ASTM F1951-21

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: F1951 − 14 F1951 − 21 An American National Standard
Standard Specification for
Determination of Accessibility of Surface Systems Under
and Around Playground Equipment
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1951; 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
The federal accessibility standards require newly constructed and altered public playgrounds by
accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. Both the Architectural Barriers Act and the 2010
ADA Standards for Accessible Design need for require accessible surfaces, including the accessible
route within the play area to be firm and stable. At this time, there is no standard specification to
measure firmness and stability, which is related to the work for a person with a mobility impairment
to traverse a surface, thus highlighting the need for a systematic and consistent means of evaluating
the capability of surface systems to provide access to playgrounds has been amplified by the passage
of the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act. systems. The goal of this specification is to establish
a uniform means to measure the characteristics of work for a person with mobility impairment to
traverse surface systems in order to provide the potential buyer with performance specifications to
select materials for use and maintain the surface as an accessible surface under and around through
the accessible route and at accessible playground equipment.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification establishes minimum characteristics for those factors that determine accessibility. This specification applies
to all types of materials that can be used as the accessible route through the play area, under and around playground equipment.
1.2 The material used as the accessible route through the play area, under and around playground equipment that meets this
specification must also comply with Specification F1292 or Test Method F3351, or both, if the surface is within the fall zone.
1.3 This specification does not imply that an injury cannot be incurred if the surface system complies with this specification-
.Surface systems in compliance with this specification will not prevent all types of injuries from occurring when the surface is used.
1.4 The SI unit of work is the joule (J), which is defined as the work expended by a force of one newton through a displacement
of one meter. The dimensionally equivalent newton-meter (N*m) shall be used only if it is followed by the term “work” so it is
not confused to be a torque value. (1 N*m = 0.73756215 pound-force-feet).
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.63 on Playground Surfacing Systems.
Current edition approved June 1, 2014Aug. 1, 2021. Published July 2014September 2021. Originally approved in 1999. Last previous edition approved in 20092014 as
F1951 – 09b.F1951 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/F1951-14.10.1520/F1951-21.
Applicable to facilities owned, operated or leased by the federal government.
Applicable to facilities owned, operated or leased by units of state or local government and public accommodations.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1951 − 21
1.5 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. (Seestandard; see IEEE/ASTM SI
10.) for further details.
1.6 The following precautionary statement pertains only to the test method portions, Sections portions 6 and 7, of this
specification: 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
IEEE/ASTM SI 10 American National Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
F1292 Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surfacing Materials Within the Use Zone of Playground Equipment
F1487F2075 Consumer Safety Performance Specification for Playground Equipment for Public UseSpecification for Engineered
Wood Fiber for Use as a Playground Safety Surface Under and Around Playground Equipment
F3351 Test Method for Playground Surface Impact Testing in Laboratory at Specified Test Height
2.2 U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board Document:Department of Justice:
Americans with Disabilities Act28 CFR Part 35 Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and FacilitiesNondiscrimination on the
Basis of Disability in State and Local Government Services
28 CFR Part 36 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability by Public Accommodations and in Commercial Facilities
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design
2.3 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Document:
US CPSC Publication No. 325 Handbook for Public Playground Safety (2010)(2015)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 accessible, adj—a site, building, facility, or portion thereof that complies with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible
Design.
3.1.2 accessible route, n—the pathway connecting the site arrival point to the accessible features of a site including the entry to
the playground, the points of entry to accessible play components and their points of egress.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
The accessible route meets the minimum technical provisions for running slope, cross slope, ground walking surface, changes in
level, openings, firmness, and stability as defined in Chapter 4 of the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
3.1.3 baseline ramp, n—a ramp with a hard, smooth surface with grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % (1:14).
3.1.4 camber, n—the angular position in the vertical direction of the individual main wheel axis.
3.1.4.1 Discussion—
Zero camber occurs when the wheel axis is parallel to the ground surface.
3.1.5 cross slope, n—the slope that is perpendicular to the direction of travel.
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 United States Access Board, 1331 F Street, NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20004-1111, http://www.access-board.gov/.U.S. Government Printing
Office, Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001, http://www.access.gpo.gov.
Available from United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD, 20814, http://www.cpsc.gov/.
F1951 − 21
3.1.6 firm or firm surface, v/n—a firm surface resists deformation by either indentations or particles moving on its surface.
3.1.7 firmness – with respect to a surface, adj—the degree to which a surface material resists deformation, especially by
indentation.
3.1.8 loose fill system, n—a surface system consisting of small independent, movable components.individual particles, for
example, engineered wood fiber, bark mulch, wood chips, shredded foam, shredded rubber, sand, pea gravel, and so forth.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
Examples of movable components include sand, gravel, wood chips, loose rubber, and engineered wood fiber.
