Sétra March 2011

Translate february 2012

Service d'études
sur les transports,
les routes et leurs
aménagements Acceptability of Alternative
Materials in Road Construction
Environmental Assessment
Technical departement for
transport, roads and bridges

MINISTRY OF ECOLOGY. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT. TRANSPORT AND HOUSING

Page laissée blanche intentionnellement
 Methodological guide

Acceptability of Alternative Materials

in Road Construction
Environmental Assessment

Éditions Sétra
 This methodological guide dedicated to the acceptability
of alternative materials in road construction has been
drafted by a working group composed of:

• Laurent Chateau, ADEME

• Patrick Vaillant, MEDDTL
• Frédéric Leray, MEDDTL
• Amandine Orsini, Sétra
• Sabine Cavellec, Sétra
• Jérôme Crosnier, CETE de Lyon
• Dominique Guyonnet, BRGM
• Gaël Bellenfant, BRGM
• Patrice Piantone, BRGM
• Benoît Hazebrouck, INERIS
• Jérémie Domas, INERIS
• Jacques Méhu, INSAVALOR
• Agnès Jullien, IFSTTAR

4 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction

 Table of Contents
Foreword 5

Section 1: Purpose, Definitions and Scope 6

1 - Purpose 6
1.1 - Purpose of Methodological Guide 6
1.2 - Purpose of Application Guides 6
2 - Definitions 7
3 - Scope 8
3.1 - Type of Alternative Materials 8
3.2 - Type of usage 8

Section 2: Environmental Assessment Approach 9

1 - Introduction 9
2 - Description of Assessment Approach 9
2.1 - Stage 1. Description of Waste and its Source 9
2.2 - Stage 2. Description of Alternative Material, Road Material and Projected Road Usage 10
2.3 - Stage 3. Environmental Characterisation of Alternative and Road Materials 12
3 - Application Guide Content 15

Appendices 16
1 - Acronyms 16
2 - Organisational Rules for Composing Samples 17
2.1 - Introduction 17
2.2 - General Rules 18
2.3 - Initial Positioning of a Material Source produced Discontinuously 20
2.4 - Compliance testing for a Discontinuously Produced Source 22
3 - Limit Values associated with Level 1 Environmental Characterisation 23
4 - Limit Values associated with Level 2 Environmental Characterisation 26
5 - Modelling Principles Applied 27

Bibliography 28

Table of Contents 5
Foreword

Representing no less than 40% of France’s total waste production, building and civil engineering, along with industry,
generate around 350 million tonnes of mineral waste each year.

Underpinned by sustainable development logic, waste recycling under controlled environmental conditions has
become unavoidable in terms of curtailing global impacts relating to use of natural resources. In this connection, road
construction represents a suitable channel for recycling most mineral waste materials of natural or artificial origin.

However, since resorting to alternative materials in road construction cannot be limited to simply verifying their
mechanical and geotechnical characteristics, the French ministry responsible for sustainable development, supported
by the public bodies within its scientific and technical network or under its supervision, has developed a methodology
for assessing the environmental characteristics of these materials.

The present methodological guide is therefore designed to offer an approach to assessing the environmental acceptability
of alternative materials produced from waste and intended for road construction usage. It applies to alternative
materials, whose usefulness for road construction applications has been previously justified to ensure that the road
does not become a substitute for disposal to landfill.

This methodological guide is mainly intended for civil engineering professionals and industrial organisations wishing to
study the possibilities of recycling the waste materials they possess or produce through road construction applications.

In relation to alternative material sources from which experience feedback is convincing, this methodological guide has
been broken down into more operational application guides, mainly intended for Engineers, whose aim is to provide
a solid reference frame on which technical personnel can base project design or analysis of alternatives proposed
within a tender call.

Reference to the assessment approach provided in this methodological guide is therefore of no use for alternative
materials covered by an application guide. In such cases, the instructions given in relevant application guide should
be directly followed(1).

This methodological guide and its associated application guides are wholly embraced by an approach that promotes
alternative material usage in road construction under controlled environmental conditions.

General Manager for Infrastructure, General Manager

transport and the Sea, for Risk Prevention,

Daniel Bursaux Laurent Michel

(1) This statement is also transitionally valid for alternative materials produced from iron and steel industry slag or road demolition materials, for which
application guides prepared by the relevant professional federations are expected between now and the end of 2011.

Foreword 7
 Section 1
Purpose, Definitions and Scope
1 - Purpose
1.1 - Purpose of Methodological Guide
The purpose of this methodological guide is to provide an
approach to assessing the environmental acceptability of
alternative materials produced from waste and intended
for road construction usage.
It is mainly intended for civil engineering professionals
and industrialists and has been designed for use:
• either by a professional federation wishing to study
road construction recycling options for a given waste
material source. The conclusions of this study would
then lead to preparation of a more directly operational
application guide (cf. Subsection 1.2 below), which
can be referred to not only by Clients and Engineers
when designing their projects or appraising alternatives
proposed within a call for tender , but also by public
authorities when defining operating conditions for the
relevant facilities classified for environmental protection;
• or by a classified facility operator, when wishing
to study directly road construction recycling options
for waste materials that he possesses or produces, in
particular when no application guide covers his waste.
The operator must then conduct this study and it can be
referred to by public authorities for establishing operating
conditions of facilities classified for environmental
protection.
1.2 - Purpose of Application Guides
The main purpose of an application guide is to record
the conclusions reached, when applying the assessment
approach provided by the present methodological
guide (initial characterisation), for the main sources of
alternative materials manufactured from wast(2) and to
define the framework surrounding the quality assurance
plan applicable to producing these materials (compliance
testing).
(2) Preparation of an application guide potentially concerns the following
waste streams: road demolition waste, excavated geological materials,
municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash, iron and steel industry slag,
sediments, coal combustion fly ash, etc.
8 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction
Unlike this methodological guide, application guides are
drafted with a view to providing Clients and Engineers
responsible for civil engineering operations with a sound
reference, on which they can directly base their projects
or appraisal of alternatives proposed within a call for
tender.
Reference to the assessment approach provided in
this methodological guide is therefore of no help for
alternative materials covered by an application guide. In
such cases, the instructions given in relevant application
guide shall be directly followed.
In relation to alternative materials already used in road
construction, the experience feedback(3) results can be
used as extensively as required during preparation of
the corresponding application guide, especially when
they contribute to meeting the requirements of the
assessment approach described in Section 2.
Moreover, depending on the level of environmental
characterisation which the material complies with and the
level of non-conservative parameters (e.g. pH, oxidation-
reduction potential) measured during environmental
characterisation (cf. Section 2, Subsection 2.3),
• Use of alternative materials in very rugged terrain or
highly fractured underground areas;
• Use of alternative materials below the highest known
water mark , near watercourses, in areas listed as
specifically sensitive in relation to aquatic environments
and their usages (e.g. close protection perimeter around
a drinking water supply abstraction area, bathing area) or
in environments subject to specific exposure conditions
(e.g. continuous or periodic water saturation, presence
of complexing compounds such as humic acids);
• Temporary storage of materials within a road work site
boundary and their usages conditions.
(3) Experience feedback for some of the alternative materials
commonly used is partly described on website http://ofrir.ifsttar.fr
of the Observatoire Français des Ressources dans les Infrastructures
[French observatory of resources in infrastructures]. The purpose of this
observatory is to make available classified and summarized information,
validated to a certain extent, to national road stakeholders for promoting
approaches to recycling and using local alternative materials and
to indicate the different hindrances to them, in particular those of
geotechnical or environmental order.
 Finally, each application guide must detail the duties
of the different road project stakeholders to ensure
memorisation of road construction projects, which have
resorted to alternative materials.
Application guides are prepared at the initiative of the
main professional federations concerned and validated
by the Ministry with responsibility for sustainable
development with the possible support of public bodies
within its scientific and technical network or under
its supervision, in cooperation with representatives of
the Client organisation and environmental protection
associations. They are revised under the same conditions.
2.3 – Road Usage
The purpose, for which road materials are used to ensure
the construction, rehabilitation or maintenance of road
structures, i.e. structures supporting road traffic (traffic
lane or parking area) or structures located within the road
coverage, whose construction has been made necessary
due to the existence of infrastructure (phonic or visual
protection, etc.).

2 - Definitions
The following terminology is used in this guide.

2.1 – Alternative Material

Any material manufactured from waste and intended for
use, alone or mixed with other alternative or conventional
materials, within a road material.

An alternative material is therefore a constituent, possibly

single, of a road material.

2.2 – Road Material

Any alternative material or mixture of an alternative
material and other alternative or conventional materials
suitable for road usage.

A road material is therefore a material, which is fit to

leave a manufacturing facility for implementation in its
current condition in road construction.

