Feature
FSM
th: ecification es, and specification largely governed
ocess for contractors and end-users mportance of choosing the correct
budgets to achieve a 3G pitch which replicates a natural grass surface. Typically, a dynamic base consists of a crushed limestone bed which is then topped with a shockpad (although this step is optional) before the carpet is laid. Dynamic bases are also particularly hardwearing and able to withstand significant impact – ideal for training or municipal pitches which will be in regular use throughout the year, or pitches which will double up as both rugby and football pitches. Getting the right blend of material in a dynamic base is a very specific process and crucial to guaranteeing the permeability and performance of an artificial grass surface. One of the more common errors we see when creating a dynamic base is using a blend that fails to balance the drainage and stability requirements of the pitch. To give some context, a base consisting of
2-6mm crushed limestone will offer excellent permeability and allow any water to freely drain through the pitch without waterlogging the carpet, yet will fail to deliver the requisite stability to allow the contractor to lay an even carpet. This could lead to a bumpy and uneven finished installation which would certainly be noticeable when playing on it. Conversely, a purely 0-6mm blend would offer improved stability but inferior drainage.
FSM 13
Even blends which are labelled the same
can vary considerably across the country and from quarry to quarry. In particular, the type of limestone used and the way it is crushed can impact the composition of the dynamic layer. For example, a hard or carboniferous limestone is likely to produce a less fine dust, while a softer magnesium limestone is likely produce much more dust. With minimal industry standard specification routes or legislation to follow, determining the most appropriate product can be a challenge for end-users who must rely on manufacturers and contractors to guide them correctly. Carpet manufacturers often provide a fairly specific sub-specification of what they’d like a contractor to use with their products, to ensure optimum stability and the most effective co-efficient of permeability to prevent the carpet from becoming waterlogged. However, this can vary considerably depending on the turf type and manufacturer.
Ultimately, the sub-base construction
can make or break the performance of a 3G pitch. Failing to get the right blend of aggregates can easily result in a surface that is uneven or poorly draining. In the absence of an overarching standard governing dynamic base composition, contractors must commission pitches in line with carpet manufacturer guidelines. However, the ambiguity often associated with such specifications can create room for error. With contractors ultimately bearing the responsibility of pitch construction, taking the extra time to fully understand the intricacies of dynamic base composition can be the defining factor between a happy or disgruntled end-user. For those contractors keen to know more, I’d encourage them to get in touch with a member of the Topsport Technical Sales Team. For more information on Tarmac’s range
of Topsport artificial sports surface solutions, please visit
www.topsport.co.uk.
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