ASTM F2479-07
(Guide)Standard Guide for Specification, Purchase, Installation and Maintenance of Poured-In-Place Playground Surfacing
Standard Guide for Specification, Purchase, Installation and Maintenance of Poured-In-Place Playground Surfacing
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Every elevated play structure is required to have a protective surface installed and poured-in-place surfaces are one of the many choices. These surfaces are highly technical in structure, component selection, percentages of components and installation procedures. This guide is intended to assist the playground owner/operator, specification writer, designer, and so forth in determining the properties that can be considered with regard to the poured-in-place surface and set out considerations that the user of this guide should make to ensure a successful installation. This document is a guide and should not be used directly as a performance specification for poured-in-place surfacing.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers information with regard to the design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of poured-in-place playground surfaces.Note 1—This document is a guide and not intended to be used as a specification; it should be used for educational purposes.
1.2 This guide outlines the issues of compliance with existing standards, durability, and functional longevity.
1.3 This guide reviews issues such as edge treatment, abutting surfaces, and combinations with other surfaces designed for circulation or protective surfaces.
1.4 This guide presents maintenance considerations and general procedures that should be followed by the owner/operator.
1.5 This guide outlines aging considerations such as loss of impact absorption, cracking, shrinkage, heaving, and how to prevent, accommodate, or rectify those issues.
1.6 This guide presents warranty considerations.
1.7 This guide does not imply that an injury cannot be incurred when the surface system is compliant with the standards referred to in this guide.
1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to e regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard
1.9 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.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
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An American National Standard
Designation: F2479 – 07
Standard Guide for
Specification, Purchase, Installation and Maintenance of
Poured-In-Place Playground Surfacing
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2479; 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 F1292 Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing
Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment
1.1 This guide covers information with regard to the design,
F1951 Specification for Determination of Accessibility of
manufacture, installation, and maintenance of poured-in-place
Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equip-
playground surfaces.
ment
NOTE 1—This document is a guide and not intended to be used as a 3
2.2 CSA Standard:
specification; it should be used for educational purposes.
CSA Z614 Children’s Playspaces and Equipment
1.2 This guide outlines the issues of compliance with
3. Terminology
existing standards, durability, and functional longevity.
1.3 This guide reviews issues such as edge treatment,
3.1 Definitions:
abutting surfaces, and combinations with other surfaces de-
3.1.1 aliphatic prepolymer—prepolymer which does not
signed for circulation or protective surfaces.
contain any 1,3,5-cyclohexatrien group.
1.4 This guide presents maintenance considerations and
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Generally highly color stable when
general procedures that should be followed by the owner/
exposed to UV radiation, no yellowing.
operator.
3.1.2 ambient grinding—process that takes raw rubber
1.5 This guide outlines aging considerations such as loss of
products and processes it to rubber crumb, chips, buffings, and
impact absorption, cracking, shrinkage, heaving, and how to
so forth that is at the temperature generated by the grinding
prevent, accommodate, or rectify those issues.
equipment or in the location of production.
1.6 This guide presents warranty considerations.
3.1.3 aromatic prepolymer—hydrocarbons that are made
1.7 This guide does not imply that an injury cannot be
from only hydrogen and carbon and contain a prepolymer
incurred when the surface system is compliant with the
which contains one or more 1,3,5-cyclohexatriene group.
standards referred to in this guide.
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Aromatic prepolymer are generally
1.8 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
susceptible to change when exposed to UV and moisture.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
These changes can be seen as a yellowish shading or “amber-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
ing” of the top surface, especially when encapsulating rubber
and are not considered standard.
crumb that is grey, light blue, blue, eggshell, teal, and so forth.
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.4 asphalt, adjacent—bituminous bound material that is
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
used as a curb or walkway and comes into contact with the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
poured-in-place surface.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The materials and compaction shall
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
conform to local engineering practices and have a mechanical
compaction of no less than 98 % standard proctor density. The
2. Referenced Documents
edge of the asphalt at the junction with the poured-in-place
2.1 ASTM Standards:
surface shall be vertical to 30° from horizontal. Consideration
should be given to the use of an appropriate primer as
recommended by the manufacturer to ensure adhesion of the
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
poured-in-place surface to the asphalt.
Equipment and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F08.63 on
Playground Surfacing Systems. 3.1.5 asphalt, base—hard, bituminous bound surface that is
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2007. Published February 2007. DOI: 10.1520/
under the poured-in-place surface.
F2479-07.
