result in reduced drainage rates, problems with ball and player-surface interactions and may invalidate manufacturer guarantees. Decompaction of the infill is needed on a regular basis although there is a range of methods used to do so. A rake like attachment commonly found on dedicated machine- drawn brushes can be used. Care must be taken to avoid damage to the fibre pile with this technique. The correct selection of maintenance materials is an essential part of pitch management. Choosing the wrong infill materials, maintenance machinery and/or implements together with any chemical products for cleaning or weed removal will reduce the surface working life. Acidic selective and non-selective herbicides for example can react with the polymers and cause premature aging of all pitch constituents.
It is imperative that a full maintenance guide be asked for when reviewing pitch specifications. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer and supplier to inform their clients exactly how their products should be managed. Any materials not recommended for use should be avoided so that warranty coverage will remain intact.
Pitch surrounds management
It is vital that surrounding areas be thought of with regard to maintenance issues. Fine particle contamination, general litter, vandalism and excess traffic will all help to degrade the working life of these surfaces quickly. An
accurate section within the feasibility study should point out all potential threats in detail and make recommendations as to their control. Options such as security fencing, litter bins and surround area cleaning will minimise associated problems. An entry area with footwear cleaning facilities should be used to intercept debris before users come into contact with the surface. In addition, grass banking, car park areas and open soils should also be controlled; preventing dust and seed migration as much as possible.
Wear management
The ability to spread wear over the surface area should be regarded a high priority. Where possible, alternate playing directions should be enforced to prevent wear damage concentrations occurring in goalmouth and centre lines (especially important to non-multisport facilities). Vehicular traffic, either from maintenance or exceptional uses, must be regulated evenly. Alternating the direction of travel together with using multiple entrances will help reduce damage. In exceptional use situations i.e. temporary car parks, protection in the form of boarding must be used to protect construction integrity.
Performance testing and monitoring
Normally, a newly installed artificial surface is performance tested after one month in place. The goal is to measure the performance characteristics so that
they are benchmarked as close to design specifications as possible. After that insufficient consideration may be given to ongoing performance testing. One must assume that together with a natural reduction in physical structure over time, the playing performance will also diminish. Setting initial benchmarks and conducting progressive tests throughout the pitch lifetime define maintenance needs. Provision should also be made for a monitoring programme so that many factors can be assessed related to pitch performance and care. The STRI can provide site-monitoring visits where pitch condition, playing performance and the effectiveness of maintenance operations are measured. A full maintenance plan can be produced and further visits agreed. This service is especially important for facility providers who wish to be protected against litigation if an accident occurs.
Resource management
Artificial surfaces are not maintenance free! Perhaps a little obvious now, but many of these surfaces have been sold based on this untrue statement. A lifetime maintenance cost must be drawn at the project planning stage so that the integrity and playability of the surface is maintained well into the future. The cost/benefit ratio of surface ownership is dependent upon longevity, quality and cost of service in these cases. Ideally, the pitch owner should provide for a full maintenance programme and the eventual carpet replacement by paying into a sinking fund from the outset. Typically, the life expectancy of an
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