SYNTHETIC TURF
SURFACE DRAINAGE Surface grading is critical in the design of a synthetic turf surface . Typically , crowns can be kept at a minimum ( not exceeding 1 % slope , depending upon site conditions and needs ), as drainage relies more on percolation than it does on surface runoff . A crown of 0.5 % is found on many , if not most , professional synthetic turf sports fields ( Goatley , 2008 ). It is also preferable to maintain relatively mild crowns so that there is as little lateral displacement as possible of the synthetic turf infill during intense rain events .
During clear , sunny conditions , it is suggested that sports field managers , coaches and trainers monitor heat index and surface temperatures and make appropriate adjustments to practice and game schedules .
Troubleshooting for common problems and minor repairs , such as seam repair . Grooming to loosen and redistribute infill as needed . Walking the field and noting any loose fibers , seam issues , divots , and uniformity in the carpet . Removing debris . Cleaning with solvents and cleansers for difficult to remove items .
WEED CONTROL Weeds can occur on synthetic turf , as windblown dust can foster their growth . Organic infills have more issues with weed control than does rubber . When weeds occur on synthetic turf , sports field managers should refer to the manufacturer of the synthetic turf system for appropriate methods of weed control .
WINTER MAINTENANCE Like natural grass fields , synthetic turf systems can freeze during the winter . When the surface is frozen , play should be delayed until it thaws . For synthetic turf fields , snow can be removed in accordance with the manufacturer ’ s warranty .
SYNTHETIC TURF FIELD INSTALLATION When a synthetic turf field is selected , it must be installed by experienced professionals specializing in synthetic turf field construction . It is highly recommended that the contractor be certified through the American Sports Builders Association as a CFB and that they reference the STC technical guidelines for installation and maintenance of synthetic turf athletic fields .
SYNTHETIC TURF MAINTENANCE The maintenance program for synthetic turf depends on the climate , amount of use , the level and kind of sports played , the type of synthetic turf , and the quality of construction . The Synthetic Turf Council ( STC ) publishes Guidelines for Maintenance of Infilled Synthetic Turf Sports Fields , which augment , but do not replace , the maintenance requirements and procedures provided in the warranty for the field and installation . Manufacturers ’ specific recommendations for maintenance should always be followed to avoid invalidating the warranty . However , typical maintenance activities could include :
Checking and replenishing the infill level , especially in high-use areas .
Sweeping and dragging to keep the carpet fibers in an upright position .
FIELD SAFETY FIELD SURFACE TEMPERATURES High field-surface temperatures may be experienced by athletes using synthetic turf fields on clear , sunny , and hot days . One study published by Penn State has shown maximum surface temperatures during hot , sunny conditions averaging from 140 ° F to 170 ° F ( Serensits et al ., 2011 ). In comparison , natural grass fields rarely exhibit surface temperatures above 85 ° F , regardless of air temperature .
Dangerous temperatures occur at the surface , which can increase the chances for heat related stress in athletes . Synthetic turf fibers radiate heat , which can be transferred through an athlete ’ s foot and must be dissipated by the body . While watering the field cools the synthetic turf surface , temperatures rebound often as quickly as 20 minutes after water is applied . Therefore , application of water is deemed an ineffective method of cooling . Various alterations in the synthetic system , such as organic infills , have been tried to ameliorate surface temperatures . Most only lower surface temperatures by approximately 10 ° F to 20 ° F , and surface temperatures will remain significantly higher than natural grass fields when exposed to direct sunlight . Though synthetic turf fields heat up
30 SportsField Management | April 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com