Effect of the structural components of support on the loss of mechanical properties of football fields of artificial turf

Abstract

Football fields of artificial turf are in constant evolution. The resulting improvements have given rise to a large diversity of structural components. There are various types of infill and fibre for artificial turf and different designs and materials for the support structure (sub-base and elastic layer). The design of the sub-base and the presence or absence of the elastic layer can influence turf performance and the surface’s useful lifetime. The aim of this study was to assess in situ the effect of the various support structures on the mechanical properties of artificial turf after deterioration caused by wear for a year. The assessed properties were force reduction (%), standard vertical deformation (mm), rotational traction (N·m), vertical ball rebound (%), and ball roll (m), according to the requirements in norm EN 15330-1:2007. The results demonstrate the effect of the structural base on the mechanical and functional performance of football fields of artificial turf, as well as the significant deterioration of the properties over a year which varied between 3.14% and 8.92% with regard to the installed system. These results show that the support structure that provides the greatest durability and adequate behaviour of the mechanical properties over time is that which has a sub-base of compacted gravel under an elastic layer.