3.1.9 maneuverability, n—the ability of a surfacing material to allow unencumbered traversing or locomotion of a person with or
without prosthetic aids or wheelchair.
3.1.10 pushrim, n—the outer grip-able tube connected to the wheel of a wheelchair for the purpose of manually propelling a
wheelchair. The terms pushrim and handrim shall be used interchangeably.
3.1.11 qualified personnel, n—those with current knowledge, training, skill, education and experience who have successfully
demonstrated the ability to solve or resolve problems relating to the subject matter and work through the application of professional
judgement.
3.1.12 running slope, n—the slope that is parallel to the direction of travel.
3.1.13 stable surface, v/n—a stable surface resists additional deformation by an indentation that tries to twist or turn on the surface
as a result of applied forces.
3.1.14 stability – with respect to a surface, n—the degree to which a surface material resists deformation that is twisting or turning
on the surface.
3.1.15 toe, n—the difference in separation distance between the front of the two main wheels and the rear of the two main wheels
of a wheelchair.
3.1.15.1 Discussion—
Proper toe alignment occurs when the axle is perpendicular to the direction of rolling.
3.1.16 unitary surface, n—a top layer of one or more material components bound together to form a continuous surface; for
example, urethane and rubber composites, molded foam, molded rubber mats.
3.1.17 use zone, n—area beneath and immediately adjacent to a play structure or equipment that is designated for unrestricted
circulation around the equipment and on whose surface it is predicted that a user would land when falling from or exiting the
equipment.
3.1.17.1 Discussion—
The surface area within the use zone shall meet the minimum impact attenuation requirements of Specification F1292 from the
maximum fall height.
3.1.18 wheelchair work, n—a measurement of work, using an instrumented handrim on a manual wheelchair, that calculates the
varying torque when propelled for a specified time and distance across a specific surface and slope.
4. General Requirements
4.1 Playground surfaces represented as complying with this specification shall meet all applicable requirements regarding
accessibility specified herein. Anyone representing compliance with this specification shall keep such essential records as are
necessary to document any claim that the requirements within this specification have been met.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, advisory note 302.1.
F1951 − 21
4.2 Surface systems that are within the use zone of the surrounded playground equipment shall be tested in accordance with
Specification F1292 or Test Method F3351, or both, and shall comply with the impact performance requirements of Specification
F1292. Thus, surface systems shall exhibit a head injury criterion (HIC) not exceeding 1000 and a value of acceleration recorded
during an impact (g-max) not exceeding 200 from a height at or greater than the fall height of the play structure.
NOTE 1—This is consistent with the guidance contained in US CPSC Publication No. 325.
4.3 Accessibility specification Specification certification compliance for the surface sample shall be conducted by an independent
accredited testing laboratory.
5. Performance Requirement
5.1 Accessible Surface Performance Parameters—Playground surface materials and surface systems that are used as the accessible
route through the playground, under and around accessible play equipment shall be required to comply with technical provisions
for the accessible route and clear ground space including running slope, cross slope, openings in the surface, changes in level, pile
height, firmness and stability.
5.2 The tests shall be conducted on a surface that is installed per the manufacturers’ installation instructions. No additional
compaction or other modification shall be permitted, other than what is required for test specimen preparation with Specification
Accessible Surface Performance Criterion shall apply to the site or play surface sample to be tested, as specified in the 2010 ADA
Standards for Accessible Design including the follow provisions. Any deviation from these criteria shall be documented in the
resulting report.F1292.
5.2.1 The ground level accessible route through the play area and the surface sample to be tested shall be maintained with a
minimum 60 in. (1525 mm) clear width, a running slope not to exceed 1:16 (6.25 %) maximum and a cross slope not to exceed
1:48 (2.08 %) maximum.
5.2.2 The clear ground space for the approach and use of accessible play components and the surface sample to be tested shall
be maintained with a slope not to exceed 1:48 (2.08 %) maximum in all directions.
5.2.3 Openings in the ground surfaces shall not allow passage of a sphere more than 0.5 in. (13 mm) maximum.
5.2.4 Changes in level shall not exceed 0.25 in. (6.4 mm) vertical maximum or 0.5 in. (13 mm) beveled maximum with a slope
not steeper than 1:2.
5.2.5 Turf, artificial turf, carpet or carpet tile shall have a level loop, textured loop, level cut pile, or level cut/uncut pile texture.
Pile height shall not exceed 0.5 in. (13 mm) maximum or be otherwise documented in the report.
