1. Scope
This standard provides guidance on utilizing a lightweight portable impact analyzer as described in ASTM F1702 to evaluate the turf track horse race surfaces. This standard is not intended to evaluate turf tracks for the purposes of assigning a condition rating. Rather, this standard is intended to be utilized by the track superintendent to assess the track in the course of evaluating the need or timing for certain track maintenance practices or the effectiveness of recently completed maintenance practices.
In the late-80's and early-90's a set of Clegg Impact Value interpretations were developed and proposed in a combined program between Texas A&M University (TAMU) and Santa Anita Park. Although initially published in some trade magazines (landscape), these guidelines were not widely distributed in any type of official or standardized manner. Over the years, the practice of utilizing a lightweight portable impact analyzer for turf track evaluation has become routine. And, the interpretation of the value ranges from that originally proposed by TAMU/Santa Anita has changed. This standard proposes to "formalize" the practice of these impact evaluations (employing the method of F1702) and the interpretation of the results. The purpose for these evaluations is not to assess or assign any type of race condition ("condition" being a specialized term used in the racing industry) but rather to assess the timing or need for certain turf maintenance or management practices. These practices may include such things as irrigation timing/duration (or differential sequencing), mechanical aeration practices (such as coring, spiking, slicing, shatttering, etc), thatch control (fertilization, mowing, scalping, verticutting, etc) or other practices. Impact evaluations may also be used to assess the effectiveness of any of the above practices which may have recently been completed. As well as the direct evaluation of impact characteristics at any particular location (or within a running lane) the uniformity of these impact properties throughout the racing surface is an important evaluation factor. Sudden or drastic changes in racing surface characteristics is often cited as a safety hazard in the horse racing industry.
Keywords
Clegg Value CIV g g-max shock attenuation absorption compaction decompaction soil mechanical aeration aeravation coring spiking irrigation wetting hardness stiffness load bearing
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Citing ASTM Standards
[Back to Top]
