ASTM F2396-04

Standard Guide for Construction of High Performance Sand-Based Rootzones for Sports Fields

ABSTRACT
This guide provides selection criteria for deciding the appropriate techniques and materials, including soil, sand, gravel, peat, and so forth, needed in the design, construction, and maintenance of high performance sand-based turf rootzones for sports fields. The factors taken into account here that influence such decisions are existing soil types, climatic factors, level of play, intensity and frequency of use, equipment available, budget and training, and the ability of management personnel.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the construction of high performance sand-based rootzones for sports fields. This guide provides guidance for the selection of materials, including soil, sand, gravel, peat, and so forth, for use in designing and constructing sand-based sports turf rootzones.
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic factors, level of play, intensity and frequency of use, equipment available, budget and training, and the ability of management personnel.
1.3 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This guide is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a projects many unique aspects. The word "standard" in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
This standard may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. 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 requirements prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 30-Nov-2004
• ICS: 97.220.10 - Sports facilities
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.64 - Natural Playing Surfaces

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM F2396-11 - Standard Guide for Construction of High Performance Sand-Based Rootzones for Athletic Fields
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2011

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Am American National Standard
Designation: F2396 – 04
Standard Guide for
Construction of High Performance Sand-Based Rootzones
for Sports Fields
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2396; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the 2.1 ASTM Standards:
construction of high performance sand-based rootzones for C88 Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of
sports fields. This guide provides guidance for the selection of Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
materials, including soil, sand, gravel, peat, and so forth, for C131 Test Method for Resistance to Degradation of Small-
use in designing and constructing sand-based sports turf Size CoarseAggregate byAbrasion and Impact in the Los
rootzones. Angeles Machine
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance C1444 Test Method for Measuring the Angle of Repose of
techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic Free-Flowing Mold Powders
factors,levelofplay,intensityandfrequencyofuse,equipment D422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
available, budget and training, and the ability of management D653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
personnel. Fluids
1.3 This guide offers an organized collection of information D698 Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
oraseriesofoptionsanddoesnotrecommendaspecificcourse istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12 400 ft-lbf/ft (600
of action. This document cannot replace education or experi- kN-m/m ))
ence and should be used in conjunction with professional D1883 Test Method for CBR (California Bearing Ratio) of
judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all Laboratory-Compacted Soils
circumstances. This guide is not intended to represent or D1997 Test Method for Laboratory Determination of the
replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given Fiber Content of Peat Samples by Dry Mass
professional service must be judged, nor should this document D2944 Test Method of Sampling Processed Peat Materials
be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique D2974 TestMethodsforMoisture,Ash,andOrganicMatter
aspects. The word “standard” in the title of this document of Peat and Other Organic Soils
means only that the document has been approved through the D2976 Test Method for pH of Peat Materials
ASTM consensus process. D2980 Test Method for Volume Mass, Moisture-Holding
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the Capacity, and Porocity of Saturated Peat Materials
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only. D3080 Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils Under
1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials, opera- Consolidated Drained Conditions
tions, and equipment. This standard does not purport to D4427 Classification of Peat Samples by Laboratory Test-
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its ing
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to D4972 Test Method for pH of Soils
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter- F1632 Test Method for Particle Size Analysis and Sand
mine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use. Shape Grading of Golf Course Putting Green and Sports
Field Rootzone Mixes
F1647 Test Methods for Organic Matter Content of Putting
Green and Sports Turf Root Zone Mixes
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
EquipmentandFacilitiesandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeF08.64on Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Natural Playing Surfaces. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2004. Published January 2004. DOI: 10.1520/ Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced
F2396-04. on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F2396 – 04
F1815 Test Methods for Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity, 3.1.3.1 Discussion—Although no mineralogy term is asso-
Water Retention, Porosity, and Bulk Density of Putting ciated with the definition of sand, common usage often utilizes
Green and Sports Turf Root Zones the terms “quartz” or “silica” as synonyms for sand. While
F2060 Guide for Maintaining Cool Season Turfgrasses on quartz is the most common silica mineral in soils and in the
Athletic Fields sand fractions in particular, quartz being a mineral highly
F2107 Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Skinned resistant to weathering, the synonymy with the term sand is
Areas on Baseball and Softball Fields incorrect. A proper mineralogy class for quartz is “siliceous,”
F2269 Guide for Maintaining Warm Season Turfgrasses on defined as 90 % or more of the 0.2 to 2.0 mm fraction
Athletic Fields composed of silica minerals (quartz, chalcedony, or opal) and
other extremely durable minerals that are resistant to weather-
3. Terminology
ing (4).
