ASTM F2376-23

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: F2376 − 22 F2376 − 23
Standard Practice for
Classification, Design, Manufacture, Construction, and
Operation of Water Slide Systems
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2376; 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
1.1 This practice applies to the classification, design, manufacture, construction, auditing, major modification, and operation of
water slide systems. Water slide systems shall be defined as rides intended for use by riders in bathing attire where the action of
the ride involves possible and purposeful immersion of the rider’s body either in whole or in part in water, and uses circulating
water to mobilize or lubricate the rider’s transportation along a purpose built path. This includes slides used with or without
vehicles as defined below. The terms water slides, waterslides, and slides shall be considered equivalent when used in this practice.
1.1.1 Owner/operator requirements of this standard are required of all water slide systems regardless of date of construction.
1.1.2 The design, manufacture and construction of an existing water slide or portions of a water slide system unaffected by a major
modification shall meet the standard requirements in existence at the time of the construction.
1.2 For the purposes of this practice, a water slide system includes:
1.2.1 The flume,
1.2.2 The water-circulation system,
1.2.3 The starting platform with associated means of access and egress,
1.2.4 The structural supports,
1.2.5 Vehicles or other aquatic accessories that are part of the water slide as defined by the manufacturer, and
1.2.6 Means of slide termination.
1.3 This practice shall not apply to:
1.3.1 Any water slides installed in private residences,
1.3.2 Water flume amusement rides where contact with water is merely incidental (for example, log flume rides, shoot-the-chutes),
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F24.70 on Water
Related Amusement Rides and Devices.
Current edition approved June 1, 2022June 1, 2023. Published June 2022August 2023. Originally approved in 2006. Last previous edition approved in 20212022 as
F2376 – 21a.F2376 – 22. DOI: 10.1520/F2376-22.10.1520/F2376-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2376 − 23
1.3.3 Amusement rides and devices whose design criteria are specifically addressed in another ASTM standard,
1.3.4 Lazy river type attractions operating at constant elevation, constructed in the ground,
1.3.5 Inflatable water slides (constant air supply) that are mounted on land (refer to Practice F2374-21a-22 for the requirements
of these types of water slides), and
1.3.6 Inflatable water slides (captured air) that are floating on a body of water (refer to EN/ISO 25649-2017, parts 1 through 7).7),
and
1.3.7 Water slides less than 6 ft tall. (Refer to Practice F2461-20a for the requirements of slides less than 6 ft tall.)
1.4 Pre-existing designs manufactured after the effective date of publication of this practice if the design is service proven or
previously compliant, as defined in Terminology F747-21a,-22, and the manufacturer provides:
1.4.1 A historical summary of the water slide, or major modification as defined in Terminology F747-21a,-22, and
1.4.2 A statement that the design is service proven or previously compliant. Water slides and major modifications to water slides
may qualify as previously compliant for five years following the date of publication of this practice. Thereafter, water slides and
major modifications to water slides must qualify as service proven or meet the requirements of this practice.
1.4.3 Service proven or previously compliant designs shall comply with Section 4.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
standard.
NOTE 1—The conversion factor from inch-pound to metric units is 1 in. = 25.4 mm, and 1 lb = 4.4482 N.
1.6 This practice includes an Appendix, which provides additional information to enhance the user’s understanding of and
application of the criteria presented in this practice, for example, rationale, background, drawings, interpretation, or commentary.
The information in the Appendix shall not be considered a mandatory part of this practice.
1.7 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.
1.8 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:
D570 Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D790 Test Methods for Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and Reinforced Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
F747 Terminology Relating to Amusement Rides and Devices
F770 Practice for Ownership, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Amusement Rides and Devices
F1193 Practice for Quality, Manufacture, and Construction of Amusement Rides and Devices
F2291 Practice for Design of Amusement Rides and Devices
F2374 Practice for Design, Manufacture, Operation, and Maintenance of Inflatable Amusement Devices
F2461 Practice for Manufacture, Construction, Operation, and Maintenance of Aquatic Play Equipment
F2974 Practice for Auditing Amusement Rides and Devices
F3158 Practice for Patron Transportation Conveyors Used with a Water Related Amusement Ride or Device
F3493 Practice for Measuring Dynamic Characteristics of Water Slide Systems Using Instrumented Humans
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.
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2.2 ACI Standard:
ACI-318 Building Code Requirements for Structural Concrete
2.3 ASCE Standard:
ASCE/SEI 7-16 Minimum Design Loads for Buildings and Other Structures
2.4 EN/ISO Standard:
EN/ISO 25649 Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water
2.5 USDA Document:
USDA-72 The Wood Handbook
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.1 fall distance—vertical distance between the terminus of the slide surface and the water surface of the landing pool.
