Recommendations on the base construction
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GRASS SPORTS PITCH This document has as sole objective to raise the awareness of those undertaking the construction of an artificial grass sports pitch, and to help them asking the right questions in order to build a base that will be appropriate to the installation of artificial grass. Each country has its own specificities, and each location requires specific recommendations according to the climate, the type of soil and the building materials available in the area. It is therefore advisable to contact an architect or a specialised consultant in order to set up the right specifications, and to refer to the codes of good practice as well as to the guidelines LANO SPORTS cannot be held responsible for constructions realised solely on the base of this general kind of information, without the approval of a specialised research consultancy. GENERAL POINTS When conceiving an artificial grass sports pitch, one has to pay special attention to: - the location and the orientation of the pitch; - the nature of the subsoil and its stability; - the possibility of having to build shock-pads; - the choice of artificial grass and its installation. These general considerations can differ from sport to sport. LANO SPORTS - ZUIDSTRAAT 44 - P.O. BOX 200 | 8530 Harelbeke - Belgium |

1) LOCATION AND ORIENTATION OF THE PITCH - When looking for a location where to build a new pitch, one needs to take into account the differences in level, which will have to be filled in, in order to create a flat base that will meet the requirements of the rule book. - The pitch will be oriented in such a way that the sun will cause minimal hindrance to both players and spectators. The preferred orientation for a pitch axis is north- south, with the longitudinal axis at 15° in relation to the north-south axis. Local conditions (shade, hours when the pitch will be used, obstacles, ...) may...

- If the stability level cannot be reached, one will have to proceed to the draining of the subsoil. The drainage will vary according to the types of soil, to their water content and to their drainage possibilities: the study of these elements requires the competent help of a department of civil engineering. It might be necessary to resort to hydraulic binders (lime, cement, ...) and to a drainage of the subsoil. - Once the subsoil has been treated, the sub-base must: • ALLOW A CORRECT DRAINING: • ALLOW A CORRECT FILTRATION : so that the vehicles and machines distort the surface: Proctor...

- Drains will be connected to lateral collectors, the diameter of which will not be inferior to 91 mm and the slope of which will be at least 0,5 %. These collectors should be accessible through one or more hand holes for easy - Drains and collectors will always be located below the critical freezing level, so as to ensure a good evacuation of the water especially when it starts thawing. - The draining principles described above should be adapted to the specific environment. Drainage systems must be installed even in hot countries (tropical or equatorial zones), where the daily levels of...

This layer is directly built on the sub-base if the sub-base meets the requirements, or on - It is capable of supporting the loads of all vehicles, machines and materials to be used in the construction of artificial grass, without causing deformation of the site. - It ensures a sufficient permeability to collect runoff in the draining systems, as defined above. Several techniques are possible, the choice of which will depend on the sport surface to be built, as well as on economical constraints or on local habits. - DYNAMIC f ROCK OR SAND) : This is a technique often used in the...

• The bituminous layer may be waterproof. It will, however, be made of a first layer of 35 mm consisting of materials with a 0/10 mm granulometry, then of a final layer of 25 mm consisting of materials with a 0/6 mm granulometry. • In some cases, the bituminous layer will be permeable and will consist of 2 layers, the thickness of which will be identical to those of the impermeable system. The formulation of the coated materials will, of course, be adapted in order to allow a good permeability. • Whichever the case, the flatness rules will have to be followed as defined above, and the...

The introduction of a resilient layer between the base and the artificial grass is used to provide a greater degree of comfort to players, and to give the play surface a greater softness. Shock- pads are especially recommended for sanded or « water based » hockey pitches, as well as for football pitches of the first or second generation (totally or partially sanded artificial grass). Football pitches of the latest generation, which are filled with rubber granules, do not require shock-pads according to the construction of the artificial grass pitch. Other kinds of artificial grass, even of...