Artificial Turf Field

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Artificial Turf Field

Constructing an artificial turf field involves a large startup cost. This is because the following
components are involved
Pile Fibre - the synthetic grass is made of either the polyamide nylon/nylon 6.6 or
polypropylene/polyethylene, which is then custom extruded into a monofilament ribbon form. The pile
fibre has to allow for smooth ball roll and bounce, support non-directional foot traction, allow for water
permeability, and have the correct balance of strength, elasticity and stiffness to withstand the wear and
tear of regular usage.
Backing Fabric - the material to which surface fibres are attached to form the underside of the artificial
turf surface. The backing is typically fabricated from polyester tire yarns.
Using flat-bed Raschel knitting machines, the nylon pile fibers are knitted directly into the backing as it
is being fabricated, to form a mechanically strong and stable structure. The knitting machines are
between 4.5 m to 5 m wide, to minimise the number of seams and offer greater surface uniformity in
each installation.
The sewing threads are high-strength, weather resistant and pigmented to exactly match the color of the
turf. Permanent lines are knitted in during the manufacturing process, to minimise maintenance. The
backing has to permit water to flow through the fabric readily.
Shock-Absorbing Foam - provides cushioning for running or falling athletes. The foam is made of a
closed-cell polymer alloy like polyurethane, typically 1/2 inch in height, and perforated for vertical
drainage.
Supporting Base - supports the load placed on the entire structure, typically a 2-foot or 3-foot layer of
asphalt or concrete. The sub-base should be flat and even, and should be able to lose water easily.
Drainage - an artificial turf field has to be watered prior to play to reduce surface temperature, make the
field less abrasive and generate smoother ball roll. Water pooling is prevented on the surface by means
of a 0.5% grade slope drainage system.
Ultra-Violet Stabilization - all polymeric materials are subject to damage when exposed to the ultraviolet radiation present in sunlight. This problem gets more acute in areas with high humidity. Hence the
pile fibres have to be protected by the inclusion of appropriate organic stabilizers or UV inhibitors.
Similarly, coloring pigments have to be selected for their ultra-violet resistant properties, for best
retention of their original colours when exposed to sunlight.

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2/22/2008

Artificial Turf Field

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Technical Criteria
The International Hockey Federation publishes a handbook of performance
requirements for synthetic hockey pitches (last revised March 1999). It lists
acceptable ranges of values for the various components of an artificial turf
field as detailed above. Some sample values are given below:
Component
Pile Fibre

Parameter

Value

Ribbon Ends per Needle 12

Pile Height

12 mm - 15 mm

Pile Weight

1850 gm/sqm

Pile Ribbon Denier

415 Texturised

Filaments per Square

Inch

1180

Abrasiveness Index

15 to 60

Resistance to Abrasion

4.0

Tensile Strength - Length 1700 N 30% (ISO 5081)

Tensile Strength - Width 1400 N 25% (ISO 5081)

Executive Summary

Colour fastness

7 - 8 (DIN 54004)

Backing Fabric

Grab Tear Strength

upto 350 pounds

Shock-Absorbing
Foam

Shock Absorbency

75-105 Gmax (avg of 2nd/3rd

drop)

Completed Turf
System

Grade Slope

< 0.5%

Water permeability

30 l / min / m

Shoe Traction (Dry)

0.90 to 1.50 Coefficient of

Friction

Shoe Traction (Wet)

1.10 to 1.50 Coefficient of

Friction

Ball Roll

5.4 - 8.2 metres

Artificial Turf Field

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Money Matters

Looking Ahead

2/22/2008