ASTM F2376-22
(Practice)Standard Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems
Standard Practice for Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and Operation of Water Slide Systems
SCOPE
1.1 This practice applies to the classification, design, manufacture, construction, major modification, and operation of water slide systems. Water slide systems shall be defined as rides intended for use by riders in bathing attire where the action of the ride involves possible and purposeful immersion of the rider's body either in whole or in part in water, and uses circulating water to mobilize or lubricate the rider’s transportation along a purpose built path. This includes slides used with or without vehicles as defined below. The terms water slides, waterslides, and slides shall be considered equivalent when used in this practice.
1.1.1 Owner/operator requirements of this standard are required of all water slide systems regardless of date of construction.
1.1.2 The design, manufacture and construction of an existing water slide or portions of a water slide system unaffected by a major modification shall meet the standard requirements in existence at the time of the construction.
1.2 For the purposes of this practice, a water slide system includes:
1.2.1 The flume,
1.2.2 The water-circulation system,
1.2.3 The starting platform with associated means of access and egress,
1.2.4 The structural supports,
1.2.5 Vehicles or other aquatic accessories that are part of the water slide as defined by the manufacturer, and
1.2.6 Means of slide termination.
1.3 This practice shall not apply to:
1.3.1 Any water slides installed in private residences,
1.3.2 Water flume amusement rides where contact with water is merely incidental (for example, log flume rides, shoot-the-chutes),
1.3.3 Amusement rides and devices whose design criteria are specifically addressed in another ASTM standard,
1.3.4 Lazy river type attractions operating at constant elevation, constructed in the ground,
1.3.5 Inflatable water slides (constant air supply) that are mounted on land (refer to Practice F2374-21a for the requirements of these types of water slides), and
1.3.6 Inflatable water slides (captured air) that are floating on a body of water (refer to EN/ISO 25649-2017, parts 1 through 7).
1.4 Pre-existing designs manufactured after the effective date of publication of this practice if the design is service proven or previously compliant, as defined in Terminology F747-21a, and the manufacturer provides:
1.4.1 A historical summary of the water slide, or major modification as defined in Terminology F747-21a, and
1.4.2 A statement that the design is service proven or previously compliant. Water slides and major modifications to water slides may qualify as previously compliant for five years following the date of publication of this practice. Thereafter, water slides and major modifications to water slides must qualify as service proven or meet the requirements of this practice.
1.4.3 Service proven or previously compliant designs shall comply with Section 4.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
Note 1: The conversion factor from inch-pound to metric units is 1 in. = 25.4 mm, and 1 lb = 4.4482 N.
1.6 This practice includes an Appendix, which provides additional information to enhance the user's understanding of and application of the criteria presented in this practice, for example, rationale, background, drawings, interpretation, or commentary. The information in the Appendix shall not be considered a mandatory part of this practice.
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decisi...
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Standards Content (Sample)
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Designation: F2376 − 22
Standard Practice for
Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and
Operation of Water Slide Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2376; 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 1.3.3 Amusement rides and devices whose design criteria
are specifically addressed in another ASTM standard,
1.1 This practice applies to the classification, design,
1.3.4 Lazy river type attractions operating at constant
manufacture, construction, major modification, and operation
elevation, constructed in the ground,
of water slide systems. Water slide systems shall be defined as
1.3.5 Inflatable water slides (constant air supply) that are
rides intended for use by riders in bathing attire where the
mounted on land (refer to Practice F2374-21a for the require-
action of the ride involves possible and purposeful immersion
ments of these types of water slides), and
of the rider’s body either in whole or in part in water, and uses
1.3.6 Inflatable water slides (captured air) that are floating
circulating water to mobilize or lubricate the rider’s transpor-
on a body of water (refer to EN/ISO 25649-2017, parts 1
tation along a purpose built path. This includes slides used with
through 7).
or without vehicles as defined below. The terms water slides,
waterslides, and slides shall be considered equivalent when
1.4 Pre-existing designs manufactured after the effective
used in this practice.
date of publication of this practice if the design is service
1.1.1 Owner/operator requirements of this standard are
proven or previously compliant, as defined in Terminology
required of all water slide systems regardless of date of
F747-21a, and the manufacturer provides:
construction.
