US20180030670A1 - Substructure for an artificial lawn - Google Patents

Substructure for an artificial lawn Download PDF

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Publication number
US20180030670A1
US20180030670A1 US15/550,285 US201615550285A US2018030670A1 US 20180030670 A1 US20180030670 A1 US 20180030670A1 US 201615550285 A US201615550285 A US 201615550285A US 2018030670 A1 US2018030670 A1 US 2018030670A1
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substructure
sand
aforesaid
water
layer
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Ronald Koning
Peter Van Reijen
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Desso Sports BV
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Desso Sports BV
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C13/00—Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports grounds
    • E01C13/02—Foundations, e.g. with drainage or heating arrangements
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E01—CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS, RAILWAYS, OR BRIDGES
    • E01C—CONSTRUCTION OF, OR SURFACES FOR, ROADS, SPORTS GROUNDS, OR THE LIKE; MACHINES OR AUXILIARY TOOLS FOR CONSTRUCTION OR REPAIR
    • E01C13/00—Pavings or foundations specially adapted for playgrounds or sports grounds; Drainage, irrigation or heating of sports grounds
    • E01C13/08—Surfaces simulating grass ; Grass-grown sports grounds

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a substructure for an artificial lawn, comprising a top layer of artificial grass fibres and a number of underlying layers including a base layer, one or more intermediate layers and possibly other layers.
  • Dutch patent No. 1016193 discloses an artificial lawn comprising a drainage layer made up of gravel, an underlayer arranged on top of the drainage layer, which underlayer comprises the earth that was originally dug off and subsequently removed, and an upper layer, in which fibres are present.
  • European application EP 0 093 008 discloses a base on which an envelope of a particular fabric is arranged, which envelope is filled with sand, for example, an underlayer comprising a sheet of bound rubber particles, on which underlayer an artificial lawn or a polyethylene foam layer can be provided. Depending on the sport to be practised, different sand grain sizes are used.
  • European application EP 1 462 572 relates to a substructure for sports floors, wherein a sand package is provided, in which a water distribution system is installed, which system comprises distribution pipes connected to a water reservoir.
  • Dutch patent NL 2009968 relates to a substructure for an artificial lawn, comprising a substantially water-impermeable insulation layer for draining the artificial lawn substantially in a horizontal direction and a drainage layer arranged on top of and/or in the insulation layer for draining the artificial lawn substantially in a vertical direction, such that an artificial lawn is positioned above the granulate layer, wherein the substructure construction further comprises a discharge system installed along the side edges. Rain water is thus discharged through the lava layer in a vertical direction up to the insulation layer, whereupon the water is laterally discharged in a substantially horizontal direction to drains provided at the side edges.
  • Such drains are connected to a suction pipe and a pump via piping, wherein the discharged moisture is transported to a purification unit via a pressure pipe, after which the individual components are conveyed to reservoirs via conveyor pipes.
  • French patent publication FR 2 395 357 relates to a substructure for a sports field, comprising, in succession, a screed, a covering layer with a thickness of 25 mm, a dynamic layer with a thickness of 60 mm and a composite layer with a thickness of 100 mm, which aforementioned three layers are composed of the same type of material, viz crushed stone, lava or rubble, albeit in different grain sizes, viz. 0/3 mm, 3/16 mm and 16-32 mm, respectively.
  • a drainage channel is provided at the edges or the circumference of such a substructure, whilst the area of the substructure is subdivided into zones of equal dimensions, in which a network of irrigation channels is provided. In the case of heavy rainfall, excess precipitation is discharged via the drainage channel.
  • US patent application US 2004086664 relates to an artificial lawn comprising polypropylene monofilament-type artificial grass fibres.
  • German Offenlegungsschrift DE 38 35 880 relates to a resilient mat used in a substructure for practising sports.
  • Artificial lawns are generally used for a large number of sports, for example soccer and field hockey.
  • the use of artificial grass will expand enormously.
  • soccer is a contact sport with short sprints, sliding tackles and jumps, in particular when corners are taken
  • an artificial lawn exhibits a high degree of damping and resilience substantially similar to those of a natural substructure, viz a natural lawn.