3.1.2 flume riser (splashguard)—extension of the side wall of an open flume to contain riders or water and is capable of use as
a riding surface.
3.1.3 landing pool—pool intended to receive riders from a water slide.
3.1.4 landing zone—area in a landing pool intended for receiving riders from a particular slide.
3.1.5 run-out section—flume surface of a water slide where riders are intended to decelerate or come to a stop, or both.
3.1.6 slide height—difference in elevation from the centerline of the flume at the slide exit to the centerline of the flume at slide
entry, measured at the riding surface.
3.1.7 slide path—geometric layout of the flume sections that make up the water slide.
4. Design
4.1 General Design Criteria:
4.1.1 General design criteria shall be in accordance with Section 5, General Design Criteria, of Practice F2291-22a with the
following revisions:
4.1.1.1 Exclude Practice F2291-22a subsection 5.1.1.4 (2) Patron Restraint and Containment Analysis.
4.1.1.2 Exclude Practice F2291-22a subsection 5.1.1.4 (3) Patron Clearance Envelope Analysis.
4.1.1.3 Exclude Practice F2291-22a subsection 5.5.2.
4.1.1.4 The coordinate system as defined in Terminology F747-22 shall be used as the standard reference for acceleration
directions.
4.1.1.5 Exclude Practice F2291-22a subsection 5.6.4.1.
4.1.1.6 General drawings or diagrams in plan, elevation, and section views showing the general arrangement of components,
including slide clearance envelope as described in 4.3.
4.1.2 The ride analysis shall include assessment and mitigation of potentially hazardous conditions associated with the design rider
path and rider path variations.
Available from American Concrete Institute (ACI), P.O. Box 9094, Farmington Hills, MI 48333.
Available from The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), 1801 Alexander Bell Dr., Reston, VA 20191.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland,
https://www.iso.org.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401.
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4.1.3 If systems or devices are used to affect the speed of the rider or ride vehicle in order to mitigate a hazard, these systems or
devices shall meet the requirements of Practice F2291-22a, Subsection 5.2 Hazard Mitigations.
4.1.4 A water slide system shown to comply with this practice shall meet all applicable requirements specified in this practice.
Anyone representing compliance with this practice shall keep such essential records as are necessary to document any claim that
the requirements within this specification have been met.
4.1.5 The following are minimum requirements and should not be substituted where manufacturer experience suggests more
acrimonious values.
4.1.6 A water slide shall be designed and constructed so that forces on riders allow the rider to use the slide in accordance with
the rules and instructions under normal operating conditions.
4.2 Slide Classification:
4.2.1 Water slides are classified by their physical and intended use characteristics. The classification may be a combination of the
specific rider vehicle used the type of geometric path, often serpentine or straight, and the designation as a speed slide if the rider’s
velocity exceeds 25 ft/s. The following are definitions of the types of water slides.
4.2.1.1 body slides—water slide used without a vehicle.
4.2.1.2 children’s slides—Water slides generally intended only for use by persons under the height of 48 in. Water slide has a
maximum fall distance of 3 in. from slide exit where the rider enters the water and water depth is no greater than 24 in.
4.2.1.3 mat slides—water slide used with a designated mat as a vehicle.
4.2.1.4 serpentine slide—curved path as viewed in geometric slide path.
4.2.1.5 specialty slides—proprietary water slide design, such as an uphill, half-pipe, or bowl ride, which does not conform to
standard classification.
4.2.1.6 specialty vehicle slides—water slide used with a proprietary vehicle specified by the manufacturer.
4.2.1.7 speed slide—water slide where the rider(s) achieve a velocity of 25 ft/s or more during the course of the ride.
4.2.1.8 tube slides—water slide used with a single or multi-person water slide tube.
4.3 Notification Requirement—Patron Restraint, Clearance Envelope, and Containment Design Criteria: A water slide system
shown to comply with this practice shall meet all applicable requirements specified in this practice. Anyone representing
compliance with this practice shall keep such essential records as are necessary to document any claim that the requirements within
this specification have been met.
4.3.1 Patron Restraint and Containment Analysis—A patron restraint and containment analysis shall be performed.
4.3.2 Patron Clearance Envelope Analysis—A patron clearance envelope analysis shall be performed in accordance with Practice
F2291-22a subsection 6.6, with the following revision:
(1) Exclude Practice F2291-22a subsection 6.6.4.2.
4.3.2.1 In accordance with Practice F2291-22a Subsection 6.6.3.6, reasonably foreseeable variations in the position or orientation
of the patron or patron carrying device shall be considered. Fig. 1 is an example illustration of this consideration.
4.3.3 Surfaces in reach by slide attendants and riders shall be made in such a way as to reduce the potential for injury.