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 Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 5060 Spectrum Way,
the ASTM website. Mississauga, ON L4W 5N6, Canada, http://www.csa.ca.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F2479 – 07
3.1.5.1 Discussion—New asphalt should cure at least 14 3.1.12 EPDM rubber product—product comprised of or-
days, have no residual surface oils, and be pressure washed or ganic and inorganic materials with a minimum of 20 % and a
have at least two thorough rainfalls prior to receiving poured- maximum of 26 % of ethylene propylene-diene-saturated poly-
in-place surface. When the surface is flooded with as much as methylene main chain along with other organic and inorganic
0.2 in. (5.1 mm) of water, there should be no evidence components. The rubber can be either peroxide or sulphur
(rainbow effect) of oils on the surface of the water.Aproperly cured.
prepared asphalt base will be able to effectively remove any
3.1.13 functional longevity—ability of the poured in place
water which penetrates the poured-in-place surface. This may
surface to continue to comply with relevant ASTM standards
be accomplished by sloping the asphalt, installing drainage, or
and not require replacement.
using porous asphalt.
3.1.13.1 Discussion—There are circumstances where the
3.1.6 concrete, base—concrete surface that is under the
poured-in-place surface is physically in place however because
poured-in-place surface.
of failures with regard to the stated performance criteria, the
3.1.6.1 Discussion—The concrete base should be 4 in. (100
surface needs to be replaced. The functional longevity can be
mm) minimum thickness. All new concrete slabs should cure
stated in years or by comparison to the functional life of the
foraminimumofsevendayspriortoreceivingpoured-in-place
play structure as stated in writing by the play structure
surface. Concrete base should have a medium broom finish. A
manufacturer.
properly prepared concrete base will be able to effectively
3.1.14 gravel, drainage layer—open course of granular
remove any water which penetrates the poured-in-place sur-
material that is installed as a layer or in channels to promote
face. This may be accomplished by sloping the concrete,
removal of water from a location.
installing drainage, or using a porous concrete.
3.1.14.1 Discussion—The layer should have a slope that
3.1.7 concrete, adjacent—concrete material that is used as a
promotes the removal of water.
curb or walkway and comes into contact with the poured-in-
3.1.15 humidity/moisture effects—changes in the poured-in-
place surface
place system caused by fluctuations in absolute humidity or
3.1.7.1 Discussion—The materials and compaction shall
exposure to moisture during the storage of materials, installa-
conform to local engineering practices and have a moisture
tion, and cure.
content less than 5 % at the time the poured-in-place surface is
3.1.15.1 Discussion—Polyurethane binders are reactive to
installed. The edge of the concrete at the junction with the
moisture in varying degrees, depending upon formulation. All
poured-in-place surface shall be vertical. Consideration should
one-component polyurethane binders will require some degree
be given to the use of an appropriate primer as recommended
of moisture to affect a cure of the product. Dramatic changes in
by the manufacturer to ensure adhesion of the poured-in-place
moistureorabsolutehumiditycancausevariablefinishesinthe
surface to the concrete. Other strategies to avoid sinking of the
surface if they are not accounted for. During installation, some
final poured-in-place surface would be to provide a “key” or
poured-in-place surfaces require dry conditions, while others
“step” in the vertical face of the concrete to support the
can be installed during a light rain and others can have water
poured-in-place surface.
applied directly to the surface. Exposure to water may cause
3.1.8 cryogenic grinding—process that takes a raw rubber
the binder to foam and which may reduce the effectiveness of
product and processes it to rubber crumb, chips, and so forth,
the bond. Moisture in the rubber that is mixed with the binder
a process that freezes the raw product and the frozen product is
may also have an effect on the outcome of the project if not
ground to the specification.
accountedfor.Onestrategytoeliminatethisproblemistohave
3.1.9 gravel, base —mixture of crushed stone, sand, or both
the rubber stored in a dry place and if this is not possible, the
that is compacted to not less than 95 % standard proctor
rubber should be covered with tarps or other methods em-
density.
ployed to prevent moisture from entering the materials.
3.1.9.1 Discussion—A geotextile may be required between
3.1.16 lacquers—polyurethane-based product that contains
thegranularbaseandpoured-in-placesurfacetoensurethatthe
solvents applied as a top coat in a spray or roller application.
particles of the granular base do not contaminate the poured-
3.1.16.1 Discussion—This product is used to provide color
in-place surface. If fine particles from the base migrate into the
through the addition of a pigment, protection, or both from
poured-in-place system the void content of the system is
exposure to ultraviolet light.
reduced and the ability to attenuate force is reduced.
