ASTM F 2137, Standard Practice for Measuring the Dynamic Characteristics of Amusement Rides and Devices is the first globally-developed standard practice for acquiring and reporting amusement-related data.

“Now, for the first time, different entities can come together and intelligently discuss the forces and accelerations experienced by riders of amusement rides and devices” said Brian D. King, P.E., chairman of ASTM Subcommittee F24.10 on Test Methods, which developed the new standard.

The practice also defines the specific requirements of a standardized amusement ride characterization test for use in characterizing the dynamic motion of an amusement ride or device.

“Before this standard existed, there was no method to compare or discuss accelerations or forces between different entities,” King said. “Acceleration data could be collected in many different ways. The type of equipment, the location of the transducers, the signal processing and the reporting was accomplished properly, but differently. With this standard practice, individuals and organizations around the world can use ASTM F 2137 to collect data in a similar manner, process the data, and compare apples to apples.”

Stakeholders from Asia, Europe and North America developed the standard, he said: “The world’s experts on amusement ride design and testing came together to prepare this standard practice to bridge large disparities between different test methods. Now this bridge will be used as a common denominator for discussion and has laid the foundation for future data study and comparison.”

The standard will be maintained by the subcommittee within the guidelines of ASTM Committee F24 on Amusement Rides and Devices.

For further technical information, contact Brian D. King, PE, Recreation Engineering, Inc., Huntley, Ill. (phone: 847/669-8184). Committee F24 meets Oct. 4-6 in Phoenix, Ariz.) For meeting or membership information, contact Bruce Noe, manager, ASTM Technical Committees (phone: 610/832-9719). //

Copyright 2002, ASTM