3.1.3.2 sand—(1) as a particular size fraction of soil; a soil
3.1 Definitions—Exceptasnoted,soil-relateddefinitionsare
separate consisting of particles >0.05 mm and <2.0 mm in
in accordance with Terminology D653.
equivalent diameter; (2) as a textural class; soil material that
3.1.1 clay—clay can be defined in terms of a particular size
contains 85 % or more sand, and not more than 10 % clay; (3)
fraction of a soil, a soil textural class, a soil particle size class,
as a soil particle size class; soil material that contains 70 % or
a soil textural group, soil mineralogy, or, in engineering terms,
more sand, and not more than 15 % clay (sandy soils); and (4)
as materials that exhibit plastic soil properties when at appro-
as a soil textural group; soil material that falls within the
priate water contents (1, 5, 6).
textural classes of “sand” and “loamy sand” (sandy soils) (3,
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Ideally, the term “clay” should be ap-
4).
propriately defined when used to describe soils or materials for
3.1.4 gravel—commonly used to denote spherical, cube-
rootzones. For example, a 90 % sand/10 % clay mixture could
like, or equiaxial aggregate materials with an equivalent
imply either 90 % sand/10 % clayey soil (or other soils with
diameter >2.0 mm and <7.6 mm. More correctly used, this
textures containing enough clay (<0.002 mm) to exhibit
classification refers to “rock fragments” classed as pebbles in
plasticity) or 90 % sand (2 to 0.05 mm)/10 % clay (<0.002
the Glossary of Soil Science Terms (1997) (3, 6).
mm).
3.1.5 skinned area—area on sports fields that, by design, is
3.1.1.2 clay—(1) as a particular size fraction of a soil;a
devoidofturfgrassesorothervegetation;maybeentirefieldor
soil separate consisting of particles <0.002 mm (fine earth
a portion of the field (for example, skinned infield in baseball
fraction) in equivalent diameter; (2) as a textural class; soil
or softball; skinned base paths in otherwise turfed infield).
material that contains 40 % or more clay, <45 % sand and <
F2107
40 % silt; (3) as a soil particle size class; soil material that
3.1.6 soil—sediments or other unconsolidated accumula-
contains35 %ormoreclay,(clayeysoils); (4) as a soil textural
tions of solid particles produced by the physical and chemical
group; soil material that falls within the textural classes of
disintegration of rocks, and which may or may not contain
“sandy clay,” “silty clay,” and “clay (clayey soils);” (5) in
organic matter.
terms of mineralogy; soil particulates that are commonly
3.1.7 soil profile—vertical section of a soil showing the
occurring but not restricted to the <0.002 mm fraction (clay
nature and sequence of the various layers as developed by
minerals). Commonly occurring in soil mineralogy classes as
depositionorweathering,orboth,orasdevelopedbyconstruc-
smectitic, kaolinitic, illitic (micaceous), gibbsitic, ferritic, or
tion procedures.
mixed. Soil mineralogy classes are defined predominantly by
3.1.8 soil texture (gradation) (grain-size distribution)—
the type of soil mineral dominating (40 % or more) the fine
proportions by mass of a soil or fragmented rock distributed in
earth fraction; and (6) in engineering terms; soils containing
specified particle size ranges.
enoughsoilmaterialinthelessthan0.4mmfractionssuchthat,
3.1.8.1 soil textural class—texture designation based on
when moist, they exhibit consistent characteristics of “moder-
relative proportions of the various soil separates: sand (2.0 to
ately plastic” or “very plastic,” forming a roll 4 cm or longer
0.05 mm in diameter), silt (0.05 to 0.002 mm), and clay
and 4 mm or thinner that supports its own weight (1, 2, 3).
(<0.002 mm) (1, 2, 3).
