Artificial turf has become a popular choice for football fields across Canada. You might wonder what lies beneath that green surface as you watch your favourite team play.
Under artificial turf on a football field, there’s a complex system of layers designed for drainage, stability, and player safety.
The base of a turf field is made up of permeable stone aggregates. This foundation allows water to drain quickly, keeping the field playable even after heavy rain. On top of this, a layer of sand and rubber infill helps support the turf blades and cushion players’ movements.
Artificial Turf Toronto will show you how these layers work together to create a durable and consistent playing surface.
Compared to natural grass, synthetic turf offers many benefits for football fields. It needs less upkeep, can handle more use, and stays green year-round. While some players prefer the feel of real grass, many teams are switching to artificial turf for its practicality and performance.
Components of Artificial Turf Systems
Artificial turf systems have three main parts that work together. These parts help the field perform well and last a long time.
Infill Materials
Infill is the stuff you put between the fake grass blades. It helps keep the blades standing up and makes the field feel more like real grass. There are different types of infill:
- Crumb rubber: Made from old tires, it’s bouncy and drains well
- Sand: Cheap and heavy, it holds the turf down
- Coconut husk: A natural option that stays cool
- Cork: Another natural choice that’s soft to play on
Most fields use a mix of materials. The infill depth is usually 1-2 inches. It’s important to choose the right infill for your needs and budget.
Carpet Layer
The carpet layer is the fake grass you see and play on. It’s made of plastic fibres that look like grass blades. These fibres can be different:
- Lengths (usually 1-2.5 inches)
- Colours (often green, but sometimes with brown thatch)
- Shapes (straight, curved, or ribbed)
The carpet is tough and can handle lots of use. It lets water drain through and doesn’t need mowing. You’ll want to pick a carpet that looks and feels good for your sport.
Backing Structure
The backing is the bottom of the turf system. It holds the fake grass blades in place and helps with drainage. There are two main parts:
- Primary backing: A strong fabric that the grass fibres are sewn into
- Secondary backing: A coating (often rubber) that seals the primary backing
The backing needs to be strong to keep the turf together. It also has holes to let water flow through. Good backing helps your field last longer and perform better.
Field Construction and Foundation
Building a proper foundation is crucial for artificial turf football fields. A well-constructed base ensures good drainage, stability, and performance. Let’s look at the key steps involved in creating the underlying structure.
Site Preparation
Before laying any turf, you need to prepare the site. First, remove all existing grass, rocks, and debris. Then, grade the area to create a slight slope for water runoff. Use heavy machinery to excavate the site to the proper depth, usually about 30-45 cm.
Next, compact the soil with a roller. This creates a firm base that won’t settle over time. In some cases, you might need to add a layer of compacted soil to achieve the right grade. Test the soil for proper compaction to ensure it can support the field structure.
Base Layers
The base layers provide stability and drainage for your turf field. Start with a layer of crushed stone, about 10-15 cm deep. Use angular stones that lock together when compacted. This layer helps with drainage and provides a solid foundation.
On top of the stone, add a layer of finer gravel or stone dust. This layer, usually 5-10 cm thick, creates a smooth surface for the turf. Compact each layer thoroughly with a roller or plate compactor. Use laser grading equipment to ensure the surface is perfectly level.
Some fields also include a shock pad layer for extra cushioning and safety.
Drainage Systems
Good drainage is key to a long-lasting turf field. Install a network of perforated pipes under the field to carry water away. These pipes typically run in a herringbone pattern and connect to a main drainage pipe.
Cover the pipes with a layer of pea gravel to allow water to flow freely. Some fields use a specialized drainage mat instead of or in addition to pipes. This helps spread water out evenly across the field.
Make sure the drainage system connects to a proper outlet, like a storm sewer or retention pond. Test the system before laying the turf to ensure it can handle heavy rainfall.
Player Safety and Field Performance
Artificial turf systems are designed with player safety and performance in mind. The materials and construction beneath the turf play a key role in protecting athletes and allowing them to perform at their best.
