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Predicting Infill Migration

February 1, 2021/in News, Press Release/by External Source

Predicting Infill Migration: The potential ban on rubber crumb infill has meant that owners, manufacturers, and suppliers have taken a keen interest in measures that can mitigate infill migration. Even if a ban is implemented, there is a requirement for all the current fields containing rubber crumb infill (pitches) to install measures to prevent the […]

Critical time for amenity management

January 29, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Kate Hopkins

Critical time for amenity management: For everyone engaged in amenity management, these are really important times. The pandemic and all its consequences are having, and will have, a long lasting impact on everyone, and those engaged in managing amenity spaces are certainly not exempt from this. What has been demonstrated is the essential nature of […]

Predicting Infill Migration

February 1, 2021/in News, Press Release/by External Source

Critical time for amenity management

January 29, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Kate Hopkins

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Predicting Infill Migration

February 1, 2021/in News, Press Release/by External Source

Predicting Infill Migration: The potential ban on rubber crumb infill has meant that owners, manufacturers, and suppliers have taken a keen interest in measures that can mitigate infill migration.

Even if a ban is implemented, there is a requirement for all the current fields containing rubber crumb infill (pitches) to install measures to prevent the infill from leaving the field enclosure. It means, as a minimum for preventing infill loss into the environment, thousands of fields must retrofit panels to the fence line, make space for footwear cleaning areas, and fit drain filters. These upgrades are not an easy undertaking. Fence system designs will need to be assessed for the suitability of panels, placing a financial burden on those charged with responsibility for the fields. There will also be a timeline to tackle the legacy of pitches identified for upgrades.

Predicting Infill Migration

But what if there was a way to identify the likelihood of a turf system ejecting rubber crumb from the turf system? What if the risk could be identified using a laboratory method that provides an index for this potential issue? It would mean that designers, consultants, and owners could choose turf systems that can retain infill, thus reducing the investment required to prevent infill from leaving enclosures. It would allow manufacturers to focus on the design of new products for use during turf construction, intended to help reduce infill movement and loss.

Infill is now identified as a source of microplastics in the environment, although the overwhelming evidence suggests that the artificial turf industry is very low on the list of polluters. Due to misinformation, synthetic turf has attracted a disproportionate amount of media attention in recent years. The turf industry is an easy target. However, research shows that compared to the pollution of other industries such as textiles, farming, and chemicals, turf would not even warrant a mention. That said, it should not lead us to complacency. Indeed, it has not. As an industry, we have taken a proactive approach to managing this issue.

In July 2020, a new standard was published; EN 17519:2020 Surfaces for Sports Areas, Synthetic Turf Sports Facilities Guidance on How to Minimize Infill Dispersion into the Environment. This EN standard was adopted by regional and global governing bodies concerned with safety. The objective of the EN is to regulate infill that escapes the pitch. Turf infill can migrate into the surrounding grounds, settle in or around drains, or get stuck to shoes and clothing and be taken off-site.

Lisport XL Tests

Does the Lisport XL tell us anything about infill migration in an artificial turf system? The Lisport XL imparts mechanical wear onto the turf system to attempt to replicate the physical aging of a field. During the wearing process, some infill is displaced, and it can indicate the potential for infill migration that a surface can exhibit in a real-life scenario. It is noted that surfaces with a particularly high-performance infill rate, low free pile above infill, or low stitch density can lead to a higher incidence of infill displacement.

Predicting Infill Migration

Splash Test

Does the splash tell us anything about infill migration in an artificial turf system? The splash test replicates the infill displacement from a single ball bounce impact on the surface. It is designed with spectators and high definition TV images to limit the splash characteristics of a surface.

Similarly, to the Lisport XL, surfaces with a high quantity of performance infill, low free pile height, or low stitch density may exhibit a higher splash percentage. Note, however, that splash testing in laboratory conditions provides a worst-case scenario. Recent studies suggest that installed fields can show a lower splash value when compared with the same surface tests in a laboratory. There is a potential to further develop the splash test in a game-like situation or with various impact scenarios.

Data Analysis

We have built an extensive database that holds the results of hundreds of product tests that have run through the Lisport XL. Through an examination of the turf system properties and an analysis of infill migration data, we can identify trends.

What are the key elements in a turf system to prevent infill migration in a field?

