What you need to know…
For each application of sports flooring, it is important to evaluate a floor based on the characteristics that distinguish it. This is where ASTM F2772 comes in. It measures four key factors regarding safety and suitability for sports activities. These factors are: FORCE REDUCTION, SURFACE FINISH EFFECT (also called “friction”), BALL REBOUND, and VERTICAL DEFORMATION. Each variable provides crucial information for selecting a recreational or sports flooring system. Systems that can be tested under ASTM F2772 are: AREA-ELASTIC, POINT-ELASTIC, and COMBI-ELASTIC.
Force Reduction
Force reduction (also called “shock absorption”) assesses the ability of a surface to reduce the force of impact. This predominantly relates to impacts generated by lower extremities, like an athlete running. Force reduction is tested according to ASTM F2569 and it indicates the degree of attenuation provided by the surface in response to certain movements. ASTM F2772 arranges degrees of force reduction into five categories, to aid in determining what the most appropriate level would be for specific sports or/and other activities. ASTM F2772 also establishes a minimum value of 10% force reduction for any floor space designed for indoor athletics or physical recreation.
Ball Rebound
Ball rebound (also called ball bounce) is a mechanical property that determines a surface’s suitability for basketball. It is tested according to ASTM F2117 and relates to two parameters: uniformity level (deviation of test point cannot exceed 3% of the test averages) and performance level (average performance of test points must reach a minimum of 90%). Ball rebound is based on the responsiveness of a ball and its interaction with the surface.
Surface Finish Effect (Friction)
Surface finish effect describes a surface’s response to a sliding foot, typically under dry conditions. It is tested according to ASTM E303 and accounts for two parameters: performance level (testing must achieve a value between 80-110) and uniformity level (individual test results cannot vary by greater than 4 points from the value average); the testing apparatus used for ASTM F2772 is reliable, repeatable, and portable (if field testing is desired).
Vertical Deformation
Vertical deformation values indicate the ability of the surface to deform under load. High deformation may affect the safety of the athlete, causing instability of the foot, while a low one may result in injuries caused by the immediate impact force. The testing and parameters of acceptable results are specific for each type of flooring system (area-elastic, point-elastic, and combi-elastic).
For expert advice to select your sports flooring system, get in touch with Knoveo Solutions at +92 300 8490698