3.1.2 saltation—a particular type of momentum-dependent
transportinvolving: (1)therolling,bouncingorjumpingaction
NOTE 1—Particlesizerangesforsand,silt,andclayaslistedabovevary
of soil particles 0.1 to 0.5 mm in diameter by wind, usually at
somewhat from ranges given in Test Method D422 and Terminology
a height <15 cm above the soil surface, for relatively short D653.
distances; (2) the rolling, bouncing, or jumping action of
4. Significance and Use
mineralgrains,gravel,stones,orsoilaggregatesaffectedbythe
4.1 A dense, uniform, smooth, and vigorously growing
energy of flowing water; and (3) the bouncing or jumping
natural turfgrass sports field provides the ideal and preferred
movement of material down slope in response to gravity (2).
playing surface for most outdoor field sports. Such a surface is
3.1.3 sand—sandcanbedefinedintermsofaparticularsize
pleasing to the spectators and athletes.Athick, consistent, and
fraction of soil, a soil textural class, a soil particle size class,
smoothgrasscoveralsoincreasesplayingqualityandsafetyby
and a soil textural group.
providing stable footing for the athletes, cushioning their
impact from falls, slides, or tackles, and cools the playing
surface during hot weather. Sand is commonly used to con-
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this standard. struct high performance sports turf rootzone systems. Sand is
F2396 – 04
chosen as the primary construction material for two basic 4.3.1 Planning for projects must be conducted well in
properties, compaction resistance and improved drainage/ advance of the intended construction date. This often requires
aeration state. Sands are more resistant to compaction than numerous meetings to create a calendar of events, schedule,
finer soil materials when played upon within a wide range of approvals, assessments, performance criteria, material sourc-
ing, geotechnical reports, and construction budgets.
soil moisture conditions.Aloamy soil that may provide a more
stable surface and enhanced growing media compared to sand
NOTE 2—Other specifications on soils for athletic field construction
under optimal or normal conditions will quickly compact and
have been published and have been considered during the development of
deteriorate in condition if used in periods of excessive soil
this guide.
moisture, such as during or following a rainy season. A
5. Construction
properly constructed sand-based rootzone, on the other hand,
will resist compaction even during wet periods. Once com-
5.1 The steps to be used in construction of a new athletic
pacted, sands are easier to decompact with the use of mechani-
field include:
cal aeration equipment. Even when compacted, sands will
5.1.1 Survey and stake the site to establish subgrade and
retain an enhanced drainage and aeration state compared to
finish grade elevations.
native soil rootzones under the same level of traffic. As such,
5.1.2 Construct and prepare subgrade, and provide a correct
sand-based rootzones are more conducive to providing an
and certified subgrade.
all-weather type of playing surface. Properties of both the soil
5.1.3 Install subsurface drainage system, frame out warning
and grass plants must be considered in planning, constructing,
tracks, skinned areas, and so forth, as appropriate.
and maintaining a high quality sports turf installation. Turf-
5.1.4 Install irrigation system (irrigation system may be
grass utilized must be adapted to the local growing conditions
installed prior to rootzone installation).
and be capable of forming a thick, dense, turf cover at the
5.1.5 Prepare for rootzone installation.
desiredmowingheight.Unvegetatedsandinandofitselfisnot
5.1.5.1 Secure suitable sand, properly tested and approved.
inherently stable; therefore, it is imperative that grasses with
5.1.5.2 Blend any amendments with sand to project speci-
superior wear tolerance and superior recuperative potential are
fications, approve using QC program.
utilizedtowithstandheavyfoottrafficandintenseshearforces.
5.1.5.3 Install approved gravel (if included in design).
Sand does, however, have incredible load bearing capacity and
5.1.6 Install rootzone blend.
if a dense, uniform turf cover is maintained, the sand-based
5.1.7 Bring field to final grade and contour in accordance
system can provide a very stable, firm, smooth, and uniform
with specifications, compact to specifications.
playing surface. A successful sand-based rootzone system is
5.1.7.1 A pre-plant fertilizer application may be applied at
dependent upon the proper selection of materials to use in the
this point as specified.
project. The proper selection of sand, organic amendment, soil
5.1.8 Establish turf by appropriate methods (seed, sprigs,
and gravel is of vital concern to the performance of the system
plugs or sod).
and this guide addresses these issues.
5.1.9 Fertilizetheinstallationasappropriatebaseduponsoil
4.1.1 During construction, consideration should be given to
testing.
factors such as the physical and chemical properties of mate-
5.1.10 Turf is to be established based upon grow-in recom-
rials used in the area, freedom from stones and other debris,
mendations from a competent agronomist or soil testing
and surface and internal drainage.
laboratory, as appropriate for the turf species utilized and the
4.1.2 Maintenance practices that influence the playability of
climate of the site.
the surface include mowing, irrigation, fertilization, and me-
5.2 Survey and Stake—This procedure should be done to
chanical aeration and are factors addressed in other standards
conform to the project desi
...