Effect of structural components, mechanical wear and environmental conditions on the player–surface interaction on artificial turf football pitches

Abstract

The aim of this research was to determine the influence of the structural components, the mechanical wear and the environmental conditions on the mechanical behaviour of third generation artificial turf football fields. Twenty-three football specimens of artificial turf were evaluated according to the standards of quality established by the FIFA Quality Programme for football turf (laboratory test). Mechanical properties were analysed according to moisture, temperature and wear conditions. The structural variables used were: carpet mass sample (g/m2), pile weight (g/m2), tuft m2 sample (tuft/m2), pile length sample (mm), pile yarn dtex sample (g/10,000 m), infill bulk density sample (g/cm3), stabilizing bulk density sample (g/cm3), incorporation of elastic layer. Temperature, in opposite of wear conditions, did not significantly alter the mechanical behaviour of the surface, although humidity reduced the absorption capacity of the artificial turf within the regulatory limits. The characteristics of the structural components can explain up to 78.1% of the variance in the mechanical behaviour of the surface. Therefore, the control and maintenance of the structural components is necessary for guaranteeing a safe and functional mechanical behaviour of the artificial turf surface.