SECTION 02790 - ARTIFICIAL TURF

PART 1 - GENERAL

1.01 DESCRIPTION OF WORK

1. The extent of artificial turf work is shown on the drawings.
2. Artificial Turf work includes, but is not limited to, the following:
   1. A complete synthetic turf system, consisting of a vertical draining gravel blanket and nominal two and one half inch (2-1/2") long polyethylene-blended fiber, tufted into a single, dimensionally stable, three component primary backing with a secondary backing consisting of a minimum of 20 ounces of urethane per square yard.
   2. A resilient infill system, consisting of a mixture of rubber granules and rounded or sub-angular silica sand.
   3. Tufted in game lines and perimeter lines per drawings. Remaining required game marking shall be permanently inlaid or painted as per drawings, direction of Owner or Owner's Representative.
   4. Pre-manufactured porous shock pad (Alternate Bid Item)
   5. Edge details.
   6. Maintenance manual.
   7. Written 8-year warranty supported by a 3rd party insured warranty policy from an A-Rated domestic insurance carrier.
   8. Striping and seaming plan: Striping plan; layouts for the sports as shown on the drawings showing any field lines, logos, markings and boundaries.
   9. Train field maintenance personnel in proper care maintenance procedures.
   10. Turf contractor and base construction contractor to coordinate to make sure goal posts are adjusted to achieve 10 ft. height above finished playing surface.
3. Provide all materials, labor, equipment and services required to accomplish related work in accordance with the drawings and specifications.
4. The turf shall be specifically designed, manufactured, and installed for the intended sports and events. Typically sports include, but are not limited to, full contact football, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, baseball and softball. At the time of substantial completion, the system's shock attenuation shall have an average G-max value less than 110 if a shock pad is used and less than 135 if a shock pad is not used based on ASTM-F355A. At no time shall the G-max value exceed 140 for a padded system and 170 for a non-padded system throughout the life of the warranty.
5. Copies of independent laboratory test reports on system or components:
   1. ASTM D 792 Specific Gravity
   2. ASTM D 1335 Tuft Bind
   3. ASTM D 5034 Grab Breaking Strength
   4. ASTM D 418 Pile Height, Tuft Spacing, Face Weight and Total Weight
   5. ASTM D 2859 Flammability (Pill test)
   6. ASTM F 1551 Shoe Traction
   7. ASTM F 1551 Water Permeability
   8. ASTM F 1015 Abrasive Index
6. Prior to Final Acceptance, the synthetic turf contractor shall submit to the owner three (3) copies of their maintenance manuals. These manuals will include all necessary instructions for the proper care and maintenance of the newly installed synthetic turf system.

1.02 SUBMITTALS

1. Three (3) copies of most recent installation/reference list for all projects of similar scope to this project completed in the last thee years.
2. Three (3) copies of most recent independently audited financial statement.
3. Three (3) copies of required 3rd party insured warranty demonstrating that all of the requirements outlined in Section 1.04 F – Quality Assurance are meet.
4. One (1) 12" x 12" sample of proposed synthetic turf carpet and one (1) 12" x 12" boxed turf sample including infill representative of finished synthetic turf system. Also submit three (3) copies of product data and testing documents demonstrating that proposed product meets or exceeds all specified requirements. One (1) 12" x 12" sample of rubber shock must also be submitted if applicable.

1. Material Certificates and Samples: Provide 7 copies for each material from material producer that will be used for this project. Each material certificate must be stamped and checked as approved by the synthetic turf contractor before submittal to the Architect.
2. Provide to the architect materials samples of the following: one pint each of rubber and sand infill material, two 12" x 12" samples of synthetic turf carpet and color yarn samples.
3. Submit one (1) 12" x 12" sample of 10mm rubber shock pad with product data sheet if owner chooses this alternate.
4. Submittals: Prior to order of materials, the Contractor shall submit a sample warranty, seam layout plan, striping plan and any details of construction which deviate from the plans and specifications.
5. Submit three (3) copies of the resume of proposed installation foreman. Installation crew must meet or exceed all requirements outlined in Section 104 E.
6. Three (3) copies of manufacturers recommended maintenance equipment cut sheets.

