F08.28 - Equestrian Surfaces

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Petrographic examinations are made for the following purposes:  
5.1.1 To determine the mineralogy of the material that may be observed by petrographic methods (in this method, by use of XRD) and that may have a bearing on the performance of the material in its intended use.  
5.1.2 To determine the relative amounts of the constituents of the sample which is essential for proper evaluation of the sample when the constituents may differ significantly in properties that have a bearing on the performance of the material in its intended use.  
5.1.3 This method helps to evaluate mineral aggregate sources for suitability as a material to be used for construction, renovation, or modification of equine surfaces. The information gathered will allow for the comparison of the composition of new mineral sources with samples of other mineral aggregate from one or more sources, for which test data or performance records are available.  
5.2 This method may be used by a petrographer employed directly by those for whom the examination is made. The employer should tell the petrographer, in as much detail as necessary, the purposes and objectives of the examination, the kind of information needed, and the extent of examination desired. Pertinent background information, including results of prior testing, should be made available. The petrographer’s advice and judgment should be sought regarding the extent of the examination.  
5.3 This method may form the basis for establishing arrangements between a purchaser of consulting petrographic service and the petrographer. In such a case, the purchaser and the consultant should together determine the kind, extent, and objectives of the examination and analyses to be made and should record their agreement in writing. The agreement may stipulate specific determinations to be made, observations to be reported, funds to be obligated, or a combination of these or other conditions.
SCOPE
1.1 X-Ray diffraction (XRD) is a tool for identifying minerals, such as quartz and feldspar, and types of clay present in bulk samples of equine surfaces. Determining the mineralogy of a given bulk sample provides insight into surface properties, such as abrasion resistance by comparing the relative differences of hardness of the various mineral fractions such as quartz or feldspar or the plasticity differences in clay minerals such as smectite or kaolinite. XRD techniques are qualitative in nature and only semi-quantitative.  
1.2 Particle size distribution analyses methods including hydrometer tests to determine proportions of sand, silt, and clay fractions based upon particle size but are not able to distinguish particles by shape or mineralogy of materials. In addition to a qualitative detection of minerals present in a sample, XRD methods are also semi-quantitative and also yield important data on the relative proportion of particular minerals present.  
1.3 XRD techniques are generally semi-quantitative in nature. Even so, such semiquantitative data is useful in determining relative proportions of each mineral type. This method is also semi-qualitative in nature as it is geared for the determination or mineral groups. For example, it will determine the relative amount of alkali feldspars (such as K-feldspar or Nafeldspar) from Plagioclase-feldspar but not necessarily if the Plagioclase-feldspar is albite or anorthite nor whether the K-feldspar is orthoclase of microcline. Likewise, it will differentiate smectite from mica from kaolinite but not whether the smectite is montmorillonite or saponite. More precise determination of mineral species by XRD is possible but involves more advanced preparation and treatment methods than what is within the scope of this standard.  
1.4 The XRD method herein primarily makes use of “Glass Slide Method” but may be subject to modification depending on the user’s needs.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety c...

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 FTIR can quickly be utilized to help identify polymeric fibers and some inorganic materials. FTIR also provides a means of monitoring changes to equine surface binder materials, in addition to observing oxidation.
