Chapter 6 Designs for Recreational Uses...6-6 Designs for Recreational Use Figure 6-2 Construction Practices Drainage Both surface and subsurface drainage should be investigated. If

Designs for Recreational Use 6-1

Chapter 6

Designs for RecreationalUses

ASPHALT PAVEMENTS FOR NON-VEHICULAR USE

In addition to highways, streets, andparking lots that carry autos and trucks, manyother applications for asphalt pavements exist.Sidewalks, bicycle and golf cart paths, play-ground areas, tennis courts, and site paving aresome common applications.

Because of the unique nature of theseasphalt pavement applications, a more detail-

ed approach to their design is presented here. Inmany cases, the primary design consideration is a pavement structure capable of supportingoccasional maintenance and emergencyvehicles and resisting freeze/thaw cycles.Therefore, a minimum thickness to accom-modate these loads may be the basis of thethickness design.

Designs for Recreational Use6-2

BIKEWAYS, GOLF CART PATHS,RECREATIONAL TRAILS, ANDWALKWAYS

It is desirable to blend this type of pathwayinto the contours of the existing ground topreserve aesthetics and to reduce the impacton the natural environment. Surface drainageshould flow away from these pathways wher-ever possible.

Because of the variety of designs and appli-cations, individual pathway widths are notlisted here. For bikeway and golf cart paths inparticular, the size and availability of conven-tional road construction and maintenanceequipment may determine width. Generally, aminimum width of 8 feet is recommended; a12-foot width may be more cost effective. As a

safety measure, additional widening on sharpcurves is recommended.

Recreation trails and walkways are usuallypaved to an 8-foot width to accommodateconstruction and maintenance operations andto provide access for emergency vehicles. Itmay be desirable to pave a walkway in anurban environment only 4-feet wide (or widerif significant numbers of pedestrians arepresent). These pavements usually are notdesigned to withstand repeated loads frommaintenance or emergency vehicles, but anoccasional heavy-load application can be madewithout damage.


Construction PracticesDrainage

It is very important to keep water away fromthe subgrade soil. If the soil becomes saturated,it will lose strength and stability, making theoverlying pavement structure susceptible tobreakup under imposed loads. Both surfaceand subsurface drainage must be considered.All drainage must be carefully designed andshould be installed as early in the constructionprocess as practical.

Bicycle and golf cart paths should have aminimum slope of 2 percent or 1/4 inch perfoot. They should be constructed in such a waythat water will not collect at the pavementedge. Areas of very high natural permeabilitymay require an underdrain system to carrywater away from the pavement structure.

Subgrade PreparationBecause the subgrade must serve both as the

working platform to support constructionequipment and as the foundation for thepavement structure, it is vital to ensure that thesubgrade is properly compacted and graded.All underground utilities should be protectedor relocated before grading. All drainagestructures should be completed with thegrading. Remove all topsoil, debris, and rocksfrom the areas to be paved and treat with a soilsterilant to inhibit future flora growth. Thesubgrade should be shaped properly to meettrue alignment and elevation. It should becompacted to not less than 95 percent ofmaximum laboratory density. The surfaceshould not vary more than 3/4 inch from theestablished grade.

Areas that show a pronounced deflectionunder heavy construction traffic indicate insta-bility in the subgrade. Such areas probably

require removal of the material and replace-ment with suitable subgrade soil material suchas compacted, crushed stone or compacted,bituminous-concrete base. If a water seepagearea is encountered, the subgrade should bedrained.

Asphalt Concrete PavementsBicycle, golf cart paths, recreational trails,

and sidewalks may be constructed in onecourse or with a separate base and surfacecourse.

The Asphalt Concrete base course should beplaced directly on the prepared subgrade inone lift in a thickness of 4 inches or less, andspread and compacted. Compaction is one ofthe most important construction operations interms of its contribution to the performance ofthe completed pavement.

If a compacted aggregate base is proposed,place it on the prepared subgrade and compactit to ensure a hard, uniform, well-compactedsurface.

The surface course, or the full-depth AsphaltConcrete base course, should be placed to thetrue line and grade. Any irregularities in thesurface of this course should be correcteddirectly behind the paver. As soon as thematerial can be compacted without displace-ment, rolling and compaction should bestarted and should continue until the surface isthoroughly compacted and all roller markshave disappeared.

Before placing successive layers, theprevious course should be clean. If necessary, atack coat of diluted emulsified asphalt may beapplied.


