ASTM F3512-21

Standard Test Method for Evaluating Wind Safety and Durability of Market Umbrellas

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 These test methods establish standard procedures designed for evaluating the performance wind safety and durability characteristics of MUs.  
5.2 These test methods are suitable for both end users and manufacturers to evaluate performance characteristics of MUs and base mounting components.  
5.2.1 End users may use these test methods to determine how well MUs and base components meet their particular application and conditions of use.  
5.2.2 Manufacturers of MUs and base mounting components may use these test methods to determine the wind performance characteristics in existing or proposed designs.  
5.3 Procedure A is an evaluation of MU structural integrity (pole, frame, canopy, and base components) by subjecting the MU to a uniform wind generated by a wind tunnel. Procedure B is an evaluation of MU and base component durability by subjecting the MU to a uniform wind generated by a wind tunnel for a fixed period of time. Each procedure is used to rate MU and base stanchion performance using the Beaufort Scale for users to be able to correlate the wind speed safety and durability determined in the testing to visual and subjective observation of the area of uses of the MU.  
5.4 Results from use of these test methods on one type of MU and base components are not comparable to other test results on a different MU due to differences in MU materials and designs used for poles, frames, canopies, vents, and hubs as well as base weights, shapes, and holding mechanisms.  
5.5 These test methods are not intended to assess cleaning or other weather stress resulting from wear and tear in an actual use environment.  
5.6 End users and manufacturers of MU and base components should consider these test methods to be minimum procedures for evaluating MU and base component wind safety and durability characteristics as a wind tunnel procedure is considered to produce the most accurate wind pressures of any method according to ASCE/SEI 7-10 Wind Tunnel Procedure. Users ...
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods are intended for evaluating market umbrellas (MUs) to determine the suitability of the MU in a use environment on the basis of wind safety and durability.  
1.1.1 Procedure A is a safety scenario intended to test the structural strength of the MU to a uniform wind force generated by a wind tunnel.  
1.1.2 Procedure B is a wind durability scenario intended to determine the ability of the MU to perform in a high wind weather environment for a sustained period.  
1.1.3 The performance of the MU is then rated using the Beaufort Scale, as shown in Annex A1, to communicate the safety and durability performance of the MU.  
1.2 These test methods apply to most MUs designed for use in-home setting, such as pool or patio areas; recreation areas, such as the beach, pool, or tennis courts; and business settings, such as theme parks, water parks, resort pools, hotels, restaurants, cafés, and other business settings.  
1.3 The values as stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are given for information only.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2021
• ICS: 97.130.99 - Other shop fittings
• Technical Committee: F15 - Consumer Products
• Drafting Committee: F15.79 - Market Umbrellas

Overview

ASTM F3512-21 is the internationally recognized standard test method for evaluating the wind safety and durability of market umbrellas (MUs). Developed by ASTM International, this standard provides both end users and manufacturers with a consistent and reliable approach for assessing the performance of market umbrellas and their base mounting components under simulated wind conditions. The procedures help ensure product suitability for various environments, such as residential patios, pools, recreational areas, and commercial establishments like hotels, resorts, and restaurants.

Key Topics

• Wind Safety Testing: Procedure A focuses on assessing the structural integrity of the umbrella’s pole, frame, canopy, and base by subjecting them to uniform wind forces in a wind tunnel. Tests are escalated through increasing wind speeds until structural failure or instability occurs.
• Durability under High Winds: Procedure B evaluates how well the market umbrella and its base withstand sustained high-wind conditions, simulating real-world scenarios like thunderstorms. This process measures durability over a fixed period under a constant wind load.
• Performance Rating: Results from both procedures are communicated using the Beaufort Scale, providing users with an accessible and standardized way to understand the wind safety and durability ratings of various market umbrella designs.
• Non-comparability Across Designs: The standard recognizes that results are not directly comparable between different types and designs of market umbrellas due to variations in materials, shapes, and base mechanisms.
• Limitations: ASTM F3512-21 focuses exclusively on wind safety and durability. It does not assess cleaning, general material wear, or other environmental stressors encountered in typical outdoor use.