3.1.17 latex binders—polymer binder that is water-based
3.1.10 drainage, sub-surface—provision of a method of
that has thermoplastic properties.
removing water below the poured-in-place surface.
3.1.17.1 Discussion—Generally, the flexibility performance
3.1.10.1 Discussion—This can be achieved by sloping the
sub-base material where it has a high clay content, using is within a narrow range of temperature. Latex has also been
drainage channels or pipes, installing a granular drainage layer associated with allergic reactions once it has cured. There is a
for percolation. concern for children with exposed skin coming into contact
with this binder, as well persons with disabilities who have a
3.1.11 drainage, surface—sloping of the surface to allow
propensity to allergic reactions to latex.
water to travel across the surface to a drain.
3.1.11.1 Discussion—The porosity of the poured-in-place 3.1.18 polymer binders—synthetic binders used in the
surface allows water to pass through more quickly than across manufacture of the poured-in-place surface that coat the
it unless it is fully saturated. individual rubber chips, crumb, or buffings.
F2479 – 07
3.1.18.1 Discussion—These binders are to provide flexibil- 3.1.26 rubber crumb—particles of rubber that have been
ity to allow the rubber particles to move in relation to one producedbyambientorcryogenicgrindingofrubberfeedstock
another and have the strength to stop the bond from breaking to a size of between 0.02 and 0.197 in. (0. 5 and 5 mm).
at maximum elongation. These binders are man-made from 3.1.26.1 Discussion—Rubber crumb shall contain less than
petrochemicals and some of these demonstrate flexibility at a
2 % rubber dust, fine rubber passing a 0.85 mm screen, as this
range of temperatures that children are expecting to use the can consume binder and affect the performance and longevity
playground and specifically to allow compliance with Specifi-
of the surface. The supplier of the rubber crumb shall be able
cation F1292. Polymer binders with a glass transition tempera- to supply a sieve curve analysis that stipulates the components
ture above –22°F (–30°C) and with high sensitivity to damage
and their percentages to the poured-in-place supplier.
by submersion in water are to be avoided.
3.1.27 SBR rubber—styrene butadiene rubber or a rubber
3.1.19 polyurethane—polymer binder that demonstrates compound consisting mainly of styrene butadiene rubber such
flexibility and strength over a wide range of temperatures.
as tire rubber.
3.1.19.1 Discussion—Polyurethane is manufactured in both 3.1.27.1 Discussion—This rubber is generally a major com-
one-component (moisture cured) and two-component (mixing
ponent of the tire manufacturing processes.
part A and part B in a specified ratio). Binders used in
3.1.28 screed—straight-edged device that is used to provide
poured-in-place surfaces are almost always of the one-
an even thickness of material.
component type. Certain polyurethane binders can be damaged
3.1.28.1 Discussion—Screed is generally used to ensure the
through exposure to ultraviolet light and immersion in water.
evenness and thickness of the lower layer of the poured-in-
UV-resistant polyurethane lacquers may be applied to the
place system.
surface following installation of the poured-in-place surface.
3.1.29 solvents—hydrocarbons and other chemical sub-
These lacquers are typically two-component. Once cured,
stances which are normally non-reactive to polyurethanes and
polyurethane produces no known allergic reactions.
canwashoffordilutepolymerbinders.Curedbindersmightbe
3.1.20 recycled black EPDM rubber—crumb manufactured
swollen by contact with certain solvents that will destroy the
through ambient or cryogenic grinding or crushing of post
chemical structure of the binder.
industrial scrap, containing a mixture of types of rubber
3.1.29.1 Discussion—Solvents are used for the cleaning of
including EPDM rubber product and varying in size. This
tools, equipment and other areas. These materials should be
rubber must have a minimum of 4 % actual EPDM content.
used carefully in conjunction with the polymer binder as
3.1.20.1 Discussion—The actual percentage of EPDM con-
inappropriate use can detrimentally affect the performance and
tent will be significantly less than new EPDM rubber product
longevity of the surface. They are sometimes also used to slow
due to the inclusion of other industrial scrap rubber that is
the reaction time of the polyurethane binder or extend the
sourced in the recycling process.
wetting action of the polyurethane.
3.1.21 recycled post consumer or industrial rubber
3.1.30 storage—method of holding the various components
—rubber crumb that is the result of granulating in an ambient
utilized in the poured-in-place surface.
or cryogenic process from a variety of scrap rubber produced
3.1.30.1 Discussion—It is important that the materi
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