4.4 Structural Design of Water Slides:
4.4.1 This section defines the loading and strength criteria that shall be used in the structural engineering of water slide flumes
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FIG. 1 Sample Patron Clearance Envelope Illustration with Variation in Position (Raft)
and supporting structures. The strength and stability of the water slide system shall be demonstrated by generally accepted
engineering methods certified by a professional engineer.
4.4.1.1 Basic load descriptions are provided below and within Appendix X2.
4.4.1.2 In the absence of a recognized national building code, the basic loads defined below shall be combined with guidance
provided by Practice F2291-21,-22a, with the exception that ASCE/SEI 7-16 shall be used.
4.4.1.3 The ASCE/SEI 7-16 and later calculates basic wind loads as ultimate wind loads. This document provides the ultimate
wind speeds for use with the load combinations provided in Appendix X2.
4.4.1.4 Basic loads are forces, pressures, movements, etc. defined by a magnitude, direction, and application location. Basic loads
are not yet combined with other loads.
4.4.1.5 Basic load case values such as wind, live, and dead shall be combined using pre-defined Load Combinations within
ASCE/SEI 7-16 when no other load combination guidance is required by the jurisdiction. Some of these load combinations are
provided within Appendix X2 as they appear within ASCE/SEI 7-16. Load combinations are defined for allowable stress design
(ASD) and ultimate strength design (USD) methodologies, respectively. The engineer will ensure that load combinations are used
consistently with matching resistance levels.
4.4.2 Dead Loads (symbol D)—Forces resulting from weight of all components of the ride and includes all loads that do not
fluctuate with respect to time.
4.4.2.1 Ice Loads (symbol D,i)—Forces resulting from the calculated accumulation of ice on exterior water slide components that
correspond to the location’s ice risk category.
4.4.3 Live Loads (symbol L)—Forces resulting from live load occupancy requirements including, but not limited to egress
corridors, public assembly, queuing areas, maintenance platforms or catwalks. Also, forces from water, riders, rider vehicles, or
a combination thereof, in the slide system, are defined herein.
4.4.3.1 Slide Live Load (symbol L,s)—Forces from water, riders, rider vehicles, or a combination thereof, in the system under its
pre-established and defined normal operations. L,s = water loads(L,f) + rider loads(L,p).
4.4.3.2 Water Load (symbol L,f)—One component of the slide live load. In free flowing water slides where water does not collect
in pools or streams greater than 51 mm (2 in.) deep, the water load shall be a minimum of 0.35 kN/m (22.5 pounds per linear foot)
for every 100 liters per second (1500 gallons per minute) of flow. Where the flow is such that water collects in pools or streams
greater than 51 mm (2 in.) deep, the actual maximum water load shall be determined and used in calculation, design, or load tests,
or a combination thereof.
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4.4.3.3 Rider Load (symbol L,p)—One component of the slide live load. The manufacturer shall specify the rider vehicle weight
and the maximum number of riders that are to slide in the flume at one time to the designer/engineer.
(1) For water slides intended for multiple rider use, the weight assigned to each rider shall be, at a minimum, the weight
specified for a rider within 4.3.3.34.4.3.3(2).
(2) Each water slide rider shall be modeled as a 1.33 kN (300 lb) point load rationally distributed by the rider vehicle stiffness,
or over a 762 by 762 mm (30 by 30 in.) area for an individual rider with no vehicle.
(3) Rider loads shall be so arranged to cause the greatest realistic stress on each structural element within the water slide
system.
(4) Lateral centripetal forces shall be considered in curved sections of flume using live loads. Predicted rider speeds should be
used to calculate these forces. If speeds cannot be predicted, then a minimum of 4.6 m/s (15 ft/s) for flumes under 15 % slope and
9.1 m/s (30 ft/s) for all other flumes shall be used.
(5) If the manufacturer allows rider loads in excess of those defined herein, then the designer/engineer shall design for the
higher load provided by the manufacturer.
(6) The weight of the rider vehicle shall be added to and included in determining rider load.
4.4.3.4 Live loads are loads produced by the intended use, occupancy, reasonably expected operations, maintenance, and person
rescue applied to the water slide structural system. Live loads shall never be less than the loads required within this specification,
even if operational limitations may justify a lesser load.
4.4.4 Environmental Loads—Forces from environmental conditions of the site such as wind, precipitation, earthquake, and
changes in temperature.
4.4.4.1 Loads and forces due to environmental conditions shall be applied consistently in accordance with the applicable building
code requirements or guidance provided by this standard.
4.4.4.2 The manufacturer and designer/engineer shall clearly indicate the design environmental loads within the water slide
system’s operating and maintenance instructions, as specified in the sections on manufacturer’s responsibility within Practices
F770-21a-22 and F1193-18a.-22. In addition to the environmental load information, any restriction, limitations, or special
procedures associated with water slides exposed to these environmental loads shall be included.
