Standard-compliant safety for synthetic surfaces

Modern outdoor sports surfaces rely on a multi-layer system - from a load-bearing subgrade to a final synthetic top layer - that ensures durability, proper drainage, and performance. While DIN EN 14877 and DIN 18035-6 prescribe the same core underlayers (subgrade, filter, unbound, bound), the topmost synthetic surface can take one of several forms. Water-permeable surfaces (Types A, B, C) are common in recreational or school sports, whereas water-impermeable layers (Types D, E, F) are used for higher-level competitions. There’s also a distinct prefabricated sheet surface (Type G). These variations serve different athletic needs, from simple school fields to official tournament tracks.

By inspecting each layer - subgrade, drainage, and the final surface - ISP GmbH ensures your facility meets the highest standards and remains ready for peak athletic performance.

Before a synthetic sports surface can be installed or marketed, it undergoes various tests - initially in a laboratory, later on-site - to verify its compliance with standards such as DIN EN 14877 and DIN 18035-6. These tests assess crucial properties, including tensile strength, friction (both in dry and wet conditions), and vertical deformation, ensuring athletes remain safe and surfaces maintain consistent performance. Over time, operators can also schedule control tests to confirm that aging surfaces still meet the required specifications or to determine when refurbishments are needed. For manufacturers developing new or improved products, ongoing lab analysis helps refine materials to meet evolving standards.

ISP GmbH provides all these services, delivering comprehensive reports so that every synthetic surface - be it for athletics, tennis, or multi-sport use - achieves optimal reliability and quality.

World Athletics, the global governing body for athletics, requires high-performance synthetic surfaces and field facilities that go beyond standard norms to ensure fair, safe competition. Their detailed “Track and Runway Synthetic Surface Testing Specifications” define rigorous criteria for aspects like shock absorption, friction, tensile properties, and drainage. Surfaces must first be tested in the lab, then verified on-site once installed. Certified surfaces remain valid for elite events like the Diamond League, European or World Championships, and even the Olympic Games - though recertification may be needed once a venue exceeds 12 years of use.

As one of the few World Athletics-accredited labs worldwide, ISP GmbH offers comprehensive testing for manufacturers and facility operators alike, helping ensure that surfaces meet international standards and achieve lasting success on the global stage.

Outdoor synthetic sports surfaces often require renewal within 12 to 15 years - sometimes even earlier if certification or top-level competition requirements change. A refurbishment report from ISP GmbH assesses the existing surface, including base layers and drainage, to determine if only the upper layer needs replacing or if a more extensive overhaul is required. By accurately estimating material volumes and identifying potential issues, such as mixed-in gravel or damage to the substructure, operators can avoid unexpected costs.

The report also includes a forward-looking refurbishment recommendation, factoring in emerging market trends and regulatory changes. This helps you modernize your facility affordably, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to ongoing sports activities.