Structures
Beyond Natural Grass: The Rise of Multi-Sport Synthetic Turf in Modern Facilities
By Brian Wesolowski, P.E., CFM, Gewalt Hamilton Associates (GHA)
College of Lake Forest: GHA was retained by Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, Ill. to convert a portion of their south-campus athletic field. The improvement included a synthetic turf multi-use rectangular field, designated to serve NCAA lacrosse, soccer (4-color striping), and women’s softball.
existing sites presented its own set of challenges. The topography of natural grass fields, designed for optimal surface drainage, often didn't align with the requirements of synthetic turf. This meant significant grading work to modify a field designed for natural grass to a field designed for synthetic turf. Warren Township High School in Gurnee, Ill. recently faced a similar challenge. Situated in a flood plain, their field required specialized solutions. The primary concern is the specific gravity of crumb rubber is close to that of water. This meant that during storm events, the crumb rubber could easily wash away, potentially draining into area waterways. To address this concern and maximize the potential of the field, we worked with the turf supplier and proposed a solution that involved increasing the sand content and selecting a denser style of rubber for the infill. These measures bolstered the turf's resilience against flooding concerns and mitigated potential environmental hazards. Environmental and Health Concerns Yet, as synthetic turf gained traction, it also attracted scrutiny. Concerns arose, particularly regarding the materials used, such as rubber. Environmentalists and health experts raised concerns about potential health hazards and environmental impact. Recognizing these concerns, the industry sought innovative solutions. Recently the Schaumburg Park District in Schaumburg, Ill. opted for an eco-conscious approach. For their synthetic turf sports fields, which cover an impressive area of more than 500,000 square feet, it was recommended they use an olive pit infill for their baseball and softball fields. This decision not only addressed environmental and health concerns but also highlighted a commitment to sustainable solutions in the evolving landscape of synthetic turf systems. Modern synthetic turfs are not just about playability, they also represent a focus on sustainability and health. These advancements reflect the industry's dedication to ensuring that the benefits of synthetic turf are
In the early 2000s , the Midwest was on the cusp of a monumental shift in sports infrastructure. Traditional grass stadium fields, which had long been the paragon of sporting pride, began to witness significant competition: synthetic turf. This wasn't merely a swap of material; it was a fundamental shift, a revolution in how sports and community spaces were conceptualized, designed, and utilized. Synthetic turf ushered in a new era of sports infrastructure, offering unparalleled flexibility and resilience. This change was about more than the turf's durability or aesthetics. It was about maximizing potential and reimagining possibilities. Organizations such as colleges, high schools, municipalities, park districts, and sport clubs, once held back by the recovery time and maintenance demands of natural grass, now benefited from fields designed for daily use. The implications were vast: more practice sessions, diverse sports activities, and an enhanced sporting curriculum. By adopting synthetic turf, these organizations not only enhanced their facilities but also experienced their full potential. Similarly, public recreation organizations such as park districts, always in pursuit of consistent revenue streams, recognized the immense value of these all-weather fields. Even if rain interrupts a game, synthetic turf fields have been thoughtfully engineered to drain quickly. This means they're ready for action far sooner than natural grass fields, allowing for more community events, tournaments, and celebrations. Synthetic turf is not just about convenience or durability; it's about unlocking new possibilities and reaching new heights in sports and community engagement. The Challenges of Innovation Every innovation, no matter how groundbreaking, brings a set of challenges. The initial excitement surrounding synthetic turf was soon met with the intricate realities of its implementation. New constructions, especially in areas with strict local regulations, faced the challenge of securing multiple permits. Stormwater regulations, often varying from one jurisdiction to another, became a focal point of attention. Retrofitting
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csengineermag.com
NOVEMBER 2023
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