1.4.1 A historical summary of the water slide, or major
1.1.2 The design, manufacture and construction of an exist-
modification as defined in Terminology F747-21a, and
ing water slide or portions of a water slide system unaffected
1.4.2 A statement that the design is service proven or
by a major modification shall meet the standard requirements
previously compliant. Water slides and major modifications to
in existence at the time of the construction.
water slides may qualify as previously compliant for five years
1.2 For the purposes of this practice, a water slide system following the date of publication of this practice. Thereafter,
includes: water slides and major modifications to water slides must
qualify as service proven or meet the requirements of this
1.2.1 The flume,
practice.
1.2.2 The water-circulation system,
1.4.3 Service proven or previously compliant designs shall
1.2.3 The starting platform with associated means of access
and egress, comply with Section 4.
1.2.4 The structural supports,
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
1.2.5 Vehicles or other aquatic accessories that are part of
as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
the water slide as defined by the manufacturer, and
standard.
1.2.6 Means of slide termination.
NOTE 1—The conversion factor from inch-pound to metric units is 1
in. = 25.4 mm, and 1 lb = 4.4482 N.
1.3 This practice shall not apply to:
1.3.1 Any water slides installed in private residences, 1.6 This practice includes an Appendix, which provides
additional information to enhance the user’s understanding of
1.3.2 Water flume amusement rides where contact with
water is merely incidental (for example, log flume rides, and application of the criteria presented in this practice, for
example, rationale, background, drawings, interpretation, or
shoot-the-chutes),
commentary. The information in the Appendix shall not be
considered a mandatory part of this practice.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement
Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.70 on Water
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Related Amusement Rides and Devices.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Current edition approved June 1, 2022. Published June 2022. Originally
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as F2376 – 21a. DOI:
10.1520/F2376-22. mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2376 − 22
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor- 3.1.5 run-out section—flume surface of a water slide where
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- riders are intended to decelerate or come to a stop, or both.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.1.6 slide height—difference in elevation from the center-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
line of the flume at the slide exit to the centerline of the flume
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
at slide entry, measured at the riding surface.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3.1.7 slide path—geometric layout of the flume sections that
make up the water slide.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4. Design
D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
4.1 Slide Classification:
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
4.1.1 Water slides are classified by their physical and
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced
intended use characteristics. The classification may be a
and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materi-
combination of the specific rider vehicle used the type of
als
geometric path, often serpentine or straight, and the designa-
F747 Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and De-
tion as a speed slide if the rider’s velocity exceeds 25 ft/s. The
vices
following are definitions of the types of water slides.
F770 Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and
4.1.1.1 body slides—water slide used without a vehicle.
Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
4.1.1.2 children’s slides—Water slides generally intended
F1193 Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction
only for use by persons under the height of 48 in. Water slide
of Amusement Rides and Devices
has a maximum fall distance of 3 in. from slide exit where the
F2291 Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
rider enters the water and water depth is no greater than 24 in.
F2374 Practice for Design, Manufacture, Operation, and
4.1.1.3 mat slides—water slide used with a designated mat
Maintenance of Inflatable Amusement Devices
as a vehicle.
2.2 ACI Standard:
4.1.1.4 serpentine slide—curved path as viewed in geomet-
ACI-318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Con-
ric slide path.
crete
4.1.1.5 specialty slides—proprietary water slide design,
2.3 ASCE Standard:
such as an uphill, half-pipe, or bowl ride, which does not
ASCE/SEI 7-16 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and
conform to standard classification.
Other Structures
4.1.1.6 specialty vehicle slides—water slide used with a
2.4 EN/ISO Standard:
proprietary vehicle specified by the manufacturer.
EN/ISO 25649 Floating leisure articles for use on and in the
4.1.1.7 speed slide—water slide where the rider(s) achieve a
water
velocity of 25 ft/s or more during the course of the ride.
