Rotational Penetrometer
Canadian
Playground Advisory Inc.
is pleased to recommend the use of the
Rotational Penetrometer manufactured by Benficial Designs.
This device is the best choice to measure the firmness and stability
of an Accessible Route
The Rotational Penetrometer is a
precision instrument for measuring the firmness and stability of
ground and floor surfaces, such as trails, playgrounds, and
carpets. The Rotational Penetrometer is the only device of its
kind-- a reliable, objective, portable instrument for testing
surface firmness and stability.
The Rotational Penetrometer's effectiveness has been
proven through research. An interlaboratory study was conducted
according to ASTM E691, and the Penetrometer was shown to
produce repeatable and reproducible measures. These measurements
have been shown to correlate with the amount of work required to
propel a wheelchair (as measured by ASTM F1951) and the amount
of physiological energy required by persons with and without
disabilities attempting to negotiate a surface. For copies of
the background research, please Beneficial Designs
(www.beneficialdesigns.com/).
The
Rotational Penetrometer can be of value to a wide variety of
individuals and organizations-- surface manufacturers, trail
managers, school groups, and ADA accessibility consultants, to
name a few.
•Field
Testing
Without the
Rotational Penetrometer, surface owners and manufacturers have
to ship samples of their product to independent labs for
testing, and spend valuable time waiting for results. The cost
of purchasing the Rotational Penetrometer is roughly equivalent
to the cost of having a single surface tested - but the
Rotational Penetrometer can be used again and again. With the
Rotational Penetrometer, manufacturers can repeatedly test their
surfaces on-site. The Rotational Penetrometer can also be a
useful tool for new product development and for assessing
maintenance issues. Owner/operators will be able to determine to
properties of the surface systems they are using in playgrounds,
trails and sport fields.