Section 1: Purpose, Definitions and Scope 9

 3 - Scope For information purposes, the methodology described
within the scope of this guide was mainly developed
based on results of calculations modelling the impact
3.1 - Type of Alternative Materials of structures integrating alternative materials on
groundwater (cf.. Appendix 5). On the other hand,
The environmental assessment approach developed
no specific assessment has been made of the impact
through the course of this methodological guide is
associated with particles from these materials being put
applicable to any typology of alternative materials
into suspension in air. This is why the road construction
manufactured from waste and used in the form of
usages quoted above refer to scenarios involving
aggregates, graded aggregates, soils, fillers or binders,
implementation within paved or capped road structures.
except for those manufactured from hazardous waste
or containing a radioactive substance (cf. Section 2, Nevertheless, we may consider that road materials, which
Subsection 2.1.2). satisfy the conditions concerning level 1 environmental
characterisation (cf. Section 2, Subsection 2.3.5), can be
However, implementation of the methodology described
implemented for the following unpaved or uncapped
in Section 2 below must be limited to only alternative
road construction usages:
materials, whose usefulness in road construction has
been previously justified; for example, because their • usage for wearing courses;
structural properties comply with current construction • usage for uncapped pavement or shoulder sublayers;
specification standards. This requirement is of prime • usage for engineering embankments associated with
importance in preventing the road becoming a substitute road infrastructure or for uncovered shoulders;
for disposal to landfill.
• usage for preloading fills required road infrastructure
construction;
3.2 - Type of usage • usage for drainage systems (e.g. trench or counterfort
drain, reservoir pavement).
The following road construction usages are foreseen
within the scope of this guide:
• usage for underlaying courses of capped pavement
or shoulder sublayers (4): subgrade fill, capping layer,
sub-base course, base course, sub-grade, binder course;
• usage for covered engineering embankments associated
with road infrastructure (e.g. phonic protection) or for
capped shoulders (5).

Figure 1 - Position of different layers forming a road pavement structure

(4) Surfaced with a surfacing layer considered impervious (asphalt,
bituminous mixes, wearing surface dressings, cement concrete, binder-
jointed paving blocks) at a 1% minimum gradient.
(5) Covered by at least 30 cm of natural materials (including topsoil) with
a 5% minimum gradient on the top of this cover to limit water infiltration.