2.5 USDA Document:
4.1.1.8 tube slides—water slide used with a single or multi-
USDA-72 The Wood Handbook
person water slide tube.
3. Terminology
4.2 Notification Requirement—A water slide system shown
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
to comply with this practice shall meet all applicable require-
3.1.1 fall distance—vertical distance between the terminus
ments specified in this practice. Anyone representing compli-
of the slide surface and the water surface of the landing pool.
ance with this practice shall keep such essential records as are
necessary to document any claim that the requirements within
3.1.2 flume riser (splashguard)—extension of the side wall
this specification have been met.
of an open flume to contain riders or water and is capable of
use as a riding surface.
4.3 Structural Design of Water Slides:
3.1.3 landing pool—pool intended to receive riders from a 4.3.1 This section defines the loading and strength criteria
water slide. that shall be used in the structural engineering of water slide
flumes and supporting structures. The strength and stability of
3.1.4 landing zone—area in a landing pool intended for
the water slide system shall be demonstrated by generally
receiving riders from a particular slide.
accepted engineering methods certified by a professional
engineer.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
4.3.1.1 Basic load descriptions are provided below and
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
within Appendix X2.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. 4.3.1.2 In the absence of a recognized national building
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington
code, the basic loads defined below shall be combined with
Hills, MI 48333.
guidance provided by Practice F2291-21, with the exception
Available from The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801
that ASCE/SEI 7-16 shall be used.
Alexander Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
4.3.1.3 The ASCE/SEI 7-16 and later calculates basic wind
Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
loads as ultimate wind loads. This document provides the
Switzerland, https://www.iso.org.
6 ultimate wind speeds for use with the load combinations
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents,
732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401. provided in Appendix X2.
F2376 − 22
4.3.1.4 Basic loads are forces, pressures, movements, etc. (5) If the manufacturer allows rider loads in excess of those
defined by a magnitude, direction, and application location. defined herein, then the designer/engineer shall design for the
Basic loads are not yet combined with other loads. higher load provided by the manufacturer.
(6) The weight of the rider vehicle shall be added to and
4.3.1.5 Basic load case values such as wind, live, and dead
included in determining rider load.
shall be combined using pre-defined Load Combinations
within ASCE/SEI 7-16 when no other load combination
4.3.3.4 Live loads are loads produced by the intended use,
guidance is required by the jurisdiction. Some of these load
occupancy, reasonably expected operations, maintenance, and
combinations are provided within Appendix X2 as they appear
person rescue applied to the water slide structural system. Live
within ASCE/SEI 7-16. Load combinations are defined for
loads shall never be less than the loads required within this
allowable stress design (ASD) and ultimate strength design
specification, even if operational limitations may justify a
(USD) methodologies, respectively. The engineer will ensure
lesser load.
that load combinations are used consistently with matching
4.3.4 Environmental Loads—Forces from environmental
resistance levels.
conditions of the site such as wind, precipitation, earthquake,
4.3.2 Dead Loads (symbol D)—Forces resulting from
and changes in temperature.
weight of all components of the ride and includes all loads that
4.3.4.1 Loads and forces due to environmental conditions
do not fluctuate with respect to time.
shall be applied consistently in accordance with the applicable
4.3.2.1 Ice Loads (symbol D,i)—Forces resulting from the
building code requirements or guidance provided by this
calculated accumulation of ice on exterior water slide compo-
standard.
nents that correspond to the location’s ice risk category.