1.03 JOB CONDITIONS

1. All job conditions in Section 02200 apply.

1.04 QUALITY ASSURANCE

1. Provide a qualified installation foreman to coordinate and review the component parts of the artificial turf system. Submit a resume of experience for Architects approval prior to starting work.
2. Rubber/Sand Filled Artificial Turf:
   1. Factory-trained technicians skilled in the installation of athletic-caliber infilled synthetic turf systems will undertake the placement of the turf. Special brushing equipment and techniques will be used in the installation.
   2. The designated installation crew shall have installed a minimum of ten high quality, stadium grade rubber/sand filled synthetic turf systems of 65,000 square feet or greater in the past three years.
   3. A letter from the turf manufacturer that the installation crew and foreman are factory certified must be submitted prior to the start of turf installation.
3. Provide a colored striping plan detailing lines, numbers, and letters. Coordinate with Owner or Owner's Representative and Architect to get final approval of all designated colors, dimensions and logo/lettering designs.
The Turf Contractor shall meet the following criteria:
1. Manufacturer/Installer's Experience:
1. The turf manufacturer and the turf contractor must be experienced in the manufacturing and installation of this type of artificial turf system and provide project references of the synthetic grass system being installed at 10 similar exterior sites in the last 3 years, a minimum of 65,000 square feet each.
2. The turf contractor must provide competent workmen skilled in this type of artificial turf installation. The designated Supervisory personnel on the project must be certified, in writing by the turf manufacturer, as competent in the installation of this material, including gluing or sewing seams and proper installation of the infill mixture. The manufacturer shall have a qualified job foreman on site to certify the installation and warranty compliance.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

2.01 SYNTHETIC GRASS SYSTEM

1. Synthetic Grass - Premier-RS 50/2.5 M
   Pile Weight: 50 oz/sy
   Face Yarn Type: Extruded monofilament polyethylene fiber
   Yarn Size: 10,000 denier (8 ends/1250 denier per end)
   Yarn Thickness: 135 microns
   Pile Height (Finished): 2.25 inches (63.5 mm)
   Color: Green
   Construction: Broadloom tufted
   Stitch Rate: 8.3”
   Tufting Gauge: 3/8"
   Primary Backing: C18 dimensionally stable 1-part (3 components) polypropylene, polyester and fiber backing
   Secondary Backing: 20 oz/sy urethane
   Total Product Weight: 78 oz/sy (+/- 2 oz)
   Finished Roll Width: 15 feet (4.6 m)
   Finished Roll Length: Up to 240 feet (73 m)
   Perforation (Outdoors): 3/16" (4.8 mm) holes on staggered 4" (102 mm) (approximate) center
   Permeability: 20" (508 mm) +/- per hour.
   Infill Composition: SBR crumb rubber mixture and rounded or sub-angular, uniformly sized silica sand.
   
   The carpet shall be delivered in 15-foot wide rolls with the four (4") inch white, football 5-yard lines tufted into each roll. The perimeter white line shall also be tufted into the individual sideline rolls. The rolls shall be of sufficient length to go from sideline to sideline. Head seams, between the sidelines, will not be acceptable.
   
   Provide game markings as follows: Hash marks, numbers, individual yard marks, and soccer, boys lacrosse, school logo and related markings shall be cut in and glued or painted in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
   