10 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction

 Section 2:
Environmental Assessment
Approach
1 - Introduction
The purpose of the environmental assessment approach
described hereafter is to know whether an alternative
material manufactured from waste can be integrated into
a road material for one or more usages falling within the
scope defined in Section 1.
Prior to applying this approach, it should be ensured
that the alternative material proposed for usage in road
construction fulfils a useful function, i.e. its structural,
geotechnical and/or hydraulic characteristics are
suitable for its intended usage and comply with current
construction specification standards.
The environmental assessment approach is based
on Standard NF EN 12920+A1 (6) , which defines the
methodology for determining the release of material
constituents to water under specified usage or storage
conditions. It also benefits from the methodological
lessons of the Carex(7) programme initiated by Ademe
and conducted by LCPC and INSA, Lyon.
The assessment and acceptability of an alternative
material in road construction depends on accurate
knowledge of:
• the waste from which the alternative material is
manufactured (cf. Subsection 2.1 below);
• the method of manufacturing the alternative material
and the associated road material, and the projected road
usage (cf. Subsection 2.2 below);
• the environmental characterisation of the alternative
and road materials (cf. Subsection 2.3 below).
(6) AFNOR. NF EN 12920+A1. Caractérisation des déchets – Méthodologie
pour la détermination du comportement à la lixiviation d’un déchet dans
des conditions spécifiées. Novembre 2008 [EN 12920:2006+A1:2008
Characterization of waste. Methodology for the determination of the
leaching behaviour of waste under specified conditions].
(7) François D., Jullien A., Kerzreho JP., Vernus E. Retour d’expérience sur
le comportement mécanique et environnemental d’ouvrages et de plots
routiers instrumentés: CAREX study. Final report. November 2005. (ADEME
agreement 0372C0006). Available at http://ofrir.ifsttar.fr [Feedback
concerning the mechanic and environmental behaviour of experimental
and real field test sections (so-called CAREX study) (in French)]
2 - Description of Assessment
Approach
2.1 - Stage 1. Description of Waste and its
Source
2.1.1 - Aims
The purpose of this first stage is to:
• Provide essential information concerning the waste
and its source, from which the alternative material is
manufactured.
• Verify whether the waste falls within the scope of this
guide (cf. Subsection 2.1.2 below).
• Acquire knowledge of the process that produced the
waste to gain a better grasp of the potential consequences
for its characteristics and for those of the alternative and
road materials manufactured from it.
Most of the information to be provided at this stage is
already required by “waste” regulations and therefore
does not call for a major investigation.
In cases in which the road material requires in fine a
formulation, which contains several alternative materials
(aggregates, fillers, binders, etc.), each waste source
used for manufacturing these alternative constituent
materials must be subjected to this first stage.
Description of alternative and road material manufacturing
forms the object of Stage 2.
2.1.2 - Type of Waste Accepted
Alternative materials manufactured from waste and
used in road construction must be capable of being
implemented under the conditions and with the same
equipment as the natural materials they replace, most
frequently in various environments. Furthermore,
construction sites are not facilities classified for
environmental protection and construction operations
are rarely covered by the law on water, so alternative
and road material usage is not specifically controlled by
the State.
Section 2: Environmental Assessment Approach 11
 This is why alternative materials likely to be used in
road construction must not have been manufactured
from waste that is hazardous(8) or contains a radioactive
substance(9).
Assessment of the hazardous nature of the waste is
therefore required just before the alternative material
manufacturing phase as part of applying the assessment
approach. Thus, any non-hazardous fraction resulting
from a hazardous waste treatment operation(10) - except
for any stabilisation operation (11) - is considered a
non-hazardous waste material within the scope of this
methodological guide.
In general, an operation involving stabilisation, dilution
or mixing of waste is prohibited for the sole purpose
of satisfying the acceptability criteria defined in this
methodological guide.
2.1.3 - Content
When performing Stage 1, information concerning the
following should be acquired and summarised:
1. Geographical sources and origins of the waste and
estimate of its size (tonnage).
2. Appearance of the waste: smell, colour, physical form
(granular, powdery, pasty, monolithic).
3. The 6-digit code and classification of the waste
based on the list of waste materials in Appendix II
of Clause R.541-8 of the French environmental code.
The code must correspond to non-hazardous waste (cf.
Subsection 2.1.2 above).
(8) Any waste material presenting at least one of the hazardous
properties defined in Appendix I of Clause R.541-8 of the French
Environmental Code is considered hazardous. An asterisk indicates
hazardous waste in the list of waste materials included in Appendix II of
the same clause.
(9) Within the meaning of Directive 96/26/Euratom of the council of
13/05/96, a radioactive substance is any substance that contains one or
more radionuclides, whose activity or concentration cannot be neglected
from a radiation protection standpoint.
(10) Example: removal of a pollutant-loaded fraction by particle attrition
and/or separation.
(11) In this guide, any operation designed to use different reactants
and binders, particularly hydraulic or organic, for the purpose of limiting
pollutant solubility and thus emission into the environment is considered
a stabilisation operation.
12 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction
N.B. If the code corresponds to a “mirror entry” (12) or when
it ends with 99 (13), qualification can be simply solved by
examining the current elimination channels for the relevant
waste. If not, the producer of the waste material must
provide a document justifying its classification with respect to
the hazard properties quoted in Appendix I of Clause R.541-8
of the French Environmental Code.
4. The final destination of the waste: current treatment
channels (recycling and disposal).
5. The type of process producing the waste and its
operation.
6. For industrial waste not covered by a specific datasheet
on the OFRIR observatory website, the chemical and
mineralogical composition of the waste. The aim is to
acquire and summarise information concerning content
of major, minor and trace elements, particular those
listed in the tables in Appendices 3 and 4, and the
mineral compounds composing it. This information
must clearly show the parameters specific to the
studied waste, which must be considered when
assessing the acceptability of alternative and road
materials for road construction to be manufactured
from it. Information concerning the mineralogical
composition must include the possible presence of
minerals liable to cause variations in pH, oxidation-
reduction potential or formation of unwanted
compounds (reactivity), in particular: free lime,
magnesium, metal aluminium, sulphides, sulphates.
2.2 - Stage 2. Description of Alternative
Material, Road Material and Projected
Road Usage
2.2.1 - Aims
The purpose of this second stage is to:
• Provide essential information concerning the alternative
material, the associated road material and the projected
road construction usage.
• Acquire knowledge of the alternative and road material
preparation process to gain a better grasp of the potential
consequences for their behaviour within the structure.
(12) A waste material is given a so-called “mirror” entry when it is
likely to fall under two different codes: one that classifies it as hazardous
and one that classifies it as non-hazardous, depending on whether it
contains hazardous substances or not. In general, these “mirror” entries
involve two successive headings in the list of waste materials given in
Appendix II of Clause R.541-8 of the French Environmental Code and the
waste material concerned will fall under the heading that classifies it as
hazardous, if it contains at least one of the hazardous properties defined
in Appendix I of the same clause.
(13) These codes group together all waste materials not specified
elsewhere in the list of waste materials given in Appendix II of Clause
R.541-8 of the French Environmental Code.
 In cases in which the road material is prepared from a
mixture containing several alternative materials, points
1 to 3 of Subsection 2.2.3 above must be applied to each
of the alternative materials included in its composition.
2.2.2 - Type of Manufacturing Phases Accepted
Alternative material manufacturing can be more or less
complex and be based on a succession or combination of
physical treatments embraced by the term “preparation”
and/or simple physico-chemical treatments embraced by
the term “maturation”.
O n ce m a n u fa c t u re d , t h e a l te r n at i ve m ate r i a l i s
implemented alone and in its current condition or in a
mix with other materials (aggregates, fillers, binders,
etc.) after a so-called “formulation” stage, in one of the
road usages covered by this guide. At this stage, the
manufactured material is called a road material.
The main purpose of these manufacturing stages
must remain achievement of the necessary structural,
geotechnical and hydraulic performance characteristics
to comply with standardised usage specifications and/
or requirements relating to chemical compatibility with
materials and components in contact with the alternative
material (e.g. pipes).
In general, an operation involving stabilisation, dilution
or mixing of waste materials is prohibited for the sole
purpose of satisfying the acceptability criteria defined in
this methodological guide.
2.2.3 - Content
When performing Stage 2, the information concerning the
following should be acquired and summarised:
1. The places of production, storage and manufacturing
of the alternative material as well as its possible trade
name and uses other than for road construction.
2. Manufacturing of the alternative material from the
waste source:
a - Co n ce r n i n g i t s p re p a rat i o n , t h e t y p e a n d
characteristics of the implemented physical treatments
should be detailed: crushing, screening, sorting/
particle size reduction, phase separation (ferrous
metals, non-ferrous metals, possible unburnt residues,
residual mineral phase), etc.
b - Co n ce r n i n g i t s m at u rat i o n , t h e t y p e a n d
c h a ra c t e r i s t i c s o f t h e i m p l e m e n t e d p h y s i c a l
chemical reactions (oxidation, carbonation, leaching,
dewatering), the operating procedure duration and
method – depending on whether it is passive (simple
aging without action on heap) or active (reworking of
heap, e.g. by turning it over to homogenize reactions
throughout its volume) should be detailed.
3. If the alternative material is manufactured from an
industrial waste source not covered by a specific
datasheet on the OFRIR observatory website, the
chemical and mineralogical composition of the
alternative material. The aim is to acquire and
summarise information concerning content of major,
minor and trace elements, particular those listed in
the tables in Appendices 3 and 4, and the mineral
compounds composing it. This information should
enable the list of specific parameters to be considered,
when assessing alternative and road material
acceptability for road construction, to be drawn up.
Information concerning the mineralogical composition
must include the possible presence of minerals liable
to cause variations in pH, oxidation-reduction potential
or formation of unwanted compounds (reactivity), in
particular: free lime, magnesium, metal aluminium,
sulphides, sulphates.
4. The type of road material envisaged (14) and a reminder
of both the useful function of the alternative material
in this road material with respect to the projected road
construction usage and the corresponding reference
frame (standard or regional engineering guide).
5. The places of production, storage and manufacturing of
the road material as well as its possible trade name.
6. M anufacturing of the road material from the
alternative material and other constituents:
a - Concerning the other constituents entering
into the road material formulation, their type
(aggregates, fillers, binders, etc.) and origin (natural
or artificial) should be detailed, their main physical
and environmental characteristics should be quoted
and their useful function in this alternative material
should be recalled.
b - Concerning the road material formulation, the
relative proportion of each constituent in the mix
should be given and the formulation process should
be described.
7. The road material usage within the structure (base
course, sub-base course, capping layer, subgrade fill,
engineering embankment, etc.) and the projected
depths and heights.
8. Examples of previous national usages and reference
projects, if they exist, at least detailing for each
structure:
- its identification and location;
- work commencement and completion dates;
- t he project Prime Contractor’s name and contact
details;
- the project Client’s name and contact details;
- the project Contractors’ names and contact details;
(14) Examples: soil equivalent, unbound mixture, bound mixture with
hydraulic binders, bound mixture with bituminous binders, untreated
granular mix, granular mix bound with cementitious or bituminous
binders, self-compacting concrete.
Section 2: Environmental Assessment Approach 13
 -m
 ate rial u s a ge w ith in th e str u ctu re a nd i ts
corresponding depth or height;
-w
 hen used as pavement base course, the traffic
volume sustained by the structure;
-w
 hen used as capped engineering embankment, the
main useful function of the structure.
2.3 - Stage 3. Environmental
Characterisation of Alternative and Road
Materials
2.3.1 - Aims
The overall aim of this stage is to demonstrate that the
alternative and road material emissions are compatible
with projected water quality compliance (cf. Appendix 5).
At this stage, three levels of investigation are envisaged