4.4.4.3 Wind Load (symbol W)—For outdoor slides, the minimum wind load for all types of water slides shall be calculated based
on the local jurisdiction’s minimum wind speed velocity using the following:
• Duration equal to 3-s gust.
• Height equal to (10.06 m) 33 ft above grade.
• Exposure C is defined as open terrain with scattered obstructions.
• The return interval (of 300, 700, and 1700 years) is based on the water slide systems’ risk category.
(1) Non-operational in the wind (symbol W,n)—In the absence of a local building code, the wind load shall be calculated based
on a minimum 3-s gust, 700-year MRI basic wind speed of 58 m/s (130-mph) during non-operational conditions.
(2) Operational in the wind (symbol W,s)—For outdoor slides the operational wind load for all types of water slides shall be
calculated based on a minimum 3-s gust, 700-year MRI wind speed of 25 m/s (60-mph) during operational conditions.
4.4.4.4 Other Lateral Loads – for example, Notional Loads (symbol N)—A minimum lateral load equivalent to 10 % of the dead
weight and superimposed D of the structure shall be included or minimum notional load required by structural material
specifications (whichever is larger).
4.4.4.5 Snow Load (symbol S)—The snow load for all types of water slides shall be calculated in accordance with the relevant local
ground snow load(s).
4.4.4.6 Rain Load (symbol R)—The rain load shall be calculated for outdoor slides and incorporated into operational and
non-operational load combinations.
4.4.4.7 Temperature Change Loads (symbol T)—The temperature change load shall be calculated for outdoor/exposed water slides
and incorporated into operational and non-operational load combinations.
4.4.4.8 Seismic Loads (symbol E)—The seismic load shall be calculated for all slides and incorporated into load combinations for
operational and non-operational load combinations. Seismic loads shall be considered during both operational and non-operational
conditions.
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4.4.4.9 The environmental loads during operation shall always conform to the minimum requirements within this document and
Practice F2291-21-22a regardless of operational manual limitations. However, when the operations manual dictates operational
limits that are higher (or more severe) than this document and Practice F2291-21,-22a, the environmental loads during operations
shall be increased to those written within the operations manual.
4.4.5 Overload—Forces from water, riders, or vehicles, or a combination thereof, under extraordinary operational conditions due
to user overload.
4.4.5.1 Calculations for extraordinary operational conditions that consider user overload shall be based on conditions specified by
the manufacturer and need not consider any other live load in combination with such overload.
4.4.5.2 Chain Load (symbol Lp)—A required overload case where multiple ride vehicles (or single riders) slide down the flume
connected. This load case shall be considered regardless of operational limitations. The chain load shall be applied within load
combinations as a live load in place of the slide live load, using the same live load factors. Apply the chain load as a moving load
that starts at the top of the flume and ends at the flume’s bottom. This load is defined as a 1.5 kN/m (103 plf) over a 5.0 m (16.4
ft) length segment.
4.4.5.3 Jam Load (symbol A)—An overload case where a ride vehicle or individual rider stops or is stuck on the slide. Subsequent
ride vehicles or individual riders accumulate behind the blockage. This load shall be used in place of the slide live load using a
1.0 load factor for service (ASD) combinations, and a 1.3 load factor for ultimate (USD) combinations. The load is defined as a
1.5 kPa (31 psf) over the projected plan area of the entire length of the flume. This load may be omitted where there is a 20 %
or more vertical slope.
4.4.6 Load Combinations—Shall be calculated according to Practice F2291-21, Section 8. -22a, Section 8 Loads and Strengths.
Engineering calculations may use either service level (ASD) or ultimate level methods (LRFD). Whichever load combination
method is used, the subsequent analysis and material resistance calculations shall be performed consistent with the load
combination method chosen. Engineering calculations shall consider load conditions and simultaneous occurrence of loads in
accordance with generally accepted engineering methods. Calculations shall consider load combinations when water slide systems
are not occupied and may experience extreme (or maximum design) weather.
4.4.6.1 Operational Load Combinations—For guidance on operational load combinations refer to Practice F2291-21, Section
8.-22a, Section 8 Loads and Strengths.
4.4.7 Metal Structures—Strength of steel structures under or above noted loads shall be designed in accordance with current AISC,
ASCE standards, or equivalent national standards.
4.4.8 Wood Structures—Strength of timber structures under or above noted loads shall be designed in accordance with current
USDA-72, ASCE standards, or equivalent national standards.
4.4.9 Concrete Structures—Strength of concrete structures under above noted loads shall be designed in accordance with current
ACI-318 or equivalent national standards.