  • the substructure of a soccer field must further exhibit an optimally natural drainage behaviour, which implies that the formation of water puddles on the field in the case of rainfall is minimized.
  • the top layer of such a soccer field must have the same “feel” as that of a natural lawn.
  • the damping of the lawn depends substantially on the selection of the so-called infill material, for example ground rubber particles. With the passage of time, the damping of such a lawn will differ from the originally set value. Furthermore it is often necessary to provide certain places on the soccer field with extra amounts of infill material, which will lead to a non-homogeneous damping of the soccer field.
  • One aspect of the present invention is to provide a substructure for a sports field, in particular a sports field on which soccer is played, which substructure provides the sports field with damping characteristics which substantially correspond to those of a natural lawn.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a substructure for a sports field, in particular a sports field on which soccer is played, which substructure has a water management such that the formation of water puddles is minimised.
  • Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a substructure for a sports field, in particular sports field on which soccer is played, wherein the water level of the sports field can be controlled to a desired value.
  • Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a substructure for a sports field, in particular the sports field which soccer is played, wherein a substantially flat, stable base is obtained.
  • Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a substructure for a sports field wherein the temperature of the top layer of the sports field is more or less controllable, in particular wherein the occurrence of high-temperature is prevented.
  • the present invention thus relates to a substructure for an artificial lawn, comprising a top layer of artificial grass fibres and a number of underlying layers including a base layer, one or more intermediate layers and possibly other layers, wherein the aforesaid substructure is surrounded by an envelope, wherein said envelope is constructed so that the level of the water present within the envelope is vertically adjustable, wherein the adjustment of the aforesaid level can be carried out by using a pipe system positioned within the aforesaid envelope, through which pipe system water can be passed, wherein water can be withdrawn from the aforesaid substructure using the aforesaid pipe system, which water can exit to the aforesaid layers of the substructure.
  • the present inventors have found that one or more of the above aspects are met when such a substructure is used.
  • the aforesaid pipe system is located near the bottom side of the aforesaid envelope. From the viewpoint of a homogeneous distribution of the water level in the entire substructure, viz those in vertical (height) and in horizontal direction, it is desirable that the pipes of the aforesaid pipe system are spaced a regular distance apart and that the pipe system extends substantially over the entire area of the aforesaid substructure.
  • the aforesaid pipe system is separated from said one or more layers by means of a water-permeable film.
  • the aforesaid substructure comprises a water-permeable shock-absorbing layer, wherein said shock-absorbing layer is separated from said top layer of artificial grass fibres by one or more intermediate layers.
  • a physical separation between the top layer of artificial grass fibres and the shock-absorbing layer which separation concerns the presence of one or more intermediate layers, one or more of the aforesaid aspects are additionally met.
  • the material for such an intermediate layer is selected from the group consisting of crushed stone, lava and sand, or a combination thereof.
  • shock-absorbing layer examples include: SBR rubber, ground plastic particles, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamide, polyester or a mixture thereof, preferably polyethylene foam, possibly in combination with one or more binders.
  • SBR rubber ground plastic particles
  • polyethylene polypropylene
  • polyamide polyamide
  • polyester polyamide
  • polyethylene foam possibly in combination with one or more binders.
  • the shock-absorbing layer is made up of a number of separate shock-absorbing layers. In other embodiments it is desirable that the shock-absorbing layer is made up of a single shock-absorbing layer.
  • the top layer of artificial grass fibres is preferably provided with a so-called infill material having a good water-permeability, preferably sand of the type that has a particle size distribution wherein 25-75 wt. % of the sand passes through a 0.250 mm sieve, in particular wherein 90-99% of the sand passes through a 1 mm sieve.
  • Said type of infill material is in particular suitable because of its good water-permeability, which aspect is of major importance in the present substructure, in particular as regards the simulation of “ebb and flow” yet to be discussed hereinafter.