5.2.6 The playground surface and/or the surface sample to be tested shall be stable and firm. The wheelchair work test method
described here shall serve as a means to determine if the surface is firm and stable in the absence of a specific test method.
5.3 Maneuverability—When tested in accordance with the wheelchair work test methodsmethod described in Sections 6 and 7 of
this specification,standard, a surface in place shall have combined average work per foot (work per meter) valuesvalue for straight
propulsion and for turning less than the combined average work per foot (work per meter) valuesvalue for straight propulsion and
for turning, respectively, on a hard, smooth surface with a grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % 0.2 % (1:14).
5.3.1 Calculation of Work Ratio—The work ratios for straight propulsion and turning shall be calculated by dividing the average
work per foot (work per meter) measured using the wheelchair work measurement test procedure by the average work per foot
(work per meter) on a hard, smooth surface with a grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % (1:14) and shall be less than or equal to 1.0.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design: 1008.2, 1008.2.4.1, 1008.2.5.1, 1008.4.2.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 305.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 302.3.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design: 303.2, 303.3.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 302.2.
F1951 − 21
5.3.2 The test used to determine accessibility, shall have been conducted on surfacing material samples that are the same regarding
their design, materials, components, thickness, and manufacture as the installed playground surface.
5.4 Test material from the same lot number or date of manufacture from the manufacturer shall be used to determine the
accessibility of the surface using the Specification F1951 wheelchair work test method and shall also be tested to Specification
F1292 or Test Method F3351, or both, to the drop height specified by the manufacturer/supplier. The drop height, g, and HIC results
of the test shall be recorded and compared with the results of the same product tested to Specification F1292 or Test Method F3351,
or both.
5.5 The test used to determine accessibility of materials specified for use in a playground shall have been conducted no more than
five years prior to the date of installation of the playground surface.
5.6 It would be permissible to use the wheelchair work test method at an installed playground at the accessible point of entry into
the play surface, along the accessible route, and at the clear ground space for each accessible play component.
5.7 Ground surfaces shall be inspected and maintained regularly and frequently to ensure continued compliance with Specification
F1951 and the ADA and ABA accessibility standards.
6. Wheelchair Work Measurement Method—Straight Propulsion
6.1 Test Equipment and Setup:
6.1.1 Test Wheelchair—A 16-in. (40.64-cm) width rehabilitation wheelchair with pneumatic rear tires, front wheels with
pneumatic tires, and a total weight of 31 6 4.4 lb (14 6 2 kg) shall be used as the test wheelchair. The rear wheels shall be identical
with 24 by 1.375-in. (61 by 3.5-cm) pneumatic tires and pushrim diameters of 20 in. (50.8 cm). The front wheels with pneumatic
tires shall be identical with 8 by 1-in. (20.3 by 2.54-cm) wheels with pneumatic tires. One main rear wheel shall be capable of
measuring the forces applied to the pushrim that are tangential to the pushrim and parallel to the direction of travel. The wheelchair
shall be adjusted such that there is minimal toe and minimal camber. Tire pressures shall be set to the maximum pressure specified
by the manufacturer 62 psi.
6.1.2 Test Wheelchair Rider—A165 +11, –4.4-lb (75 +5, –2 kg) test wheelchair rider shall propel the wheelchair during testing.
6.1.3 Weight of Total System—The total weight of the wheelchair-rider system, including any distance measurement or data
acquisition equipment residing on the wheelchair, shall be a minimum of 187.2 lb (85 kg) and a maximum of 255 lb (116 kg).
6.1.4 Weight Distribution—The wheelchair rider shall be seated in the wheelchair such that 406 2 % of the total weight is
supported by the front casters and the rear wheels support the remaining 60 6 2 % when measured in a static position with the
wheelchair rider’s hands placed on the rear wheel pushrims in the topmost position.
6.1.5 Distance Measurement—A method to measure the total distance that the wheelchair has been propelled must be present. This
distance shall be 6.56 +0.66 / –0 ft (2.0 +0.20 / –0 m) from its starting, measured to an accuracy of 6 0.79 in. (2 cm).
6.1.6 Wheel Angular Displacement Measurement (Optional)—A method to measure the angular displacement of the pushrim force
measuring wheel can be used. It shall have an accuracy of at least 6 0.5°.
6.1.7 Data Acquisition—A data acquisition system shall be used to record the forces applied to the pushrim and the end of the trial
at a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
6.2 Test Specimen:
6.2.1 An installed site of playground surfacing shall be used as the test specimen. The minimum test specimen size shall be 4 ft
(1.22 m) wide by 8 ft (2.44 m) in length.
