Comparison of surface temperatures of different synthetic turf systems and natural grass: Have advances in synthetic turf technology made a difference

Journal article


Petrass, Lauren A., Twomey, Dara M., Harvey, Jack T., Otago, Leonie and LeRossignol, Peter. (2015). Comparison of surface temperatures of different synthetic turf systems and natural grass: Have advances in synthetic turf technology made a difference. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology. 229(1), pp. 10 - 16. https://doi.org/10.1177/1754337114553692
AuthorsPetrass, Lauren A., Twomey, Dara M., Harvey, Jack T., Otago, Leonie and LeRossignol, Peter
Abstract

Few studies have considered surface temperatures on the most recent synthetic turf products, and no empirical evidence is available on the more technologically advanced cool climate synthetic products which claim to reduce surface temperature. This article compared surface temperatures of typical third-generation synthetic turf with a cool climate product and also compared the synthetic turf products to natural grass to determine whether synthetic turf reacts differently to environmental factors and hence may increase heat-related health risks for participants. Surface temperatures were significantly associated with ambient temperature (F<sub>3,376</sub> = 116.02, p < 0.001), relative humidity (F<sub>1,376</sub> = 10.15, p = 0.028), and wind (F<sub>1,376</sub> = 1.45, p = 0.004) having smaller effects. After adjustment for covariates, mean surface temperatures were significantly lower (40.79 °C) on a cool climate field compared to a typical third-generation field (44.91 °C), although both synthetic fields were considerably warmer than natural grass at the same venue (by 12.46 °C at the metropolitan venue and 22.15 °C at the regional venue). These findings provide initial insight into the potential value of cool climate products and will aid both design and development of synthetic turf products for the future.

Keywordssports surfaces; synthetic turf; turf development; surface temperature; natural grass; environmental variables; heat stress
Year2015
JournalProceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part P: Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology
Journal citation229 (1), pp. 10 - 16
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1177/1754337114553692
Scopus EID2-s2.0-84923673546
Page range10 - 16
Research GroupSports Performance, Recovery, Injury and New Technologies (SPRINT) Research Centre
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