  • the aforesaid one or more intermediate layers comprise sand, wherein the sand comprising intermediate layer is made up of at least two sublayers, wherein the first sublayer comprises a sand fraction having a particle size greater than that of the sand fraction of the second sublayer, wherein the first sublayer with the coarser sand fraction is positioned near the top layer.
  • the sand comprising intermediate layer is made up of at least two sublayers
  • the first sublayer comprises a sand fraction having a particle size greater than that of the sand fraction of the second sublayer, wherein the first sublayer with the coarser sand fraction is positioned near the top layer.
  • the sublayer comprising the coarser sand fraction is positioned near the top layer.
  • Rainwater that will be discharged in downward direction through the top layer of artificial grass fibres will thus first pass the coarse sand fraction in the sand layer and subsequently the less coarse sand fraction. A good passage of rainwater is ensured.
  • the opposite direction of the movement of water in the substructure, viz from the bottom to the top has found to be advantageous with such a distribution of fractions in the sand layer.
  • the present substructure in fact exhibits a simulation of “ebb and flow”, which means that the water level in the substructure can rise and fall, wherein the water level can be adjusted as desired. It is desirable, therefore, that the layers present in the substructure make the transport of water possible. Such a transport of liquid through the substructure therefore has an upward direction of movement, viz in the direction of the top layer, and a downward direction of movement, viz away from the top layer, wherein the level or the position of the liquid in the substructure has been found to be precisely adjustable.
  • the pipe system present in the substructure makes it possible to supply water to the substructure, so that the water level in the substructure, seen in vertical direction, will rise, or to withdraw water from the substructure, so that the water level will fall, seen in vertical direction.
  • the pipe system is thus provided with openings, through which water surrounding the pipe system can enter the pipe system or, conversely, water can exit the pipe system. Because the aforesaid envelope surrounds the substructure on all sides, the water present in the substructure can be withdrawn from the substructure via said pipe system. In the case of very heavy precipitation, there is a possibility that the sports field will be flooded at the edges, in particular if the water-withdrawing capacity of the pipe system is insufficient. It will be apparent that the “upper side” of the substructure can be regarded as the surface on which sports are practised.
  • the particle size values mentioned herein also ensure a quick transport of water through the sand layer, which is desirable if an adjustment of the water level is aimed at. If a sand fraction comprising smaller particles than discussed above is used, the water transport will experience a greater resistance, which will adversely affect the speed of response or response time of the water management system.
  • the at least two sublayers of the aforesaid sand layer are separated from each other by means of a separation layer.
  • the aforesaid one or more intermediate layers comprise sand, wherein said sand has a particle size distribution wherein 25-75 wt. % of the sand passes through a 0.250 mm sieve, in particular wherein 90-99% of the sand passes through a 1 mm sieve.
  • a sand composition exhibits very good water-permeability and damping characteristics.
  • Said intermediate layers and shock-absorbing layers may be separated from each other by a separation layer, in particular in order to prevent undesirable movement or mixing of sand fractions.
  • desired separation layers include cloth, fibre fabric, mat and geotextile.
  • the separation layer is water-permeable and is preferably provided with perforations, so that transport of water can take place but movement of solid matter from one sublayer to the other sublayer is impeded.
  • the aforesaid shock-absorbing layer is embedded between two separate sand layers, wherein the two sublayers are preferably of the same type.
  • a number of shock-absorbing layers may be alternated with a number of sand layers by means of which the degree of damping of the final lawn can be controlled.
  • the shock-absorbing layer may comprise at least two separate shock-absorbing layers, for example three, four but in certain embodiments even five separate, shock-absorbing layers, wherein one or more intermediate layers, in particular sand layers, may be present between said shock-absorbing layers.
  • such sand layers may be made up of at least two sublayers, wherein the first sublayer comprises a sand fraction having a particle size greater than that of the sand fraction of the second sublayer, wherein the sublayer with the coarser sand fraction is located near the top layer.
  • the sand layer between the shock-absorbing layers has a particle size distribution wherein 25-75 wt. % of the sand passes through a 0.250 mm sieve, in particular wherein 90-99% of the sand passes through a 1 mm sieve.