2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, 1008.2.6.1. The frequency by which a playground surface is tested and maintained is likely to be different for every
playground and dependent on both the type of surface and the number of daily users.
F1951 − 21
6.2.2 The surface shall be level and free of surface dirt, ice, or contaminants.
6.2.3 Testing shall be conducted when surface temperature, as measured by a temperature probe, is between 40 and 100°F (4 and
38°C).
6.3 Test Procedure:
6.3.1 Starting from a stationary position with the wheelchair casters in the trailing position, the test wheelchair rider shall propel
the wheelchair across the test surface a distance of 6.56 +0.66 / –0 ft (2.0 +0.20 / –0 m) using four uniform pushes. The distance
the wheelchair actually rolls shall be recorded to an accuracy of 6 0.79 in. (6 2 cm). The wheelchair rider shall contact the
pushrims only during the trial and shall maintain the same posture assumed during weight distribution measurement. The
wheelchair shall be propelled in a straight path. At least three of the wheelchair wheels shall be in contact with the test surface
during the trial. Each trial shall be completed in 7.0 61.0 s.
6.3.2 Record the forces applied to the pushrim to an accuracy of 6 0.15 ft × lbf (6 0.2 N × m), at a minimum frequency of 50
Hz.
6.3.3 Consider the trial acceptable if it meets the following criteria:
6.3.3.1 Pushrim torque values below –3.69 ft × lbf (–5.0 N × m) (reverse torque) do not occur;
6.3.3.2 One or more wheels do not slip on the surface creating torque values above 7.38 ft × lbf (10 N × m) with no forward
movement of the wheelchair;
6.3.3.3 The time to complete the 6.56-ft (2.0-m) distance is 7.0 6 1.0 s;
6.3.3.4 The torque applied to the wheelchair pushrim is zero or decreasing at the end of the trial;
6.3.3.5 The four propulsion strokes cause the wheelchair to travel a total distance of 6.56 +0.66 / –0 ft (2.0 +0.20 / –0 m).
6.3.4 Repeat 6.3.1 – 6.3.3 until a total of five acceptable trials are recorded. Use a leveled surface for each trial. If testing cannot
be completed successfully on the test surface, document the reasons.
6.3.5 Repeat 6.3.1 – 6.3.4 with the same test wheelchair rider on a hard, smooth surface with a grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % (1:14) and
a cross slope of 0 6 0.5 %.
6.4 Calculation:
6.4.1 Calculation of work per foot (work per meter):
6.4.1.1 For each trial, calculate the average torque by integrating the area under the torque-time curve and dividing by the time
to complete the trial.
6.4.1.2 Calculate the total work required for each trial by multiplying the average torque value by the total wheel angular
displacement. If the test wheelchair was instrumented with only one pushrim force measuring wheel, multiply this value by two.
6.4.1.3 For each trial, normalize the total work required to work per foot (work per meter) by dividing by the length of the trial.
6.4.2 Alternative method for calculating work per foot (work per meter):
6.4.2.1 For each trial, calculate the average work per foot (work per meter) by integrating the area under the torque-angular
displacement curve or the torque-distance curve, and then dividing by the total angular displacement or length of the trial,
respectively. If the test wheelchair was instrumented with only one pushrim force measuring wheel, multiply this value by two.
6.4.3 Discard the low and high work per foot (work per meter) values and average the remaining three trials to determine the
average work per foot (work per meter) required to negotiate the test surface and the hard, smooth surface with a grade of 7.1 6
0.2 % (1:14).
F1951 − 21
6.5 Report—Report the following information for the straight propulsion test:
6.5.1 A reference to this specification.
6.5.2 Complete identification of the playground surface system tested, including manufacturer, type, manufacturer’s lot number,
if appropriate, thickness, and any other pertinent information.
6.5.3 Details of the manufacturers’ installation instructions. No modification or compaction of the surface is permitted beyond
what is stated in the manufacturer’s installation instructions other than what is required for test specimen preparation within
Specification F1292.
6.5.4 Complete identification of the test wheelchair used, including name of manufacturer, model, identification number, and
weight.
6.5.5 Weight of the test wheelchair rider, total weight and front-to-rear weight distribution of the wheelchair-rider system.
6.5.6 Optional additional helpful information includes any other relevant information, including photographs of the test site and
of the wheelchair.
6.5.7 Date of tests.
6.5.8 The name and address of the test institution.
6.5.9 Pushrim torque versus time graphs for each trial.
6.5.10 Work per foot (work per meter) values to the nearest 0.1 ft × lbf (0.1 N × m) and total trial times for all five trials on the
test surface and on the hard, smooth surface with a grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % (1:14).