Applications

ASTM F3512-21 offers significant practical value by enabling:

• End User Selection: Homeowners, facility managers, and business owners can use these testing procedures to determine if a specific market umbrella meets their wind safety and durability needs in their chosen environment.
• Product Development and Design: Manufacturers apply this standard to verify or improve the wind resistance of existing and prototype umbrella designs, supporting safer and more durable products.
• Procurement and Specification: Buyers and procurement professionals reference this test method in purchasing agreements, ensuring selected umbrellas have been rated for appropriate wind conditions.
• Quality Assurance: Organizations can standardize quality assurance processes by incorporating ASTM F3512-21, using it as a benchmark for consistent wind safety and durability evaluation.
• Commercial and Public Settings: The standard is particularly relevant for environments exposed to unpredictable weather, including beaches, cafes, hotels, amusement parks, and sports venues.

Related Standards

• Beaufort Wind Force Scale: An essential reference for interpreting and communicating wind speeds and performance ratings under ASTM F3512-21.
• ASCE/SEI 7-10 (Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures - Wind Tunnel Procedure): Provides the methodology for wind tunnel testing referenced in this standard to ensure accurate simulation of wind forces.
• Other ASTM Consumer Product Safety Standards: This standard aligns with ASTM’s broader efforts to promote the safety and performance of consumer outdoor products.

Keywords: ASTM F3512-21, market umbrella wind safety, wind durability testing, outdoor umbrella standards, wind tunnel testing, Beaufort Scale, market umbrella performance, commercial umbrella safety.

For further information, referencing the official ASTM F3512-21 publication is recommended. This standard plays a crucial role in ensuring that market umbrellas deliver reliable protection and safety across a range of residential and commercial applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