Turf configuration – higher density products contain the infill better.
The free pile is a key factor as more free pile contains the infill, but there is an optimum level required to protect the yarn.
Infill type/size/quantity has a direct impact on the mobility of the infill. Higher density infills are less mobile and the added factor of infill voidage/compaction ratio will have a direct impact on non-regulated fields.
Footwear, the interaction with or blade/rounded stud flat sole will have a direct impact on disrupting the infill. Any footwear with higher traction may produce more infill movement.
Moisture condition – completely dry surfaces show a greater preponderance for infill movement.
Grooming/maintenance will de-compact the infill at the surface and certain types of maintenance brushes can cause rubber crumb to be thrown some distance from the brushing action. The speed and pressure applied is also a factor. It should be possible to emulate maintenance activities to the Lisport XL

Conclusions

Very small amounts of infill can leave any field, but the estimates of migration reported in the media are excessively high and unverifiable. Misinformation has been used by ECHA to come to the conclusion that artificial turf fields should be regulated. There are discussions of potentially banning added polymeic materials from performance infill. However, using laboratory tests to identify turf systems which might have a preponderance for allowing infill to be easily displaced could be a better first step to managing the problem.

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Critical time for amenity management

January 29, 2021/in News, Press Release/by Kate Hopkins

Critical time for amenity management: For everyone engaged in amenity management, these are really important times. The pandemic and all its consequences are having, and will have, a long lasting impact on everyone, and those engaged in managing amenity spaces are certainly not exempt from this.

What has been demonstrated is the essential nature of much of the work, especially in seeking to keep parks, transports networks, sports surfaces etc. safe and healthy and fit for purpose. However, nobody can predict with certainty the future. With an economy under real stress and unemployment up, there will be less resource available and certainly changes in pattern of use of amenity spaces.

Critical time for amenity management

Also, to be factored into the mix is the government review of the UK National Action Plan which focusses on all aspects of weed, pest and disease management. The draft plan is now out for consultation and the Amenity Forum will be responding fully. The Forum is also urging other organisations to make response. It is vital that we stress the importance of what is done and why weed, pest and disease management is essential. We cannot take this for granted; we need to make our politicians fully aware of what we do, and the professional standards employed. In that latter context, the sector must embrace the Amenity Standard. It is a totally recognisable way to demonstrate professional standards by showing organisations involved are members of an approved assurance scheme. There is much support from policy makers for the Standard and getting engaged shows commitment by the sector and will very much assist in gaining the right outcomes for the sector. For further information contact admin@amenityforum.net or visit the website www.theamenitystandard.co.uk

The National Action Plan will be the key focus at a series of free Updating Events being held by the Amenity Forum over the coming weeks. They are half day, free and open to all and being run entirely online. It is really important that those engaged in, or with an interest in, amenity management are fully aware of the potential changes and express their views. These free events will provide this. For details of registration, please contact Kate at Admin@amenityforum.net. The dates are February 9^th, 11^th, 23^rd, 25^th and March 4^th.

Also recently launched at this important time is a government supported survey seeking to ascertain usage of plant protection products in amenity and related information. If you receive a request to provide this data, please do so. It will provide clear evidence not only of what we do but its importance.

Professor John Moverley, independent chairman of the Amenity Forum, says ‘’The important and essential nature of amenity management may be something those engaged in it understand but we must ensure that message is articulated clearly and strongly to all especially the public and policy makers. Everyone involved should be immensely proud of what they do but now is the time to say it loud. Critical times ahead maybe but working together the sector can face such times and be successful, of that I have no doubt’’.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters.

Half Sized Blog Element (Single Author Style)

Half Sized Blog Element (Multi Author Style)

Predicting Infill Migration

Critical time for amenity management

Predicting Infill Migration

Critical time for amenity management

Full Sized Blog Element (Big Preview Pic)

Predicting Infill Migration

Predicting Infill Migration: The potential ban on rubber crumb infill has meant that owners, manufacturers, and suppliers have taken a keen interest in measures that can mitigate infill migration.

Critical time for amenity management

Critical time for amenity management: For everyone engaged in amenity management, these are really important times. The pandemic and all its consequences are having, and will have, a long lasting impact on everyone, and those engaged in managing amenity spaces are certainly not exempt from this.

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