NATURAL TURF
Reinforcements in natural turf pitches
Paul Flanagan, project manager at STRI, looks at the pros and cons of the different types of reinforced turf for pitch stability and playability
agers and players continue to grow. Similarly, these pitch improvements can be attributed to a better understanding and management of natural turf speci- fications, as well as the introduction of new turf technologies. The modern natural turf reinforce-
T
ments are one of the key factors driving the standards and tolerances of natural turf pitches forward. The modern sta- dium can create a heavily shaded static microenvironment in which to grow a pitch. Depriving grass plants of natural light and reduced airflow across the plant leaf can change the photosynthetic rates from high to little to none. And it’s in such environments where
natural pitch reinforcements greatly enhance pitch stability and playability. Hence the starting point for reinforce- ment is the ability of the product to stabilise the surface without grass cover. The decision to install a reinforced
pitch relies on the answers to many questions and differing scenarios, such as the usage levels and expectations; the
he quality of natural turf pitches has improved tremendously in recent years and, accordingly, the expectations of stadia man-
existing pitch specification and infra- structure; the geographical climate and the stadium microclimate. It’s generally accepted that there is no one single solution that can be provided to solve all of the desirable characteristics required from natural turf reinforcement. In recent years there have been many
types of reinforcement technologies utilised in pitches. Currently the most common technologies are: • Fibre systems – where various types of fibres and elastic material are mixed into the soil homogenously and natural grass is grown in. • Hybrid systems – where fibres are injected or stitched into the surface with the synthetic fibres proud on the surface of the pitch, between which natural grass is grown. • Filled carpet systems – where a carpet backing supports the fibres, which are in-filled with various products and natural grass is grown in.
FIBRE SYSTEMS Fibre systems involve the mixing of polypropylene and, in some cases, natural fibres with sand to create a reinforcement matrix. The fibres interlock with the sand,
which the natural grass grows in. These products have been improved in recent years to allow for the addition of elastic polyurethane fibres. These significantly reduce hardness, improve stability and improve grass cover retention. To place and install the fibre on the pitch, special- ist installation and finishing is required.
Pros • Fast to install • Increases usage levels and stability • Non weather dependent on installation • Can be returfed • Can be installed on soil-based lower- quality pitches
Cons • Higher maintenance than a non- reinforced pitch • Intensive renovations needed yearly • Equipment needed for international installations • Cannot be installed after the grass is growing • Does not provide a green surface when grass cover is lost • Surface stability is not as high as some hybrid systems, so more time is needed before play resumes
The Kassam Stadium features a XtraGrass carpet system
44 Read Sports Management online
sportsmanagement.co.uk/digital
Issue 2 2011 © cybertrek 2011
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84