Polyethylene Synthetic Grass for Soccer Field

Running Head : Polyethylene Synthetic Grass for Soccer Field

Polyethylene Synthetic Grass for Soccer Field

Name

College

Date

Using Polyethylene Synthetic Grass for Soccer Field

1 ) Introduction

1 .1 ) Opening

1 .1 .1 ) Background about our project

1 .1 .2 ) Polyethylene synthetic grass

1 .2 ) Thesis statement : why is using the polyethylene synthetic grass in Al-Bandareyyah Recreation Center better than the real grass from safety , reliability maintenance and cost point of view

2 ) Polyethylene synthetic grass

2 .1 ) Introduction

2 .1 .1 ) Definition

2 .1

.2 ) History or Background

2 .2 . Types of Polyethylene synthetic grass

2 .3 . How it can be useful to the modern game

3 ) For the recreation center point of view (my thought

3 .1 ) What is the recreation center

3 .2 ) Benefits

4 ) Conclusion

References

1 . HYPERLINK "http /www .gaygardener .com /features /fake_grass .phtml http /www .gaygardener .com /features /fake_grass .phtml , features of fake grass and other details considered on May 23 , 2007

2 . HYPERLINK "http /acarefreelawn .com /advantages .html http /acarefreelawn .com /advantages .html , features the advantages of synthetic grass on the soccer field considered on May 23 ,2007

3 . HYPERLINK "http /www .scenta .co .uk /Sport /1154397 /pitch-perfect .html http /www .scenta .co .uk /Sport /1154397 /pitch-perfect .html , features how we can make perfect grass pitch for soccer field , considered on May 23 ,2007

4 . HYPERLINK "http /www .artificial-lawn .co .uk /sports_grass .php http /www .artificial-lawn .co .uk /sports_grass .php , summarizes the advantages of synthetic grass on soccer field , considered on May 23 ,2007

5 . HYPERLINK "http /www .ivyleaguesports .com /article .asp ?intID 5405 http /www .ivyleaguesports .com /article .asp ?intID 5405 , features how the artificial grass fields becomes popular , considered on May 23 ,2007

6 . 9963Appendix F - Synthetic Turf Field Program .pdf , features how synthetic field program works , considered on May 23 ,2007

7 . Synthetic Turf - An overview of Turf Summit held on March 23 , 2006 from Artificial Turf .pdf , considered on May 23 ,2007

8 .Morrison , Lemar , Natural and synthetic turf : A comparative analysis made on December 20 , 2005 considered on May 23 ,2007

9 .Recreation Center in the Soccer field is taken from HYPERLINK "http /www .evergreen .edu /reccenter http /www .evergreen .edu /reccenter

Sited on May 23 ,2007

10 .The advantages of synthetic grass in terms of installation cost is taken from Natural and Synthetic Turf : A Comparative Analysis Prepared by Lemar Morrison Turf Manager Released on December 20 , 2005 taken on May 23 , 2007

11 .Life Span of Synthetic Fields , Life Span of Natural Fields , Safety of Play , Environmental Issues are taken from Natural and Synthetic Turf A Comparative Analysis ' Prepared by Lemar Morrison Turf Manager Released on December 20 , 2005 , taken on May 23 , 2007

1 ) Introduction

1 .1 ) Opening

Background about the project

This project is about using Polyethylene Synthetic Grass for Soccer Field . It is about why using the Polyethylene Synthetic Grass is the best choice . The reasons for that are its safety , maintenance and effective cost . The project will show you in the beginning

Why is using the polyethylene synthetic grass in Al-Bandareyyah Recreation Center better than the real grass from safety , reliability maintenance and cost point of view . Then it will show you the history of the synthetic grass , and how this field has developed over the years and what are the requirements of the synthetic grass in different fields like Soccer etc . and what is the importance it has from the recreation center point of view