  • the particle size of the sublayer with the coarse fraction is preferably such that at least 80% of the particles have a particle size that ranges from 0-32 mm, preferably 1-32 mm, in particular 1-8 mm, more in particular 1-4 mm.
  • the thickness of the sublayer with the coarse fraction is preferably 50-200 mm, in particular 75-125 mm.
  • the second sublayer preferably comprises sand particles of which at least 80% have a particle size greater than 80 ⁇ m, preferably greater than 100 ⁇ m, in particular greater than 125 ⁇ m; the second sublayer in particular comprises sand particles of which at least 50% have a particle size greater than 125 ⁇ m, preferably greater than 150 ⁇ m, in particular greater than 200 ⁇ m.
  • the total thickness of layers located under the top layer of artificial grass fibres is in particular 40-150 cm.
  • the present substructure is thus surrounded by an envelope, wherein said envelope is constructed so that the water level within the envelope is vertically adjustable.
  • the aforesaid envelope is in particular made of a water-impermeable film, in particular a film selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer
  • a pipe system is present in one of the intermediate layers, preferably located under the aforesaid shock-absorbing layer (if present), through which pipe system water can be passed, wherein water can exit to the layers of the substructure.
  • the pipe system is in particular provided with pressure-reducing means for creating an underpressure in the pipe system, wherein the pipe system further comprises a water reservoir provided with one or more connection openings, an adjustable overflow for adjusting the water level in said reservoir, water level measuring means and a controllable water supply with the necessary piping, pumps and valves.
  • the pressure reducing means in particular comprise water level reducing means for reducing the water level in the reservoir, wherein in particular the water level reducing means comprise a plunger pump.
  • the water reservoir is in particular incorporated in a circuit which further comprises a buffering vessel and an overflow, wherein the water reservoir is connected to the substructure via one or more connection openings, which connection openings abut the water-impermeable layer.
  • the aforesaid values for the grain analysis of the sand layer (carried out via a sieve setup in which several saves with different mesh widths are stacked one on top of the other, the layer that remains on the sieve in question is measured and the results are plotted in a graph) provide a good possibility of transporting water, viz as regards speed and retention capacity.
  • coarser sand types are preferred.
  • very flat layers can be obtained, which is desirable for playing football.
  • depressions or rutting will not occur when the structure is subjected to heavy loads from above, for example from vehicles moving thereover.
  • a pipe system is present in one of the intermediate layers, through which pipe system water can exit to the layers thereabove.
  • the pipe system is preferably positioned in a layer comprising a sand fraction that can be considered to be “fine”, because in this way a quick response time is ensured.
  • Such a position is also desirable in connection with the possibility of freezing, which makes it desirable to install the pipe system at some depth in the substructure, which situation may occur in particular during cold wintry periods in certain countries.
  • the pipe system thus comprises pipes provided with regularly spaced perforations, wherein the water to be supplied to the artificial lawn can exit the pipe system via said perforations and subsequently accumulate more or less in the layers under the top layer of artificial grass fibres.
  • the preferred grain size of the sand particles makes it possible to adjust the water level in the sand layer such that an artificial lawn is obtained in which the water level, in combination with the damping level aimed at, makes playing on the lawn, in particular playing soccer, possible.
  • a layer is screened off at the bottom side thereof by means of a water-impermeable layer, preferably a film, for example a polyethylene film.
  • the overall construction of the present substructure meets shock absorption and energy restitution requirements, because excessive springiness of an artificial lawn is found to be unpleasant and tiring by players. If the overall construction of the artificial lawn exhibits too much springiness, this will cause a ball that lands on the artificial lawn to bounce back too high and too fast in comparison with a natural lawn, which is undesirable. Moreover, players find running and making sprints thereon to be tiring and also unnatural.
  • the present inventors have found that the special manner of positioning the shock-absorbing layer in the substructure makes it possible to construct a lawn in which the above problems are minimised.
  • the pipe system that is used preferably comprises pressure reducing means for creating an underpressure in the pipe system, wherein the pipe system further comprises a water reservoir provided with one or more connection openings, an adjustable overflow for adjusting the water level in the reservoir, water level measuring means and a controllable water supply.
