| 1.0 |
Scope
This guideline covers the components and methods of installation of latex track surfaces. Latex surfaces are generally defined as rubber particles of a specified size, shape and composition, bound together by a water-based resin binder. They are resilient, all weather surfaces. Most are permeable.
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| 2.0 |
Materials
A variety of products are required for proper construction of latex surfaces. The terms defined below are to clarify the language used in this guideline and in proprietary specifications.
| A. |
Water
Water used in dilution must be fresh and potable.
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| B. |
Primer
Most latex systems require a primer application to promote adhesion between the resilient surface and the asphalt or concrete base. Depending on the proprietary system, the binder may be latex or an asphalt emulsion.
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| C. |
Asphalt Emulsion
Asphalt emulsion is an asphaltic cement suspended in a water vehicle.
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| D. |
SBR Latex Binder
SBR latex is the most prevalent type of water-based resin used to bind rubber particles. It is comprised of varying proportions of styrene and butadiene monomer in a water vehicle. Other types of latex binders used as track binders include vinyl, acrylics and a variety of combinations.
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| E. |
SBR Rubber Particles
SBR rubber particles are generally post-industrial by-products that have been shredded or chopped to a specific size, shape and gradation. The
characteristics of the rubber particles selected must be enumerated in the
specification.
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| F. |
EPDM Rubber
EPDM rubber is generally a highly pigmented rubber compound chopped to a specific size for use as a wearing surface. It is available in a wide range of
colors and sizes. It is important that the compatibility of the EPDM granules and the latex binder be determined prior to installation.
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| G. |
Surface Coating
Surface coating is the final wearing finish applied to the resilient surface.
It is used to provide protection from ultraviolet light degradation and to provide additional wear resistance and color uniformity. The coating may be formulated with a variety of binder types, including SBR, acrylic latex or polyurethane. The system installer should insure compatibility.
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| 3.0 |
Systems
The materials listed above may be used in a wide variety of combinations to meet the needs of owners. They are best described in four general categories. In no case should the recommended thickness of the system selected be less than 1/2" (12.5mm) when measured in accordance with ASBA standards.
| A. |
Black Mat
A black mat system is composed of black SBR rubber or black EPDM rubber particles bound by SBR latex or an approved alternate water-based resin. The surface coating is a highly pigmented black SBR or acrylic latex.
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| B. |
Colored Binder
This system consists of black EPDM or black SBR rubber particles bound by a pigmented latex binder or an approved alternate water-based resin. The surface coating should be a highly pigmented UV stable coating of adequate thickness and durability to resist wear patterns with normal use.
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| C. |
Color Sandwich
This system of black EPDM or black SBR rubber particles bound by latex has a wearing course of at least 1/8" (3mm) of pigmented (other than black) EPDM granules bound by pigmented SBR latex binder or an approved alternative water-based binder. The surface coating should be a highly pigmented, UV stable coating to provide uniform color to the system.
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| D. |
Full Depth Color
This system consists of colored EPDM granules (not black) bound by pigmented SBR latex binder or an approved alternative water-based binder. The surface coating should be a highly pigmented, UV stable coating to provide strength and color uniformity. This system is used in high traffic areas in conjunction with either the Color Sandwich or the Colored Binder System.
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| 4.0 |
Surface Specifications
Surface specifications should include:
Color
Depth
Type of facility: Governing Body, International Properties or Competition Properties
Events to be Marked
Surface properties for consideration:
Flatness and Imperfections Thickness
Modified Vertical Deformation; Force Reduction
Friction; Wet Spike Resistance
Tensile Properties; Elongation
Weathering Color
Flammability
Testing Methods
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| 5.0 |
Thickness and Specific Gravity
Each surface system should be at least 1/2" (12.5mm) in total thickness to allow for variation in the underlayment and to prevent spiked shoes from penetrating to the base layer, potentially disrupting the bond. Both SBR and EPDM rubber particles will vary in specific gravity and bulk density value of rubber. This coupled with the application methods, shape and size will affect the rubber required to achieve 1/2" thickness. The chart below is intended for guidance:
For 1/2"
| Color/Type |
Size/Shape |
Specific Gravity |
Lbs./Sq. Yd. |
| Black SBR |
Granules |
1.15 - 1.40 |
10.0 - 12.0 |
| Black SBR |
Medium Strands |
1.15 - 1.25 |
8.5 - 10.0 |
| Black EPDM |
Granules |
1.30 - 1.50 |
10.5 - 12.0 |
| Colored EPDM |
Granules |
1.40 - 1.60 |
13.0 - 15.0 |
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| 6.0 |
Variety of Shape, Size & Composition
Each system manufacturer makes specific recommendations on the ratio of binder to rubber particles. The variety of particles, their shape, size and composition will cause the volume of binder to vary. Each system should specify the ratios required in the following format:
(_____) total dry pounds of latex undiluted binder.
