ASTM F2396-11(2019)

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: F2396 − 11 (Reapproved 2019) Am American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Construction of High Performance Sand-Based Rootzones
for Athletic Fields
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2396; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 Thisguidecoverstechniquesthatareappropriateforthe
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
construction of high performance sand-based rootzones for
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
sports fields. This guide provides guidance for the selection of
materials, including soil, sand, gravel, peat, and so forth, for
2. Referenced Documents
use in designing and constructing sand-based sports turf
2.1 ASTM Standards:
rootzones.
C88Test Method for Soundness of Aggregates by Use of
1.2 Decisions in selecting construction and maintenance
Sodium Sulfate or Magnesium Sulfate
techniques are influenced by existing soil types, climatic
C131Test Method for Resistance to Degradation of Small-
factors,levelofplay,intensityandfrequencyofuse,equipment
SizeCoarseAggregatebyAbrasionandImpactintheLos
available, budget and training, and the ability of management
Angeles Machine
personnel.
C1444Test Method for Measuring the Angle of Repose of
1.3 This guide offers an organized collection of information
Free-Flowing Mold Powders (Withdrawn 2005)
oraseriesofoptionsanddoesnotrecommendaspecificcourse
D422TestMethodforParticle-SizeAnalysisofSoils(With-
of action. This document cannot replace education or experi-
drawn 2016)
ence and should be used in conjunction with professional
D698Test Methods for Laboratory Compaction Character-
judgment.Notallaspectsofthisguidemaybeapplicableinall
istics of Soil Using Standard Effort (12,400 ft-lbf/ft (600
circumstances. This guide is not intended to represent or
kN-m/m ))
replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given
D1883Test Method for California Bearing Ratio (CBR) of
professional service must be judged, nor should this document
Laboratory-Compacted Soils
be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique
D1997Test Method for Laboratory Determination of the
aspects. The word “standard” in the title of this document
Fiber Content of Peat Samples by Dry Mass
means only that the document has been approved through the
D2944Practice of Sampling Processed Peat Materials
ASTM consensus process.
D2974Test Methods for Moisture,Ash, and Organic Matter
of Peat and Other Organic Soils
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D2976Test Method for pH of Peat Materials
standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.
D2980 Test Method for Saturated Density, Moisture-
1.5 This standard may involve hazardous materials,
Holding Capacity, and Porosity of Saturated Peat Materi-
operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to
als
address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its
D3080Test Method for Direct Shear Test of Soils Under
use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
Consolidated Drained Conditions
establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental prac-
D4427ClassificationofPeatSamplesbyLaboratoryTesting
tices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations
D4972Test Methods for pH of Soils
prior to use.
F1632Test Method for Particle Size Analysis and Sand
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
Shape Grading of Golf Course Putting Green and Sports
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Subcommittee F08.64 on Natural Playing Surfaces. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published January 2020. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2004. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F2396–11. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/F2396-11R19. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2396 − 11 (2019)
Field Rootzone Mixes if a dense, uniform turf cover is maintained, the sand-based
F1647Test Methods for Organic Matter Content ofAthletic system can provide a very stable, firm, smooth, and uniform
Field Rootzone Mixes playing surface. A successful sand-based rootzone system is
F1815Test Methods for Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity, dependent upon the proper selection of materials to use in the
Water Retention, Porosity, and Bulk Density of Athletic project.The proper selection of sand, organic amendment, soil
Field Rootzones and gravel is of vital concern to the performance of the system
F2060Guide for Maintaining Cool Season Turfgrasses on and this guide addresses these issues.
Athletic Fields 4.1.1 During construction, consideration should be given to
F2107Guide for Construction and Maintenance of Skinned factors such as the physical and chemical properties of mate-
Areas on Baseball and Softball Fields rials used in the area, freedom from stones and other debris,
F2269Guide for Maintaining Warm Season Turfgrasses on and surface and internal drainage.