  • the pressure reducing means comprise water level reducing means for reducing the water level in the reservoir, wherein the water level reducing means preferably comprise a plunger pump.
  • the aforesaid pipe system is furthermore preferably provided with a control unit that is connected at least to said water level measuring means, said controllable water supply and said pressure reducing means. Said construction is thus suitable for supplying water to the substructure; it has in particular been found to be possible to treat a large ground area therewith.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the substructure for an artificial lawn according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a substructure for an artificial lawn according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another substructure for an artificial lawn according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic view of another substructure for an artificial lawn according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic view of another substructure for an artificial lawn according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a substructure 100 for an artificial lawn according to the present invention.
  • the substructure 100 comprises a top layer 1 provided with artificial grass fibres 2 , in which top layer 1 a so-called infill material 25 having a good water-permeability is present.
  • the substructure 100 is surrounded by an envelope 26 , which envelope 26 is constructed so that the water level within the envelope 26 is vertically adjustable, which adjustment of the aforesaid level can be carried out by means of a pipe system 16 positioned within the aforesaid envelope, through which pipe system 16 water can be passed, wherein water can be withdrawn from said substructure 100 by means of said pipe system 16 , which water can exit to the aforesaid layers of the substructure 100 .
  • the pipe system 16 is located near the bottom side 18 of the envelope 26 , in particular in the base layer 5 , the pipes being spaced a regular distance apart, and extends over substantially the entire area of the substructure 100 .
  • the pipe system 16 is separated from the base layer 5 by a water-permeable film 15 .
  • the openings of the pipe system 16 which openings (not shown) are located at the circumferential side thereof and which make it possible to supply and discharge water, are thus protected against damage, for example, but also against the ingress of sand-like materials, which could lead to clogging.
  • the layer 3 comprises a material selected from the group consisting of crushed stone, lava and sand, or a combination thereof.
  • the pipe system described in the present application is thus a single pipe system, by means of which the water level in the substructure can be adjusted. Since the pipes of the pipe system are spaced a regular distance apart, a good supply and discharge of water both in horizontal and in vertical direction is realised in the substructure. In this way a good, quick and precise control of the water level is possible.
  • FIG. 2 shows a substructure 10 for an artificial lawn, comprising a top layer 1 in which artificial grass fibres 2 are present.
  • a so-called infill material 25 having a good water-permeability, preferably sand of the type that has a particle size distribution wherein 25-75 wt. % of the sand passes through a 0.250 mm sieve, in particular wherein 90-99% of the sand passes through a 1 mm sieve.
  • an intermediate layer 3 selected from the group consisting of crushed stone, lava and sand, or a combination thereof.
  • shock-absorbing layer 4 Located under the intermediate layer 3 is shock-absorbing layer 4 , under which shock-absorbing layer 4 a base layer 5 is located.
  • the base layer 5 is provided with a water-permeable film 15 at the bottom side, under which film 15 a number of drainage pipes 16 are located.
  • the whole of top layer 1 , intermediate layer 3 , shock-absorbing layer 4 and base layer 5 is surrounded by a water-impermeable envelope 26 , which envelope 26 is made of a film selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).
  • HDPE high density polyethylene
  • EPDM ethylene propylene diene monomer
  • the water level in the vertical column consisting of the top layer 1 , the intermediate layer 3 , the shock-absorbing layer 4 and the base layer 5 can be controlled and adjusted by supplying and discharging water via the drainage pipes 16 .
  • Reference numeral 27 schematically indicates a situation in which a slight overpressure is created in the drainage pipes 16 , so that water can exit the drainage pipes 16 . Because of the presence of the envelope 26 , the exiting water can only move upward, in the direction of the top layer 1 . It has thus been found to be possible to direct water exiting from the drainage pipes 16 toward the top layer 1 , so that the players of the lawn will experience a natural moisture content. If desired, the water level thus achieved can subsequently be lowered again by creating a slight underpressure in the drainage pipes 16 , so that water will be removed, resulting in a reduced water level in the package consisting of the top layer 1 , the intermediate layer 3 , the shock-absorbing layer 4 and the base layer 5 .