   Provide a school logo as follows: Put in description
   
   Optional Resilient Pad
2. Resilient Infill: A resilient infill system, consisting of a specially formulated mixture of rubber and sand engineered to provide the look, feel, footing, and shock absorption of a natural grass field in ideal conditions.
3. SBR Rubber. Granules shall contain minimal dust or contaminants and shall be derived from the ambient processing form of recycled tires. Color shall be substantially black.
   1. The clean, uniformly sized particles shall be consistent in shape and particle size distribution.
   2. The particles shall resist abrasion in high traffic and excessive wear applications and provide stability to artificial sports turf applications.
   3. The particles shall be processed and sized under rigid specifications and manufacturers' statistical and quality control assurance program.
   4. Particles shall be structurally pure and consistently uniform in size distribution for predictable performance.
4. Sand Particulate. The sand provided as a component of the infill mixture shall be rounded or sub-angular so as to minimize abrasion to the athlete and synthetic grass fibers.
5. BASE BID: Standard of Quality shall be A-Turf, Premier-RS synthetic turf system as manufactured by A-Turf, Inc. or Architect approved equal. Contact A-Turf: 888-777-6910.
   1. Alternate: List alternates if any or delete.
   2. Alternate: List alternates if any or delete.

2.02 RESILIENT UNDERLAYMENT (PRE MANUFACTURED RESLIENT UNDERPAD) - (Alternate Bid Item)

1. The pad shall be a porous composite (100% SBR) rubber pad (6010SH) in typical thicknesses of 8 mm or 10mm (thickness range, 6mm to 13mm), and shall have an infiltration rate of not less than 12 inches per hour, a minimum recovery rate of 94% at 100 psi per ASTM F36 and a tensile strength of 44 psi per ASTM D412, Die C. Material shall be delivered in 4' wide rolls with protective wrapping, and be of such continuous length to cover the width of the field allowing only one head seam per roll. Standard of quality shall be 6010H resilient shock pad as manufactured by Dodge Regupol, Inc. or Architect approved equal. Contact Dodge Regupol: 800-322-1923

2.03 VERTICAL DRAINAGE BASE MATERIALS

1. Excavation: Existing natural grass field shall be excavated to the depth established by the architect and as shown on the excavation plan. The sub grade shall be shaped to achieve a .5% (one half of one percent) slope from the center of the field to each sideline in order to mirror the grade of the finished synthetic turf surface. The sub grade shall also be compacted and proof rolled to a minimum of a 95% compaction rate.
2. Geotextile Filter Fabric:
   1. Non-woven polypropylene geo-textile fabric shall be chemically and biologically inert and shall be equivalent to the following:
      1. Mirafi 140N, Mirafi Inc., Pendergrass, GA (888) 795-0808
      2. Poly Filter-X, Carthage Mills (800) 543-4430
      3. Supac-5P, Phillips Fibers Corp.
3. Drainage Pipe: A network of perforated HDPE highway grade drainage pipe (1" x 12" flat panel pipe) shall be installed under a 6" layer of free draining base aggregate. The drainage pipe will be installed in a herringbone pattern every 20 feet on center and will be connected to 8" to 12" perimeter collector lines as shown on drawings.
   1. ADS AdvanEdge, 800-821-6710 or approved equal.
      1. 1 inch by 12-inch flat drain.
      2. 8-inch diameter perforated collector drainpipe.
      3. Architect approved equal.
4. Stone Base Courses:
   1. The free-draining base aggregate base layer shall consist of a consistent depth of open graded material. Base drainage aggregate used must achieve a 95% minimum overall compaction rate. The open graded aggregate material shall conform to the following criteria:
      
      

      Base Aggregate:	Open Graded Stone (OGS)
      	Weight Passing	Approximate Percentage Passing
      2" Sieve	36.99	100.0%
      3/4" Sieve	34.04	92.0%
      3/8" Sieve	21.5	58.0%
      #4 Sieve	9.34	25.0%
      #16 Sieve	203.3 grams	9.2%

   2. The choker material (stone dust) shall be layer of porous, free draining material, number 1 stone sand or similar material, that will provide an 95% minimum overall compaction rate.
      
