ASTM F3415-20

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: F3415 − 20
Standard Test Method for
Triaxial Shear Strength and Cohesion of Equine Sports
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Surfaces
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3415; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope refrigerated water bath with a triaxial cell cap fitted with a
copper coil. Failure criteria is assumed under similar condi-
1.1 This adapted test method covers the determination of
tions for the dirt surfaces, and results are presented as the
strength and stress-strain relationships of a cylindrical speci-
failure stress at 15 psi confining pressure versus sample
men of a compacted, drained cohesive natural or synthetic soil
temperature, along with friction angle and cohesion.
surface used in equine sports surfaces. Specimens are isotro-
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
pically consolidated and sheared in compression at a constant
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
rate of axial deformation (strain controlled).
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.2 The shear strength of an equine sports surface material
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
describes the resistance of the material to sliding of the surface
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
layers. Shear strength influences both slide and penetration of
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
the hoof in the track surface. It is generally accepted that a
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
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small amount of slide on impact is desirable (1-3). However,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the surface must have sufficient shear strength to support the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
horse during propulsion (1-5). Thus, an optimal shear strength
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
would be expected for an equestrian surface.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.3 To determine the shear strength of an equine sports
2. Referenced Documents
surface, a representative dirt or synthetic sample is placed into
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a cylindrical cell and a vertical load is applied. Shear strength
2.1 ASTM Standards:
is measured as per the procedures outlined in Test Method
D4767 Test Method for Consolidated Undrained Triaxial
D4767 for lab-consolidated samples. ThisASTM standard was
Compression Test for Cohesive Soils
adapted by Racing Surfaces Testing Laboratory for the drained
3. Terminology
condition to more accurately model the conditions of an
equestrian surface. 3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 failure, n—stress condition at failure for a test speci-
1.4 Dirtsamplesaretestedoverarangeofformingmoisture
men.
contents to determine the maximum bulk density and optimal
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Failure for dirt is taken at 15 psi
forming moisture content for a given energy input. The dirt
confining pressure versus sample forming moisture content,
samples are then compacted at this optimal moisture content.
along with friction angle and cohesion. Failure for a synthetic
The maximum stress failure criteria is assumed and results are
sample is taken under similar conditions for dirt surfaces, and
presented as the failure stress at 15 psi confining pressure
results are presented as the failure stress at 15 psi confining
versus sample forming moisture content, along with friction
pressure versus sample temperature, along with friction angle
angle and cohesion.
and cohesion.
1.5 Synthetic samples with good drainage are tested at a 4%
3.1.2 shear strength, n—resistance of the material to sliding
forming moisture content, and over a specified range of
of the surface layers.
temperatures. The temperature is controlled using a heated/
3.1.3 triaxial shear test, n—method to measure the me-
chanical properties of deformable solids and other granular
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
materials or powders.
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F08.28 on Equestrian Surfaces.
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Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2020. Published January 2020. DOI: 10.1520/ For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
F3415-20. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
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The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of Standards volu
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