ASTM F3248-17

4.1 The dynamic interaction between the athlete and the surface is significant to the performance and comfort of the athlete. Therefore, the ability of the surface to deform under load is important. Too high a vertical deformation can affect the athlete through instability of the foot. Area elastic and combination elastic floors may be further characterized by evaluating the area deflection properties of the surface. Floors with low area deflection levels prevent or remove vibrations through damping mechanisms or design components.

4.2 Vertical deformation is a widely used and recognized property of sports surfaces. Governing bodies, trade associations, and a number of international standards recognize the significance of vertical deformation. A partial list of these organizations includes: FIBA, MFMA, ASTM, EN. Even FIFA utilizes a variation of this property. Area deflection is still commonly specified within North America and one governing body (FIBA) and one trade association (MFMA) currently use this property to certify systems within the required testing for their performance programs.

4.3 Vertical deformation and area deflection testing are performed with a Stuttgart Artificial Athlete (SAA) which can be created by slightly modifying the BAA (Berlin Artificial Athlete) from Test Method F2569. Laboratory experiments are to be conducted at the standard 23 ± 2°C (72 ± 4°F), but tests at additional temperatures may be performed at the request of the client. When evaluating the deflective properties of sports surfaces in the field, testing is to be conducted at the ambient temperature. Deviations from the standard temperature may cause significantly different performance levels.

1.1 This method covers the quantitative measurement and normalization of deflections generated within a sports surface as an indication of the stability and comfort provided by the system.

1.2 Vertical deformation provides a measure for the vertical motion generated within the sports surface system directly below the point of impact which has been normalized to a standard impact force.

1.3 Area deflection provides a measure of the vibrations generated during an impact and their strength at a pre-determined distance from the point of impact.

1.4 This method is not applicable to natural turf, synthetic turf or playground safety surfaces.

1.5 This method is applicable to indoor and outdoor surfaces including but not limited to: wood and synthetic courts, walk/jog/run tracks, tennis courts, dance surfaces, aerobics and general fitness surfaces.

1.6 The methods described are applicable in both laboratory and field settings.

1.7 Area deflection testing is optional, and only applicable to area-elastic, combined elastic and mixed elastic sport surfaces. These include wood surfaces, synthetic surfaces on a sprung wood subfloor, and point elastic surfaces with an internal area elastic component.

1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. Units provided in parenthesis are informational only.

1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.10 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.