4.4.10 Plastic and Plastic Composite Structures:
4.4.10.1 Strength of plastic structures under above noted loads shall be designed in accordance with generally accepted
engineering methods. Assessment shall be performed in a manner suitable for the specific material and structure.
4.4.10.2 Fiberglass reinforced plastic or other composite materials used structurally shall have samples tested for strength with
accelerated aging in accordance with Test Methods D570-98 (2018),-22, D638-14,-22, and D790-17.
4.4.10.3 Loads from normal operational conditions shall demonstrate a minimum of 5 to 1 factor of safety against rupture for
fiberglass reinforced plastic or other composite materials.
4.4.10.4 Calculations for extraordinary operational conditions from user overload shall demonstrate a minimum of 2 to 1 factor
of safety against rupture of fiberglass reinforced plastic or other composite materials.
4.5 Slide Access:
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4.5.1 General—Fencing, guardrails, and handrails shall be installed in accordance with Section 14, Fencing, Guardrails, Handrails,
Gates, and Walkways for Amusement Rides and Devices, of Practice F2291-22a.
4.5.2 If the water slide system includes a starting platform and the platform is more than 21 in. above surrounding terrain, the
platform shall provide at least 36 in. in distance between the slide entry and the top of stairs or ramp. Sufficient space shall be
provided on the platform for slide attendant workspace, signage, and any communication devices needed for operation. Except
where a stair or ramp or slide entry joins it, the platform shall be surrounded on all sides by a guardrail in accordance with Section
14, Fencing, Guardrails, Handrails, Gates, and Walkways for Amusement Rides and Devices, of Practice F2291-22a.
4.5.3 Surface of steps, access ramp, and deck shall be slip-resistant and self-draining.
4.5.4 Slide entry section should interface with the platform guardrail so that a 4 in. sphere cannot pass between the slide entry
component and the adjacent guardrail component.
4.6 Openings and Apertures in Flume Surfaces:
4.6.1 Openings may be provided in flume surfaces for introduction of water, drains, special effects, light, and other similar
purposes. All edges in openings within reach of riders shall be smooth with a minimum radius of ⁄8 in. Openings shall not present
an entrapment risk.
4.6.2 Openings at the slide start for the main water supply do not require guards or gratings unless the rider stands, sits, walks,
or slides over the face of the opening during normal slide operation, or if the configuration of the opening is such that a rider
moving in the usual direction of travel would not become entrapped. Grating shall have a maximum width of slot or hole diameter
of ⁄2 in.
4.7 Performance Requirements: Flume:
4.4.1 General Requirements:
4.4.1.1 The following are minimum requirements and should not be substituted where manufacturer experience suggests more
acrimonious values.
4.4.1.2 Surfaces in reach by slide attendants and riders shall be made in such a way as to reduce the potential for injury.
4.4.1.3 A water slide shall be designed and constructed so that forces on riders allow the rider to use the slide in accordance with
the rules and instructions under normal operating conditions.
4.4.2 Slide Access:
4.4.2.1 General—Fencing, guardrails, and handrails shall be installed in accordance with Section 14, Fencing, Guardrails,
Handrails, Gates, and Walkways for Amusement Rides and Devices, of Practice F2291-21.
4.4.2.2 If the water slide system includes a starting platform and the platform is more than 21 in. above surrounding terrain, the
platform shall provide at least 36 in. in distance between the slide entry and the top of stairs or ramp. Sufficient space shall be
provided on the platform for slide attendant workspace, signage, and any communication devices needed for operation. Except
where a stair or ramp or slide entry joins it, the platform shall be surrounded on all sides by a guardrail in accordance with Section
14, Fencing, Guardrails, Handrails, Gates, and Walkways for Amusement Rides and Devices, of Practice F2291-21.
4.4.2.3 Surface of steps, access ramp, and deck shall be slip-resistant and self-draining.
4.4.2.4 Slide entry section should interface with the platform guardrail so that a 4 in. sphere cannot pass between the slide entry
component and the adjacent guardrail component.
4.7.1 Open Flume Geometry:
4.7.1.1 Flume cross-section shape shall be configured to contain the rider(s) or vehicle, or both, under all reasonable operating
conditions. Total depth of section and shape of cross-section of a flume may be created in a single piece or more than one piece.
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4.7.1.2 Open water slide flumes shall be kept clear of obstacles within undergo a Patron Clearance Envelope Analysis, in
accordance with subsection 4.3.2the water slide clearance envelope as. The determined means for direct measurements and the
Patron Clearance Envelope shall be shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Flume riser sections may be added to block access to anything
encroachinga convenient form and illustrated both graphically and numerically. Illustrations similar to Figs. 2 and 3 in the area.are
one acceptable method.