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.
Designation: F3512 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Evaluating Wind Safety and Durability of Market Umbrellas
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3512; 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.
INTRODUCTION
Market umbrellas (MUs) are commonly used as protection against rain, sun, or other potential
weather in home, recreation, and commercial business settings. Buyers involved in the selection, use,
and maintenance of market umbrellas, as well as customers of businesses who desire protection of
weather, can be exposed to numerous hazards capable of causing harm when an improperly designed,
installed, or maintained market umbrella has contact with the human body. The deleterious effects of
a market umbrella being blown over or broken by wind forces can range from acute injury, such as
cuts or bruises, to blunt force trauma, such as concussions or broken bones.
MUs range from 4 ft to over 40 ft in diameter of multiple materials of construction, designs, shapes
and base or stanchions. MUs are often selected based on these factors, but equally important is the
safety, overall structural integrity of the MU, and durability, how long the market umbrellas will last
inservice,allowingtheendusertosafelycarryouthisorherassignedworktasksorenjoytheweather
protection and comfort of the MU.
No known standards apply to the design and manufacture of market umbrellas. Additionally, MU
designsvarydependingondifferentenduseapplicationsandsettingsofuse.Consequently,purchasers
are faced with a variety of MU products and generally depend on manufacturer sales information to
decide which MU is appropriate for their specific application. Base stanchion weights and methods
must also be selected and integrated with the MU to provide an accurate assessment.
This standard is intended to provide standardized methods for evaluating the wind safety and
durability of MU using a wind tunnel and rating the performance of the MU on a standardized scale.
This standard may also be used by MU manufacturers to assess current or proposed designs.
1. Scope 1.1.3 The performance of the MU is then rated using the
Beaufort Scale, as shown in Annex A1, to communicate the
1.1 These test methods are intended for evaluating market
safety and durability performance of the MU.
umbrellas (MUs) to determine the suitability of the MU in a
use environment on the basis of wind safety and durability. 1.2 These test methods apply to most MUs designed for use
in-home setting, such as pool or patio areas; recreation areas,
1.1.1 Procedure A is a safety scenario intended to test the
structural strength of the MU to a uniform wind force gener- such as the beach, pool, or tennis courts; and business settings,
such as theme parks, water parks, resort pools, hotels,
ated by a wind tunnel.
restaurants, cafés, and other business settings.
1.1.2 Procedure B is a wind durability scenario intended to
determine the ability of the MU to perform in a high wind
1.3 The values as stated in inch-pound units are to be
weather environment for a sustained period.
regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are given
for information only.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.79 on
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Market Umbrellas.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2021. Published October 2021. DOI: 10.1520/
F3512-21. 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
F3512 − 21
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor- anddurabilitydeterminedinthetestingtovisualandsubjective
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- observation of the area of uses of the MU.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 5. Significance and Use
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1 These test methods establish standard procedures de-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
signed for evaluating the performance wind safety and dura-
bility characteristics of MUs.
2. Referenced Documents
5.2 These test methods are suitable for both end users and
2.1 Other Documents:
manufacturers to evaluate performance characteristics of MUs
Beaufort Scale Beaufort Wind Force Scale
and base mounting components.
ASCE/SEI 7-10 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and
5.2.1 End users may use these test methods to determine
Other Structures—Chapter 31, Wind Tunnel Procedure
how well MUs and base components meet their particular
application and conditions of use.
3. Terminology
5.2.2 Manufacturers of MUs and base mounting compo-
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
nents may use these test methods to determine the wind
3.1.1 care, n—procedures for cleaning and storage of mar-
performance characteristics in existing or proposed designs.
ket umbrella.
5.3 Procedure A is an evaluation of MU structural integrity
3.1.2 contamination, n—the addition of an undesired soil or
(pole, frame, canopy, and base components) by subjecting the
stain-causing substance to the market umbrella.
MU to a uniform wind generated by a wind tunnel. Procedure
3.1.3 degradation, n—a deleterious change in one or more
B is an evaluation of MU and base component durability by
properties of a material.
subjecting the MU to a uniform wind generated by a wind
tunnel for a fixed period of time. Each procedure is used to rate
3.1.4 end user, n—the entity or organization whose employ-
ees or customers ultimately use the market umbrella. MU and base stanchion performance using the Beaufort Scale
for users to be able to correlate the wind speed safety and
3.1.5 installation, n—procedures for placing, fitting, and
durability determined in the testing to visual and subjective
adjusting market umbrellas and preparing market umbrellas for
observation of the area of uses of the MU.
use.
5.4 Results from use of these test methods on one type of
3.1.6 maintenance, n—proceduresforinspection,repair,and
MU and base components are not comparable to other test
removal from service of market umbrella.
results on a different MU due to differences in MU materials
3.1.7 market umbrella, n—a removable device consisting of
and designs used for poles, frames, canopies, vents, and hubs
a canopy of cloth or other material on a folding frame
as well as base weights, shapes, and holding mechanisms.
supported by a central or cantilever rod, used as protection
against rain, sun, or other potential weather. 5.5 These test methods are not intended to assess cleaning
orotherweatherstressresultingfromwearandtearinanactual
4. Summary of Test Method
use environment.
4.1 In Procedure A, the safety of the MUs and base
5.6 End users and manufacturers of MU and base compo-
components are evaluated by subjecting the MU to a uniform
nents should consider these test methods to be minimum
wind generated by a wind tunnel. The MU is inspected prior to
proceduresforevaluatingMUandbasecomponentwindsafety
and after the series of escalating wind speeds to assess any
and durability characteristics as a wind tunnel procedure is
changes in the MU’s structural integrity.
considered to produce the most accurate wind pressures of any
method according to ASCE/SEI 7-10 Wind Tunnel Procedure.
4.2 In Procedure B, the wind durability of the MU and base
Users of these test methods may wish to consider additional
components are evaluated by observing the ability of the MU
tests and procedures that relate directly to their application
to perform in a high wind weather environment for a sustained
such as finite element analysis software.
period of time.As in ProcedureA, the MU is inspected prior to
and after a fixed wind speed for a set period of time to assess
5.7 Each buyer of a MU should establish its own criteria for
changes in the MU’s structural integrity.
assessing acceptable safety and durability performance.
4.3 For each option, the MU safety and durability and base
components are assessed by examining the test subject’s 6. Apparatus
structural parts and performance. These data are used to
6.1 Wind Tunnel—A wind tunnel is a facility used to
evaluate and rate the wind safety and durability following each
simulate the flow conditions around either a stationary object
test using the Beaufort Scale to correlate the wind speed safety
or a moving object through air. For this test method, a wind
tunnel of sufficient size is required so that the MU under study
fit reasonably within the test section or diffuser of the wind
Available from National Weather Service, https://www.weather.gov/mfl/
tunnel. The wind speed in the wind tunnel should be deter-
beaufort.
mined by measurements collected upstream of the MU under
Available from American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801 Alexander
Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191, http://www.asce.org. study.
F3512 − 21
6.2 Base or Stanchion—The base or stanchion the MU is 8.1.1 Type of MU (center pole, cantilever, etc.);
mounted in that is under study should rest on a horizontal
8.1.2 Manufacturer;
surface near the floor of the wind tunnel test section or diffuser.
8.1.3 Model number, serial number of MU and base or
The base or stanchion can be free-standing, bolted to the
stan
...