market is to be realised by the preparatio of harmonized technical specifications applicable in each and every country. The detailed drafting is being done by the European Standards Organization (CEN). In 1989 CEN/TC 178 was formed to prepare product specifications for small paving units of concrete, natural stone and fired clay. The latest drafts include requirements on properties of concern to the specifier such as limitations on dimensional deviations. In addition, they deal with performance characteristics (strength, freeze/thaw resistance, abrasion resistance and slip and skid resistamnce as separate aspects of slipperiness) likely to be necessary for placing legally CE marked products on the market. In general, different test methods have been chosen for the different products. To satisfy requirements for evaluation of conformity, particulars relating to type testing and a manufacturers’ factory production control system have been included.