Polyethylene Synthetic Grass

The history of artificial or fake grass is not very interesting to know . The reason why , the birth of an artificial grass took place is quite interesting . The reason behind the birth of an artificial grass is An increasingly unhealthy tendency by youngsters not to exercise ' in late 1950s (1 :1 . The birth of synthetic grass came through scientists who are trying to develop a type of grass that would not only allow children and adolescents to play on without the interruption of the weather conditions but encouraged them to play more and more , in other words , a surface that everyone can enjoyed while using it (1 :2 . And here becomes the birth of an artificial grass . But some people have different ideas . Some people believe that an artificial grass has a poor drainage system and limited applicability . Furthermore , some people believe that artificial grass will cause more injuries to the players on the field when used in sports grounds . But people of the synthetic grass industry denied them . They said that it would be no problem for anybody if the grass surface lay down correctly on to the field . In fact , they claim that this type of surface will encourage better drainage competitive sports with less interruption time due to rain (1 :4 Generally artificial grass is approximately 3cm thick (from base to blade tip . The material of the `blades ' themselves is a polyethylene-polypropylene blend , which are then woven into a mat-like backing (much like that of carpet . The only maintenance it demands is you have to do rubbing to the surface once over each month . It you do it with the help of the professionals , they will charge you a couple of thousand dollars a year . The cost sounds a lot but if you compare it with only the water costs of the real one , it will be much more than the whole budget of an artificial one (1 :6

Thesis Statement

Why is using the polyethylene synthetic grass in Al-Bandareyyah Recreation Center better than the real grass from safety , reliability maintenance and cost point of view

To prove this statement you have to see various aspects like safety reliability maintenance and cost point of view through the comparison between the polyethylene synthetic grass and the real grass . So let 's discuss it in detail

INSTALLATION COSTS

Key Variables for Natural Turf Installations

Any fair cost comparison for installing a synthetic field and a natural field must take into

account several key variables of a natural-turf field (1 ) type of field preparation (2 ) type

of drainage system (3 ) the nature of irrigation system work and (4 size of field (10 :15

(1 ) Field Preparation Type

Natural field installations are done using one of these distinct models of field preparation

Native Soil ' - the existing soil is roto-tilled and graded . This model is cheaper to

install , but ultimately suffers from poor drainage and compaction and consequently

less play , more damage , and reduced turf vigor

Sand-Based ' - a 10 ' to 12 ' layer of sand with drainage system is installed over the

native soil . Sand-based fields can be played on sooner after it rains but they do not

wear as well as soil-based natural fields

Native Soil with Amendments ' -- the native soil is roto-tilled amendments (such as

organic matter or other material ) are added , the area is roto-tilled again , and then

graded . This type of renovation is a reasonable compromise : the soil drains better

than the Native Soil ' Model (although not as well as a sand -based field ) and wears

better than a sand-based field (10 :16

To summarize , the Native Soil Field has poor drainage and quickly becomes compacted

while the Sand-based Field doesn 't wear as well as the Amended Soil Field

Consequently , for the purposes of this comparison , we are specifying that the natural

field renovation in our comparison be the Native Soil with Amendments ' Model (10 :17

(2 ) Drainage System

Most of the athletic fields in San Francisco are built on heavy , clay soil . Most have very

poor drainage , have not been amended in any thorough and systematic way and have no

sub-surface drainage systems . Any serious natural-turf field construction or renovation in

San Francisco should include a sub-surface drainage system , in to maximize the

amount and quality of field play (10 :18

(3 ) Irrigation System

Many of the irrigation systems on our athletic fields are over fifty years old and do not

provide for the uniform , thorough irrigation of our athletic fields Almost all need at least

some modification , some need extensive rehabilitation , and some need complete

replacement . Our comparison includes calculations for each of these levels of irrigation

work (10 :19

(4 ) Size of Field

The focus of our inquiry is on construction of soccer fields . The standard size of SFRPD

soccer fields is 200 ' x 300 60 ,000 . A full-size regulation field is 330 ' x 210 69 ,300

sq . ft . A serious natural-field construction must include a reasonable perimeter and an

area for moving the field (to minimize wearing out the middle and the goal mouths

Consequently , a reasonable size for an area to contain a natural-turf soccer field is about

