ASTM F2107-01
(Guide)Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Skinned Areas on Sports Fields
Standard Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Skinned Areas on Sports Fields
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the construction and maintenance of skinned areas on sports fields. This guide provides guidance for the selection of materials, such as soil, sand, gravel, crushed stone, crushed brick, calcined clay, calcined diatomaceous earth, vitrified clay, etc., for use in constructing or reconditioning skinned areas and for the selection of management practices that will maintain a safe and playable skinned surface. Although parts of this guide are specific to baseball/softball, it has application to other skinned playing surfaces where ball bounce, ball roll, and/or player footing are of importance.
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic factors, level of play, intensity of use, equipment available, budget, and training and ability of management personnel.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 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.
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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An American National Standard
Designation: F 2107 – 01
Standard Guide for
Construction and Maintenance of Skinned Areas on Sports
Fields
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 2107; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E 11 Specification for Wire-Cloth Sieves for Testing Pur-
poses
1.1 This guide covers techniques that are appropriate for the
F 405 Specification for Corrugated Polyethylene Tubing
construction and maintenance of skinned areas on sports fields.
and Fittings
This guide provides guidance for the selection of materials,
F 1632 Test Method for Particle Size Analysis and Sand
such as soil, sand, gravel, crushed stone, crushed brick,
Shape Grading of Golf Course Putting Green and Sports
calcined clay, calcined diatomaceous earth, vitrified clay, etc.,
Field Root zone Mixes
for use in constructing or reconditioning skinned areas and for
the selection of management practices that will maintain a safe
3. Terminology
and playable skinned surface. Although parts of this guide are
3.1 Definitions—Except as noted, soil related definitions are
specific to baseball/softball, it has application to other skinned
in accordance with Terminology D 653.
playing surfaces where ball bounce, ball roll, and/or player
3.1.1 calcined clay—granular, lightweight material pro-
footing are of importance.
duced by calcining clay minerals, such as montmorillonite and
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance
attapulgite, at temperatures of about 700°C or higher. Those
techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic
used as soil amendments should be hard, resistant to physical
factors, level of play, intensity of use, equipment available,
breakdown, and screened to appropriate sizes. Calcined clay is
budget, and training and ability of management personnel.
a manufactured product that lacks the particle size and plas-
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
ticity properties that would allow it to be included in the
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
definition of clay. (1)
1.4 This standard may involve hazardous materials, opera-
3.1.2 calcined diatomite—stable, lightweight granules pro-
tions, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
duced by calcining diatomite (diatomaceous earth), a hydrated
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
silica mineral derived from the remains of diatoms. (1)
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
3.1.3 clay—clay can be defined in terms of a particular size
establish appropriate safety and health practices and deter-
fraction of a soil, a soil textural class, a soil particle size class,
mine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.
a soil textural group, soil mineralogy, or, in engineering terms,
2. Referenced Documents as materials that exhibit plastic soil properties when at appro-
priate water contents.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.3.1 Discussion—Ideally, the term “clay” should be ap-
C 33 Specification for Concrete Aggregates
propriately defined when used to describe soils or top mixes for
C 144 Specification for Aggregate for Masonry Mortar
skinned areas. For example, a 60 % sand/40 % clay mixture
C 242 Terminology of Ceramic Whitewares and Related
could imply either 60 % sand/40 % clayey soil (or other soils
Products
with textures containing enough clay (<0.002 mm) to exhibit
D 422 Test Method for Particle-Size Analysis of Soils
plasticity) or 60 % sand (2 to 0.05 mm)/40 % clay (<0.002
D 653 Terminology Relating to Soil, Rock, and Contained
mm).
Fluids
3.1.3.2 clay—(1) as a particular size fraction of a soil, a soil
D 4318 Test Method for Liquid Limit, Plastic Limit and
separate consisting of particles <0.002 mm (fine earth fraction)
Plasticity Index of Soils
in equivalent diameter. (2) as a textural class, soil material that
D 5853 Guide for Use of Rotary Kiln Produced Expanded
contains 40 % or more clay, <45 % sand and <40 % silt. (3)as
Shale, Clay, or Slate (ESCS) as a Mineral Amendment in
a soil particle size class, soil material that contains 35 % or
Topsoil Used for Landscaping and Related Purposes
more clay, (clayey soils). (4) as a soil textural group, soil
material that falls within the textural classes of “sandy clay,”
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
“silty clay” and “clay” (clayey soils). (5) in terms of mineral-
Equipment and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F08.64 on
Natural Playing Surfaces.
ogy, soil particulates that are commonly occurring but not
Current edition approved May 10, 2001. Published September 2001.
