The management and maintenance of second generation sand-filled synthetic sports pitches

Synthetic sports surfaces have increased in popularity since their introduction into the United Kingdom in the early 1970's. In many sports, such as hockey and athletics, they have become the standard for play. The benefit of synthetic turf is commonly judged to be lower in maintenance requirements and operating costs, and having an increased quantity of play, when compared to natural turf. Synthetic turf has, historically, been perceived to be 'maintenance free' and there has been little or no research into the effect that maintenance has on its performance and physical characteristics. The aim of this thesis was to develop a fundamental understanding of the mechanical wear and decline in hydraulic performance of second generation synthetic turf surfaces, its impact on technical performance characteristics, and economic costs in relation to maintenance and usage.