for ultimately graduating the demonstration effort based
on the risk created by the relevant materials in relation
to the environment:
• Level 1 based on conducting leaching tests and total
content analyses (cf. Subsection 2.3.5).
• Level 2 is based on conducting percolation tests (cf.
Subsection 2.3.6).
• Level 3 is based on performing a specific study (cf.
Subsection 2.3.7).
Level 1 performance and environmental characterisation
is compulsory.
2.3.2 - Type of Materials to be Characterised
Environmental characterisation applies to both alternative
and road materials.
In cases in which a road material is manufactured from
a mix containing several alternative materials, each
alternative material entering into its composition must
be subjected to Stage 3.
N.B. If the alternative material can never be used
independently as a road material and the formulation stage is
not designed to stabilise or dilute pollutants within the road
material, then restriction of environmental characterisation
to only the road materials may be envisaged. This decision is
nevertheless subject to preliminary agreement by the Ministry
responsible for sustainable development, particularly within
an application guide preparation framework.
2.3.3 - Parameters to be Monitored
Parameters to be monitored within the scope of Stage
3 performance are, as a minimum, those listed in the
tables included in Appendices 3 and 4.
To these generic parameters are complemented by
parameters specific to the material, whose consideration
14 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction
is necessary to assessing its acceptability for road
construction. Associated limit values should be proposed
for each of the complementary specific parameters,
selected on the basis of accurate exhaustive material
characterisation, particularly in relation to metallic trace
elements, to complete the tables included in Appendices
3 and 4. Selected parameters and values must be
validated by the Ministry responsible for sustainable
development, particularly within an application guide
preparation framework.
In general, sampling must ensure that each component
present in the material is present in the sample based
on the same probability (cf. Appendix 2).
Analysis methods in compliance with current analysis
standards must be selected such that detection and
associated quantification limits allow the results to be
unambiguously positioned with respect to the limit values
for the monitored parameters.
Hydrogen potential (pH), conductivity and oxidation-
reduction potential (so-called “redox potential”) are
subject measurements in compliance with procedures
applicable to leaching (NF EN 12457-2 or NF EN 12457-4)
or percolation (NF CEN/TS 14405) tests.
2.3.4 - Presentation of Results
In general, all characterisation results must at least
display the following information:
• Sampling method used to obtain laboratory samples.
• Date of tests and references of analysed samples.
• Current standards applied or testing procedures used,
if no applicable standards.
• Names and addresses of laboratories performing
sampling, tests and analyses.
With regard to leaching tests (NF EN 12457-2 or NF EN
12457-4), results must be presented in tabular form for
each monitored parameter in terms of quantity released
in mg/kg. When the result is less than the quantification
limit, this quantification limit value must be recorded in
the table preceded by the symbol “<”.
With regard to percolation tests (NF CEN/TS 14405(15)),
results must be graphically presented for each monitored
parameter in terms of concentration (mg/l or µg/l) and
cumulative quantity released (mg/kg), based on the
liquid/solid ratio (l/kg). Concentrations and cumulative
quantities released must be recorded in a table for each
liquid/solid ratio specified in the testing standard. When
the concentration is lower than the quantification limit,
(15) The test must be conducted using both the method of material initial
saturation by hydrostatic pressure and the method of reaching the initial
equilibrium state by recirculation.
 not only must this quantification limit value be recorded
in the table of concentrations, preceded by the symbol
“<”, but also this concentration must be taken as half
the quantification limit for calculating the cumulative
quantity released.
pH, conductivity and redox potential parameters must be
measured for each eluate (NF EN 12457-2 or NF EN 12457-
4) and each percolate (NF CEN/TS 14405); their values
must be recorded in the tables of results described above.
2.3.5 - Level 1 Environmental Characterisation
2.3.6 - Aims
The purpose of this stage is to provide information on
the variability of alternative and road materials and to
justify their acceptability for road construction, based on
leaching tests and total content analyses.
2.3.7 - Content
Within the scope of level 1 environmental characterisation,
the variability of the relevant material should be studied
and its polluting potential should be assessed in the
following way:
1. P r e p a r e s a m p l e s f o r a n a l y s i s b a s e d o n t h e
recommendations given in Appendix 2.
2. Subject a test portion (16) from each sample to the
Standard NF EN 12457-2 leaching test and determine
the quantities released for the monitored emission
parameters.
N.B. If applying Standard NF EN 12457-2 requires particle size
reduction, application of Standard NF EN 12457-4 is tolerated.
3. On another test portion from each sample, measure
the contents within the material for the monitored
total content parameters.
4. Compare the results obtained with the limit values
in Tables 1 and 2 in Appendix 3 for the generic
parameters and with the limit values proposed for
the specific parameters.
N.B. For each test portion in which the limit values have been
exceeded at least once, it is possible to envisage renewing
the relevant test on two new test portions from the same
sample and to take the average of three values obtained in
this manner as the representative value of each parameter.
(16) The definition of a “test portion” is given in Standards NF EN 12457-
2 and NF EN 12457-4.
2.3.8 - Usage of Results
If the results for all samples are less than, or equal to,
the limit values in tables 1 and 2 in Appendix 3 for the
generic parameters and less than, or equal to, the limit
values proposed for the specific parameters:
• Acceptability of the relevant material for road
construction is validated for all projected usages, if it is
an alternative material, or for all projected road usages,
if it is a road material.
• As part of compliance testing, a quality assurance
procedure must be formalised and implemented to
ensure long-term compliance of the limit values in Tables
1 and 2 in Appendix 3, for the generic parameters, and
of the limit values proposed for the specific parameters.
If it is recorded that the limit values in Tables 2 and
3 in Appendix 3 have been exceeded at least once,
acceptability of the relevant material for road construction
is invalidated for all projected usages, if it is an
alternative material, or for all projected road usages, if
it is a road material.
In other cases, level 2 or 3 environmental characterisation
should be envisaged.
2.3.9 - Level 2 Environmental Characterisation
2.3.10 - Aims
The purpose of this stage is to justify acceptability of
alternative and road materials for road construction,
based on percolation tests.
2.3.11 - Content
Within the scope of level 2 environmental characterisation,
the polluting potential of the studied material should be
assessed in the following way:
1. prepare a characteristic sample (17) based of the
recommendations given in Appendix 2;
2. subject three test portions (18) from this sample to
the Standard NF CEN/TS 14405 percolation test and
determine the cumulative quantities released for the
monitored emission parameters;
3. subject three test portions from this sample to the
Standard NF EN 12457-2 leaching test and determine
the quantities released for the monitored emission
parameters;
N.B. 1: if applying Standard NF EN 12457-2 requires particle
size reduction, application of Standard NF EN 12457-4 is
tolerated.
(17) A characteristic sample is a sample enabling establishment of a
compliance benchmark in accordance with the source characteristics (cf.
Appendix 2).
(18) The definition of “test portion” is given in Standards NF EN 12457-2,
NF EN 12457-4 and NF CEN/TS 14405.
Section 2: Environmental Assessment Approach 15
 4. compare the percolation test results obtained with the
limit values in table 4 in Appendix 4 for the generic
parameters and with the limit values proposed for the
specific parameters.
N.B. 1: table 4 in Appendix 4 distinguishes two usage families
because of the distinct exposure conditions; this leads to two
sets of limit values:
- a first set for usages comprising “underlaying courses of
capped pavement or shoulder sublayers”, i.e. subgrade fill,
sub-grade, sub-base course, base course, and binder course;
- a second set for usages comprising “covered engineering
embankments or shoulders”.
N.B. 2: if it recorded that the limit values at exceeded at
least once, a new characteristic sample can be prepared and
the level 2 environmental characterisation procedure can be
repeated, based on this new sample.
2.3.12 - Usage of Results
If the results for all parameters and the projected type of
road usage, the average values of the three percolation
test results obtained are less than or equal to the
corresponding limit values in Table 4 in Appendix 4, for
the generic parameters, and to the proposed limit values,
for the specific parameters:
• Acceptability of the relevant material for road
construction is validated:
- If it is an alternative material, for all usages
associated with the projected road usage family:
“underlaying courses of capped pavement or
shoulder sublayers” or “covered engineering
embankments or shoulders”.
- If it is a road material, for all usages associated
with the projected road usage family: “underlaying
courses of capped pavement or shoulder sublayers”
or “covered engineering embankments or shoulders”.
• As part of compliance testing, a quality assurance
procedure must be formalised and implemented
to ensure long-term compliance of the limit values
established as equal to the average values of the three
leaching test results obtained.
If it is recorded that the limit values in Table 4 in
Appendix 4 have been exceeded at least once, level 3
environmental characterisation should be envisaged.
16 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction
2.3.13 - Level 3 Environmental Characterisation
2.3.14 - Aims
Should the preceding environmental characterisation
levels not allow the acceptability of an alternative and/
or road material to be justified for road construction or
should the procedures, or their associated tests, do not
appear appropriate to the type of behaviour of these
materials, this methodological guide includes the option
of justifying their acceptability for road construction
based on a specific study.
This specific study is performed on the initiative of the
main professional federations concerned or, if not, by
the operator of a facility classified for environmental
protection and is validated by the Ministry responsible
for sustainable development, with the possible support of
public bodies within its scientific and technical network or
under its supervision, in cooperation with representatives
of the Client organisation and environmental protection
associations.
2.3.15 - Principles
The choice of investigations to be undertaken (tests,
modelling and/or experience feedback) is left free
provided that:
• The study on material weathering and pollutant
emission is conducted in compliance with the provisions
of methodological Standard NF EN 12920+A1.
• The fate of pollutants emitted by the structure through
their transfer to the ground and groundwater table
and their effects on the “water” target are studied to
demonstrate that the projected road usage effectively
ensures environmental protection at least equivalent
to that ensured by the predictive modelling, which
enabled the limit values in the table in Appendix 4 to
be established.
• The principles detailed in Appendix 5 of this guide are
respected, if the constituent behaviour and transfers
are modelled.
Recommendations for the design and monitoring
of experimental field test sections and lysimeters
(dimensioning, instrumentation, percolate collection,
etc.) are given in the “Guide de conception et de suivi
des plots expérimentaux et essais lysimétriques°”(19)
[guide to designing and monitoring experimental field
test sections and lysimeters].
(19) This guide can be downloaded from the OFRIR observatory website
(http://ofrir.ifsttar.fr)
 Practical examples of tests suited to studying material
weathering and pollutant emission are provided by
BRGM (20) and ADEME (21) , (22) . These tests allow the
influence of parameters, such as alternate wetting/
drying or contact with living organisms (e.g. contact with
topsoil) to be studied.
Similarly, the methodological and scientific findings of
the following studies may be helpful in conducting the
specific study:
• The CAREX (23) study commissioned by ADEME and
conducted by LCPC and INSA, Lyon.
• The BILENV (24)
study commissioned by ADEME and
conducted by INSA, Lyon.
3 - Application Guide Content
In accordance with the purpose of application guides and
the scope of the methodological guide detailed in Section
1 of this document, the content of each application
guide must:
• Structure and present the information required at
Stages 1 and 2, and the conclusions associated to the
results obtained at Stage 3 of the assessment approach
defined in this section.
• Detail and justify potential material usages not covered
by this methodological guide.
• Define foreseeable material/usage pairings.
• Detail possible usage limitations and recommendations
to be respected (areas of usage, temporary storage during
construction).
• Define the compliance testing content:
- procedures governing quality assurance in alternative
or road material production to be followed (sampling
plan, sampling frequency, etc.),
- relevant environmental parameters to be monitored,
- compliance benchmark to be respected (type of
statistical processing of results and related limit
values).
• Detail the duties of the different stakeholders to ensure
memorisation of construction site experience.
• Optionally, propose particular technical clauses for
inclusion in contract technical documents.

