Section III.J - Quantitative Analysis of Installed Track Surfaces
Section III.J - Quantitative Analysis of Installed Track Surfaces
1.0
Purpose
The purpose of this guideline is to describe test procedures which provide customers a means of quantitatively comparing track surfaces as installed to manufacturer’s specifications or to general bid specifications.
2.0
Surface Thickness Measurement
A.
General Comments
The thickness of the track surface is specified in the construction documents. This test allows the customer to verify that the finished thickness is as specified.
B.
Test Method
1.
Equipment
The recommended instrument is a hand-held three-prong calibrated measuring device known as the FT3 Floor Tester as manufactured by SMG. The instrument should be calibrated in both millimeters and inches. An equivalent instrument is acceptable.
2.
Number and Location of Readings
The running track should be divided into four (4) quadrants, i.e., two (2) straightaways and two (2) curves. Using the FT3, a minimum of 100
readings should be taken on the running surface. One fourth (1/4) of the readings should be taken in each quadrant of the track with an approximately equal number of readings taken from each lane of the track. All readings should be taken between the lane lines. A sufficient number of readings should be taken in the field event areas to verify thickness.
3.
Use of the Instrument
The instrument should be placed upright on the track surface, prongs fully retracted. Using care to keep the instrument perpendicular to the track surface, moderate hand pressure is applied causing the prongs to penetrate the track surface. As soon as the operator feels the prongs contact the asphalt or concrete layer beneath the track surface, the instrument is withdrawn from the track surface, using care not to extend or retract the prongs until the reading has been recorded.
C.
Recommended Standard
An average of the readings taken should meet or exceed the minimum thickness specified. Nowhere can the thickness be less than 65% of the minimum thickness specified.
3.0
Weight per Unit Area
A.
General Comment
The weight per unit area provides a way for the customer to insure that the relative proportions of materials (i.e., rubber, binder) in the completed track are as specified by the manufacturer of the surfacing system.
B.
Test Method
During construction of the track, an 18" by 18" independent sample should be made on a strippable medium from the same materials, method and technique used in the construction of the track. The sample should be of the specified thickness, and should have the same texture and appearance as the completed track. The sample should be removed from its medium and weighed on a certified analytical scale or laboratory balance. The weight per unit area should then be calculated using standard mathematical methods.
C.
Recommended Standard
The weight per unit area of the sample should be at least 95% of the weight per unit area specified by the manufacturer.