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
F 2107
restricted to the <0.002 mm fraction (clay minerals). Com- deposition or weathering or both or as developed by construc-
monly occurring in soil mineralogy classes as smectitic, tion procedures.
kaolinitic, illitic (micaceous), gibbsitic, ferritic, or mixed. Soil 3.1.11 soil texture (gradation) (grain-size distribution)—the
mineralogy classes are defined predominantly by the type of proportions by mass of a soil or fragmented rock distributed in
soil mineral dominating (40 % or more) the fine earth fraction. specified particle size ranges.
(6) in engineering terms, soils containing enough soil material 3.1.11.1 soil textural class—texture designation based on
in the less than 0.4 mm fractions such that when moist they relative proportions of the various soil separates: sand (2.0 to
exhibit consistence characteristics of “moderately plastic” or 0.05 mm in diameter), silt (0.05 to 0.002 mm), and clay (<
“very plastic” forming a roll 4 cm or longer and 4 mm or 0.002 mm). (2-7)
thinner that supports its own weight. (2-7)
NOTE 1—Particle size ranges for sand, silt, and clay as listed above vary
3.1.4 vitrified clay—clay that has been manufactured
somewhat from ranges given in Test Method D 422 and Terminology
through the progressive reduction and elimination of porosity D 653.
of a ceramic composition, with the formation of a glass phase,
4. Significance and Use
as a result of a heat treatment, vitrification. C 242
4.1 The skinned areas of sports fields should provide a
3.1.5 expanded shale, clay, or slate (ESCS)—a rotary kiln
uniform playing surface of high quality. Ball bounce should be
produced vesicular amorphous silicate particulate material. It is
true and predictable. Footing and sliding properties should
a highly porous, low density material with an apparent specific
favor optimum performance of players. Undulations, rough
gravity of approximately 0.8 to 2.4, and a dry/loose unit weight
3 3
surface, hard or soft surfaces, weeds, stones, and wet spots
of approximately 35 to 70 lb/ft (561 to 1,121 kg/m ).
detract from good play. Playing surface quality is largely
D 5883
affected by construction and maintenance procedures, and this
3.1.6 sand—sand can be defined in terms of a particular size
standard guide addresses those procedures.
fraction of soil, a soil textural class, a soil particle size class,
4.1.1 During construction, consideration should be given to
and a soil textural group.
factors such as the physical and chemical properties of mate-
3.1.6.1 sand—(1) as a particular size fraction of soil, a soil
rials used in the area, freedom from stones and other debris,
separate consisting of particles >0.05 mm and <2.0 mm in
and surface and internal drainage.
equivalent diameter. (2) as a textural class, soil material that
4.1.2 Maintenance practices that influence the playability of
contains 85 % or more sand, and not more than 10 % clay. (3)
the surface include edging, dragging, rolling, watering, vegeta-
as a soil particle size class, soil material that contains 70 % or
tion control, brushing or hosing to prevent buildup of a lip of
more sand, and not more than 15 % clay (sandy soils). (4)asa
mineral matter in turfgrass at the skinned/turfed edges, and
soil textural group, soil material that falls within the textural
removal of stones and debris that may adversely affect play and
classes of “sand” and “loamy sand” (sandy soils). (3,4)
safety.
3.1.6.2 Discussion—Although no mineralogy term is asso- 4.2 Those responsible for the design, construction, and/or
ciated with the definition of sand, common usage often utilizes
maintenance of baseball and softball fields and other sports
the terms “quartz” or “silica” as synonyms for sand. While fields or play areas maintained in a condition devoid of
quartz is the most common silicate mineral in soils and in the vegetation will benefit from this guide.
sand fractions in particular, quartz being a mineral highly 4.3 This guide provides flexibility in choices of procedures
resistant to weathering, the synonomy with the term sand is and can be used to cover a variety of use and budget levels.
incorrect. A proper mineralogy class for quartz is “siliceous,”
5. Construction
defined as 90 % or more of the 0.2 to 2.0 mm fraction
5.1 Soil or Top Mix—Materials used to provide the skinned
composed of silica minerals (quartz, chalcedony, or opal) and
surface should be relatively inert mineral matter, which will
other extremely durable minerals that are resistant to weather-
resist chemical and physical degradation. This soil or mixture
ing. (4)
is sometimes referred to as “dirt,” for example, infield dirt.