(20) Piantone P., Bodénan F. (2001). Résidus de Procédés Thermiques

(RPT) : Apport de la minéralogie dans l’optimisation de la démarche et la
prédiction de leur évolution. BRGM/RP-51259-FR. 149 p. [Thermal process
residues : Input of mineralogy in optimising the approach and prediction
of their evolution. BRGM/RP-51259-FR. 149 p (in French)]
(21) Evaluation de l’écocompatibilité des scénarios de stockage et de
valorisation des déchets. Principes généraux. ADEME, June 2002. Réf.
3655. 27 p. (free publication) [Ecocompatibility assessment of valorisation
and disposal scenarios. General principles. ADEME, June 2002. Réf. 3655.
27 p. (in French)]
(22) Evaluation de l’écocompatibilité des scénarios de stockage et de
valorisation des déchets. Guide d’usage. ADEME, November 2002. Réf.
4445. 147 p. [Ecocompatibility assessment of valorisation and disposal
scenarios. General principles. ADEME, November 2002. Réf. 4445. 147 p.
(in French)]
(23) François D., Jullien A., Kerzreho JP., Vernus E. Retour d’expérience sur
le comportement mécanique et environnemental d’ouvrages et de plots
routiers instrumentés. CAREX study. Final report. November 2005. (ADEME
agreement 0372C0006). Accessible at: http://ofrir.ifsttar.fr [Feedback
concerning the mechanic and environmental behaviour of experimental
and real field test sections (so-called CAREX study) (in French)]
(24) Bröns-Laot G., Giraud M-C., Schiopu N., Crest M., Méhu J. (2004).
Bilan de la mise en œuvre de la norme ENV12920. BILENV study. Final
report, December 2004. EEDEMS (ADEME agreement 0372C0109). [Review
of the implementation of ENV12920 Standard (co-called BILENV study).
(in French)]

Section 2: Environmental Assessment Approach 17

 Appendices

1 - Acronyms
Public Bodies
ADEME Agence de l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Energie [French environmental and energy management agency]
AFNOR Association Française de NORmalisation [French standardisation association]
BRGM Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières [French geological and mining research unit]
CEN Comité Européen de Normalisation [European committee for standardisation]
CETE Centre d’Etudes Techniques de l’Equipement [French road construction research centre]
Institut Français des Sciences et Techniques des Transports, de l’Aménagement et des Réseaux [French institute for
IFSTTAR
transport science and engineering, development and networks] former LCPC (see below)
INSA Institut National des Sciences Appliquées [French applied science research institute]
LCPC Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées [French road construction central laboratory] now IFSTTAR (see above)
Ministère de l’Ecologie, du Développement Durable, des Transports et du Logement [French ministry for sustainable
MEDDTL
development, transport and housing]
Service d’Etudes sur les Transports, les Routes et leurs Aménagements [French transport and road development
SETRA
design agency]
Technical terms
BTEX Benzène Toluène Ethylbenzène Xylènes [benzene toluene ethylbenzene xylenes]
COT Carbone Organique Total [total organic carbon]
EN Norme Européenne [European standard]
FD Fascicule de Documentation [documentation fascicule]
HAP Hydrocarbure Aromatique Polycyclique [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon]
NF Norme Française (homologuée) [French standard (officially approved)]
PCB PolyChloroBiphényl [polychlorinated biphenyl]
Spécification technique européenne (statut équivalent à la norme expérimentale française) [European technical
CEN/TS
specification (status equivalent to French experimental standard)]

18 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction

2 - Organisational Rules for Composing Samples
Organisational rules included in this appendix constitute recommendations.

Other organisational rules may be followed, within a sample composition framework. In this case, these rules must
be formalised and be validated by the Ministry responsible for sustainable development prior to their application,
particularly within an application guide preparation framework.

2.1 - Introduction
Sampling-related standards and technical reports listed below provide requirements and examples; following these
is recommended

EN 14899 Characterisation of waste – Sampling of waste materials – Framework for the preparation and application of a
sampling plan. April 2006
EN 932-1 Tests for general properties of aggregate – Part 1: Methods of sampling. December 1996

CEN/TR 15310-1 Characterisation of waste – Sampling of waste materials – Part 1: Guidance on selection and application of
criteria for sampling under various conditions. March 2007
CEN/TR 15310-2 Characterisation of waste – Sampling of waste materials – Part 2: Guidance on sampling techniques. March
2007
CEN/TR 15310-3 Characterisation of waste – Sampling of waste materials – Part 3: Guidance on procedures for sub-sampling in
the field. March 2007
CEN/TR 15310-4 Characterisation of waste – Sampling of waste materials – Part 4: Guidance on procedures for sample
packaging, storage, preservation, transport and delivery. March 2007
CEN/TR 15310-5 Characterisation of waste – Sampling of waste materials – Part 5: Guidance on the process of defining the
sampling plan. March 2007

The reader may also refer to methodological guides to sampling municipal solid waste incinerator bottom ash from
a flow or a heap, edited by SVDU (25).

The most important information item in Standard NF EN 14899 is the compulsory requirement for preparing a sampling
plan within a general test programme framework. This standard is especially helpful when:
• preparing standardised sampling plans intended for use under normal or routine circumstances (i.e. preparing
daughter or derived standards based on well-defined sampling scenarios);
• incorporating specific sampling requirements into European or national legislation;
• designing and developing a sampling plan on a case by case basis.

Designing a sampling plan within this framework involves following three stages or operations:
1. setting up the sampling plan;
2. taking a sample in situ in accordance with the sampling plan;
3. transporting the laboratory sample to the laboratory.

Sampling plan definition is based on 12 statistical steps structured around 4 major objectives:
• Objective 1. Specify the test programme objective
1. Specify the test programme objective

(25) Can be downloaded from webpage http://www.fg3e.fr/public/common/dossier_details.php or directly through the following URL: http://www.fg3e.fr/
docs/docs_fg3e/FG3E-FR_MIOM_Echantillonnage.pdf

Appendices 19
 • Objective 2. Deduce the technical aims from the objective
2. Define the population to be sampled
3. Evaluate the variability
4. Choose the sampling approach
5. Identify the scale
6. Choose the required statistical approach
7. Choose the desired level of reliability
• Objective 3. Determine the practical instructions
8. Choose the sampling scheme
9. Determine the elementary sampling/sample size
10. Choose between using composite or individual samples
11. Determine the number of samples required
• Objective 4. Define the sampling plan
12. Determine the statistical elements of the sampling plan

Sampling can thus be performed in accordance with the planned objective. Among these objectives, we can specifically
state:
• Positioning a source of material produced discontinuously on several sites with respect to the limit values quoted in
this guide (e.g. national positioning of a source),
• Positioning a source of material produced discontinuously on a production site scale with respect to the limit values
quoted in this guide (e.g. positioning for a source produced by an ICPE [French facility classified for environmental
protection]),
• Running a compliance testing programme with the source initial positioning result.

The tables included under Subsections 2.3 and 2.4 of this appendix provide recommendations and examples to assist
in setting up a sampling plan for achieving these objectives.

With regard to initial positioning and compliance testing for sources of alternative materials produced continuously,
the recommendations and examples given under Subsection A2 of Appendix 2 of Technical Report CEN/TR 15310-5
should be considered.

2.2 - General Rules

The purpose of sampling is to ensure that each element contained in the waste has the same probability of being in
the sample as of being in the initial batch.

Sampling must be performed in compliance with the following rules:

• decide to exclude from the sample elements, which are too voluminous and statistically little represented, to avoid
having to handle an excessively large sampling tool. A possible bias in the later test results should nevertheless be
indicated;
• take into account space- and time-related dimensions:
– by sampling all particle size distributions;
– by sampling randomly;
– by multiplying sampling operations;
– by taking into account the geometry of the heap and it the way it was formed in the case of a stockpile.

Aggregates should preferably be sampled either from a stationary belt conveyor or from and moving material flow.
Samples should be taken at regular intervals from moving batches.

Stockpile sampling makes it difficult to adhere to the random sampling principle at every part of the batch because
segregation may cause a systematic sampling error. This method should therefore be avoided when possible.

When sampling a stockpile, the shape of the heap will condition the type and location of areas, in which elementary
samples will be taken. Heap shape depends on its formation.

20 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction

The most common methods of forming a heap are:
• by tipping from lorries then picking up by a loader – the heap is then called a “bulk heap”,
• by tipping directly from a static belt conveyor – the heap is then called a “conic heap”,
• by tipping directly from a mobile belt conveyor – the heap is then called a “curved heap”,
• by tipping directly from a loader – the heap is then called a “windrow heap”.

Heap shapes are diagrammatically represented in the SVDU guide, as is the elementary sampling method for each of
these cases.

Samples taken must be kept in compliance with the requirements of the analysis standards for the parameters to be
determined (cf. EN 15002 (26)).

In the case of reactive waste materials, their natural aging must preclude them being kept untreated for more than a
week before characterisation. Beyond this period, the sample can no longer be considered representative of production.