Shock Absorption
The layers under artificial turf help absorb impacts when players fall or land. A shock pad made of foam or rubber sits below the turf to cushion blows. This pad works with the turf fibres and infill to reduce the force on players’ bodies.
Some systems use a shock-absorbing underlayment instead of or in addition to a pad. This layer spreads out impact forces over a wider area. The goal is to lessen the risk of concussions and other injuries from hard landings.
The amount of shock absorption can be adjusted by changing the thickness and density of these layers. Fields for different sports may have varying levels of cushioning.
Traction and Evenness
A stable, even surface helps prevent slips and twisted ankles. The base layers under turf provide a firm, level foundation. A layer of crushed stone is often used to create good drainage and stability.
On top of this sits a porous asphalt or concrete layer. This smooth surface ensures the turf above stays flat and even. It prevents dips or bumps that could trip players up.
The turf’s infill also affects traction. Materials like crumb rubber or sand help players grip the surface as they run and change direction. Too little infill can make the field slippery. Too much can slow players down.
Gmax Testing
Gmax testing measures how well a field absorbs shock. A device drops a weight onto the turf from a set height. It records the maximum deceleration or Gmax score.
A lower Gmax score means better shock absorption. Most sports groups set a maximum allowed Gmax score for safety. Fields are tested regularly to make sure they meet these standards.
If a field’s Gmax score is too high, it may need more infill or a new shock pad. Proper maintenance helps keep Gmax scores in check. This includes regular grooming and topping up of infill materials.
Maintenance and Durability
Proper care of artificial turf on football fields is key to its longevity and performance. Regular upkeep extends the life of the field, while timely replacement ensures safety and playability.
Regular Upkeep
You need to brush and groom your artificial turf field often. This keeps the fibres upright and the infill even. Use special machines to do this every week during busy seasons. Clean up spills and stains right away to stop them from setting in. Remove leaves, twigs, and other debris to keep the surface clean.
You should also check the infill levels regularly. Add more if needed to maintain proper cushioning. Water the field on hot days to cool it down and reduce static. Don’t forget to inspect seams and edges for any damage. Fix small issues quickly to prevent them from getting worse.
Lifespan and Replacement
Your artificial turf football field can last 8 to 10 years with good care. Poor maintenance might mean you need to replace it after just a few years. The lifespan depends on how much the field is used and how well you look after it.
High-impact areas like the centre of the field may wear out faster. You might need to replace these sections sooner. When it’s time for a full replacement, be ready for a big job. It can cost $300,000 to $500,000 or more for a football field. Plan ahead for this expense.
Look for signs that your field needs replacing. These include thin or worn areas, uneven surfaces, or poor drainage. Regular inspections help you catch these issues early. This way, you can budget and schedule the replacement at the right time.
Environmental and Climatic Considerations
Artificial turf football fields interact with the environment and climate in unique ways. They offer some benefits but also face challenges related to weather and environmental impact.
Weather Impact
Artificial turf reacts differently to weather than natural grass. In hot weather, turf can get much hotter than grass. On sunny days, the surface temperature may rise 20-30°C higher than the air temperature. This can make playing uncomfortable and increase injury risk.
Rain affects turf fields less than grass. They drain quickly and don’t turn muddy. This means fewer cancelled games. But heavy rain can still flood turf if the drainage system can’t keep up.
Snow and ice are tricky for turf. You can’t use metal shovels to clear snow, as they damage the fibres. Special brushes or blowers are needed. Ice can form on turf just like grass, making it slippery.
Environmental Benefits
Turf fields don’t need watering, saving lots of water each year. A typical grass field uses about 500,000 to 1 million gallons annually. Turf eliminates this water use.
You don’t need to mow turf or use pesticides and fertilizers. This cuts down on air pollution from mowers and chemical runoff into waterways.
Turf fields last 8-10 years before needing replacement. Some parts can be recycled, reducing waste. But other parts may end up in landfills, which is a downside.
Turf allows more playtime than grass. Fields don’t need rest periods to regrow. This means more people can use the same space for sports and activities.