Pavement ThicknessThe pavement thickness for bikeways, golf cart paths, recreational trails, and walkways should

be in accordance with the following table:

Pavement MarkingsPavement markings for bicycle paths are covered in the MUTCD under Part XI. Markings are

especially important when the designated bicycle lane is to be accommodated on the roadway andshared with motorists.

Table 6-1. Thickness Chart: Bikeways, Paths, Trails, and Walkways

A. For Asphalt Concrete Base Pavements

Thickness in InchesDesign Criteria* Asphalt Concrete

Traffic Class Subgrade(ADT) Class CBR Surface Total

Good 9 3.0 3.0I Moderate 6 3.5 3.5

Poor 3 4.0 4.0

B. For Untreated Aggregate Base Pavements

Design Criteria* Thickness in Inches

Untreated Hot MixTraffic Class Subgrade Aggregate Asphalt

(ADT) Class CBR Base Surface Total

Good 9 4.0 2.5 6.5I Moderate 6 4.0 3.0 7.0

Poor 3 6.0 3.0 9.0

*See chapter 3 for soil class details

Figure 6-1.


RECREATIONAL AREAS

The following information and designguidance cover the basic components of build-ing durable, economical asphalt playgrounds.

Because individual designs are based onintended uses and available funds, dimensionsand suggested layouts are not included here.

Basketball CourtsA common section of the playground or

recreational area is the basketball court. Thefollowing information and design guidancecover the basic components of buildingbasketball courts. General guidelines for courtlayout and dimensions are included.

Court LayoutThe basic layout and dimensions of a

basketball court and backboard are illustratedin the following figure (6-2).

Court dimensions are:

¥ Professional: 94 feet long by 50 feet wide.¥ High school: 84 feet long by 50 feet wide.

Backboard dimensions are:

¥ Rectangular backboard: 74 inches wide by48 inches high.

¥ Fan backboard: 54 inches wide by 35 incheshigh.

An unobstructed space of at least 3 feetoutside the end lines and sidelines is required.This space would preferably be 10 feet wide.All end lines, sidelines, and other court linemarkings, except neutral zone markers, mustbe a minimum of 2 inches wide.

These pavements usually are not designed towithstand repeated loads from heavy mainte-nance or emergency vehicles, but an occasionalload application can be made without damage.


Figure 6-2

Construction PracticesDrainage

Both surface and subsurface drainageshould be investigated. If excessive moisture isallowed to accumulate under the pavement,the life of the playground surface may beshortened. If necessary, a system of subsurfacedrainage must be constructed.

Surface drainage on the playground shouldbe directed to the pavement edges and carriedaway in suitable channels or drainagefacilities. It is recommended that the minimumpavement cross-slope be 2 percent or 1/4 inchper foot to preclude standing water and ensurerapid drainage.

Subgrade PreparationBecause the subgrade must serve as both the

working platform to support constructionequipment and as the foundation for the pave-

ment structure, it is critical that the subgradebe properly compacted and graded. All drain-age structures should be completed with thegrading.

Remove all topsoil, debris, and rocks fromthe areas to be paved and treat with a soilsterilant to inhibit future flora growth. Thesubgrade should be properly shaped to meettrue alignment and elevation. It should becompacted to not less than 95 percent ofmaximum laboratory density. The surfaceshould not vary more than 3/4 inch from theestablished grade.

Areas that show a pronounced deflectionunder heavy construction traffic indicate insta-bility in the subgrade. Such areas probablyrequire removal of the material and replace-ment with suitable subgrade soil material suchas compacted, crushed stone or compacted,bituminous-concrete base.


Base ConstructionAsphalt Concrete base material should be

placed on the prepared subgrade in one lift ina thickness of 4 inches or less. The materialmust be spread and compacted to the requiredthickness and density as specified and in thegrades and dimensions shown on the plans.

The surface of the completed base must notdeviate more than 1/2 inch when measuredwith a 10-foot straight edge.

Tack CoatBefore placing successive courses, the

previous course should be clean. If needed, atack coat of diluted emulsified asphalt may beapplied as a bond coat.

Surface Course ConstructionA surface course of Asphalt Concrete may be

placed on the previously constructed AsphaltConcrete base. It must be spread and com-pacted to the required thickness and density asspecified and in the grades and dimensionsshown on the plans.

The finished surface must not deviate morethan 1/4 inch when measured with a 10-footstraight edge.

