Technical Information
Melcourt Playbark^® 10/50

Product Description An exceptionally well graded and processed, good-looking, chunky, predominantly pine bark LIAS from our 'deluxe' range. Reddish brown in colour Virtually all dust and fines have been removed and the product has less than a 2.5 % wood content by volume. Melcourt Playbark® 10/50 has been specifically graded to meet all the main criteria for surfacing children's play areas. It is the UK's leading brand of loose impact absorbing surface and has been used extensively thoughout the country, for well over a decade. Click on picture for larger image Typical Uses Widely used and suitable with all play equipment, including climbing frames, slides, swings, space nets.

User Benefits Compliance to BS EN 1177, confirms that Melcourt Playbark® 10/50 meets a nationally accepted industry standard. Independent testing according to British Standard 7188:1998 and 4790:1987 confirms Melcourt Playbark® 10/50's performance characteristics, thus giving increased customer confidence. The specifically graded particle sizes create relatively large air pockets within the surface, which enhances its natural cushioning effects to allow safe and enjoyable play. Furthermore, the careful grading gives maximum slip resistance and durability. Rapid drainage during wet weather allows play all year round. Any overspill onto adjacent grassed areas will not damage mowing equipment. At the end of its useful life as a play surface, Melcourt Playbark® 10/50 can be effectively re-used as a mulch or soil conditioner. The loose, particulate feel of Melcourt Playbark® 10/50 deters dogs and cats, thus helping to prevent animal fouling. Product Features Complies with the product specification as set out in BS EN 1177, Table A.1 Tested in accordance with the requirements of British Standard 7188:1998, at depths of 300mm, 200mm and 100mm. Laboratory testing gave a maximum critical fall height of 7.29 metres at a 300mm depth, 4.22 metres at 200mm and 2.42 metres at 100mm. Easy to install and maintain. Free draining and performance not adversely effected after frost. High fire resistance. BS 4790:1987 tested. Virtually vandal resistant. Very attractive appearance. Pleasant forest aroma. Clean to play on. Excellent resistance to wind erosion. Hostile living environment for pests. Extremely cost-effective. Easy to relocate.

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The following text is recommended to be used by architects and product specifiers, when inviting quotations for these materials. The use of this text will not contravene the copyright of this publication.

Product Specification The product shall consist of predominantly natural European pine bark with an even nominal particle size distribution of 10-50mm, with minimal dust and fines and less than 2.5 % wood content. The product shall be pest, disease and weed free and not have been treated with methyl bromide or any additives, colourants or dyes. The product shall comply with BS EN 1177 and be installed to a layer thickness of 200mm more than that found by laboratory testing to be necessary to achieve the required critical fall test. The product shall have been tested in accordance with the requirements of BS 7188:1998, at depths of 300mm, 200mm and 100mm. The product shall have been tested in accordance with the requirements of BS 4790:1987, for fire resistance. Application Rates Lay the 'Melcourt Playbark® 10/50' LIAS to a finished depth of ........ mm (insert finished depth required) allowing at least 10% for settlement after 30 days. Additional Clauses Copies of all current British Standard test certificates to be provided on request. Typical product samples to be provided on request. All product volumes to be calculated using the Bulk Density method, as set out in BS EN 12579:2000 and BS EN 12580:2000. Available from Melcourt Industries Limited Boldridge Brake, Long Newnton, Tetbury, Glos GL8 8RT Tel: +44 (0)1666 502711 Fax: +44 (0)1666 504398 Email:mail@melcourt.co.uk Website: http://www.melcourt.co.uk.

To comply with BS EN 1177 item 4.1.3. the LIAS used must be installed to a layer thickness of 200mm more than that found by laboratory testing to be necessary to achieve the required critical fall test.

The following table gives a guide to the area in square metres, covered by one cubic metre, when evenly laid at the given depths:

LIAS depth required	500 mm	400 mm	300 mm	200 mm	100 mm
Square metres covered by 1 cubic metre of LIAS	2.0	2.5	3.3	5.0	10.0

A suitable allowance for settlement should be made, as stated in 'Application Rates', above.

Product settlement percentages are provided for your guidance only. If the product settles more than the minimum figure stated, it is the customer's responsibility to order sufficient additional material, to give the required finished depth.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Main Constituent	Origin	Nominal particle size range	Wood content	Dust & fines	Quality range
Pine Bark	European	10 - 50 mm	< 2.5 %	Minimal	Deluxe

Typical Bulk Density Range	Settlement factor	Durability	EN 1177 compliance	BS 7188:1998 tested	BS 4790:1987 tested
210 - 260 kg/m3	10 % +	4 - 6 years +	Yes	Yes	Yes

All values given in the Technical Specification are typical. However, some variation may occur from time to time. Melcourt Industries Ltd reserves the right to alter the specification without notice, for the purpose of product improvement.