Study of shockpads as energy absorption layer in artificial turf surfaces

Abstract

Artificial turf surfaces with an integrated shockpad layer are increasing in use, partially due to the introduction of new non-styrene-butadiene rubber infills, which require a shockpad for managing the energy absorption properties of the surface. Selection of appropriate shockpad materials for football pitches is guided by the performance requirements outlined in the FIFA Quality Concept for Artificial Turf [1] manual. Olefinic foams were screened for their performance as shockpads using lab tests in compression along with FIFA Quality Concept (FCQ) tests, both on the foams and on an artificial turf system. Stress response, energy restitution, cyclic loading endurance and creep resistance were generally found to increase with increasing foam density and not be influenced by crosslinking. Foam density was established as the key design variable. The low density foams did not fulfill the FQC performance requirements. At a higher foam density, the nature of the resin played a significant role; elastomeric foams outperforming plastomeric foams by allowing for thinner shockpads at similar energy absorption performance. In addition, FQC test results showed how a welldesigned shockpad could help maintain a uniform performance across the artificial turf surface, overruling the effect of infill height variations caused by players on the field.

Influence of the Mechanical Properties of Third-Generation Artificial Turf Systems on Soccer Players’ Physiological and Physical Performance and Their Perceptions

“…However, this is the first research which applies these measures on several different systems of artificial turf. Previous studies defend a lack of connection between the mechanical devices and the mechanical properties perceived by the players, due to the lack of the human movement auto-regulation [51] , [52] . The surface with a compacted gravel sub-base and elastic layer had the highest levels of FR and StV , coinciding with previous studies which assessed the influence of the structural components of support on the mechanical properties of the surface [44] , in spite of this; this system met the regulation requirements.…”

“…The inclusion of the ER and RT provides more details about hardness, the capacity of absorption and turn resistance from the surface, respectively. This property presents an inverse relationship with the impact reduction ( r = –0.665; p <0.01) and this differs depending on the system of artificial turf introduced, due to the heterogeneity and the state of conservation of the structural components used [52] – [55] .…”

Determination of mechanical properties of artificial turf football pitches according to structural components

“…This component maintains shock absorption properties throughout the surface longevity and avoids deterioration as a consequence of infill compaction. 20 Also, a well-designed elastic layer helps to maintain an even performance on the entire artificial turf surface, 21 although intensive use of the pitch can cause deformation and premature damage. 5,22,23 Other fundamental aspects in artificial turf design are the fibre characteristics.…”

A material simulant for replicating the impact response of playing field surfaces

“…Common types of material used in the damping underlayment are closed-cell foam or rubber sheets. 15,16 The most common type of infill used in the top layer is a granulated crumb rubber and sand mixture. 15,17 Hybridized playing surfaces use cultivated living grass within a structured or reinforced carrier.…”

“…15,16 The most common type of infill used in the top layer is a granulated crumb rubber and sand mixture. 15,17 Hybridized playing surfaces use cultivated living grass within a structured or reinforced carrier. Both natural and synthetic field surfaces are common across all levels of sport in the United States and are used both indoor and outdoor.…”