Athletic Fields 4.1.2 Maintenancepracticesthatinfluencetheplayabilityof
F2651Terminology Relating to Soil and Turfgrass Charac- the surface include mowing, irrigation, fertilization, and me-
teristics of Natural Playing Surfaces chanical aeration and are factors addressed in other standards
(see Guides F2060 and F2269).
3. Terminology
4.2 Those responsible for the design, construction, or
3.1 Definitions: maintenance, or a combination thereof, of natural turf athletic
3.1.1 Except as noted, soil-related definitions are in accor- fields for high-performance, all-weather purposes will benefit
dance with Terminology F2651. from this guide.
4.3 Asuccessful project development depends upon proper
NOTE 1—Particle size ranges for sand, silt, and clay used in this
standard vary somewhat from ranges given in Test Method D422.
planning and upon the selection of and cooperation among
design and construction team members. A high-performance,
4. Significance and Use
sand-based rootzone project design team should include a
projectdesigner,anagronomistorsoilscientist,orboth,andan
4.1 A dense, uniform, smooth, and vigorously growing
owner’s representative. Additions to the team during the
natural turfgrass sports field provides the ideal and preferred
construction phase should include an owner’s project manager
playing surface for most outdoor field sports. Such a surface is
(often an expansion of role for the owner’s representative), an
pleasing to the spectators and athletes.Athick, consistent, and
owner’s quality control agent (often the personnel that is
smoothgrasscoveralsoincreasesplayingqualityandsafetyby
employed in advance with the intent of becoming the finished
providing stable footing for the athletes, cushioning their
project’s sports field manager), an owner’s testing agent (often
impact from falls, slides, or tackles, and cools the playing
an expansion of roles for the project’s agronomist/soil
surface during hot weather. Sand is commonly used to con-
scientist), and the contractor.
struct high performance sports turf rootzone systems. Sand is
4.3.1 Planning for projects must be conducted well in
chosen as the primary construction material for two basic
advance of the intended construction date. This often requires
properties, compaction resistance and improved drainage/
numerous meetings to create a calendar of events, schedule,
aeration state. Sands are more resistant to compaction than
approvals, assessments, performance criteria, material
finer soil materials when played upon within a wide range of
sourcing, geotechnical reports, and construction budgets.
soilmoistureconditions.Aloamysoilthatmayprovideamore
stable surface and enhanced growing media compared to sand
NOTE 2—Other specifications on soils for athletic field construction
under optimal or normal conditions will quickly compact and
havebeenpublishedandhavebeenconsideredduringthedevelopmentof
deteriorate in condition if used in periods of excessive soil this guide.
moisture, such as during or following a rainy season. A
5. Construction
properly constructed sand-based rootzone, on the other hand,
will resist compaction even during wet periods. Once 5.1 The steps to be used in construction of a new athletic
compacted, sands are easier to decompact with the use of field include:
mechanical aeration equipment. Even when compacted, sands 5.1.1 Survey and stake the site to establish subgrade and
willretainanenhanceddrainageandaerationstatecomparedto finish grade elevations.
native soil rootzones under the same level of traffic. As such, 5.1.2 Constructandpreparesubgrade,andprovideacorrect
sand-based rootzones are more conducive to providing an and certified subgrade.
all-weather type of playing surface. Properties of both the soil 5.1.3 Install subsurface drainage system, frame out warning
and grass plants must be considered in planning, constructing, tracks, skinned areas, and so forth, as appropriate.
and maintaining a high quality sports turf installation. Turf- 5.1.4 Install irrigation system (irrigation system may be
grass utilized must be adapted to the local growing conditions installed prior to rootzone installation).
and be capable of forming a thick, dense, turf cover at the 5.1.5 Prepare for rootzone installation.
desiredmowingheight.Unvegetatedsandinandofitselfisnot 5.1.5.1 Secure suitable sand, properly tested and approved.
inherently stable; therefore, it is imperative that grasses with 5.1.5.2 Blend any amendments with sand to project
superior wear tolerance and superior recuperative potential are specifications, approve using QC program.
utilizedtowithstandheavyfoottrafficandintenseshearforces. 5.1.5.3 Install approved gravel (if included in design).