4.3.4.2 The manufacturer and designer/engineer shall
4.3.3 Live Loads (symbol L)—Forces resulting from live
clearly indicate the design environmental loads within the
load occupancy requirements including, but not limited to
water slide system’s operating and maintenance instructions, as
egress corridors, public assembly, queuing areas, maintenance
specified in the sections on manufacturer’s responsibility
platforms or catwalks. Also, forces from water, riders, rider
within Practices F770-21a and F1193-18a. In addition to the
vehicles, or a combination thereof, in the slide system, are
environmental load information, any restriction, limitations, or
defined herein.
special procedures associated with water slides exposed to
4.3.3.1 Slide Live Load (symbol L,s)—Forces from water,
these environmental loads shall be included.
riders, rider vehicles, or a combination thereof, in the system
4.3.4.3 Wind Load (symbol W)—For outdoor slides, the
under its pre-established and defined normal operations. L,s =
minimum wind load for all types of water slides shall be
water loads(L,f) + rider loads(L,p).
calculated based on the local jurisdiction’s minimum wind
4.3.3.2 Water Load (symbol L,f)—One component of the
speed velocity using the following:
slide live load. In free flowing water slides where water does
• Duration equal to 3-s gust.
not collect in pools or streams greater than 51 mm (2 in.) deep,
• Height equal to (10.06 m) 33 ft above grade.
the water load shall be a minimum of 0.35 kN/m (22.5 pounds
• Exposure C is defined as open terrain with scattered
per linear foot) for every 100 liters per second (1500 gallons
obstructions.
per minute) of flow. Where the flow is such that water collects
• The return interval (of 300, 700, and 1700 years) is based
in pools or streams greater than 51 mm (2 in.) deep, the actual
on the water slide systems’ risk category.
maximum water load shall be determined and used in
(1) Non-operational in the wind (symbol W,n)—In the
calculation, design, or load tests, or a combination thereof.
absence of a local building code, the wind load shall be
4.3.3.3 Rider Load (symbol L,p)—One component of the
calculated based on a minimum 3-s gust, 700-year MRI basic
slide live load. The manufacturer shall specify the rider vehicle
wind speed of 58 m/s (130-mph) during non-operational
weight and the maximum number of riders that are to slide in
conditions.
the flume at one time to the designer/engineer.
(2) Operational in the wind (symbol W,s)—For outdoor
(1) For water
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F2376 − 21a F2376 − 22
Standard Practice for
Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and
Operation of Water Slide Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2376; 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
1.1 This practice applies to the classification, design, manufacture, construction, major modification, and operation of water slide
systems. Water slide systems shall be defined as rides intended for use by riders in bathing attire where the action of the ride
involves possible and purposeful immersion of the rider’s body either in whole or in part in water, and uses circulating water to
mobilize or lubricate the rider’s transportation along a purpose built path. This includes slides used with or without vehicles as
defined below. The terms water slides, waterslides, and slides shall be considered equivalent when used in this practice.
1.1.1 Owner/operator requirements of this standard are required of all water slide systems regardless of date of construction.
1.1.2 The design, manufacture and construction of an existing water slide or portions of a water slide system unaffected by a major
modification shall meet the standard requirements in existence at the time of the construction.
1.2 For the purposes of this practice, a water slide system includes:
1.2.1 The flume,
1.2.2 The water-circulation system,
1.2.3 The starting platform with associated means of access and egress,
1.2.4 The structural supports,
1.2.5 Vehicles or other aquatic accessories that are part of the water slide as defined by the manufacturer, and
1.2.6 Means of slide termination.
1.3 This practice shall not apply to:
1.3.1 Any water slides installed in private residences,
1.3.2 Water flume amusement rides where contact with water is merely incidental (for example, log flume rides, shoot-the-chutes),
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.70 on Water
Related Amusement Rides and Devices.
Current edition approved Sept. 15, 2021June 1, 2022. Published October 2021June 2022. Originally approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as
F2376 – 21.F2376 – 21a. DOI: 10.1520/F2376-21A.10.1520/F2376-22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2376 − 22
1.3.3 Amusement rides and devices whose design criteria are specifically addressed in another ASTM standard,
1.3.4 Lazy river type attractions operating at constant elevation, constructed in the ground,
1.3.5 Inflatable water slides (constant air supply) that are mounted on land (refer to Practice F2374-19-21a for the requirements
of these types of water slides), and
1.3.6 Inflatable water slides (captured air) that are floating on a body of water (refer to EN/ISO 25649,25649-2017, parts 1 through
-7).7).
