artificial surfaces
Prevention is better than cure
FOLLOWING previous research by Cranfield and Loughborough Universities, a new study aims to present an objective evaluation of the accepted practices and conventional wisdom behind the maintenance of artificial sports surfaces. A partnership between maintenance
provider Technical Surfaces and Loughborough University, the four-year Engineering Doctorate on Artificial Turf: Integrating Maintenance and Sport Surface Science, will include analysis of the degradation, and associated loss of performance, over time of non-filled, sand- filled/dressed and 3rd Generation surfaces (and 4th Generation as they become developed), as well as the benefits and limitations of maintenance on the rates of degradation. The relationship between degradation and play performance, and user safety, will also be investigated in relation to the performance requirements set down by the sport governing bodies. The measured data will be collected,
The research will combine academic study with raw data provided by Technical Surfaces
collated and disseminated, to quantify the importance of maintenance to the longevity of an artificial sports surface. It’s anticipated that improvements in maintenance practices will be developed along the way and imparted to the industry to enhance the knowledge and understanding of the value of artificial surface maintenance. “Much of what is known about artificial surface maintenance is wholly subjective,"
A new academic study into the science behind artificial sports surface maintenance.
says Dr Paul Fleming of Loughborough University. “It’s our intention to convert the years of experience and observations gathered by Technical Surfaces into objective measurements. There are still gaps in knowledge within the industry, and as the technology behind artificial turf construction continues to develop it’s important to collect good scientific data on how these surfaces degrade and their playing performance-related properties change, and the extent to which maintenance can achieve a reduction in this inevitable degradation process.” Technical Surfaces believes that the
outcome of this research will help to strengthen its argument that continued maintenance is important throughout the life of an artificial surface, says technical director, Jonathan Gunn. “Our motto is Maintaining Standards. We understand that our customers are primarily concerned with issues of durability, player performance and safety, and these factors can vary greatly from surface to surface dependent on the maintenance that is being carried out. Experience has shown us that, when applied correctly and consistently, maintenance can significantly prolong the projected life expectancy of artificial sports surfaces, thereby helping facility owners and operators to maximise the return on their initial investment.”
www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk bflmagazine.co.uk 53
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