Pavement ThicknessThe pavement thickness for playgrounds

should be in accordance with the followingtable:

Table 6-2. Thickness Chart: Playgrounds



Traffic Class Subgrade(ADT) Class CBR Base Surface Total

Good 9 3.0 1.0 4.0

I Moderate 6 3.5 1.0 4.5

Poor 3 4.0 1.0 5.0



Untreated AsphaltTraffic Class Subgrade Aggregate Concrete


Good 9 4.0 2.5 6.5

I Moderate 6 4.0 3.0 7.0

Poor 3 6.0 3.0 9.0



TENNIS COURTS

The following information and designguidance cover the basic components ofbuilding durable, economical asphaltpavements for tennis courts. General guide-lines for the layout and dimensions areincluded. These pavements usually are notdesigned to withstand repeated loads fromheavy maintenance or emergency vehicles, butan occasional load application can be madewithout damage.

Court LayoutThe basic layout and dimensions of a tennis

court are illustrated in the following figure.

Post foundations should be:¥ 24 inches in diameter at the top,¥ 30 inches in diameter at the bottom, and¥ not less than 36 inches in depth.

The dimension between posts is:¥ 33 feet on single courts and¥ 42 feet on double courts.

New posts are galvanized, 2-7/8 inches indiameter, and equipped with a net-tighteningdevice.

The standard net is:¥ 42 feet in length and¥ 3 feet-3 inches wide.

An edging of brick, concrete, steel, or treatedwood should be installed around the entireperimeter of the court area. Top elevation of theedging should be 1/2 inch below the finishedgrade level, and the courtÕs surface should betapered from 6 inches from the edge to meet it.

Figure 6-3


Construction PracticesDrainage and Surface Slope

Both surface and subsurface drainage mustbe thoroughly investigated. Proper drainage isvital to ensure a non-cracked, smooth playingsurface for many years. If subsurface drainageconditions are not satisfactory, a perimeterdrain is recommended. An Asphalt Concretebase on a suitable type of subgrade soil maynot require underdrainage.

In order to drain properly, the finished courtsurfaces should have a minimum slope of 1inch per 10 feet on a true plane from side toside, end to end, or corner to corner. Thesurface should not slope away in twodirections from the net.

Subgrade PreparationRemove all rock, vegetation (including root

systems), debris, and unsuitable topsoil fromthe area to be paved. To prevent future growth,treat the subgrade with an approved soilsterilant. Install all drainage facilities andadjust or relocate utilities.

The subgrade must be shaped to meet truelines and elevations and compacted to not lessthan 95 percent of maximum laboratorydensity. The surface of the compactedsubgrade must not vary more than 3/4 inchfrom the established grade. Good compactionis particularly important in tennis courtconstruction, because subsequent settlement ofthe subgrade may cause cracking in the courtsurface. In some cases this can render the courtunusable.

Base ConstructionAsphalt Concrete base material must be

placed on the prepared subgrade in one lift ina thickness of 4 inches or less. The materialmust be spread and compacted to the requiredthickness and density as specified and in thegrades and dimensions shown on the plans.

The surface of the completed base must notdeviate more than 3/8 inch when measuredwith a 10-foot straight edge but must slope 1inch per each 10 feet on a true plane from sideto side, end to end, or corner to corner asindicated on the plans.

Tack CoatBefore placing successive courses, the

previous course should be clean. If needed, atack coat of diluted emulsified asphalt may beapplied for bonding.

Surface Course ConstructionA surface course of Asphalt Concrete must

be placed on the previously constructedAsphalt Concrete base, spread and compactedto the required thickness and density asspecified and in the grades and dimensionsshown on the plans.

The finished surface shall not deviate morethan 1/8 inch when measured with a 10-footstraight edge but must slope 1 inch per each 10feet on a true plane from side to side, end toend, or corner to corner as indicated on theplans.

Color Finish Course (If Specified)Before applying the color finish course, the

court should be given a water check to deter-mine if there are any depressions (birdbaths).This is done by flooding the surface with waterand allowing it to drain. Depressions of sizabledimensions Ð greater than 1/8 inch Ð should bepatched and leveled with the material recom-mended by the color finish manufacturer.

The color finish material may be one ofseveral proprietary products and must beapplied according to manufacturerÕs directions.