Drawing up of a quality assurance plan is essential in all cases. In particular, this plan can integrate compliance testing
rules to ensure continuous quality control.

(26) AFNOR. NF EN 15002. Caractérisation des déchets – Préparation de prises d’essai à partir de l’échantillon pour laboratoire [Characterisation of waste –
Preparation of test portions from the laboratory sample].

Appendices 21
 2.3 - Initial Positioning of a Material Source produced Discontinuously
The table below displays recommendations and examples for setting up a sampling plan in relation to positioning a
material source produced discontinuously in two cases:
• positioning studied globally, e.g. for a material source produced on a national territorial scale,
• positioning studied for a material source at production site scale, e.g. an alternative material source produced at a
single site.

For a definition of the terms used (e.g. composite samples, reliability, etc.), refer to the normative documents listed
in Subsection 2.1 of this appendix.

At a scale of several sites At a scale of one site

Specify test programme objective

1. Specify objective Basic characterisation to identify variability and positioning of a given alternative materials (so-called
“alternative materials concerned”) with respect to Level 1 limit values.

Deduce technical aims from objective

2. Define sampling Overall population: alternative material concerned, Overall population: alternative material concerned,
population produced by recycling plants in one year on a national generated by a given production site in one year.
scale. Population: same.
Population: alternative material concerned, produced Subpopulation: alternative material concerned,
by a representative selection of x plants. produced over a period of y weeks. If a significant
Subpopulation: alternative material concerned, number of batches are produced during this
produced by each plant in this selection over a period period, it may be advantageous to create several
of y weeks. subpopulations (one/batch).
Note. In the case of the established objective, Note. In the case of the established objective,
sampling should be performed during periods, in sampling should be performed during periods, in
which more or less maximum concentrations of which more or less maximum concentrations of
elements for analysis are expected. elements for analysis are expected.
3. Evaluate variability Possible variability in space, time and within volume Possible variability in time and within volume of heap
of heap or batch. or batch.
Variability can be estimated from previously obtained Variability can be estimated from previously obtained
information on considered source. information on considered source.
It is assumed here that variability in space between
sites is higher than variability in time within a site.

4. Select sampling Probabilistic sampling at subpopulation level preferable to sampling based on “expert judgement”.
approach

5. Identify scale Subpopulation scale. Each subpopulation is Subpopulation scale. Subpopulation characterised
characterised using a composite sample (cf. point 10 using spot/individual samples.
below). If several subpopulations have been formed, spot/
The time period characterising the subpopulation can individual samples can be replaced by composite
be spread over the production year. samples as long as a sufficient number of composite
samples can be formed with respect to the objective
and required level of reliability (cf. point 10 below).
The time period characterising the subpopulation can
be spread over the production year.

6. Identify required
statistical approach
Mean value of each parameter subject to a limit value Mean value of each parameter subject to a limit value
and standard deviation. and standard deviation.
Percentage of composite samples complying with Percentage of composite samples complying with
each limit value. each limit value. Variability can be represented by
the scatter of characteristics in the form of deciles or
”Whisker plots”.

7. Choose desired level of Need for high reliability because of basic characterisation objective. Reliability of the order of 10-15% with a
reliability 90% confidence interval.

22 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction

 At a scale of several sites At a scale of one site

Determine practical instructions

8. Select sampling schedule Dependent on material grain size (0/D, d/D, etc.) and batch of heap formation method (cf. Appendix C of
Standard EN 932-1). If there is segregation or stratification, resort to a stratified random sample (cf. Subsection
5.2 of Technical Report CEN/TR 15310-1).
A stratum is defined as a subdivision of a given unit volume (e.g. a heap or batch).
Possibility if distinguishing subfamilies within the source considered.
9. Determine elementary The required masses of an elementary sample (m) and of a sample (M) depend on the particle size range
sample / sample size and density. For a maximum grain size (95% of passing fraction) of 30 mm and a density d=3: m=2 kg and
M=50 kg (i.e. 25 elementary samples). For a maximum grain size of 20 mm and d=3, we need m=0.7 kg and
M=15 kg respectively (i.e. 24 elementary samples). (cf. Formulae in Appendix D of Technical Report CEN/TR
15310-1).
If elementary samples are subjected to testing, their size must also take into account of the laboratory sample
quantity required to perform the tests (cf. Point 12 below).
10. Choose between using Composite samples characteristic of each Spot/Individual samples corresponding to elementary
composite or individual subpopulation. samples.
samples Variability at composite sample scale will be unknown, This method allows us to obtain information on the
only population variability will be known. heterogeneousness within subpopulations – if these
have been defined – by calculating the variation
The mean value of all composite samples provides
coefficient, for example. We can also consider that
an estimate of the population mean value for the x
one of the subpopulations is so heterogeneous that at
recycling plants on a scale of ~ z kt.
least part of it does not comply with certain limit values
The choice of composite samples enables us to and we can therefore discard this subpopulation, even
maintain a measured analysis cost, but sampling if the mean value lies within the quality range.
costs are higher.
11. Determine required If 80% of cases (samples) are reckoned to comply with the limit values, 40 composite samples are required
number of samples to be sure of this, based on a 10% reliability and a 20% confidence interval (20 samples for a 13% reliability).
(cf. Example in Section C5 of Appendix C of Technical Report CEN/TRC 15310-1)
To estimate the variability (mean, standard deviation) of a population, based on a 20% reliability and a 90%
confidence interval, 50 random samples are required (40 samples for 23% reliability, 30 samples for 30%
reliability, 100 samples for 13% reliability).
(cf. Example in Section C3 of Appendix C of Technical report CEN/TR 15310-1)
Define sampling plan
12. Determine sampling Obtain a composite sample of the alternative material Unit samples are taken randomly from the heap or
plan statistical components concerned for each subpopulation. batch to cover the total considered volume. These are
Each composite sample comprises n unit samples taken from different zones of the heap (1 sample per
with a mass of m kg (cf. point 8), by sampling all zone, e.g. per 200 t section) and at different depths. In
particle sizes. These unit samples are taken randomly the case of a conical heap, cf. Appendix C of Standard
from the total subpopulation volume. In the case of a NF EN 932-1.
conical heap, cf. Appendix C of Standard NF EN 932-1. Their size and number are determined using
If the heap or batch is stratified, take 2 samples per recommendations provided in points 9 and 10
stratum. respectively.
Mix these unit samples to obtain a uniform composite
sample.
If necessary, reduce the sample by fractional shoveling (quartering in the case of 4 heaps) or by using a
sample divider to obtain the ad hoc laboratory sample quantity (minimum 10 kg for the Standard NF CEN/
TS 14405 percolation test, 2 kg for Standard NF EN 12457-2 or NF EN 12457-4 tests, approximately 1 kg for
organic parameter analysis).
Analyse each sample separately (Standard NF EN 12457-2 or NF EN 12457-4 and organic parameters), position
each result in relation to the limit values and determine the mean, standard deviation and percentage
complying with these limit values.
The characteristic sample referred to in Subsection 2.3.6.2 of this guide is selected, from the tested samples,
based on the results obtained, logically within the “high” range of characteristics (e.g. in the 7th and 8th decile
range for variability represented in decile form).

Appendices 23
 2.4 - Compliance testing for a Discontinuously Produced Source
The table below includes recommendations and examples for designing a sampling plan to monitor compliance of a
discontinuously produced source, which has already been initially positioned with respect to the limit values given
in this guide.

Compared to initial positioning, a single case remains: compliance testing for a source at production site scale, since
compliance must be established at each production unit scale.

At a scale of each production unit

Specify test programme objective

1. Specify objective Recycling plant operator implementation of a regular compliance test programme to check whether the
alternative materials concerned agree with the compliance level established during their initial positioning.

Deduce technical aims from objective

2. Define sampling population
3. Evaluate variability
Overall population: alternative materials concerned, produced by the operator’s recycling plant
throughout the installation service life.
Population: alternative materials concerned, produced by the operator’s recycling plant in one year.
Subpopulation: alternative materials concerned, produced by this plant over a period of x months, or if
this leads to increasing the frequency every y tonnes.
Note. In the case of the established objective, sampling should be performed during periods, in which
more or less maximum concentrations of elements for analysis are expected.
Dependent on initial positioning results.

4. Select sampling approach Probabilistic sampling at subpopulation level preferable to sampling based on “expert judgement”.

