SYNTHETIC SURFACES
There are different types of mainte- CASE STUDY – THE INFLUENCE OF MAINTENANCE
nance that can be carried out on the
surface, ranging from routine clean-
ing and brushing to more advanced
treatments requiring specialist equip-
ment and chemicals. Simple routine
maintenance can be conducted by the
groundstaff but more advanced proce-
dures are often undertaken by specialist
companies with bespoke advanced
equipment which can add new life to an
ageing facility.
Keeping the surface clean
Leaves, tree flowers, pine needles, dirt
from users and other detritus should
not be allowed to remain on the surface
for any length of time. If this does hap-
pen, they rapidly rot down to form a
drainage-inhibiting ‘skin’ within the
surface and provide a growing-medium
for algae and moss.
A wide, soft broom or a rubber-tined
rake is ideal for removing vegetable
matter and other rubbish. Better still,
a mechanical leaf-sweeper or vacuum
cleaner will greatly speed up the op-
eration. The equipment should be well S
pecialist maintenance provider Technical Surfaces was keen to evaluate the
influence of its maintenance techniques on playing surfaces. The firm com-
missioned the Sports Technology Institute at Loughborough University to
maintained and carefully operated to investigate the role of their equipment and in particular the effects of brushing on
avoid contamination of, or physical the wear of synthetic turf. A novel robotic device was developed (see picture) to
damage to, the surface. simulate brushing in order to investigate several scenarios using different pieces of
The provision of litter bins and an in- equipment. Simulations were conducted on the surfaces to replicate high-intensity
formation board outlining key dos and maintenance over a 20-year period to demonstrate a worst case scenario.
don’ts will also help to keep the surface This independent research showed that the levels of wear caused by the brushes
clear of rubbish brought on by players used by Technical Surfaces to maintain sports surfaces were insignificant. Dr Paul
and users of the facility. It is strongly Fleming, the lead researcher for the project, states: “The summary results clearly
recommended that the surface should show a low level of wear that was observed to be caused by the brushing alone. The
be treated as a no smoking area, as life of 20 years was used to represent a period of time longer than most artificial
a dropped cigarette can damage the surfaces survive in practice. In reality, the effects of surface usage for playing the
surface resulting in unsightly marks. sport or training (total weekly hours at Loughborough University for example, is
Chewing gum should also be banned around 50-60 per week on the soccer/rugby surfaces) and environmental effects are
for this reason. considered to be the main contributors to wear.”
Full details of this innovative research project can be found on the Technical
Brushing Surfaces website
www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk
Brushing the surface is a crucial opera-
tion if premature deterioration of the
playing characteristics, appearance and a small tractor unit with low-pressure
drainage properties are to be prevented. tyres. This type of maintenance will help
Apart from freshening up the look of ensure the performance characteristics
the surface, the purpose of regular and of the surface are maintained.
fairly vigorous brushing is to prevent the
formation of a compacted and impervi- Power Brushing and
ous skin on the top of the surface. Decompaction
This is especially noticeable on a This is a common procedure for synthetic
synthetic turf surface with a sand or turf surfaces. The principle involves the
rubber infill. By constantly disturbing use of a powered brushing machine, of-
and moving the upper layers of the sur- ten with contra-rotating brushes, which
face, brushing can delay the time when ensures that the synthetic turf fibres
problems of reduced drainage start to remain upright and the infill remains mo-
develop by several years. It is common bile within the surface. This is normally
to use a drag brush which is pulled by undertaken by specialist companies; its Regular maintenance improves play
46 Read Sports Management online
sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital Issue 4 2009 © cybertrek 2009
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