16 Poured in Place Rubber (PIP) Accessibility defi ciencies at PIP sites were commonly found in areas where the granules from the top layer had started fl aking off . This fl aking condiƟ on has been linked to either inadequate raƟ o of bonding agent to granules when mixed on site; and/or failure of the bonding agent to properly cure when installed at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and falling. The manufacturer installaƟ on instrucƟ ons show the preferred atmospheric temperature for installaƟ on to be 40 degrees Fahrenheit and rising. LeŌ unaƩ ended over Ɵ me, areas where the top granular layer has fl aked away can lead to non-compliant clear ground space at play equipment such as swings, transfer systems and the egress of slides. Defi ciencies related to installaƟ on methods may not become evident for months or even years. Thus, it is necessary for the playground owner to prepare for these situaƟ ons prior to purchase through the terms of the warranty and/or specifi ed funds for maintenance. Tiles (TIL) The NCA study idenƟ fi ed accessibility defi ciencies with TIL most oŌ en related to puncture holes ranging from .50 inches to more than 2 inches in diameter and locaƟ ons where the seams had started to shiŌ or buckle creaƟ ng openings and changes in level along the accessible route. The puncture holes may be products of intenƟ onal vandalism or unintenƟ onal damage from users stepping on rocks and other foreign objects with enough force to penetrate the surface. Loose parƟ cles are also known for lodging in the TIL seams causing separaƟ on at the seams. LeŌ unaƩ ended, the parƟ cles can lodge so deep in the seams that the adhesive can degrade and the TIL can separate from the concrete subsurface. As the product conƟ nues to age, instances of cracking have been idenƟ fi ed where either the subsurface or structural integrity of the surface product is compromised. Because TIL are made from rubber product, the surface should conƟ nue to be monitored throughout its life cycle for its ability to meet the impact aƩ enuaƟ on requirements of ASTM F1292. Engineered Wood Fiber (EWF) Sites installed with EWF were found to have the highest number of accessibility defi ciencies within the fi rst year of installaƟ on. Because EWF is a loose fi ll surface, it is frequently observed with accessibility defi ciencies related to running slope, cross slope and change in level. EWF has been observed with undulaƟ on across the horizon of the surface area. The undulaƟ ng surface material creates changes in level, running and cross slopes exceeding the maximum allowable standards resulƟ ng in noncompliant accessible routes to play components. It is criƟ cal for the manufacturer/supplier and the playground owner to communicate the process for installaƟ on. In most instances it is necessary for the loose material to be installed in layers, watered and compacted in order to achieve an accessible route and level clear ground space at equipment. Some playground owners consider the installaƟ on of EWF as an opportunity to use volunteers to assist in compacƟ on by running drum roller teams across the surface area. Hybrid Surface Systems (HYB) Two of the three diff erent types of HYB systems (outdoor carpet and arƟ fi cial grass) were installed by contractors represenƟ ng the manufacturers. These surface systems required installers experienced with laying the sub-surface, adjoining seams, and affi xing the surface material to the border. SeparaƟ on at the seams appeared to be the most prevalent concern following installaƟ on. Repairs to seams must be made by the contractor and costs are dependent upon the terms of the product warranty.
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