National Trail Surfaces Study

Instrumentation for Analysis

One instrument, the Rotational Penetrometer (Figure A), was used for data collection. An on-site inspection form (Appendix C) was created to collect data on the 11 trail segments including Rotational Penetrometer readings, inspection location in feet from trailhead, ruts, tread obstacles, or other surface abnormalities. Testing for wheelchair accessibility specific to firmness and stability was conducted with the application of the Rotational Penetrometer as developed by Beneficial Designs.

Figure A Rotational Penetrometer