      

      Choker Material:	(Porous Stone Sand)
      	Weight Passing	Approximate Percentage Passing
      3/8" Sieve	579.3 grams	100.0%
      #4 Sieve	561.5 grams	96.8%
      #8 Sieve	420.0 grams	72.0%
      #16 Sieve	260.1 grams	45.0%
      #30 Sieve	148.8 grams	25.0%
      #50 Sieve	74.9 grams	13.0%
      #100 Sieve	29.9 grams	5.0%
      #200 Sieve	14.7 grams	2.0%

5. Adhesives for bonding tufted synthetic turf shall be one part moisture cured polyurethane obtained from a single manufacturer and be equivalent to Nordot 34-N2 or 34-G as manufactured by Synthetic Surfaces, Inc., Scotch Plains, NJ (908) 233-6803.
   1. Seaming Tape: Tape for securing seams in the tufted synthetic turf and inlaid lines shall be high quality coated Cordura tape made with a minimum roll width of 15 inches.
6. Sewn seams: If seams are to be sewn, they must be sewn with high quality cord/thread as recommended by synthetic turf manufacturer.
7. Line Painting: Line paint for game lines and field markings, where applicable, shall be as directed and approved by synthetic turf contractor. Acceptable synthetic turf paint manufacturers:
   1. Pioneer Paints: 800-877-1500
   2. World Class Paints: 800-748-9649
   3. Approved Equivalent

2.04 NEW GROOMING EQUIPMENT

1. Provide one (1) pull behind “GreensGroomer" drag brush as manufactured by WorldWide, Inc., 888-298-8852. Must be electrical unit, model number 720-FDU.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

3.01 SUBMITTALS

1. Prior to ordering materials, submit a sample warranty, seam layout of field, striping plan and all details of construction, that deviate from the plans and specifications.