(_____) total pounds of the specified rubber particle.
Also included for colored binder and color sandwich systems:
(_____) quantity of pigment per 55 gallons of latex binder.
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| 7.0 |
Surface Coating
Each manufacturer specifies a volume of protective surface coating to be used. It should be expressed in the following format:
(_____) total gallons applied in (_____) applications.
Type of product being used ______________.
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| 8.0 |
Material Delivery
All material must be delivered to the job site in labeled and marked containers.
Quantities needed to complete the project in accordance with the manufacturer’s
specifications should be verified. All materials should be located to allow for work to proceed without interruption.
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| 9.0 |
Installation Equipment
All installation equipment including mixers, pavers, sprayers and hand tools should be kept free of moisture while in use. Equipment should be cleaned daily. No equipment or vehicles used in the installation process should leak any gas, petroleum products, solvents, etc.
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| 10.0 |
Surface Preparation
The asphalt or concrete base should be sufficiently cured and cleaned in order for work to progress. Recommended cure times - 14 days for asphalt, 28 days for concrete. Prior to installation of the latex track system, the entire base should be checked for planarity and surface tolerance. Any areas that vary +/- 1/4" measured with a 10’ straightedge in any direction should be patched with a compound compatible with the asphalt or concrete base and approved by the latex track manufacturer. After patching, the surface should not allow water to stand greater than 1/16" deep one hour after rain has ended.
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| 11.0 |
Installation
Latex track surfacing may be applied successfully by a variety of application methods.
| A. |
Layered Installations:
Layered installations will specify the volume/lbs. of surfacing to be placed in
each layer.
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| B. |
Temperature & Humidity
Latex track surfacing is dependent on evaporation for drying and curing. No
material may be placed if ambient temperature is not at least 50 degrees F and rising. Relative humidity above 50% will increase the drying time. Low
temperature and high humidity may lead to incomplete curing.
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| C. |
Surface Thickness
Before the final surface coating is applied, the owner and the contractor will
determine that the desired surface thickness has been achieved by checking
the surface in accordance with ASBA test methods.
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| 12.0 |
Line Markings
The surface system manufacturer must approve the type and brand of marking paint used. All lane and event markings should be in accordance with the applicable governing body.
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| 13.0 |
Cautions
| A. |
All packaging and excess materials must be disposed of in accordance with
state, local and federal standards and regulations.
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| B. |
Do not allow liquid binders to freeze.
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| C. |
Resilient surfacing systems will not resolve inadequacies in the base or asphalt mix.
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| D. |
This guideline does not cover proper subbase and base construction or
drainage considerations. The success of any surface is dependent upon a
properly constructed base and good drainage.
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| See also ASBA Guidelines for: |
I.A.
I.B.
I.C.
I.D.
I.E.
III.A.
III.B.
III.I.
III.J. |
General Conditions for Construction
Site Investigation
Site Preparation, Earthwork, Drainage and Subbase Construction
Vegetation Control or Vegetation Regrowth Prevention
Subsurface and Surface Drainage for Recreational Areas
Basic Layout, Dimensions & Site Considerations for Track Construction
Hot Mix Asphaltic Concrete Construction or III.C. Concrete Construction
Drawings
Quantitative Analysis of Installed Track Surfaces |