Sanddoes,however,haveincredibleloadbearingcapacityand 5.1.6 Install rootzone blend.
F2396 − 11 (2019)
5.1.7 Bring field to final grade and contour in accordance installation of drainage system. Subgrade shall be re-surveyed
with specifications, compact to specifications. and certified prior to gravel or rootzone import.
5.1.7.1 A pre-plant fertilizer application may be applied at 5.4.2 Surface Drainage—To maintain adequate surface
this point as specified. drainage, all field installations should include a minimum of
0.5% slope gradient (simple slope or crown) to remove water
5.1.8 Establish turf by appropriate methods (seed, sprigs,
off of the playing field in case of a storm event with severe
plugs or sod).
rainfall intensity and to facilitate the use of tarps. It is
5.1.9 Fertilizetheinstallationasappropriatebaseduponsoil
recommended that an adequate number of small size surface
testing.
drainage inlets be installed in the perimeter of the installation
5.1.10 Turf is to be established based upon grow-in recom-
(in out-of-play areas) and tied into the drainage collection
mendations from a competent agronomist or soil testing
system for removal of surface runoff with the subsurface
laboratory, as appropriate for the turf species utilized and the
drainage water.
climate of the site.
NOTE 3—In planning and designing projects, consideration shall be
5.2 Survey and Stake—This procedure should be done to
given to the permeability of the rootzone when determining the slope of
conform to the project designer’s specifications as appropriate
the finished surface and the need for adjacent surface drainage systems.
for the sport. In the case of the construction of a replacement
Further consideration shall be given in cold climates where frost penetra-
field, this step may be deleted or modified as appropriate. Care
tion may impact the permeability of the rootzone when determining the
slope of the finish surface and the need for adjacent surface drainage
should be taken to protect staking during the construction
systems. Generally, the need for improved surface drainage increases as
process.
the permeability of the rootzone decreases.
5.3 Construct and Prepare Subgrade—Contour the sub-
5.4.3 Sub-Surface Drainage Material—Three recom-
grade in accordance with specifications at a suggested toler-
mended options exist for the use of drainage material. Option
anceof 612.5mm( ⁄2in.)within3m(10ft)oflineardirection
1 could utilize sand rootzone material to backfill around
as specified in 5.5.6. The subgrade should be installed at a
drainlines within the drainage trenches. Option 2 could utilize
depth such to accommodate the final profile depth of rootzone
gravel material to backfill around drainlines in the drainage
and any gravel layer (if included). The subgrade should be
trenches. Option 3 could include the use of gravel to backfill
compacted sufficiently (suggested 85% minimum to 90%
around drainlines in drainage trenches and to form a drainage
maximum proctor density) to prevent future settling. Subgrade
layer overlying the subgrade before placement of rootzone
should be designed to conform to surface contour of finished
sand blend. All backfill treatments shall be compacted to
playing surface.
specifications prior to further installation procedures. It is
recommended that backfill for trench bottoms is installed and
5.4 Subsurface Drainage System—Many types of designs
compacted prior to installing drain pipe into the trenches. It is
exist for subsurface drainage most commonly including a grid
recommended that the trench bottom remain unobstructed as
or herringbone pattern. The project specifications should in-
installed and no soil pilings, wood blocks, concrete or metal
clude a subsurface drainage design to facilitate drainage for a
blocksareusedtoadjustandmaintainslopeofdrainlines.Any
25 year storm event. Most commonly used drainage systems
blocks used for this purpose must be removed from under the
forsand-basedathleticfieldsincludeutilizingperforateddrain-
lines 10 cm (4 in.) in a 4.5 m (15 ft) to 6 m (20 ft) spacing drainlines and any ca
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