3.02 VERTICALLY DRAINING BASE

1. The synthetic turf base contractor shall strictly adhere to the installation procedures outlined under this section. Any variance from these requirements must be accepted in writing, by the manufacturer's on-site representative, and submitted to the architect/owner, verifying that the changes do not in any way affect the warranty.
2. Install geotextile fabric over excavated and prepared sub-grade in accordance with Turf Contractor's recommendations. Provide a 36" minimum overlap at all seams. Fabric shall first be installed in the drainage trenches prior to installation of perimeter collector lines. After backfilling of all trenches is complete, the entire field shall be covered with fabric prior to the base aggregate application.
3. Trenching, Drainage Pipe Installation and Backfilling: All piping shall be as specified and connected by manufacturer's couplers, plugs etc.
   1. The base grade shall be shaped to mirror the finished grade and approved by the Architect and/or Owner's Representative. The Base Contractor shall begin layout and trenching for the drainage network as indicated on the drainage plan and all details that apply. Collector lines shall be installed before lateral lines and shall begin with the deepest elevations. Collector lines shall be connected to discharge outlet at the onset of operations. Trenching progress shall work upward in elevation to allow for immediate discharge of water from the entire field in the event of a rainfall.
   2. No trenches, with or without pipe, shall be permitted, to remain unfilled overnight and/or while crews are not progressively working on site.
   3. All perimeter trenches must be dug in accordance with the field drainage plan details.
   4. After all collector and lateral lines have been installed, the contractor shall repair any sub grade undulations prior to installing geotextile fabric.
4. Concrete Header Curb and Pressure Treated Wood Turf Nailer: The synthetic turf perimeter fastening structure shall be installed before the drainage aggregate.
   1. The 6" x 12" concrete header curb shall be installed in accordance with the Drawings and/or Shop Drawings and these Specifications. The foundation of the concrete header curb shall be a compacted free draining aggregate. Future water entering the foundation shall have a free draining path directly to the perimeter collector pipe.
   2. Install a pressure treated wood 2" x 4" nailer. Pressure treated wood nailer shall be set 1.5 inches below top of the curb by means of a Tapcon every 12 inches. This shall be the responsibility of the synthetic turf base contractor. See synthetic turf edge attachment detail.
5. Base Drainage Aggregate: The installation of the base drainage aggregate shall only begin after the drainage pipe installation has been inspected and approved by Owner's Representative. Installation of the Free Draining Base Aggregate shall follow procedures that protect the base grade soils and drainage pipe. The drainage pipe network and its existing elevations shall not be disrupted through ground pressures from trucks, dozers or by any other means.
   1. The base grade subsoil shall be dry before undertaking the placement of base aggregate.
   2. Delivery trucks shall enter the field only from the designated entrance point. Base course stone shall be dumped closest to the entrance first and continuously worked towards the furthest point of the field. Extreme care must be taken not to disturb sub grade or drainage network.
   3. Track-type dozers shall push out the stone from behind the pile onto and toward the field center. Dozers shall only traffic the aggregate they are spreading.
   4. Bulldozer blades shall be equipped with a laser-guided hydraulic system. Care shall be taken not to disturb or contact the base grade soils with the dozer blades or tracks. All equipment trafficking over the drainage aggregate shall insure there is a minimum depth of 4" of aggregate between the geo-textile fabric and the dozer track ground contact position.
   5. When the aggregate spreading is completed, the surface shall be further firmed by a 5-ton roller. Static vibration shall not be part of this process.
   6. The stone shall be left firm, but not over-compacted as to protect the porosity and drainage capabilities of the aggregate profile.
   7. After the drainage stone has been uniformly spread throughout the surface, the surface shall receive a final laser finished grade. This process shall be accomplished using a turf-type tractor, or lightweight grader, equipped with high flotation tires and a hydraulically controlled laser blade.
   8. The free draining base course must be installed to a depth of 4.5 inches and shall be independently tested for an overall compaction rate of 95% proctor.
6. Choker Levels: The base drainage stone final elevations shall mirror the proposed choker layer final grade material. Care shall be taken not to allow the coarser aggregate to surface into the profile or finished grade of the choker layer.
   1. The choker layer shall be applied using high flotation grading equipment. The choker material shall be evenly spread throughout the proposed field surface to the final pre-pad or pre-turf elevations.
   2. After the choker material has been uniformly spread throughout the surface by the described method, the surface shall receive a final laser finish grade. This process shall be accomplished using a turf-type tractor, or lightweight grader, equipped with high flotation tires and a hydraulically controlled laser blade.
   3. Care shall be taken throughout the installation not to force the choker material into the porosity of the base aggregate below.
   4. Final choke layer must be graded by means of a laser within 0 to 1/2 inch from design grade. The finished surface tolerance must not exceed ¼ inch over 10 feet in all directions. Base Contractor must provide a topographical survey with a minimum of 200 shots demonstrating finished grade meets all written requirements.
   5. Final layer of stone must be installed at a depth of 1.5 inches. Finished aggregate base must be proof rolled by means of 2 to 5 ton roller. The finished aggregate base must achieve an overall compaction rate of 95% proctor in accordance with ASTM D1557. It shall also be flush with top of pressure treated wood nailer.
7. Base Acceptance: The Architect and/or Owner's Representative must jointly approve the base before shock pad or turf installation can begin.
8. Resilient Underpad:
   1. After the choker layer grades have been approved and inspected, the Resilient Underpad shall be installed from sideline to sideline.
      1. Equipment and personnel shall take extreme care to minimize disturbance of the stone base during pad installation.
      2. All operations shall work from behind the rolled out pad or from adjacent, pre-installed pad surface.
      3. One head seam shall be allowed per length. Head seams shall be staggered so as not to be within 10' of the previously installed roll.
      4. The head seam shall overlap approximately 4 inches on original roll out. Second and subsequent rolls shall be rolled out within 1 inch, or less, of the previous roll and allowed to expand or contract before manually sliding in place.
      5. After allowance for expansion or contraction, the padding shall slide into place so as to touch the edge or seam of the previous. Care shall be taken so as not to disturb the choker layer material when butting the seams together.
   2. The Resilient Underpad shall not receive a final cut or edging detail until the material has relaxed/expanded in direct sunlight for a minimum of six hours.
      1. No open seams shall exceed 1/8" after final seam or end cutting is complete.
      2. Padding material shall cover the entire surface of the exposed nailer board.
   3. The Resilient Underpad shall be inspected by the Synthetic Turf Contractor after completion to insure the surface is completely smooth without bumps from stone particles or other material protruding from underneath.
      1. Expansion bubbles and open seams shall be repaired prior to final inspection.
      2. Repeat inspections shall be carried out prior to each roll of synthetic turf being installed.
9. Synthetic Turf and Infill Materials
   1. After a final inspection of the Resilient Underpad by the Contractor and the Owner's Representative, the synthetic turf installation shall begin. The first roll shall begin with the longest perpendicular cross-field distance. No head seams shall be permitted in the inbound playing surface.
   2. The rolls of turf shall be rolled out a minimum of four hours prior to starting seaming procedures and allowed to relax/expand.
      1. All visible wrinkles shall be stretched out before seaming.
      2. Seams shall be flat, tight and permanent with no separation or fraying.
      3. Synthetic turf yarn fabric that is trapped or glued between seams shall be freed from the seams by hand or other approved method to an upright position prior to the commencement of brushing and top dressing procedures.
      4. All Synthetic Turf seams shall be assembled as follows: The full width rolls shall be laid out across the field. Utilizing standard state of the art adhering or sewing procedures, each roll shall be attached to the next.
      5. When all of the rolls of the playing surface have been installed, the sideline areas shall be installed perpendicular to the playing field. The yard lines, game markings, sidelines, etc. of all applicable sports shall be tufted into carpet by the manufacturer wherever possible.
   3. After all seaming is completed and inlaid lines, logos and lettering have been installed; the infill materials shall be spread evenly, using a drop spreader or top dresser.
      1. Crumb rubber and sand shall be applied in a uniform rate of multiple applications until the specified infill depth is achieved.
      2. Infill material shall be brushed between infill applications with a motorized rotary broom and pull-type groomer brush simultaneously.
10. Tufted and Inlaid Lines
    1. Layout and descriptions of tufted, inlaid and/or painted lines shall be as indicated on final shop drawings.
    2. Inlaid lines and field markings shall be cut in using seaming methods recommended by the synthetic turf contractor.
11. Synthetic Turf Perimeter Attachment:
    1. After final trimming of the turf, the turf shall be screwed into the pressure treated wood nailer system as per the turf manufacturers recommendations.