4.7.1.3 Water slides shall have additional sidewall height provided by a flume riser section on the outside part of all horizontal
curves to contain the rider. This flume riser shall be concave facing the center of the cross-section. The flume riser may be an
integral or separate part from the main flume component.
(1) Flume Riser Transition—Flume riser parts shall be transitioned from sections without flume risers to sections with flume
risers with a maximum angle of 45° from the horizontal. See Fig. 34.
(2) Other Additions—Where a cover, a tube entrance, or a flume riser is fitted other than at the beginning of the slide, the sides
of the slide shall have a smooth transition from horizontal to vertical. Maximum angle of transition will be 45°. The inside height
of the entrance to the cover or flume riser shall be at least 48 in.
4.7.1.4 Body slides with curved bottom flume sections such that the cross-section of the bottom and the sides are a continuously
curving surface shall have:
(1) Minimum inside width of 30 in., minimum sidewall height of 15 in., and
(2) The top 1 in. of curved sidewalls shall be within 10° of vertical.
4.7.1.5 Tube slides with flat bottom flume sections shall have:
(1) Minimum width of 48 in. inside sidewalls,
(2) Minimum sidewall height of 24 in., and
(3) Sidewalls that are straight may diverge from vertical a maximum of 2 in. measured at 24 in. from bottom.
FIG. 12 Water Slide Clearance EnvelopeSample Patron Clearance Envelope Illustration with Rider Reach Position Variances (Body
Slide)
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FIG. 23 Water Slide Clearance EnvelopeSample Patron Clearance Envelope Illustration Back View Configuration (Inner Tube)
FIG. 34 Flume Riser
4.7.1.6 Tube slides with curved bottom flume sections such that the cross-section of the bottom and the sides are a continuously
curving surface shall have:
(1) Minimum inside width of 52 in.,
(2) Minimum sidewall height of 26 in., and
(3) The top 1 in. of curved sidewalls shall be within 10° of vertical.
4.7.1.7 Mat slides that are straight in plan shall have:
(1) Minimum width of 22 in. inside sidewalls,
(2) Minimum sidewall height of 16 in.,
(3) Sidewalls that are straight may diverge from vertical a maximum of 6 in. measured at 16 in. from bottom, and
(4) The top 1 in. of curved sidewalls shall be within 10° of vertical.
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4.7.1.8 Multiple Parallel Lane Flumes—Where more than one flume runs in parallel straight-line path (in plan).
(1) The outermost sections shall have sidewalls a minimum of 24 in. in height.
(2) Where the flume path runs adjacent, there shall be a dividing barrier a minimum of 8 in. high between the lanes.
(3) Each lane shall be a minimum of 22 in. inside width.
4.7.1.9 Water slides such as specialty slides that cannot be classified above shall conform to the requirements of 6.3.4.
4.7.1.10 Combination rides may be designed such that sections of the slide conform to the requirements of the respective
specifications above.
4.7.2 Closed Flume Geometry:
4.7.2.1 The following are minimum requirements and should not be substituted where manufacturer experience suggests more
conservative values. Total shape of cross-section of a flume may be created in two or more pieces.
4.7.2.2 Body slides with curved bottom flumes shall have a minimum inside dimension of 30 in.
4.7.2.3 Tube slides with flat bottom closed flume sections shall have a minimum inside dimension of 48 in.
4.7.2.4 Tube slides with curved bottom closed flume sections shall have a minimum inside dimension of 52 in.
4.4.5 Run Out Lanes:
4.4.5.1 Run out sections shall be designed to contain, decelerate, and stop riders to allow them to exit the slide.
4.4.5.2 A weir or other device shall regulate the water level in the run out to the correct level given correct flow rate for the ride.
4.4.5.3 To facilitate proper deceleration, a marker shall be provided to indicate the operational water level in the run out, which
the slide attendant/lifeguard may verify prior to allowing the next rider entry to the slide.
4.4.6 Landing Pools:
4.4.6.1 Landing pools shall be designed to decelerate and stop riders and allow them to exit the water slide without encountering
an obstruction.
4.4.6.2 The exit path for riders shall not cross with the landing zone of other slides. The designated pool exit shall be such as to
force the riders to move forward and away from the paths of riders from other flumes.
4.4.6.3 Water slides entering a landing pool shall have a landing pool of sufficient length to decelerate and stop riders and
minimize the potential for contact with the pool wall or stationary objects (stair, ladder, railing, and so forth) in the landing pool.
Water slides classified as speed slides (rider velocity over 25 ft/s) will require additional pool length.
4.4.6.4 Pool depth in the landing zone for water slides for persons over 48 in. tall shall have a minimum pool depth of 3 ft.
