Synthetic turf is increasingly becoming popular
around the world. The current generation of
synthetic turf generally contains tall piles of
fibrillated polyethylene (PE) fibres, with an infill
mix (rubber and/or sand) to support the fibres and
provide shock absorbency. This type of synthetic
turf is also usually tufted, resulting in a lower
manufacturing cost than the original knitted,
nylon-based synthetic turf. In addition, the current
generation of synthetic turf provides enhancements
for player comfort and appearance, whilst
significantly decreasing the risk of abrasions. As
with many new technologies, prices were originally
high due to demand for the added benefits of the new
generation of synthetic turf.
Here are some key considerations when
evaluating synthetic turf versus natural grass:
Use – Synthetic turf provides many more
hours of use compared to natural grass
Maintenance – Synthetic turf has lower
maintenance costs compared to natural grass
Investment – The initial investment of
synthetic turf is much higher than natural grass
Temperature – Synthetic turf can become quite
a bit hotter than natural grass due to lack of
moisture within the grass fibers. ACT Global Sports
has products to offset this temperature increase
Sports Performance – Clients want to make
sure that the synthetic turf performs similar to
natural turf. To understand this, we strongly
recommend that clients obtain performance test
reports when selecting a synthetic turf system. Many
suppliers may have solid marketing programs but it
is more important to obtain the test proof to
support to advertised benefits.
If a client wishes to select the best synthetic
football turf, then it must consider the synthetic
turf that has been fully tested in an independent
laboratory to meet both the athletic and durability
performance needs of the client. After the purchase
of the artificial synthetic turf is completed, then
proper synthetic turf maintenance is required to
ensure long-term enjoyment of the synthetic turf.
Some additional information regarding Sport
Performance to make sure the Synthetic Turf performs
similar to Natural Grass includes:
Traditional product requirements of Synthetic
Turfs:
Measurement of shock absorbency
Tuft bind
Backing strength
All weather playability
UV protection
Low gloss to prevent sunlight glaring
New Focus of Synthetic Turf Tests – Surface
Interaction Requirements
Player / Surface Interaction Tests on
Artificial Turf
The characteristics of a surface that a football
player needs to play the game fall into several
categories. The synthetic turf testing for
player/surface interaction consists of shock
absorbency, vertical deformation, slip resistance,
traction and sliding distance.
Ball / Surface Interaction Tests
There are three categories that define the
performance of a football on the artificial turf
surface. The tests that measure these are vertical
ball rebound, football roll and angled ball
behavior.
Shock Absorption
Measures the impact absorption provided by the
synthetic turf surface to a player running or
falling on it.
Vertical Deformation
Measures the stability of the synthetic grass
surface as a player runs across it.
Traction
Measures the interaction between the shoe sole and
the synthetic surface relating to the ability of a
player to change direction.
Slip Resistance Scale
It is a measure of the ability of the studs to
slide through the surface without causing the player
to slip over
Slip Resistance Deceleration of Synthetic
Grass
Measures the deceleration experienced by the players
boot as it makes contact with the surface. If the
deceleration is too high then damage to joints and
ligaments may occur.
Vertical ball rebound
Measures how high the ball bounces when falling
vertically
Ball roll
Measures how far the ball rolls on the synthetic
pitch
Angle ball behaviour
Measures how the ball rebounds from the artificial
sports field surface when striking it at a shallow
angle under dry and wet conditions.
Friction change
Measures the abrasiveness of the artificial
field turf surface to the players skin
Coefficient of friction
Measures the potential of a surface to cause a skin
burn to the player. The higher the recorded
coefficient of friction the greater is the potential
that a skin burn will occur. |
