ASTM F2157-09 (2024) PDF

Full title and description

St ASTM F2157-09 (reapproved 2024) — Standard Specification for Synthetic Surfaced Running Tracks. This specification establishes minimum performance requirements, classification, and required test methods for synthetic athletic running track surfaces used for training and competition, and provides a basis for consistent evaluation and acceptance of installed surfaces.

Abstract

This standard defines performance criteria and test methods for synthetic surfaced running tracks, including requirements and classification for properties such as evenness, thickness, drainage, force reduction, modified vertical deformation, texture (including wet condition behavior), tensile properties, color/gray scale, weathering, spike resistance, and flammability. The standard emphasizes laboratory and field test procedures and sets minimum acceptance levels; it does not guarantee that compliant surfaces are free from risk of injury.

General information

• Status: Current (2009 edition reapproved 2024).
• Publication date: Original edition: 2009; reapproved 2024.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 97.220.10 (Sports facilities / playing surfaces).
• Edition / version: F2157-09; reapproved (2024) — commonly cited as F2157-09(2024).
• Number of pages: 11 pages.

(Summary information based on the ASTM designation and reapproval record for this standard.)

Scope

Applies to synthetic surfaced running tracks intended for athletic activity and competition. The standard establishes classification levels and the test methods required to demonstrate compliance with minimum performance criteria for newly installed surfaces. It covers both material/performance characteristics and acceptance testing (laboratory and field), and specifies SI units for measurements. The specification is intended for use by manufacturers, test laboratories, specifiers, and owners to verify that installed track surfaces meet agreed performance and safety-related criteria.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification of synthetic track surfaces by construction and performance.
• Acceptance tests for imperfections, evenness and finished slope.
• Thickness measurement and tolerances for surfacing layers.
• Drainage requirements and evaluation of permeance/installation drainage details.
• Force reduction and modified vertical deformation testing (impact/energy absorption characteristics).
• Texture and traction characteristics, including behavior when wet.
• Tensile properties and dimensional stability of surfacing materials.
• Color/gray-scale assessment and weathering resistance criteria.
• Spike resistance and resistance to mechanical wear.
• Flammability considerations and related performance checks.
• Documentation and reporting requirements for test results and classification.

Typical use and users

Used by track and field facility owners, architects and engineers designing athletic tracks, surfacing manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, installers and contractors, athletic associations and event organizers, and maintenance personnel. It supports specification development, procurement, quality assurance at installation, and periodic performance verification.

Related standards

Related ASTM and industry documents commonly used alongside F2157 include standards for impact attenuation, turf and playing-surface testing, vertical rebound and performance characterization, and other sports-surface specifications (examples: ASTM standards covering impact attenuation and force-reduction testing, vertical rebound methods, and related sports-surface performance test methods). These related standards are frequently referenced when specifying complete athletic surface systems and acceptance testing.

Keywords

synthetic running track, track surface, athletic surfacing, force reduction, vertical deformation, drainage, spike resistance, EPDM, SBR, surface evenness, weathering, ASTM F2157

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F2157-09(2024) is the ASTM International specification that sets minimum performance requirements and classification/test methods for synthetic surfaced running tracks, reapproved in 2024 (originally published in 2009).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers required tests and acceptance criteria for surface characteristics such as evenness, thickness, drainage, force reduction, modified vertical deformation, texture (including wet behavior), tensile properties, color/gray-scale, weathering, spike resistance, and flammability, together with classification and reporting expectations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Track designers, surfacing manufacturers, installers, independent test laboratories, facility owners, athletic associations, and consultants use this standard for specification, acceptance testing, and performance verification of running track installations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2009 edition of ASTM F2157 was reapproved in 2024 and is listed as current (reapproved), meaning it remains the active edition until revised or withdrawn by ASTM. Reapproval indicates the standard was reaffirmed without technical change at the time of reapproval.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ASTM Committee F08 (Sports Equipment and Facilities) outputs and is used together with other F08 sports-surface and impact/attenuation test methods and specifications to provide a complete performance and safety assessment framework for athletic surfaces.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Synthetic surfaced running track, track specification, force reduction, vertical deformation, spike resistance, drainage, EPDM, SBR, surface evenness, weathering.