  • the top layer 1 may also comprise natural grass talks in addition to artificial grass fibres.
  • a lawn also referred to as hybrid lawn, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,540,960 in the name of the present applicant, the contents of which are to be considered as fully incorporated herein.
  • the top layer 1 may comprise so-called infill materials (not shown).
  • FIG. 3 shows a substructure 20 for an artificial lawn, comprising a top layer 1 provided with artificial grass fibres 2 .
  • a so-called infill material 25 having a good water-permeability, preferably of the type as described with reference to FIG. 2 .
  • an intermediate layer 3 Located under the top layer 1 is an intermediate layer 3 , which is made up of two separate sand layers 6 , 7 .
  • the sand layers 6 , 7 can thus be regarded as two sublayers, wherein the first sublayer 6 comprises a sand fraction having a particle size greater than that of the sand fraction of the second sublayer 7 , wherein the first sublayer 6 with the coarser sand fraction is located near the top layer 1 .
  • a shock-absorbing layer 4 Located under the intermediate layer 3 is a shock-absorbing layer 4 , under which shock-absorbing layer 4 a base layer 5 is located.
  • the base layer 5 is provided with a water-permeable film 15 at the bottom side thereof, under which film 15 a number of drainage pipes 16 are located.
  • the whole of top layer 1 , intermediate layer 3 , shock-absorbing layer 4 and base layer 5 is surrounded by a water-impermeable envelope 26 , which envelope 26 is made of a film selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).
  • Reference numeral 27 schematically indicates a situation in which a slight overpressure is created in the drainage pipes 16 , so that water can exit the drainage pipes 16 .
  • the exiting water can only move upward, in the direction of the top layer 1 .
  • the special composition of the substructure and the presence of drainage pipes 16 make it possible to realise a quick an precise adjustment of the water level in the substructure 20 .
  • FIG. 4 shows a substructure 30 for an artificial lawn, comprising a top layer 1 provided with artificial grass fibres 2 .
  • a so-called infill material 25 having a good water-permeability, preferably of the type as described with reference to FIG. 2 .
  • an intermediate layer 3 selected from the group consisting of crushed stone, lava and sand.
  • a shock-absorbing layer 4 which shock-absorbing layer 4 is made up of a number of separate shock-absorbing layers 8 , 9 , under which a base layer 5 is located.
  • the base layer 5 is provided with a water-permeable film 15 at the bottom side thereof, under which film 15 a number of drainage pipes 16 are located.
  • top layer 1 , intermediate layer 3 , shock-absorbing layer 4 and base layer 5 is surrounded by a water-impermeable envelope 26 , which envelope 26 is made of a film selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).
  • Reference numeral 27 schematically indicates a situation in which a slight overpressure is created in the drainage pipes 16 , so that water can exit the drainage pipes 16 . Because of the presence of the envelope 26 , the exiting water can only move upward, in the direction of the top layer 1 .
  • the water level in the vertical column consisting of the top layer 1 , the intermediate layer 3 , the shock-absorbing layer 4 and the base layer 5 can be controlled and adjusted in a precise and quick manner by supplying and discharging water via the drainage pipes 16 .
  • FIG. 5 shows a substructure 40 for an artificial lawn, comprising a top layer 1 provided with artificial grass fibres 2 .
  • a so-called infill material 25 having a good water-permeability, preferably of the type as described with reference to FIG. 2 .
  • an intermediate layer 3 selected from the group consisting of crushed stone, lava and sand.
  • Located under the intermediate layer 3 are a number of alternately arranged intermediate layers 3 and shock-absorbing layers 4 , which are positioned on top of a base layer 5 .
  • Such intermediate layers have been selected from the group consisting of crushed stone, lava and sand, or a combination thereof.
  • the shock-absorbing layer 4 is made up of a number of separate shock-absorbing layers (not shown).
  • the base layer 5 is provided with a water-permeable film 15 at the bottom side thereof, under which film 15 a number of drainage pipes 16 are located.