SCOPE
1.1 Infrared (IR) spectrophotometry involving IR microscopes, coupled with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometers, is a valuable method of identifying polymeric fibers (that is, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc.) and rubber used in synthetic equine surfaces. FTIR may also be used to identify organic compounds and other non-metallic elements present in the binder (that is, high-oil wax) extracted from an equine surface. FTIR of wax-based binders can also detect and quantify relative degrees of binder oxidation. FTIR works by detecting and interpreting the oscillations of the atoms bonded together in the molecular structure. Infrared light absorption spectra are generated from samples tested, and these spectra are compared to libraries of known polymer spectra. For bulk fiber samples, different fibers are visually separated into groups and individual fibers from each group are tested. For extracted wax, several tests are conducted to ensure consistency. FTIR absorption spectrums for two common fibers are shown in Fig. 1. FTIR spectrum for a wax binder exhibiting oxidation peaks is shown in Fig. 2.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
FIG. 1 FTIR Identification of Polymer Types in Bulk Fiber
FIG. 2 Oxidation Activity in Wax Binder over Multiple Years (Note Oxidation Peak at ~1700 cm–1 (1))  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 DSC is a convenient and rapid method for determining the temperature limits within which a wax undergoes during transitions. The highest temperature transition is a solid-liquid transition associated with complete melting; it can guide the choice of wax binders used in synthetic equine sports surfaces, provide information on the effect of operational track temperatures on binder melting, as well as giving indications of changes in the binder over time. The solid-solid temperature transition is related to the properties of the solid, that is, hardness and blocking temperature, although these slack wax-wax based binders typically contain oil contents greater that 20 % by mass and consequently are not in a hardened state unless subjected to very cold temperatures (well below –17 °C).
Note 2: For a relatively narrow cut petroleum wax, the lowest transition will be a solid-solid transition. A narrow cut wax is one obtained by de-oiling a single petroleum distillate with a maximum range of 49 °CF between its 5 and 95 % vol in accordance with Test Method D1160 boiling points (converted to 760 torr). The DSC method cannot differentiate between solid-liquid and solid-solid transitions. Such information must be predetermined by other techniques. In the case of blends, the lower temperature transition may be envelopes of both solid-liquid and solid-solid transitions.  
5.2 Since petroleum wax is a mixture of hydrocarbons with different molecular weights, its transitions occur over a temperature range. This range is one factor that influences the width, expressed in degrees Celsius, of the DSC peaks. The highest temperature transition is a first-order transition. If, for a series of waxes, there is supporting evidence that the highest temperature transition of each wax is the major first-order transition, its relative width should correlate with the relative width of the wax’s molecular weight distribution.
SCOPE
1.1 The slack waxes typically used in equestrian surfaces comprise a blend of different waxes and oils containing a variety of hydrocarbons, chain lengths and structures.  
1.2 The blend of wax and oil determines the mechanical properties of the surface material as well as the response of the wax to temperature. The combination of lower and higher carbon weight materials, oil content and hydrocarbon structures also control how the wax will change over time.  
1.3 The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) test is used to determine temperature transitions and melting range of wax samples. DSC can therefore demonstrate differences in heat flow rates between extracted wax samples. The wax samples are extracted from samples of the surface materials and used in a standard test based on Test Method D4419 (1).2 This procedure involves thermal cycling of samples between –30 and 94 °C using a known control.  
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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The determination of the carbon number distribution of petroleum-based waxes used in synthetic equestrian tracks is useful for characterizing the overall molecular composition to aid in binder selection and replenishment. The test data is also very useful for comparing carbon number distributions between different binders and monitoring an existing track binder as it ages over time. The oil extracted from the wax can also be analyzed by this method. Track surface maintenance decisions can be aided by the results of this test.
SCOPE
1.1 The slack waxes typically used in equestrian surfaces comprise a blend of different waxes and oils, with various hydrocarbons, chain lengths and structures.  
1.2 The blend of wax and oil determines the mechanical properties of the surface material, as well as the response of the wax to temperature. The combination of lower and higher carbon weight materials, oil content, and hydrocarbon structures also controls how the wax will endure over time. As the wax ages, it is expected that lower density components will be lost at a higher rate than higher density materials.  
1.3 The gas chromatography (GC) test is used to determine the carbon number distribution in extracted wax samples for both normal and abnormal hydrocarbons (linear vs. non-linear carbon chains). This procedure is outlined in Test Method D5442. GC testing utilizes a chromatograph with a flame ionization detector and column.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 To test the shear strength of a materials describing how the material resists sliding of surface layers. Data from these tests are used to calculate the friction angle and cohesion of a surface sample. This test can be used to help determine if a material falls within a suitable for equine sports surfaces.
