If you are planning to build an artificial turf field, you may have several questions that you want to answer before you start. The good news is, the answers to these questions are plentiful and will help you to create a sports field that meets your specific needs.
Infill materials
The type of infill materials used in artificial turf field construction has a huge impact on the life and performance of your turf. For some sports fields, you may want to consider choosing an infill that can be recycled or composted. However, it’s important to remember that a number of infill products have some negative effects on your health, so it’s best to do your research and make the right decision.
Organic infill is becoming increasingly popular. It’s a more natural alternative to traditional synthetic turf infill. It’s made from cork, a naturally occurring raw material that doesn’t cause harm to the environment.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, it also is odor-free and reusable. However, it’s important to note that it does require regular maintenance.
Surface temperatures
One of the most important factors to consider in artificial turf field construction is the surface temperatures. High surface temperatures on artificial pitches have been reported in the literature and may be a major concern for athletes and their coaches.
There is no doubt that synthetic turf fields are beneficial for an all-weather utility, but their heat can pose a serious health hazard. In fact, a National Weather Service advisory states that synthetic fields should not be used for physical education classes when the surface temperature is 85 degrees or higher.
For a better understanding of this topic, researchers at the Penn State Center for Sports Surface Research measured surface temperatures for a full synthetic turf system. Their study found that the highest temperature recorded was 69.6 degC on 18 July 2016, while a peak of 152 degF was noted on a hot morning.
Injuries caused by synthetic turf fields
Injuries caused by artificial turf fields are widespread across all levels of play. Whether it is a high school football player or a professional athlete, turf fields are a common source of abrasions and knee injuries.
Although there have been several studies on injuries caused by artificial turf, there have not been any that compare injuries caused by artificial turf and those incurred on natural grass. The goal of this study was to compare the various types of injury, as well as determine how much exposure is involved in sustaining injuries.
During the 2017-2018 athletic season, researchers identified 953 injuries. These injuries occurred on both artificial turf and natural grass, and were compared by the sport, the practice or competition level, the type of activity, and the location.
Abrasiveness of synthetic turf fibers
The degree of abrasion of synthetic turf fibers is largely dependent on the shape of the fibers. The quality of the fiber and its durability also determines the abrasion risk of the fibers.
For many years, nylon was the material of choice for synthetic turf. However, nylon fibers are considered more abrasive than other fibers.
In the 1990s, polyethylene fibers replaced nylon as the standard for tall pile face fibers. They are less abrasive, but at the expense of strength.
Since then, manufacturers have sought to incorporate PE and nylon into their products. These new systems have been treated to resist ultraviolet rays, as well as be softer. They can support heavy construction traffic.
Other types of synthetic turf include crumb rubber. These are small pieces of recycled tires that are broken up into about two to three millimeter granules. The granules are then deposited between the blades of the artificial grass.
Costs
Getting a synthetic sports pitch installed can be a game changer for a sports club. It can bring in new sponsors and attract players. But how much will it cost? There are a lot of factors to consider.
The cost of building a field can range from $500,000 to $1 million+. The costs may also vary depending on location and the type of material.
To determine the true cost of a synthetic sports field, a facility manager should consult experts on sports field soils and maintenance. Knowing the frequency of play, as well as fleet costs, will provide insight into the cost structure.
Although the cost of building a sports field is certainly not low, there are several measures a club can take to lower its cost. These include preserving the base layer, which is a relatively inexpensive option.
