Significance and Use

The results of this method quantify the impact attenuation of playing surface and system specimens under the specific test conditions.

The test method measures the outcome of impacts performed under specific conditions. It does not quantify the intrinsic material properties of the tested specimens.

Test results from different specimens obtained under the same conditions (that is, the same missile mass and geometry, drop height, etc.) may be used to compare impact attenuation under those conditions.

Test results obtained under different conditions are not comparable. Specifically obtained with different missiles are not equivalent and cannot be directly compared. Similarly, test results obtained using the same missile, but using different drop heights, are not directly comparable.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method measures the impact attenuation of playing surface systems and materials, specifically the peak impact acceleration ( impact shock ) produced under prescribed impact conditions.

1.2 This test method is applicable to natural and artificial playing surface systems intended to provide impact attenuation, including natural and artificial turf sports fields and playground surfaces.

1.3 This test method is applicable to impact attenuating mats and padding used in sports facilities, including stadium wall padding, gymnastic mats and wrestling mats.

1.4 This test method may be used to measure the impact attenuation of materials and components used as protective padding on trampoline frames, goal posts, etc., provided the material or component can be tested separately from the equipment to which it is attached.

1.5 Without modifications, this test method shall not be used to test materials and components that are attached to structures or equipment or finished products, unless the impact attenuation of the whole system is of interest.

1.6 While it is widely believed that appropriate impact attenuation can reduce the risk of impact-related injuries, the relationships between the results of this test method and specific injury risk and outcomes have not been determined.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1596 Test Method for Dynamic Shock Cushioning Characteristics of Packaging Material

E105 Practice for Probability Sampling of Materials

E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate, With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process

E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

F1292 Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment

F2650 Terminology Relating to Impact Testing of Sports Surfaces and Equipment

SAE Standard

Keywords

G _max ; head injury criterion (HIC); impact; playing surfaces; shock absorbing; surface materials; G-max; Head injury criterion (HIC); Playing surfaces (athletic); Shock absorption/attenuation; Sports facilities playing surfaces ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 97.200.40 (Playgrounds)

DOI: 10.1520/F0355-10A

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM F355