Playing LinesFollowing construction, it is recommended

that a minimum of 15 days elapse beforeapplying the playing lines. A latex striping-paint should be used. It should be placed no


thicker than necessary for delineation. Baselines should not be more than 4 inches wide,and playing lines should not be more than 2inches wide. Base and playing lines must beaccurately located and marked in accordancewith the rules of the United States Lawn TennisAssociation.

If a color finish has been applied, the strip-ing paint should be from a manufacturer andof a type recommended by the surface coatingmanufacturer. It should be painted in accor-dance with the paint manufacturerÕs standardspecifications. Traffic, oil, alkyd, or solventvehicle-type paints should not be used.

Tennis Court OverlaysThere are many reasons for overlaying an

existing tennis court. For example, it may havea badly oxidized or aged surface, poor drain-age, or a poorly constructed base. Each of theseconditions and their severity should beconsidered in determining the requiredoverlay pavement thickness.

Many items should be considered whendetermining the most sound and economicalprocedures to follow in resurfacing a tenniscourt. Therefore, it is strongly recommendedthat a qualified asphalt paving contractor, oneexperienced in tennis court construction, beconsulted.

Pavement ThicknessThe pavement thickness for tennis courts

should be in accordance with the following table:

Table 6-3. Thickness Chart: Tennis Courts



Traffic Class Subgrade(ADT) Class CBR Base Surface Total

Good 9 3.0 1.0 4.0

I Moderate 6 3.5 1.0 4.5

Poor 3 4.0 1.0 5.0



Untreated AsphaltTraffic Class Subgrade Aggregate Concrete


Good 9 4.0 2.5 6.5

I Moderate 6 4.0 3.0 7.0

Poor 3 6.0 3.0 9.0



ASPHALT-RUBBER RUNNINGTRACKS

High schools and colleges are increasing thedemand for outdoor and indoor asphalt-rubber running tracks and runways for longjump, high jump, and pole vault. Forinformation on track size, number of lanes,and other features, refer to the AmateurAthletic Union or other official specifications.

Construction PracticesSubgrade Preparation

Remove all large rocks, debris, and topsoilfrom the area to be paved. All vegetation,including root systems, should be removed. Toprevent future growth, treat the subgrade withan approved herbicide. Install all drainage andutility facilities, and properly backfill andcompact the subgrade.

The subgrade must be properly shaped tomeet true lines and elevations. It must becompacted to not less than 95 percent ofmaximum laboratory density. The surface ofthe compacted subgrade must not vary morethan 3/4 inch from the established grade.

Areas that show pronounced deflectionunder construction traffic indicate instabilityin the subgrade. If reworking and additionalrolling do not correct the situation, the areasmust be removed, replaced with suitablematerial, and compacted. The use of AsphaltConcrete base or coarse granular material isrecommended.

Base ConstructionAsphalt Concrete base material must be

placed on the prepared subgrade. The materialmust be spread and compacted to the required


thickness and density as specified and in thegrades and dimensions shown on the plans.

A minimum thickness of 4 inches is recom-mended. In general, a total base thickness of 4inches or less should be placed in one lift.

The surface of the completed base must notdeviate more than 1/2 inch when measuredwith a 10-foot straight edge.

Asphalt-Rubber Surface ConstructionSeveral manufacturers supply rubber mater-

ial for use in asphalt-rubber surface mixes.Obtaining advice from these companies is sug-gested. Because many members of the APAIare familiar with various mixes, informationmay also be obtained by contacting membersin your area.

If an asphalt-rubber mix proves to beuneconomical or impractical, an alternativerecommendation would be to specify anasphalt sand mix.

The surface course material must be placedon the previously constructed AsphaltConcrete base, spread, and compacted to therequired thickness and density as specifiedand in the grades and dimensions shown onthe plans. A minimum thickness of 1 inch isrecommended.

The finished surface must not deviate morethan 1/4 inch when measured with a 10-footstraight edge.

Tack CoatA tack or bond coat of CSS-1, SS-1, MC-70, or

an approved alternative must be applied at therate of 0.02 to 0.05 gallons per square yardbetween each course. The surface must becleaned of all dust, dirt, or other loose materialbefore the bond coat is applied. If emulsion isused, it must be diluted with equal parts ofwater or as specified in the proposal.

Documents

Chapter 6 Designs for Recreational Uses...6-6 Designs for Recreational Use Figure 6-2 Construction Practices Drainage Both surface and subsurface drainage should be investigated. If