6.5.11 Average work per foot (work per meter) to the nearest 0.1 ft × lbf (0.1 N × m) for the test surface and for the hard, smooth
surface with a grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % (1:14). If testing could not be successfully completed on the test surface, the report must state
this, as well as the reasons why testing could not be performed according to the test procedure. If the wheelchair continued to roll
and could not stop at the specified distance, the work per foot (work per meter) required to negotiate the test surface shall be
considered less than on the hard, smooth surface with a grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % (1:14).
6. Summary of Test Method
6.1 Wheelchair Work Test Method – Baseline—The wheelchair work measurement test methods shall be conducted on a hard,
smooth surface with a grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % (1:14) utilizing the straight propulsion test method and the turning propulsion test
method to determine the work required to propel a test wheelchair on a reference surface and specified slope.
6.2 Wheelchair Work Test Method – Surface Sample—The wheelchair work measurement test methods for straight and turning
propulsion shall then be conducted on a level sample surface. The work values obtained on the level sample surface shall be
compared to the baseline work value obtained in 6.1.
7. Significance and Use
7.1 The purpose of this specification is to establish quantitative measurements for wheelchair work that are related to the firmness
and stability of a surface material or surface system used as the accessible route and clear ground space at components within a
playground.
7.2 The specification provides a uniform means of objectively quantifying the performance of different playground surfacing
materials.
8. Equipment Operator Qualifications
8.1 Tests for the wheelchair work method shall be conducted by qualified personnel.
F1951 − 21
9. Test Apparatus
9.1 An Instrumented Test Wheelchair is used to measure the work per foot (work per meter) for a straight propulsion and turning
across a surface.
9.1.1 Instrumented Test Wheelchair—A 16-in. (40.64-cm) seat width rehabilitation wheelchair with foot supports and pneumatic
front and rear tires shall be used as the test wheelchair. The rear wheels shall be identical to one another with 24 by 1.375-in. (61
by 3.5-cm) pneumatic tires and pushrim diameters of 20 in. (50.8 cm). The front wheels shall be identical to one another with 8
by 1-in. (20.3 by 2.54-cm) pneumatic tires. One instrumented main rear wheel shall be capable of measuring the forces applied
to the pushrim that are tangential to the pushrim and parallel to the direction of travel. The wheelchair shall be adjusted such that
there is minimal toe in or out and minimal camber. Tire pressures shall be set to the maximum pressure specified by the
manufacturer 62 psi. The total weight of the wheelchair, including any distance measurement or data acquisition equipment
residing on the wheelchair shall be 48.4 6 11 lb (22 6 5 kg).
9.1.2 Test Wheelchair Rider—A 165 +11, –4.4-lb (75 +5, –2 kg) test wheelchair rider shall manually propel the wheelchair using
both hand rims during straight propulsion testing. Supplemental weights are permitted to achieve the correct user weight if the rider
is less than the required weight. The wheelchair rider shall have the functional ability to step into the wheelchair, without disturbing
the test surface that the wheelchair will be propelled over, after the wheelchair is already positioned on the test surface. The
wheelchair rider shall be trained to push on both handrims using both hands for the straight propulsion test and push on the outside
wheel with only one hand on one handrim for the turning propulsion test. The wheelchair rider shall propel the wheelchair, without
touching the wheelrims of the wheelchair such that no work is transmitted to the wheels of the wheelchair except through the
handrims. During turn testing, the wheelchair rider shall propel the wheelchair, using only the outside wheel and hand, around the
turning guide while using only the wheelchair handrim to push the outside wheel through the turn. The wheelchair rider is trained
by repeating the test procedure until the required distance within the required time is achieved.
9.1.3 Weight Distribution—The wheelchair rider shall be seated in the wheelchair such that 406 2 % of the total weight is
supported by the front casters and the rear wheels support the remaining 60 6 2 % when measured in a static position with the
wheelchair rider’s hands placed on the rear wheel pushrims in the topmost position. When supplemental weights are used to
compensate for the rider’s weight, these weights shall be positioned to achieve the proper weight distribution. To further adjust
the weight distribution, the rear axles of the wheelchair shall be adjusted forward or rearward, and or spacers shall be placed on
the back support of the wheelchair behind the wheelchair rider.
9.1.4 Weight of Total System—The total weight of the wheelchair-rider system, including any distance measurement or data
acquisition equipment residing on the wheelchair, shall be a minimum of 198.0 lb (90 kg) and a maximum of 235.4 lb (107 kg).
The same wheelchair, instrumentation and wheelchair rider with the same weight distribution adjustments shall be used for the
complete test procedure, pushing the wheelchair on the test surface and on the reference surfaces.