SCOPE
1.1 This adapted test method covers the determination of strength and stress-strain relationships of a cylindrical specimen of a compacted, drained cohesive natural or synthetic soil surface used in equine sports surfaces. Specimens are isotropically consolidated and sheared in compression at a constant rate of axial deformation (strain controlled).  
1.2 The shear strength of an equine sports surface material describes the resistance of the material to sliding of the surface layers. Shear strength influences both slide and penetration of the hoof in the track surface. It is generally accepted that a small amount of slide on impact is desirable (1-3).2 However, the surface must have sufficient shear strength to support the horse during propulsion (1-5). Thus, an optimal shear strength would be expected for an equestrian surface.  
1.3 To determine the shear strength of an equine sports surface, a representative dirt or synthetic sample is placed into a cylindrical cell and a vertical load is applied. Shear strength is measured as per the procedures outlined in Test Method D4767 for lab-consolidated samples. This ASTM standard was adapted by Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory for the drained condition to more accurately model the conditions of an equestrian surface.  
1.4 Dirt samples are tested over a range of forming moisture contents to determine the maximum bulk density and optimal forming moisture content for a given energy input. The dirt samples are then compacted at this optimal moisture content. The maximum stress failure criteria is assumed and results are presented as the failure stress at 15 psi confining pressure versus sample forming moisture content, along with friction angle and cohesion.  
1.5 Synthetic samples with good drainage are tested at a 4% forming moisture content, and over a specified range of temperatures. The temperature is controlled using a heated/refrigerated water bath with a triaxial cell cap fitted with a copper coil. Failure criteria is assumed under similar conditions for the dirt surfaces, and results are presented as the failure stress at 15 psi confining pressure versus sample temperature, along with friction angle and cohesion.  
1.6 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.  
1.7 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This test method specifies test procedures that can easily be used for field testing of equine surfaces. It is a test method that can be consistently applied to any equine surface and can quantitatively measure functional properties and track surface performance changes over time.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the specification for the measurement of the functional properties of equine surfaces; cushioning, impact, firmness, responsiveness and uniformity. This test method specifies test procedures that are appropriate for field testing of equine surfaces. This test method defines the functional properties of equine surfaces. This test method does not specify safety criteria. The extent to which functional properties contribute to individual injury risk is not known.  
1.2 Where appropriate values are stated in SI units.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Wax binders are critical for synthetic equestrian surfaces to stay together at consistencies desired. Surfaces are designed to prevent injuries and the wax binders are critical to ensure that this happens. Soxhlet extraction of wax binder is an efficient method to determine the amount of wax binder present in a synthetic equestrian surface.
SCOPE
1.1 Equine surfaces containing wax-oil based coatings/binders must be treated and cleaned prior to the subsequent material tests described for sand and fiber surfaces. Note: skip this test for surfaces that are not wax coated.  
1.2 The procedures described for wax separation employ Soxhlet extraction to remove wax content from the surface and to calculate crude wax percentage in the surface. Procedures are based upon the Soxhlet extraction method, which has been modified for use on equestrian surfaces by Lab/Cor Materials, Seattle, Washington, USA.2  
1.3 If synthetic fibers are present, then fiber solubility will need to be considered prior to Soxhlet extraction to ensure that the Soxhlet procedure will not damage fiber integrity.  
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.

SCOPE
1.1 This terminology defines thoroughbred horse racing terms for use in the development of standard test methods and specifications for equestrian surfaces used for racing or training, or both.  
1.2 The terms defined in this terminology are appropriate for use by track maintenance persons and practitioners, racing officials, and other industry persons in matters concerning equestrian surfaces used for thoroughbred racing or training, or both.  
1.3 While this terminology standard has some similar terms applicable to other forms of horse racing or equestrian sports, this standard is not intended to address all of the terms that may be applicable to these other racing forms or sports.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be 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.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This terminology defines thoroughbred horse racing terms for use in the development of standard test methods and specifications for equestrian surfaces used for racing or training, or both.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities, this terminology was withdrawn in January 2022 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.