3.1.7 gravel—commonly used to denote spherical, cubelike,
5.1.1 Particle Size Distribution—Particle size analyses
or equiaxial aggregate materials with an equivalent diameter >
(Test Method D 422 or F 1632) are based on oven-dried mass
2.0 mm and < 7.6 mm. More correctly used, this classification
of a weighed sample; shaker is the preferred method of
refers to “rock fragments” classified as pebbles in the Glossary
dispersion if infield mix contains internally porous amend-
of Soil Science Terms (1997). (3,6)
ments. Such analyses are satisfactory when the top mix
3.1.8 skinned area—area on sports fields that, by design, is
consists of sand and soil materials; however, analysis based on
devoid of turfgrasses or other vegetation; may be entire field or
mass can give misleading results if the top mix contains
a portion of the field (for example, skinned infield in baseball
internally porous amendments.
or softball; skinned base paths in otherwise turfed infield).
5.1.2 Depending on the soil texture, some existing or native
3.1.9 soil—sediments or other unconsolidated accumula-
soils containing greater than 70 % sand (2.0 to 0.05 mm) may
tions of solid particles produced by the physical and chemical
be satisfactory in skinned areas; however, most soils will need
disintegration of rocks, and which may or may not contain
to be modified to improve drainage and ease of soil grooming.
organic matter.
Additions of coarse amendments (sand, calcined mineral (clay
3.1.10 soil profile—vertical section of a soil, showing the or diatomite), expanded shale, clay or slate, vitrified clay or
nature and sequence of the various layers, as developed by combinations in appropriate amounts (dependent on textural
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
F 2107
class of soil being modified)) should increase permeability, stone that will not degrade when alternately wetted and dried or
eliminate hard spots, and provide a surface that is easily frozen and thawed. Do not use soft or easily weathered
maintained. Added sand or calcined materials should have a materials in this layer. The particle size of the gravel should
minimum of 85 % of the particles passing a 4.0 mm (No. 5) meet the following specifications:
sieve and retained on a 106 μm (No. 140) sieve. Quartz sands
90 to 100 % (weight basis) passing 12.5 mm (0.5 in.) sieve
Minimum of 50 % passing 9.5 mm (0.375 inch) and retained on
are recommended; if sand contains more than 5 % calcium
6.3 mm (0.25 inch) sieve
carbonate equivalent, the sand has the potential for particle
Maximum of 10 % passing 2.36 mm (No. 8) sieve
cementation due to dissolution and precipitation. If additions
Uniformity coefficient: D /D # 3(D and D refer to the diameter
90 10 90 10
below which 90 % and 10 % of the particles fall,
will increase the grade to an unacceptable elevation, remove
as determined from a particle size accumulation curve)
appropriate amounts of soil prior to the addition of coarse
Coarse aggregates of size numbers 7 and 8 (Specification C 33)
amendments. The final mixture should have approximately 90 should receive consideration.
to 100 % of the particles passing a 4.0 mm (No. 5) sieve and 15
Grading requirements for these materials follows:
to 30 % passing a 106 μm (No. 140) sieve. In final raking and
Sieve Designation Size 7 Size 8
grading, remove all debris and stone greater than 1 cm in
% Passing
diameter from the surface 1.5 cm. The settled depth of the 19.0 mm (0.75 in.) 100 —
12.5 mm (0.50 in.) 90 to 100 100
modified soil should be about 10 cm.
9.5 mm (0.375 in.) 40 to 70 85 to 100
Modification of an existing soil should be done during
4.75 mm (No. 4) 0 to 15 10 to 30
2.36 mm (No. 8) 0 to 5 0 to 10
construction of the facility. In some recreational baseball/
1.18 mm (No. 16) — 0 to 5
softball situations, consideration of skinned areas occurs only
after a turfgrass stand is worn down to the soil surface. Layout 5.1.3.5 If an intermediate layer is used, place intermediate
and modification of skinned areas can take place at that time layer of 5 to 7 cm thickness on the gravel layer. Material in this
and will require taking the field out of play unless the work is layer should have 90 % of the particles between 1 and 4 mm.
done after the playing season. 5.1.3.6 If budget restraints prohibit the installation of a
gravel and pipe drainage system, (1) excavate drainage
5.1.3 Artificial (man-made) profiles are sometimes con-
trenches (approximately 20 cm wide and 20 cm deep) on not
structed to create the skinned area. A coarse-textured top mix
greater than 5 m centers in the subgrade, install drainage pipe
or soil is placed on a drainage blanket of gravel, which
ona5to10cmbedof gravel, and backfill trenches with gravel
provides subsurface drainage. A false (perched) water table is
to the
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