9.1.5 Distance Measurement—A method to measure the total distance that the wheelchair has propelled must be present. This
distance shall be 6.56 + 0.66 / –0 ft (2.0 +0.20 / –0 m) from its starting, measured to an accuracy of 6 0.79 in. (2 cm).
9.1.6 Data Acquisition—A data acquisition system shall be used to record the tangential forces applied to the pushrim from the
beginning to the end of the trial at a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
9.1.7 Turn Guide Test Fixture—A test-fixture shall be used to guide the wheelchair through the turning maneuver. The test fixture
shall be constructed such that it guides the wheelchair through a 90° turn. The turn guide shall be 4.75 6 0.4 in. (12 6 1 cm) in
height and have a radius of curvature of 12.00 6 0.05 in. (30.5 6 0.13 cm) (see Fig. 1). The outside of the 12.0-in. (30.5-cm) turn
guide shall by lined with a 0.25 6 0.02-in. (0.635 6 0.05-cm) polyethylene strip to provide an antifriction surface; thus, the turn
guide with polyethylene strip shall have an outside radius of 12.25 6 0.07 in. (31.135 6 0.18 cm). The rear wheel axle location
of the test wheelchair shall be tethered to the center of curvature of the turn guide. The length of the tether shall be set such that
when taut the lower portion of the wheelchair pushrim is 0.32 6 0.08 in. (8 6 2 mm) from the turn guide.
9.1.8 Angle Measurement—A method to measure the angle that the wheelchair has been turned must be present. This angle shall
be 90 +10 / –0° from its starting position, measured to an accuracy of 62°.
9.1.9 Baseline Ramp—A ramp with a hard, smooth, and solid surface with grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % (1:14). The surface of the 1:14
(7.1 %) ramp shall be a hard, solid surface. The surface of the ramp shall be smooth concrete, metal or plywood covered ramp.
The concrete, metal or plywood surface shall have a sufficient coefficient of friction to perform the test as long as the tires on the
tires on the wheelchair do not slip on the surface. The slope of the surface shall be within plus or minus 0.2 % of 7.1 % as measured
F1951 − 21
FIG. 1 Turn Guide Test Fixture
with a digital level measured over a 24 in. span in all locations. The average of all measurements made shall be within 0.1 % of
7.1 %. The ramp must have a planer surface that falls within two imaginary planes 0.25 in. apart over a 4 ft. span. The coefficient
of friction must be great enough that the tires of the test wheelchair do not slip.
NOTE 2—A standard ramp has a 1:12 slope or 8.33 % allowing a factor of safety in the performance of the surface.
10. Preparation of Surface Sample
10.1 Test Specimen:
10.1.1 An installed site or sample test bed of playground surfacing shall be used as the test specimen. The surface material shall
be installed according to the manufacturer’s installation instructions. The minimum test specimen size shall be 4 ft (1.22 m) wide
by 12 ft (3.66 m) in length. The test bed must have a clear space for a wheelchair that is 4.0 ft long with room for the wheelchair
rider’s feet to extend forward of the foot supports. There must be clearance behind and in front of the wheelchair at the beginning
and at the finish of the test.
10.1.2 The depth of the playground surface material shall be consistent with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. If the
playground surface material is made available to be installed at multiple depths, the testing shall be conducted and reported
separately for each depth. It shall not be permissible to combine multiple surface depths into one test procedure or report.
10.1.3 The surface shall be level and free of surface dirt, ice, or contaminants.
10.1.4 Testing shall be conducted when surface temperature, as measured by a temperature probe, is between 40 and 100°F (4 and
38°C).
11. Test Method for Maneuverability with the Wheelchair Work Measurement Method—Turning Method
11.1 Test Equipment and Setup: Wheelchair Work Measurement Test Method – Straight Propulsion:
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7.1.1 Test Wheelchair—A 16-in. (40.64-cm) width rehabilitation wheelchair with pneumatic rear tires, front wheels with
pneumatic tires, and a total weight of 31 6 4.4 lb (14 62 kg) shall be used as the test wheelchair. The rear wheels shall be identical
with 24 by 1.375-in. (61 by 3.5-cm) pneumatic tires and pushrim diameters of 20 in. (50.8 cm). The front wheels with pneumatic
tires shall be identical with 8 by 1-in. (20.3 by 2.54-cm) wheels with pneumatic tires. One main rear wheel shall be capable of
measuring the forces applied to the pushrim that are tangential to the pushrim and parallel to the direction of travel. The wheelchair
shall be adjusted such that there is minimal toe and minimal camber. Tire pressures shall be set to the maximum pressure specified
by the manufacturer 62 psi.