4.4.6.5 Flume geometry at pool entry shall be straight viewed in plan for the last 8 ft of the water slide entering a pool.
4.4.6.6 Landing pools for waterslides with a fall distance greater than 6 in. shall have an increase in pool depth from the 3 ft
minimum according to manufacturer recommendation to minimize potential impact with pool bottom.
4.4.6.7 If water supply for the slide(s) is drawn directly from landing pools or other areas accessible to the public, the suction line
shall be divided into at least two lines, where connected to the pool, such that one person cannot block more than one suction line.
The fittings and piping details shall be designed so that the full volume of water for the slide may be drawn through the remaining
fittings at a velocity not to exceed 1 ft/s, assuming one suction fitting is fully blocked.
4.4.7 Body Slide Landing Pools:
4.4.7.1 Body slides entering a landing pool shall have a minimum distance between the inside of the widest part of the flume riding
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surface and the closest pool wall of 5 ft. The place of measurement in the pool shall be at any point from water level to 3 ft below
water level and 6 ft in front of the flume termination. The lateral pool wall shall be parallel to or diverge from the axis of the slide.
See Fig. 4.
4.4.7.2 Body slides entering a common landing pool should be arranged so as to minimize the potential for riders to come in
contact with each other when exiting the flumes of adjacent slides simultaneously.
4.4.8 Tube Slide Landing Pools:
4.4.8.1 Tube slides entering a landing pool shall have a minimum distance between the inside of the widest part of the flume riding
surface and the closest pool wall of 4.5 ft. The place of measurement in the pool shall be at any point from water level to 3 ft below
water level and 6 ft in front of the flume termination. The pool wall shall be parallel to or diverge from the axis of the slide. See
Fig. 4.
4.4.8.2 Tube slides entering a common landing pool should be arranged to minimize the opportunity for contact with other riders
when exiting the flumes of adjacent slides simultaneously.
4.4.9 Openings and Apertures in Flume Surfaces:
4.4.9.1 Openings may be provided in flume surfaces for introduction of water, drains, special effects, light, and other similar
purposes. All edges in openings within reach of riders shall be smooth with a minimum radius of ⁄8 in. Openings shall not present
an entrapment risk.
4.4.9.2 Openings at the slide start for the main water supply do not require guards or gratings unless the rider stands, sits, walks,
or slides over the face of the opening during normal slide operation, or if the configuration of the opening is such that a rider
moving in the usual direction of travel would not become entrapped. Grating shall have a maximum width of slot or hole diameter
of ⁄2 in.
4.7.3 Seams and Joints:
4.7.3.1 For the purposes of this section, riding surface shall be taken to mean the part of the flume where the path of riders is
expected or found to pass over, for example, the outside half of a curved flume section.
4.7.3.2 Longitudinal joints on the riding surface shall be made tangent.
4.7.3.3 Edges of lateral joints on body slides may have a radius of up to ⁄16 in. Edges of longitudinal joints in closed flumes may
1 3
have a radius of up to ⁄4 in. Edges of longitudinal joints in open flume risers may have a radius of up to ⁄8 in.
4.7.3.4 Edges of lateral joints on mat and tube slides may have a radius of up to ⁄2 in.
4.4.11 Accelerations:
FIG. 45 Body Slide Landing Pool
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4.4.11.1 Slide paths shall be designed so riders in seated or prone (laying face down) positions do not experience greater than 2
Gs acceleration from gravity and centrifugal acceleration vectors added together. This limit may be increased to 3 Gs if the duration
is less than 1 s.
4.4.11.2 Slide paths shall be designed so that riders in supine (laying face up) positions do not experience greater than 3 Gs
acceleration from gravity and centripetal acceleration vectors added together.
4.4.12 Slide Vehicles:
4.4.12.1 Slide vehicles shall be constructed to have a cushioning effect for riders who can come into contact with another vehicle
during normal operation of the slide.
4.4.12.2 Slide vehicles shall float when used in a landing pool.
4.8 General Design Criteria: Termination:
4.8.1 Run Out Lanes:
4.8.1.1 Run out sections shall be designed to contain, decelerate, and stop riders to allow them to exit the slide.
4.8.1.2 A weir or other device shall regulate the water level in the run out to the correct level given correct flow rate for the ride.
4.8.1.3 To facilitate proper deceleration, a marker shall be provided to indicate the operational water level in the run out, which
the slide attendant/lifeguard may verify prior to allowing the next rider entry to the slide.
4.8.2 Landing Pools:
4.8.2.1 Landing pools shall be designed to decelerate and stop riders and allow them to exit the water slide without encountering
an obstruction.
4.8.2.2 The exit path for riders shall not cross with the landing zone of other slides. The designated pool exit shall be such as to
force the riders to move forward and away from the paths of riders from other flumes.