5. Identify scale Subpopulation scale.

6. Identify required statistical Proportion of alternative material usually produced, which does not comply with usage limit values.
approach

7. Choose desired level of
reliability
Determine practical instructions
8. Select sampling schedule
9. Determine elementary
sample / sample size
10. Choose between using
composite or individual samples
11. Determine required number
of samples
Define sampling plan
12. Determine sampling plan
statistical components
To be determined in application guide, specifically based on environmental characterisation level met
by the source during initial positioning.
Spot/individual samples taken every x days or every y tonnes (being careful not to fall too often on the
same day of the week).
The required masses of an elementary sample (m) and of a sample (M) depend on the particle size
range and density. For a maximum granularity (95% of passing fraction) of 30 mm and a density d=3:
m=2 kg and M=50 kg (i.e. 25 elementary samples). For a maximum granularity of 20 mm and d=3, we
need m=0.7 kg and M=15 kg respectively (i.e. 24 elementary samples). (cf. Formulae in Appendix D of
Technical Report FD CEN/TR 15310-1).
If elementary samples are subjected to testing, their size must also take into account of the laboratory
sample quantity required to perform the tests (cf. Point 12 below).
Spot/Individual samples.
To be determined in application guide based on initial positioning results, specifically the environmental
characterisation level met by the source and the source percentage complying with limit values.
Unit samples are taken randomly from the heap or batch to cover the total considered volume. These
are taken from different zones of the heap (1 sample per zone, e.g. per 200 t section) and at different
depths. In the case of a conical heap, cf. Appendix C of Standard NF EN 932-1.
Their size and number are determined using recommendations provided in points 9 and 10
respectively.
If necessary, reduce the sample by fractional shoveling (quartering in the case of 4 heaps) or by using
a sample divider to obtain the ad hoc laboratory sample quantity (minimum 10 kg for the Standard NF
CEN/TS 14405 percolation test, 2 kg for Standard NF EN 12457-2 or NF EN 12457-4 tests, approximately
1 kg for organic parameter analysis).
Analyse sample (Standard NF EN 12457-2 or NF EN 12457-4 and organic parameters), position results
in relation to limit values.

24 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction

3 - Limit Values associated with Level 1 Environmental
Characterisation
Table 1. Leaching limit values justifying all uses envisaged by this guide

Released quantity at L/S = 10 l/kg

(Standard NF EN 12457-2 or NF EN 12457-4 leaching test)
Parameter All values to be complied with All values to be complied with All values to be complied with
by at least 80% of samples by at least 95% of samples by 100% of samples
(mg/kg of dry matter) (mg/kg of dry matter) (mg/kg of dry matter)

As 0.5 1 1.5

Ba 20 40 60

Cd 0.04 0.08 0.12

Total Cr 0.5 1 1.5

Cu 2 4 6

Hg 0.01 0.02 0.03

Mo 0.5 1 1.5

Ni 0.4 0.8 1.2

Pb 0,5 1 1.5

Sb 0.06 0.12 0.18

Se 0.1 0.2 0.3

Zn 4 8 12

Fluorides 10 20 30

Chlorides (*)
800 1600 2400

Sulphates (*)
1000 2000 3000

Soluble fraction (*) 4000 8000 12000

(*) For chlorides, sulphates and the soluble fraction to be considered compliant, there should be adherence with either the chlorides-
and sulphates-related values or the soluble fraction-related values.

Appendices 25
 Table 2. Limit values not to be exceeded in total content terms for material to be potentially usable in road construction

All values to be complied with All values to be complied with

Parameter by at least 80% of samples by 100% of samples
(mg/kg of dry matter) (mg/kg of dry matter)

TOC (*)
30000 60000

BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes) 6

PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls, 7 congeners)
1
Congeners 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180
THC (total hydrocarbons, C10 to C40) (*) 500

PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) (*)

50

Dioxins and furans (**)

10 ng I-TEQWHO, 2005/kg of dry matter

(*) For foundation course (road base or sub-base course) or surface course (wearing or binder course) usages, limit values related
to total organic carbon (TOC), total hydrocarbons (THC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) can be adjusted, in particular to
account for the contribution of the bituminous binders (TOC and THC) or the construction method (PAH). Any change of limit value
shall be validated by the Ministry for sustainable development, specifically within the framework of preparing an application guide.
(**) Only for alternative and road material manufactured, wholly or in part, from waste produced by a thermal treatment.

Table 3. Limit values not to be exceeded in leaching for material to be potentially usable in road construction

Quantity released at L/S = 10 l/kg

(NF EN 12457-2 or NF EN 12457-4 leaching test)
Parameter
Value (mg/kg of dry matter)

As 2

Ba 100

Cd 1

Total Cr 10

Cu 50

Hg 0.2

Mo 10

Ni 10

Pb 10

Sb 0.7

Se 0.5

Zn 50

Fluorides 150

Chlorides(*) 15000

Sulphates (*)
20000

Soluble fraction (*)

60000

For chlorides, sulphates and the soluble fraction to be considered compliant, there should be adherence with either
(*)

the chlorides- and sulphates-related values or the soluble fraction-related values.

26 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction

Current analysis standards (March 2011)
Eluate analysis
• NF EN 12506 « Analyse chimique des éluats — Détermination of pH and et dosage de As, Ba, Cd, Cl-, Co, Cr, Cr VI, Cu,
Mo, Ni, NO2-, Pb, S total, SO42-, V et Zn » [EN 12506:2004 “Characterization of waste. Analysis of eluates. Determination
of pH, As, Ba, Cd, Cl-, Co, Cr, Cr VI, Cu, Mo, Ni, NO2-, Pb, Total S, SO42-, V and Zn”]
• NF EN 13370 « Analyse chimique des éluats — Détermination de: ammonium, AOX, conductivité, Hg, «indice phénol»,
COT, CN- aisément libérables, F- » [EN 13370:2003 “Characterization of waste. Analysis of eluates. Determination of
Ammonium, AOX conductivity, Hg, phenol index, TOC, easily liberated CN-, F- ”]

Organic compound analysis

• TOC: NF EN 13137 « Caractérisation des déchets - Dosage du carbone organique total (COT) dans les déchets, boues
et sédiments  » [EN 13137:2001 “Characterization of waste. Determination of total organic carbon (TOC) in waste,
sludges and sediments”]
• Total hydrocarbons: NF EN 14039 « Caractérisation des déchets - Détermination de la teneur en hydrocarbures par
chromatographie en phase gazeuse dans la plage C10 à C40 » [EN 14039:2004 “Characterization of waste. Determination
of hydrocarbon content in the range of C10 to C40 by gas chromatography”]
• PAH: NF EN 15527 « Caractérisation des déchets - Dosage des hydrocarbures aromatiques polycycliques (HAP) dans les
déchets par chromatographie en phase gazeuse/spectrométrie de masse (CG/SM) » [EN 15527:2008 “Characterization of
waste. Determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in waste using gas chromatography mass spectrometetry
(GC/MS)”]
• PCB: NF EN 15308 « Caractérisation des déchets - Détermination de polychlorobiphényles (PCB) sélectionnés dans les
déchets solides, par chromatographie en phase gazeuse capillaire avec détection par capture d’électrons ou spectrométrie
de masse » [EN 15308:2008 “Characterization of waste. Determination of selected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in
solid waste using capillary gas chomatography with electron capture or mass spectrometric detection”]
• BTEX: NF ISO 22155 « Qualité du sol - Dosage des hydrocarbures aromatiques et halogénés volatils et de certains
éthers par chromatographie en phase gazeuse - Méthode par espace de tête statique » [ISO 22155:2011 “Soil quality.
Gas chromatographic determination of volatile aromatic and halogenated hydrocarbons and selected ethers. Static
headspace method”] or NF ISO 15009 « Qualité du sol - Détermination par chromatographie en phase gazeuse des
teneurs en hydrocarbures aromatiques volatils, en naphtalène et en hydrocarbures halogénés volatils - Méthode par
purge et piégeage avec désorption thermique » [ISO 15009:2002 “Soil quality. Gas chromatographic determination of
the content of volatile aromatic hydrocarbons, naphthalene and volatile halogenated hydrocarbons. Purge-and-trap
method with thermal desorption”]
• Dioxins and furans:
- - Parameter covered by laboratory accreditation range based on NF EN ISO/CEI 17025 [EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005]
- - Sample pretreatment based on NF ISO 11464 « Qualité du sol - Prétraitement des échantillons pour analyses physico-
chimiques » [ISO 11464:2006 “Soil quality. Pretreatment of samples for physio-chemical analysis”]
- - Soxhlet or hot pressurized extraction (accelerated ASE or automated solvent extractor)
- - Dosage based on NF EN 1948 «  Détermination de la concentration massique en PCDD/PCDF et en PCB de type
dioxine » [EN 1948-4:2010 “Stationary source emissions. Determination of the mass concentration of PCDDs/PCDFs
and dioxin-like PCBs. Sampling and analysis of dioxin-like PCBs”]
NB. When the concentration for one of the congeners is less than the quantification limit, take this concentration
as “0” for calculating the cumulative quantity for all congeners.