7.1.2 Test Wheelchair Rider—A165 +11, –4.4-lb (75 +5, –2 kg) test wheelchair rider shall propel the wheelchair during testing.
7.1.3 Weight of Total System—The total weight of the wheelchair-rider system, including any distance measurement or data
acquisition equipment residing on the wheelchair, shall be a minimum of 187.2 lb (85 kg) and a maximum of 255 lb (116 kg).
7.1.4 Weight Distribution—The wheelchair rider shall be seated in the wheelchair such that 406 2 % of the total weight is
supported by the front casters and the rear wheels support the remaining 60 6 2 % when measured in a static position with the
wheelchair rider’s hands placed on the rear wheel pushrims in the topmost position.
11.1.1 Turn Guide Test Fixture—A test-fixture shall be used to guide the wheelchair through the turning maneuver. The test fixture
shall be constructed such that it guides the wheelchair through a 90° turn. The turn guide shall be 4.75 6 0.4 in. (12 6 1 cm) in
height and have a radius of curvature of 12.00 6 0.05 in. (30.5 6 0.13 cm) (see The Straight Propulsion Test Method measures
the work to roll in a straight line across the test surface. Starting from a stationary position with the wheelchair casters in the trailing
position, the test wheelchair rider shall propel the wheelchair across the test surface a distance of 6.56 +0.66 / –0 ft (2.0 +0.20 /
–0 m) using four uniform pushes. The distance the wheelchair actually rolls shall be recorded Fig. 1). The outside of the 12.0-in.
(30.5-cm) turn guide shall by lined with a 0.25 6 0.02-in. (0.635 6 0.05-cm) polyethylene strip to provide an antifriction surface;
thus, the turn guide with polyethylene strip shall have an outside radius of 12.25 6 0.07 in. (31.135 6 0.18 cm). The rear wheel
axle location of the test to an accuracy of 6 0.79 in. (6 2 cm). The wheelchair rider shall contact the pushrims only during the
trial and shall maintain the same posture assumed during the weight distribution measurement. The wheelchair shall be tethered
to the center of curvature of the turn guide. The length of the tether shall be set such that when taut the lower portion propelled
in a straight path using both hands. All forces pushing on the instrumented wheel must be applied through the instrumented
handrim. This means that the wheelchair rider shall only touch the handrim of the instrumented wheel when pushing the
wheelchair. Allowing the hand to touch the wheel rim would allow unmeasured energy to propel the wheelchair and would
invalidate the results. At least three of the wheelchair pushrim is 0.32 6 0.08 in. (8 6 2 mm) from the turn guide.wheels shall be
in contact with the test surface during the trial. Each trial shall be completed in 7.0 6 1.0 s.
11.1.2 Angle Measurement—A method to measure the angle that the wheelchair has been turned must be present. This angle shall
be 90 +10 / –0° from its starting position, measured to an accuracy of 6 2°.Record the forces applied to the pushrim to an accuracy
of 6 0.15 ft × lbf (6 0.2 N × m), at a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
11.1.3 The trial is acceptable if it meets the following criteria:
11.1.3.1 Pushrim torque values below –3.69 ft × lbf (–5.0 N × m) (reverse torque) do not occur;
11.1.3.2 One or more wheels do not slip on the surface creating torque values above 7.38 ft × lbf (10 N × m) with no forward
movement of the wheelchair;
11.1.3.3 The time to complete the 6.56-ft (2.0-m) distance is 7.0 6 1.0 s;
11.1.3.4 The torque applied to the wheelchair pushrim is zero or decreasing at the end of the trial;
11.1.3.5 The four propulsion strokes cause the wheelchair to travel a total distance of 6.56 +0.66 / –0 ft (2.0 +0.20 / –0 m).
11.1.4 Repeat 11.1.1 – 11.1.3 until a total of five acceptable trials are recorded. Use a leveled surface for each trial. After each
trial the surface shall be leveled and compacted to its original installed condition which shall be in accordance to the manufacturer’s
installation and maintenance instructions. Failure to level the surface after each trail will create ruts in the surface. It is not
permissible to run subsequent trials in the rutted tread. If testing is not able to be completed successfully on the test surface,
document the reasons. If the drive wheels of the wheelchair slip in or on the surface while trying to push the wheelchair forward,
the surface is not firm enough to conduct the test procedure. Such a surface does not pass the test for straight propulsion.
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11.1.5 Repeat 11.1.1 – 11.1.4 with the same test wheelchair rider on a hard, smooth surface with a grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % (1:14)
and a cross slope of 0 6 0.5 % within 72 h of completing the five measurements of the work to propel in a straight line across
the test surface.