  • the whole of top layer 1 , intermediate layers 3 , shock-absorbing layers 4 and base layer 5 is surrounded by a water-impermeable envelope 26 , which envelope 26 is made of a film selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene (HDPE) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM).
  • Reference numeral 27 schematically indicates a situation in which a slight overpressure is created in the drainage pipes 16 , so that water can exit the drainage pipes 16 .
  • the exiting water can only move upward, in the direction of the top layer 1 .
  • the water level in the vertical column consisting of the top layer 1 , the intermediate layer 3 , the shock-absorbing layers 4 and the base layer 5 can be controlled and adjusted in a precise and quick manner by supplying and discharging water via the drainage pipes 16 .
  • the substructure 40 as shown comprises a construction of intermediate layer 3 , shock-absorbing layer 4 , intermediate layer 3 , shock absorbing layer 4
  • one or more shock absorbing layers 4 are made up of a number of separate shock-absorbing layers 8 , 9 , which separate shock-absorbing layers 8 , 9 may in turn be separated from each other by an intermediate layer 3 or a base layer 5 .
  • the present substructure as shown in a number of embodiments in FIGS. 1-4 in fact shows a simulation of “ebb and flow”, which means that the water level in the substructure can rise and fall, wherein the desired water level is adjustable.
  • separation layers that may be positioned between the aforesaid layers are not shown in the figures. Examples of such separation layers are course, fibre fabric, mat and geotextile.
  • FIGS. 1-4 the operation of the drainage tubes 16 is not discussed, but it can take place in the manner as published in WO2013/009174 in the name of the present applicant, the contents of which document may be considered as fully incorporated herein.
  • WO2013/009174 the manner in which a drainage system is connected to a pipe that is in liquid communication with the substructure shown in FIGS. 1-4 is described in great detail. Because of said liquid communication between the drainage system and the substructure, the height of the liquid level in the drainage system is an indication of the liquid level in the substructure.
  • the drainage system is provided with a pipe, wherein the height of the water level in the drainage system is determined by the positioning of the height of the pipe, which positioning is adjustable.
  • Said pipe is in communication with an overflow via a conduit, which overflow is in communication with a buffer vessel via a conduit, which buffer vessel in turn in communication with the drainage system via another conduit.
  • the intended water level in the substructure decreases to an undesirably low level, for example in the case of evaporation caused by radiation from the sun and wind, it is desirable that the intended water level be restored, viz. that water is supplied to the substructure. If the water level in the substructure has risen to undesirably high level due to heavy rainfall, however, it is desirable that the intended water level in the substructure be restored. In the latter situation, the water level in the drainage system will rise and the “excess” water will be discharged from the drainage system as a result of the liquid communication between the substructure and the drainage system. The water to be discharged is directed to a so-called overflow.
  • the water discharged from the substructure is collected and subsequently directed to a buffer vessel, which is in particular intended to function as a water reservoir for adjusting and maintaining the water level in the substructure, and consequently also in the drainage system, to/at the desired level.
  • a buffer vessel which is in particular intended to function as a water reservoir for adjusting and maintaining the water level in the substructure, and consequently also in the drainage system, to/at the desired level.
  • the supply of water from the buffer vessel to the drainage system is started when this is desirable.
  • FIGS. 1-4 are not drawn to scale.
  • the equipment used in the drainage system is driven via solar energy and/or wind energy. It is also possible to use heating elements in the drainage system or in the buffer vessel and/or the overflow, which heating elements are preferably powered by solar energy and/or wind energy.

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US15/550,285 2015-02-10 2016-02-05 Substructure for an artificial lawn Abandoned US20180030670A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL2014271 2015-02-10
NL2014271A NL2014271B1 (nl) 2015-02-10 2015-02-10 Onderbouw voor een kunstgrasveld.
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WO2016129995A1 (en) 2016-08-18
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NL2014271B1 (nl) 2016-10-13
ZA201706075B (en) 2019-09-25
EP3256645B1 (en) 2020-08-26

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