Examination of a new form of fibre reinforcement including polypropylene and polyurethane fibres for winter games pitch rootzones.

摘要

A new fibre reinforced product (Fibreturf) incorporating polypropylene and polyurethane fibres at two amendment rates was assessed for its suitability as a reinforced rootzone for use on professional football pitches. The trial also included a standard Fibresand rootzone with polypropylene fibres and an unreinforced rootzone of the same sand/soil mix. Artificial wear was applied to the area over the course of the 2005/06 playing season to simulate games being played on the surface. The addition of polypropylene+polyurethane fibres to the rootzone resulted in greater cushioning at the surface, with hardness and ball rebound values being significantly reduced. Under conditions of high intensity wear, the rootzone with the new polypropylene+polyurethane reinforcement retained slightly more live grass cover than the unreinforced control plots. The combination of increased grass cover and the mechanical strength of the fibres resulted in significantly greater traction values.