360 ' x 250 90 ,000 sq . ft (10 :20

(5 ) Adding Amendments

To be effective , amendments of organic matter and sand should be applied at a rate of at

least four inches over the entire surface and then incorporated uniformly by roto-tiling

Four inches thick translates to over 1100 cu . Yds (10 :21

(6 ) Sod vs . Seed

The most durable grass for soccer fields in San Francisco is hybrid Bermuda grass

Hybrid Bermuda cannot be grown from seed , but is available in sod (produced from

stolons . Accordingly , our natural turf construction model assumes sod installation (10 :22

This new type of synthetic turf has several advantages over natural turf

(1 ) The new synthetic fields have significantly reduced operating costs because they

require much less labor and materials to maintain . Irrigating fertilizing , and mowing

that are required on natural turf , are not necessary on synthetic turf

(2 ) The new synthetic fields increase by 50 to 100 the amount of play possible on

fields . These new synthetic fields do not have to be shut down for periods of

maintenance and rehabilitation and they rarely have to be closed because of rainy

weather . Furthermore , unlike their natural turf counterparts , they do not require the

imposition of a ceiling on the amount of play allowed in to protect the quality

of the field

(3 ) The new synthetic fields have a superior quality playing-surface

The flatness and uniformity of the new synthetic fields produces venues that provide

better and safer recreational opportunities for soccer and other ground sports

Given their advantages of superior playing surface , increased capacity for play , and

reduced maintenance costs , it is understandable why there is a move toward the new

synthetic turf for soccer fields . But because these new fields are expensive to install

(approaching 1 million per soccer pitch , budget constraints limit the number of such fields that may actually be built (10 :9

A comprehensive evaluation of the relative costs and benefits of having synthetic-turf

soccer fields requires compiling more detailed information in several areas

Relative installation costs for building a new synthetic field vs . a natural-turf field

Realistic life span of new synthetic-turf soccer fields

Relative annual costs of maintaining a synthetic field vs . a natural-turf field

Amount of increased capacity for play possible with synthetic fields

Relative safety benefits of synthetic field vs . a natural-turf field and

Relative environmental factors of synthetic vs . natural turf (10 :11

Such a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis will provide the basis for developing a

realistic plan to plan to build more synthetic soccer fields at SFRPD facilities . The

purpose of this document is to outline some of the relative costs and benefits of natural

and synthetic turf on soccer fields (10 :12

Life Span of Synthetic Fields

The industry leader for synthetic fields , Field Turf , guarantees their fields for eight years

Therefore , it is reasonable to assume that the fields will last in the range of 10 to 15 years

At the end of its life span , a new synthetic field would cost significantly less than the

original because the basic design , foundation , and drainage would already be provided (10 :29

Life Span of Natural Fields

The life span of a natural-turf field varies greatly , depending on the amount of use , turf

practices , staffing levels , etc . Given the existing pressure to over-use our soccer fields , it

is difficult to keep them at a high level of quality . It is reasonable to assume that such

highly used fields will need a major overhaul every ten years or so This would

obviously not be a the soil pro , the

grade , the turf , and the irrigation system (10 :30

Safety of Play

The latest generation of synthetic turf , such as Field Turf , is safer than natural turf . It is

flat , even , and soft , and it doesn 't have gopher holes , bumps , or muddy patches . The new

synthetic turf also doesn 't have some of the disadvantages of the older AstroTurf , which

was abrasive and prone to injuries from twisted knees and ankles . There are rigorous

scientific studies (available on request ) that document statistically that synthetic turf is

safer to play on than natural turf (10 :31

Environmental Issues

Several environmental issues are a part of the discussion of synthetic vs . natural turf

soccer fields . On balance , there are environmental advantages to using synthetic turf

Use of synthetic turf reduces the use of herbicides , chemical fertilizers , and paint

Fertilizers are increasingly being targeted as a source of ground water contamination

Having synthetic fields also reduces the use of gas-powered equipment especially

mowers , thereby cutting back on emissions of air pollutants . On the other hand , there

have been questions raised about possible toxins in the materials used in synthetic fields