1.4 Pre-existing designs manufactured after the effective date of publication of this practice if the design is service proven or
previously compliant, as defined in Terminology F747-15,-21a, and the manufacturer provides:
1.4.1 A historical summary of the water slide, or major modification as defined in Terminology F747-15,-21a, and
1.4.2 A statement that the design is service proven or previously compliant. Water slides and major modifications to water slides
may qualify as previously compliant for five years following the date of publication of this practice. Thereafter, water slides and
major modifications to water slides must qualify as service proven or meet the requirements of this practice.
1.4.3 Service proven or previously compliant designs shall comply with Section 4.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
NOTE 1—The conversion factor from inch-pound to metric units is 1 in. = 25.4 mm, and 1 lb = 4.4482 N.
1.6 This practice includes an Appendix, which provides additional information to enhance the user’s understanding of and
application of the criteria presented in this practice, for example, rationale, background, drawings, interpretation, or commentary.
The information in the Appendix shall not be considered a mandatory part of this practice.
1.7 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
F747 Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and Devices
F770 Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
F1193 Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices
F2291 Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
F2374 Practice for Design, Manufacture, Operation, and Maintenance of Inflatable Amusement Devices
2.2 ACI Standard:
ACI-318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete
2.3 ASCE Standard:
ASCE/SEI 7-16 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington Hills, MI 48333.
Available from The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801 Alexander Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191.
F2376 − 22
2.4 EN/ISO Standard:
EN/ISO 25649 Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water
2.5 USDA Document:
USDA-72 The Wood Handbook
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 fall distance—vertical distance between the terminus of the slide surface and the water surface of the landing pool.
3.1.2 flume riser (splashguard)—extension of the side wall of an open flume to contain riders or water and is capable of use as
a riding surface.
3.1.3 landing pool—pool intended to receive riders from a water slide.
3.1.4 landing zone—area in a landing pool intended for receiving riders from a particular slide.
3.1.5 lifeguard—individual specially trained in lifesaving and emergency procedures, responsible for monitoring patrons and
responding to aquatic and other emergencies.
3.1.5 run-out section—flume surface of a water slide where riders are intended to decelerate or come to a stop, or both.
3.1.6 slide height—difference in elevation from the centerline of the flume at the slide exit to the centerline of the flume at slide
entry, measured at the riding surface.
3.1.7 slide path—geometric layout of the flume sections that make up the water slide.
4. Design
4.1 Slide Classification:
4.1.1 Water slides are classified by their physical and intended use characteristics. The classification may be a combination of the
specific rider vehicle used the type of geometric path, often serpentine or straight, and the designation as a speed slide if the rider’s
velocity exceeds 25 ft/s. The following are definitions of the types of water slides.
4.1.1.1 body slides—water slide used without a vehicle.
4.1.1.2 children’s slides—Water slides generally intended only for use by persons under the height of 48 in. Water slide has a
maximum fall distance of 3 in. from slide exit where the rider enters the water and water depth is no greater than 24 in.
4.1.1.3 mat slides—water slide used with a designated mat as a vehicle.
4.1.1.4 serpentine slide—curved path as viewed in geometric slide path.
4.1.1.5 specialty slides—proprietary water slide design, such as an uphill, half-pipe, or bowl ride, which does not conform to
standard classification.
4.1.1.6 specialty vehicle slides—water slide used with a proprietary vehicle specified by the manufacturer.
4.1.1.7 speed slide—water slide where the rider(s) achieve a velocity of 25 ft/s or more during the course of the ride.
4.1.1.8 tube slides—water slide used with a single or multi-person water slide tube.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland,
https://www.iso.org.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401.
F2376 − 22
4.2 Notification Requirement—A water slide system shown to comply with this practice shall meet all applicable requirements
specified in this practice. Anyone representing compliance with this practice shall keep such essential records as are necessary to
document any claim that the requirements within this specification have been met.
4.3 Structural Design of Water Slides:
4.3.1 This section defines the loading and strength criteria that shall be used in the structural engineering of water slide flumes
and supporting structures. The strength and stability of the water slide system shall be demonstrated by generally accepted
engineering methods certified by a professional engineer.
