Synthetic turf standards - requirements and tests
There are specific standards in place that govern the requirements that a synthetic turf sports field must meet in terms of structure, materials used and properties. In Germany, two standards are relevant: the DIN EN 15330 series of standards and DIN 18035-7. The former is the authoritative European standard, while the latter covers issues that are not explicitly delineated in the DIN EN 15330 series. It is imperative that the latter does not contradict the former. The standards are developed in a special working committee with a panel of experts and adopted by consensus. The whole process is overseen by the European Committee for Standardisation or the German Institute for Standardisation, and the standards are then published as reference works by a specialist publisher for a fee. A standard is reviewed every five years to ascertain whether any amendments are required.
Normenreihe DIN EN 15330
The European DIN EN 15330 series of standards governs the requirements for a synthetic turf system, i.e. the actual synthetic turf carpet and the underlying layers. Until recently, there was only DIN EN 15330-1, which covered the entire synthetic turf system, but focused primarily on the requirements for the system’s properties.
However, the series of standards is currently being expanded, with a new focus on the individual components of a synthetic turf system. DIN EN 15330-4, which was published in 2023, explicitly deals with the requirements for the unbound elastic layer or the bound elastic layer of a synthetic turf system and not only addresses technical properties, but also aspects of environmental compatibility. The standards DIN EN 15330-5 for infill material (infill granules) and DIN EN 15330-6 for synthetic turf carpets are already in preparation and it is likely that these will extend the series of standards in the coming years.
As delineated in DIN EN 15330-1, the requirements for synthetic turf systems vary depending on the type of sport for which the system is primarily to be used. There are specifications for hockey, football, rugby union training, tennis and multi-sports use. The properties that must be met can be divided into two broad categories: sports performance properties and protective functions.
The sports performance properties include:
- Vertical ball behaviour (the magnitude of the force with which a ball rebounds off the surface)
- Ball roll (the manner in which a ball rolls over the surface)
- Water infiltration rate (the rate at which water seeps through the surface)/li>
Protective functions include:
- Shock absorption (the capacity to mitigate the impact force exerted on the surface – important for preventing injuries)
The following properties fall into both categories:
- Evenness (testing for individual irregularities on the surface)
- Rotational resistance (the resistance offered by the surface during rotational motion)
- Vertical deformation (testing the elasticity of the surface when force is applied to it)
DIN EN 15330-1 differentiates between two basic types of testing: laboratory testing in a certified specialist laboratory and on-site testing at a sports facility. ISP GmbH – Institut für Sportstättenprüfung offers customers both types of testing in accordance with the DIN EN 15330 series of standards and the DIN 18035-7 standard.
DIN 18035-7
DIN 18035-7 is part of the DIN series of standards on sports surfaces and deals specifically with synthetic turf systems. Unlike DIN EN 15330-1, it also provides a definition of the properties of the individual layers of a synthetic turf system. The synthetic turf system is composed of the subsoil, unbound base layers, asphalt base layers, bound base layers, elastic layers and infill material (sand, infill granules).
The standard provides a comprehensive overview of typical construction methods and offers a detailed delineation of the structure and properties. The properties of the synthetic turf sports field as a whole can only be exhibited through the interaction of the individual layers, and this is technically referred to as a ‘system’. DIN 18035-7 also deals with the environmental compatibility of the components of a synthetic turf sports field and the requisite care and maintenance of the surface. Just as DIN EN 15330-1, this standard also delineates the tests required to ensure compliance with the specifications.
The DIN EN 15330 series of standards and the DIN 18035-7 standard cover synthetic turf surfaces for sports areas. There is a clear hierarchy, particularly with regard to the specifications outlined in the European standard. Ultimately, however, only all standards in combination can map the specifications for the entire synthetic turf sports field and define the requirements for all the individual components.
It is therefore essential that these are also tested for compliance with the standard. You can rely on the experts at ISP GmbH – Institut für Sportstättenprüfung when it comes to testing your synthetic turf system, a product that is to be used as part of a system or your synthetic turf sports field, to ensure compliance with the various standards.
A brief digression: DIN SPEC 91335
In the field of standardisation, we frequently come across so-called DIN SPEC (PAS) standards, which often form the basis for subsequent DIN standards.
The effort involved in initiating a DIN SPEC is significantly less than that for a DIN standard. For instance, the involvement of an official standards committee is not necessary, and there is no requirement for (full) consensus between all participants. Furthermore, the result of the DIN SPEC does not form part of the European/ German body of standards.
In return, DIN SPECs are usually prepared expeditiously and made available at no cost. They are mainly used for new product developments on the market.
Currently, there is DIN SPEC 91335 - 2016-08 covering synthetic turf systems for sports areas using prefabricated elastic layers.
In principle, it is a supplement or specification of DIN 18035-7, yet without contradicting the specifications set out therein.
It also defines requirements and testing methods for the layers.
Services Have your synthetic turf sports facility checked.
The DIN EN 15330 and DIN 18035-7 standards form the basis for the quality, safety and environmental compatibility of synthetic turf systems. To ensure that your synthetic turf pitch or system fulfils all the requirements, the experts at ISP GmbH - Institut für Sportstättenprüfung - are at your side. With comprehensive tests covering all components of the system, we offer you safety and standard-compliant results.
Rely on our experience and expertise to ensure the highest standards for your sports facility.
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We will be happy to advise you on the procedure and background to testing your synthetic turf sports facility.
Synthetic turf
| Sports | Test criteria |
|---|---|
| Football | Sports function |
| Hockey | Protective function |
| Rugby | Technical properties |
| Tennis | Environmental compatibility |
| American Football |