At this point there is no documentation to substantiate these charges The only

significant environmental drawback to synthetic fields is that their components do not

biodegrade and will therefore end up in a landfill (10 :32

(7 : 13

(7 :14

(7 :15

Polyethylene synthetic grass

2 .1 ) Introduction

2 .1 .1 ) Definition

Typically artificial grass is approximately 3cm thick (from base to blade tip . The material of the `blades ' themselves is a polyethylene-polypropylene blend , which are then woven into a mat-like backing (much like that of carpet . The only maintenance which you have to do that is the surface be given a once over each month , which involves rubbing it down . It you do it with the help of the professionals , they will charge a couple of thousand dollars a year . The cost sounds a lot but if you compare it with only the water costs of the real one , it will be much more than the whole budget of an artificial one (1 :6

History or Background

The history of artificial or fake grass is not very interesting to know The main reason behind the birth of an artificial grass is quite interesting . The reason of the birth of an artificial grass is an increasingly unhealthy tendency by youngsters not to exercise in late 1950s (1 :1 ) History of the birth of synthetic grass began through attempts by scientists who are trying to develop a type of grass that would not only allow children and adolescents to play on regardless of the weather condition but encouraged them to do so , in other words , a surface that they enjoyed while using it (1 :2 ) And here becomes the birth of an artificial grass . Though artificial turf was invented in the 1960s , after almost 20 years any English club decided to replace their pithches .London 's Queens Park Rangers , who dug up their grass pitch and installed an artificial one in 1981 . Luton Town , Oldham Athletic and Preston soon followed QPR 's lead (3 :3 )The artificial turf of the 1980s wasn 't up to the mark , and the four clubs that had adopted the that became a national joke :the problem was that the ball bounced around in a weird way because of the hardness of the surface , the players couldn 't wear normal boots , and anyone who fell over risked carpet burns because of the nylon fibres (3 :5 . More importantally ,the harness of the playing field increased the athletes ' risk of injury .This made players worry about the injury , and the game lost its charm .Unsurprisingly , fans complained that the games were not enoyable to watch any more , one by one , the clubs went back to natural grass (3 :6 ) In the following decade artificial pitches were banned by FIFA , UEFA and several domestic associations worldwide . Turf engineers then realised their fault . They can 't simply design a surface that looks like real grass , but that they have to preserve the exact properties of natural turf so that any product they create will have the same properties . To do that biomechanics researchers performed tests on natural turf and studied how footballers move around the pitch , what is the behaviour of the ball on grass . The results of years of research and experimentation are two systems that artificial turf manufacturers claim to faithfully reproduce the attributes of real grass (3 :7

2 .2 Types of Polyethylene synthetic grass

The most common type uses polyethylene fibres about five centimetres long , which are lubricated with silicone and sewn into a rubberised plastic mat . The base is then filled with a 4-centimetre layer of sand and rubber granules - this will keep the `grass ' blades upright and provide the required levels of shock absorbency and deformability . This is the technology used by most of the turf manufacturers approved by FIFA .The other kind of artificial turf has a base of expanded polypropylene , a material originally created as a shock absorber for the automotive industry . The grass is made of the same lubricated polyethylene fibres as the first type , but they are shorter and more densely packed , and are also combined with short , curly , spring-like fibres that keep the blades upright . An 8-millimetre filling of rubber granules completes the system (3 :8