4.8.2.3 Water slides entering a landing pool shall have a landing pool of sufficient length to decelerate and stop riders and
minimize the potential for contact with the pool wall or stationary objects (stair, ladder, railing, and so forth) in the landing pool.
Water slides classified as speed slides (rider velocity over 25 ft/s) will require additional pool length.
4.8.2.4 Pool depth in the landing zone for water slides for persons over 48 in. tall shall have a minimum pool depth of 3 ft.
4.8.2.5 Flume geometry at pool entry shall be straight viewed in plan for the last 8 ft of the water slide entering a pool.
4.8.2.6 Landing pools for waterslides with a fall distance greater than 6 in. shall have an increase in pool depth from the 3 ft
minimum according to manufacturer recommendation to minimize potential impact with pool bottom.
4.8.2.7 If water supply for the slide(s) is drawn directly from landing pools or other areas accessible to the public, the suction line
shall be divided into at least two lines, where connected to the pool, such that one person cannot block more than one suction line.
The fittings and piping details shall be designed so that the full volume of water for the slide may be drawn through the remaining
fittings at a velocity not to exceed 1 ft/s, assuming one suction fitting is fully blocked.
4.8.3 General design criteria shall be in accordance with Section 5, General Design Criteria, of Practice F2291-21 with the
following revisions:Body Slide Landing Pools:
4.5.1.1 Delete 5.1.1.4 (2) Patron Restraint and Containment Analysis.
4.8.3.1 Patron Restraint and Containment Analysis—A patron restraint and containment analysis shall be performed.Body slides
entering a landing pool shall have a minimum distance between the inside of the widest part of the flume riding surface and the
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closest pool wall of 5 ft. The place of measurement in the pool shall be at any point from water level to 3 ft below water level
and 6 ft in front of the flume termination. The lateral pool wall shall be parallel to or diverge from the axis of the slide. See Fig.
5.
4.5.1.3 Delete 5.1.1.4 (3) Patron Clearance Envelope Analysis.
4.5.1.4 Patron Clearance Envelope Analysis—A patron clearance envelope analysis shall be performed.
4.5.1.5 Delete 5.5.2.
4.8.3.2 The coordinate system as defined in TerminologyBody slides entering a common landing pool should be arranged so as
to minimize the potential for riders to come in contact F747-21a shall be used as the standard reference for acceleration
directions.with each other when exiting the flumes of adjacent slides simultaneously.
4.5.1.7 Delete 5.6.4.1.
4.5.1.8 General drawings or diagrams in plan, elevation, and section views showing the general arrangement of components,
including side clearance envelope as described in 4.4.3.2.
4.5.2 The ride analysis shall include assessment and mitigation of potentially hazardous conditions associated with the design rider
path and rider path variations.
4.8.4 If systems or devices are used to affect the speed of the rider or ride vehicle in order to mitigate a hazard, these systems or
devices shall meet the requirements of Practice F2291-21, Section 5.2 Hazard Mitigations.Tube Slide Landing Pools:
4.8.4.1 Tube slides entering a landing pool shall have a minimum distance between the inside of the widest part of the flume riding
surface and the closest pool wall of 4.5 ft. The place of measurement in the pool shall be at any point from water level to 3 ft below
water level and 6 ft in front of the flume termination. The pool wall shall be parallel to or diverge from the axis of the slide. See
Fig. 5.
4.8.4.2 Tube slides entering a common landing pool should be arranged to minimize the opportunity for contact with other riders
when exiting the flumes of adjacent slides simultaneously.
4.9 Accelerations:
4.9.1 Slide paths shall be designed so riders in seated or prone (laying face down) positions do not experience greater than 2 Gs
acceleration from gravity and centrifugal acceleration vectors added together. This limit may be increased to 3 Gs if the duration
is less than 1 s.
4.9.2 Slide paths shall be designed so that riders in supine (laying face up) positions do not experience greater than 3 Gs
acceleration from gravity and centripetal acceleration vectors added together.
4.9.3 Acceleration data shall be collected and processed as defined in Practice F3493-23.
4.10 Slide Vehicles:
4.10.1 Slide vehicles shall be constructed to have a cushioning effect for riders who can come into contact with another vehicle
during normal operation of the slide.
4.10.2 Slide vehicles shall float when used in a landing pool.
4.11 Pneumatics—Pneumatics shall be designed in accordance with Section 10, Pneumatic Systems and Components, of Practice
F2291-21.-22a.
4.12 Safety Related Control Systems—Safety Related Control Systems shall be designed in accordance with Section 11, Safety
Related Control Systems, of Practice F2291-21.-22a.
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4.13 Mechanical Systems and Components—Mechanical Systems and Component
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