4.3.1.1 Basic load descriptions are provided below and within Appendix X2.
4.3.1.2 In the absence of a recognized national building code, the basic loads defined below shall be combined with guidance
ε1
provided by Practice F2291-19-21, , with the exception that ASCE/SEI 7-16 shall be used.
4.3.1.3 The ASCE/SEI 7-16 and later calculates basic wind loads as ultimate wind loads. This document provides the ultimate
wind speeds for use with the load combinations provided in Appendix X2.
4.3.1.4 Basic loads are forces, pressures, movements, etc. defined by a magnitude, direction, and application location. Basic loads
are not yet combined with other loads.
4.3.1.5 Basic load case values such as wind, live, and dead shall be combined using pre-defined Load Combinations within
ASCE/SEI 7-16 when no other load combination guidance is required by the jurisdiction. Some of these load combinations are
provided within Appendix X2 as they appear within ASCE/SEI 7-16. Load combinations are defined for allowable stress design
(ASD) and ultimate strength design (USD) methodologies, respectively. The engineer will ensure that load combinations are used
consistently with matching resistance levels.
4.3.2 Dead Loads (symbol D)—Forces resulting from weight of all components of the ride and includes all loads that do not
fluctuate with respect to time.
4.3.2.1 Ice Loads (symbol D,i)—Forces resulting from the calculated accumulation of ice on exterior water slide components that
correspond to the location’s ice risk category.
4.3.3 Live Loads (symbol L)—Forces resulting from live load occupancy requirements including, but not limited to egress
corridors, public assembly, queuing areas, maintenance platforms or catwalks. Also, forces from water, riders, rider vehicles, or
a combination thereof, in the slide system, are defined herein.
4.3.3.1 Slide Live Load (symbol L,s)—Forces from water, riders, rider vehicles, or a combination thereof, in the system under its
pre-established and defined normal operations. L,s = water loads(L,f) + rider loads(L,p).
4.3.3.2 Water Load (symbol L,f)—One component of the slide live load. In free flowing water slides where water does not collect
in pools or streams greater than 51 mm (2 in.) deep, the water load shall be a minimum of 0.35 kN/m (22.5 pounds per linear foot)
for every 100 liters per second (1500 gallons per minute) of flow. Where the flow is such that water collects in pools or streams
greater than 51 mm (2 in.) deep, the actual maximum water load shall be determined and used in calculation, design, or load tests,
or a combination thereof.
4.3.3.3 Rider Load (symbol L,p)—One component of the slide live load. The manufacturer shall specify the rider vehicle weight
and the maximum number of riders that are to slide in the flume at one time to the designer/engineer.
(1) For water slides intended for multiple rider use, the weight assigned to each rider shall be, at a minimum, the weight
specified for a rider within 4.3.3.3(2).
(2) Each water slide rider shall be modeled as a 1.33 kN (300 lb) point load rationally distributed by the rider vehicle stiffness,
or over a 762 by 762 mm (30 by 30 in.) area for an individual rider with no vehicle.
(3) Rider loads shall be so arranged to cause the greatest realistic stress on each structural element within the water slide
system.
(4) Lateral centripetal forces shall be considered in curved sections of flume using live loads. Predicted rider speeds should be
used to calculate these forces. If speeds cannot be predicted, then a minimum of 4.6 m/s (15 ft/s) for flumes under 15 % slope and
9.1 m/s (30 ft/s) for all other flumes shall be used.
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(5) If the manufacturer allows rider loads in excess of those defined herein, then the designer/engineer shall design for the
higher load provided by the manufacturer.
(6) The weight of the rider vehicle shall be added to and included in determining rider load.
4.3.3.4 Live loads are loads produced by the intended use, occupancy, reasonably expected operations, maintenance, and person
rescue applied to the water slide structural system. Live loads shall never be less than the loads required within this specification,
even if operational limitations may justify a lesser load.
4.3.4 Environmental Loads—Forces from environmental conditions of the site such as wind, precipitation, earthquake, and
changes i
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