2 .3 . How it can be useful to the modern game

According to UEFA 's injury statistics , the new artificial pitches are actually safer than natural ones , with 3 .2 muscular and ligament injuries per 1 ,000 playing hours compared with 7 .6 on grass . However many players still have reservations about the non-natural surfaces (3 :10 .In to get the best of both worlds , some of Europe 's top clubs have resorted instead to a `middle of the road ' alternative Desso 's DD GrassMaster . Created in Holland , this system uses 100 per cent natural grass , reinforced by 20 million artificial grass fibres The artificial blades reinforce the natural ones , increasing the durability of the pitch : approximately 250 match-hours per year are played on a normal soccer field , while on a DD GrassMaster pitch the (3 :11 . Almost as important as the playing surface itself is keeping it dry and in top condition - rain and snow could otherwise require a match to be postponed , resulting in enormous expense to the club hosting the game . To this effect , most football grounds in Britain employ under soil heating , a method witch keeps the pitch from building up puddles or frost from the inside . While it is not an official requirement , it is financially sound to have it installed (3 :12 . One of the most advanced drainage structures available for football fields is the Forced Air Ventilation and Vacuum System (FAVVS . This ducted vacuum and air pressure system can carry out two operations . First , fresh , cool air and oxygen for natural growth will be supplied to the crucial area near the roots of the grass plants . A vacuum phase means that the system is able to drain any surplus water after heavy rainfall . Combined with a pop-up automatic irrigation system and the under soil heating , a good drainage system ensures the pitch will be kept in optimum conditions for play (3 :14

For recreation center point of view

3 .1 ) What is the recreation center

I think that every soccer field or football field should have a recreation center . There are many reasons behind the need of a recreation center at the soccer field . But before we dicuess that let 's see actually what the recreation center is and which facilities are available or should be available in it

In my words , the recreation center is the bunch of the facilities which are useful for the players of the game , for the people who love the game and come to watch it , and to all the people who are related to the game In other words , recreation center is the center which has all the facilities which are necessary and important for the players specatators during the play or before or after the play

Let 's discuss some of the recreation facilities which are or should be available in the soccer field

Aerobic Workout Room : It contains exercise bikes , treadmills stair-steppers , rowing machines , elliptical machines and a private punching bag room . It is useful in before and after play workouts for the players

Climbing Gym : The climbing gym is a unique gym in its own way . It is a great place to learn and practice the techniques of climbing . The climbing gym has large cushion pits along with a well-padded floor covering . With its unique angles and different levels of climbing difficulty , the climbing gym is great for all skill levels

Dance Rooms : Dance rooms are actually dance classes where you can learn dancing . The dance rooms have soundproof walls so that the sound could not go outside the room

The fields /tracks : For me this is the most important for the players . It is n open space with the size of soccer or a football field where the teams can compete and practice

Game Room : The game room is the perfect place to visit when you are in a mood of physical workout . In the Game Room , you will find a ping-pong table , a foosball table , an air hockey table , and variety of different arcade games

Gymnasium : The gym should contain full volleyball courts , full size basketball courts , basketball hoops , badminton courts , and a top quality sound system . It should contain removable walls so that any adjustments can be made when needed . With the exception of a couple of hours a day during the fall and winter quarters , it opens for team practice the gym is usually open for use

Pavilion : The Pavilion is ideal for indoor soccer with the new field tuft surface . The pavilion has its own rest rooms and is a well-lit area for competition

Swimming Pool / Locker Rooms : Another major attraction is swimming pool Swimming teams , local high schools for practices and meets , private swim lessons , and public , uses it . There should be also a separate diving well with a one-meter and three meter boards , and the adjacent locker rooms , fully equipped with showers and saunas

3 .2 ) Benefits

You can see that all the facilities , which are available at the recreation center are or the help of the player , for the general public and above all for the game itself . So all can benefit from the recreation center . If you have recreation center , your club or school 's reputation will come better in the sports arena . If you have good infrastructure in your recreation center , then your school or club will produce good players of the game . If your recreation center has good facilities , it can be a source of income for your club or school

4 .Conclusion

The improvements in artificial fields have made them a much more viable option . Increased injury and daily abrasions are no longer the number one issue with putting in turf . The obvious advantage is a useable field every day that is properly marked and allows solid footing in adverse weather conditions . Artificial fields , which absorb the sun 's heat more than grass and are typically 10 to 15 degrees hotter , do provide a consistency not found on the real stuff . The foul weather wreaked havoc on real grass stadiums in the Northeast and forced many schools to consider other options . The numerous benefits of synthetic soccer fields far outweigh the high cost of their installation . Clearly , the polyethylene synthetic grass in Al-Bandareyyah Recreation Center department should continue to install more synthetic turf soccer fields The citizens of Saudi Arabia deserve more and better recreational opportunities of the sort these fields would provide ...