Appendices 27
 4 - Limit Values associated with Level 2 Environmental
Characterisation
Table 4. Percolation limit values justifying certain uses envisaged by this guide

“Underlaying courses of capped pavement “Covered engineering embankment

or shoulder sublayer (27)” scenario or shoulder (28)” scenario
Parameter Cumulative released quantity at L/S = 10 l/kg Cumulative released quantity at L/S = 10 l/kg
(Standard NF CEN/TS 14405 percolation test) (Standard NF CEN/TS 14405 percolation test)
Value (mg/kg of dry matter) Value (mg/kg of dry matter)
As 0.8 0.5

Ba 56 28

Cd 0.32 0.16

Total Cr 4 2

Cu 50 50

Hg 0.08 0.04

Mo 5.6 2.8

Ni 1.6 0.8

Pb 0.8 0.5

Sb 0.4 0.2

Se 0.5 0.4

Zn 50 50

Fluorides 60 30

Chlorides 10000 5000

Sulphates 10000 5000

(27) Paved with a wearing course considered waterproof (asphalt, bituminous mix, wearing surface dressing, cement concrete, binder-jointed paving
blocks) with a 1% minimum gradient.
(28) Covered by at least 30 cm of natural material (including topsoil) with a 5% minimum gradient above this cover to restrict water infiltration.

28 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction

5 - Modelling Principles Applied
The limit values proposed in the Appendix 4 table were determined on the basis of work involving modelling the
potential impact of alternative material usage on groundwater.

The aim was to determine the release at a structure outlet (source term) ensuring compliance with a given groundwater
quality hydraulically downstream of this structure (impact term). A mathematical relationship was established to
achieve this. These models require assumptions selected for their somewhat overrating nature and in reference to
those adopted for defining waste acceptance criteria in the different landfills categories (29).

Two typical scenarios were defined by distinguishing, on the one hand, capped pavement or shoulder sublayers and,
on the other hand, covered engineering embankments or shoulders.

Amongst the calculation assumptions, we include those involving:

• pollutant transfer to groundwater within a porous medium;
• zero interaction with soils crossed;
• vertical seepage from the source (structure) to the target (groundwater);
• mean effective rainfalls for metropolitan territory (mainland France);
• compliance with quality of water intended for human consumption.

The main influencing factors considered, for which sensitivity calculations have been performed, are as follows:
• structural dimensions;
• rainwater infiltration rates through structure;
• rainwater infiltration rates through surrounding soils;
• presence of a single structure or two close by.

Other hydrogeological parameters for model dimensioning are detailed in BRGM report RP-57322-FR (30).

Transfer modelling leads to attenuation factors between the pollutant source and the point of compliance.

Knowing these factors and setting the water quality target value for a given element (in terms of concentration), we
can thereby determine the concentration of this element that the structure must comply with. By convention, we
consider this element to result only from alternative material.

The limit values, expressed in cumulative released quantities, are derived from these concentrations. Two assumptions
were made in this connection:
• a conservative assumption, based on taking a constant concentration release for each element (assumption embracing
all element behaviours observed experimentally),
• a more conventional assumption requiring limitation of the released quantities to a level of half those obtained by
considering constant release over a given time period, expressed in water exposure terms by a liquid/solid mass ratio
of 10. Adoption of this assumption was nevertheless limited to only highly mobile elements (salts).

(29) Décision du Conseil 2003/33/CE du 19/12/2002 établissant des critères et des procédures d’admission des déchets dans les décharges, conformément
à l’article 16 et à l’annexe II de la directive 1999/31/CE ( JOCE du 16/01/2003). [European Council Decision 2003/33/EC of 19/12/2002 establishing criteria
and procedures for acceptance of waste at landfills, in compliance with Article 16 of Directive 1999/31/EC (EC Official Journal of 16/01/2003)].
(30) BRGM (2009). Modélisation des impacts liés à l’utilisation de matériaux alternatifs ou hors spécifications en technique routière [Modelling impacts
related to using alternative of out-of-specification materials in road construction]. Reference RP-57322-FR (in French)

Appendices 29
 Bibliography

Regulations
• Décision du Conseil 2003/33/CE du 19/12/2002 établissant des critères et des procédures d’admission des déchets
dans les décharges, conformément à l’article 16 et à l’annexe II de la directive 1999/31/CE (JOCE du 16/01/2003).

Standards
• NF EN 12920+A1 (2008). Caractérisation des déchets – Méthodologie pour la détermination du comportement à la
lixiviation d’un déchet dans des conditions spécifiées.
• NF EN 12457-2 (2001). Caractérisation des déchets – Lixiviation – Essai de lixiviation de conformité pour les déchets
granulaires et les boues – Partie 2 : essai en bâchée simple à un ratio liquide sur solide égal à 10 l/kg avec une
granularité inférieure à 4 mm (sans ou avec réduction granulométrique).
• NF EN 12457-4 (2001). Caractérisation des déchets – Lixiviation – Essai de lixiviation de conformité pour les déchets
granulaire set les boues – Partie 4 : essai en bâchée simple à un ratio liquide sur solide égal à 10 l/kg avec une
granularité inférieure à 10 mm (sans ou avec réduction granulométrique).
• NF CEN/TS 14405 (2005). Caractérisation des déchets - Essai de comportement à la lixiviation - Essai de percolation
à écoulement ascendant (dans des conditions spécifiées).

Other documents
• ADEME (2010). Guide de conception et de suivi des plots expérimentaux et essais lysimétriques.
• Bellenfant G., Guyonnet D. (2009). Modélisation des impacts liés à l’utilisation de matériaux alternatifs ou hors
spécifications en technique routière. Référence RP-57322-FR.
• LCPC (2005). François D., Jullien A., Kerzreho JP., Vernus E. Retour d’expérience sur le comportement mécanique
et environnemental d’ouvrages et de plots routiers instrumentés : Etude CAREX. Rapport final (convention ADEME
0372C0006).
• EEDEMS (2004). Bröns-Laot G., Giraud M-C., Schiopu N., Crest M., Méhu J. Bilan de la mise en œuvre de la norme
ENV12920. Etude BILENV. Rapport final (convention ADEME 0372C0109).
• ADEME (2002). Evaluation de l’écocompatibilité des scénarios de stockage et de valorisation des déchets. Principes
généraux. Réf. 3655. 27 p.
• ADEME (2002). Evaluation de l’écocompatibilité des scénarios de stockage et de valorisation des déchets. Guide
d’usage. Réf. 4445. 147 p.
• Piantone P., Bodénan F. (2001). Résidus de Procédés Thermiques (RPT) : Apport de la minéralogie dans l’optimisation
de la démarche et la prédiction de leur évolution. BRGM/RP-51259-FR. 149 p.

Websites
• http://ofrir.ifsttar.fr
• http://basias.brgm.fr
• http://basol.ecologie.gouv.fr
• http://installationsclassees.ecologie.gouv.fr

30 Acceptability of Alternative Materials in Road Construction

Page laissée blanche intentionnellement
The present methodological guide is intended to provide an approach
to assessing the environmental acceptability of alternative materials
manufactured from waste and intended for road construction usage.

It applies to alternative materials, whose usefulness for road construction

applications has been previously justified to ensure that the road does not
become a substitute for disposal to landfill.

This methodological guide is mainly intended for civil engineering

professionals and industrial organisations wishing to study the possibilities
of recycling the waste materials they possess or produce through road
construction applications.

In relation to alternative material sources from which experience feedback

is convincing, this methodological guide has been broken down into more
operational application guides, mainly intended for Prime Contractors, whose
aim is to provide a solid reference frame on which technical personnel can
base project design or analysis of alternatives proposed within a tender
invitation framework.

Reference to the assessment approach provided in this methodological guide

is therefore of no help for alternative materials covered by an application
guide. In such cases, the instructions given in relevant application guide
should be directly followed.

This methodological guide and its associated application guides are wholly
embraced by an approach that promotes alternative material usage in road
construction under controlled environmental conditions.

The Sétra belongs Le Sétra appartient

This document is available and can be downloaded on Sétra website: to the scientific and au Réseau Scientifique
http://www.setra.developpement-durable.gouv.fr technical network
of the French Public et Technique
Technical department for transport, roads and bridges Work Ministry (RST) du Meddtl
110 rue de Paris - 77171 SOURDUN - France
Telephone: 33(0)1 60 52 31 31 – Fax: 33 (0)1 60 52 31 69
Cover, photo credit: Philippe Le Guillou (Sétra); Insalvor - Provademse; Entreprise TSV; Solvay.
The Sétra authorization is required for reproduction of this document (all or even part).
© 2012 Sétra - Reference: 1207A - ISRN: EQ-SETRA--12-ED03--FR+ENG