ASTM F1923-98

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:F1923–98
Standard Test Method for
Tires, Pneumatic, Low Speed, Off Highway
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1923; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This ASTM Standard has been developed to replace ASTM Provisional Standard PS 86-97. The
Provisional Standard was approved so that the U.S. military and other government agencies could
continue to purchase tested and qualified tires, until F 1923 had been approved. The provisional
standard replaced the government’s specification ZZ-T-1083, Federal Specification, Tires, Pneumatic,
Low Speed, Off Highway, under the former Federal Tire Program. That program was discontinued and
is replaced by the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Command’s Cooperative Tire Qualification Program
(CTQP).Whilefulfillingthemilitary’scommercialandtacticalneeds,theCTQPwillcontinuetoserve
federal, state and local agencies that want to purchase qualified tires using this test method.
This test method is designed to be used in conjunction with the Administrator’s Approval and
Requirements Manual for Tires, Pneumatic, Low Speed, Off Highway (CTQPF 1923) (1) , to qualify
tires for purchase by the U.S. federal government, military and other state and local entities.
1. Scope 3.1.1 bead, n—of a tire, the part of a tire that comes in
contact with the rim and is shaped to secure the tire to the rim.
1.1 This test method covers measurements for comparative
F 538
tire strength and dimensional characteristics. This test method
3.1.2 groove, n—a void that is relatively narrow compared
covers new and retreaded pneumatic tires, both tube and
to its length. F 538
tubeless types, and flaps when applicable, for mounting on
3.1.3 groove (void) depth, n—measurement of the perpen-
construction, earthmoving, mining and logging equipment,
dicular distance from a real or calculated reference defined by
graders, mobile cranes, and similar vehicles operated at low
edges of two adjacent ribs (lugs) to the lowest point of contact
speeds off the road.
in the groove (void). F 538
1.2 The SI units given are to be regarded as standard. The
3.1.4 load index, n—a numerical code associated with the
units given in parentheses are for information only.
maximum load a tire can carry at the speed indicated by its
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
speed symbol under specified conditions.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.5 load symbol, n—a code associated with the maximum
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
load a tire can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
under specified conditions.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
2 2
3.1.6 nominal plunger energy, ⁄2 [ML /T ], n—in tire
2. Referenced Documents
testing, one half of the product of a peak force (required to
rupture the tire structure in the tread area) and maximum
2.1 ASTM Standards:
plunger travel into a tire at the time of rupture. F 538
D 412 Test Method for Rubber Properties in Tension
3.1.7 outside diameter, n—the maximum diameter of a tire
F 538 Terminology Relating to the Characteristics and Per-
when it is mounted and inflated. F 538
formance of Tires
3.1.8 overall width, n—the maximum cross-sectional width
3. Terminology
of a tire, including protective or decorative ribs. F 538
3.1.9 ply, n—in a tire, a layer of rubber-coated parallel
3.1 Definitions:
cords. F 538
3.1.10 ply rating, n—the term is used to identify a given tire
with its maximum recommended load when used in a specific
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF-9onTiresand
is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F9.20 on Vehicular Testing.
type of service, giving an index of tire strength, not necessarily
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 1998. Published January 1999.
representing the number of cord plies in the tire.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
3.1.11 rib, n—a continuous circumferential projection.
this standard.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol. 09.02. F 538
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F1923–98
3.1.12 rim, n—the periphery of a wheel to which a tire or a 0.25 mm (0.01 in.) at six equally-spaced points around the
tube assembly may be affixed. F 538 inflated tire and the results shall be averaged.
3.1.13 sidewall, n—of a tire, that portion of a tire between
5.2 Preparation of Tire for Plunger Energy Test: The tire
the tread and the bead. F 538
shall be mounted on the design rim and inflated to the pressure
3.1.14 tire, n—a load-bearing ground-contacting circumfer-
specified by the standardizing body for its ply rating or symbol
ential attachment to a vehicle wheel. F 538
marking. The tire shall be allowed to stand in a controlled
3.1.15 tread, n—of a tire, the part of a tire that comes in
temperature environment of 15 – 32°C (60 – 90°F) for the 24-h
contact with the ground. F 538
period adjusted within 3 kPa ( ⁄2 psi) of the pressure specified.
3.1.16 tread depth, [L], n—synonym for groove (void)
5.2.1 Plunger Energy Procedure: After the tire has been
depth. F 538
mounted and measured, a cylindrical steel plunger with a
hemispherical end shall be forced in the center
...