11.1.6 Wheel Angular Displacement Measurement (Optional)—A method to measure the angular displacement of the pushrim
force measuring wheel can be used. It shall have an accuracy of at least 6 0.5°.The calculation for Wheelchair Work Straight
Propulsion shall be measured and expressed in Newtons per meter or Foot-pounds per foot of work.
11.1.6.1 For each trial, calculate the average torque by integrating the area under the torque-time curve and dividing by the time
to complete the trial.
11.1.6.2 Calculate the total work required for each trial by multiplying the average torque value by the total wheel angular
displacement. If the test wheelchair was instrumented with only one pushrim force measuring wheel, multiply this value by two.
11.1.6.3 For each trial, normalize the total work required to work per foot (work per meter) by dividing by the length of the trial.
11.1.6.4 An alternative method for calculating work per foot (work per meter) for each trial, calculate the average work per foot
(work per meter) by integrating the area under the torque-angular displacement curve or the torque-distance curve, and then
dividing by the total angular displacement or length of the trial, respectively. If the test wheelchair was instrumented with only one
pushrim force measuring wheel, multiply this value by two.
11.1.6.5 Discard the low and high work per foot (work per meter) values and average the remaining three trials to determine the
average work per foot (work per meter) required to negotiate the test surface and the hard, smooth surface with a grade of 7.1 6
0.2 % (1:14).
11.1.6.6 Report work per foot (work per meter) values to the nearest 0.1 ft × lbf (0.1 N × m) and total trial times for all five trials
on the test surface and on the hard, smooth surface with a grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % (1:14).
11.1.6.7 Report the average work per foot (work per meter) to the nearest 0.1 ft × lbf (0.1 N × m) for the test surface and for the
hard, smooth surface with a grade of 7.1 6 0.2 % (1:14). If testing could not be successfully completed on the test surface, the
report must state this, as well as the reasons why testing could not be performed according to the test procedure. If the wheels of
the wheelchair slip or spin on a loose fill surface, the surface fails the test procedure. If the wheelchair continued to roll and could
not stop at the specified distance, the work per foot (work per meter) required to negotiate the test surface shall be calculated.
7.1.8 Data Acquisition—A data acquisition system shall be used to record the forces applied to the pushrim and the end of the trial
at a minimum frequency of 50 Hz.
7.2 Test Specimen:
7.2.1 An installed site of playground surfacing shall be used as the test specimen. The minimum test specimen size shall be 4 ft
(1.22 m) wide by 8 ft (2.44 m) in length. The playground surface thickness used for testing shall be the minimum thickness to be
used in an actual playground installation.
7.2.2 The playground surface shall be installed in an appropriate location, which is not required to be an actual playground.
7.2.3 The surface shall be level and free of surface dirt, ice, or contaminants.
7.2.4 Testing shall be conducted when surface temperature, as measured by a temperature probe, is between 40 and 100°F (4 and
38°C).
11.2 Test Procedure: Wheelchair Work Measurement Turning:
11.2.1 The Turning Propulsion Test Method measures the work to propel a wheelchair 90° through a turn across the test surface.
The wheelchair shall be positioned with the inside wheel tethered to the Turning Guide Test Fixture as specified in 9.1.7. The
wheelchair rider shall be trained as outlined in 9.1.2 on how to propel the wheelchair pushing with only one hand, only on the
outside instrumented handrim of the wheelchair without touching the rim of the wheel or tire. Pushing on the inside handrim would
allow unmeasured energy to push the wheelchair thru the turn which would invalidate the results. Starting from a stationary
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position with the wheelchair casters in the trailing position, the test wheelchair rider shall propel the only the outside handrim of
the wheelchair on the test surface around the turn guide using four uniform pushes until the wheelchair is oriented 90 +10 / –0°
from its starting position. The inside hand of the wheelchair rider shall be sitting on the knee or lap of the wheelchair rider. The
angle the wheelchair actually turns shall be recorded to an accuracy of 6 2°. The wheelchair rider shall contact only the
pushrimhandrim of the wheel that is on the outside of the turn only during the trial and shall maintain the same posture assumed
during weight distribution measurement. Weight Distribution Measurement as specified in 9.1.4. The wheelchair rider shall only
touch the handrim of the instrumented wheel when pushing the wheelchair. Allowing the hand to touch the wheel rim would allow
unmeasured energy to propel the wheelchair which would invalidate the results. All forces pushing on the instrumented wheel must
be applied through the instrumented handrim. At least three of the wheelchair wheels shall be in contact with the test surface during
the trial. Each trial shall be completed in 7.0 6 1.0 s.
11.2.2 Record the forces applied to the pushrim to an accuracy
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