3.03 FIELD LAYOUT

1. Field layout shall be as shown on the record drawings.

3.04 CLOSEOUT

1. The turf contractor must verify that a qualified representative has inspected the installation and that the finished field surface conforms to the manufacturer's requirements.
2. The turf contractor must provide the owner with the pull behind maintenance brush as outlined in section 2.04 New Turf Grooming Equipment.
3. The turf manufacturer shall provide a warranty to the owner that covers defects in materials and workmanship of the turf for a period of 8 years from the date of Substantial Completion as described in 1.04 F. Submit three (3) copies of the warranty.
4. The 8-year warranty must also be supported by a 3rd party insured warranty from an A-rated domestic insurance carrier. The value of the policy shall be no less than $350,000 per occurrence, no deductibles allowed. Submit three (3) copies of the insurance certificate to the owner.
5. The turf contractor must submit three (3) copies of it's maintenance manual to the owner.
6. Synthetic turf contractor must train owner's designated field personnel in proper grooming and care procedures. This includes training field personnel how to properly use grooming equipment as well as make minor repairs.
7. Extra materials: Synthetic turf contractor must leave one pail of adhesive, 100 lineal feet of seam tape, 500 lbs of rubber granules in weather proof containers and one 15" x 10' roll of turf with owner before leaving job site. All salvageable pieces of colored turf used during the installation should be left with the owner as well.

3.05 CLEAN UP

1. Contractor shall provide the labor, supplies and equipment as necessary for final cleaning of surfaces and installed items.
2. All usable remnants of new material shall be neatly rolled up and turned over to the Owner at a place and area designated by the Owner.
3. During the contract and at intervals as directed by the Architect and as synthetic turf installation is completed, clear the site of all extraneous materials, rubbish, or debris and leave the site in a clean, safe, well draining, neat condition.
4. Surfaces, recesses, enclosures, etc. shall be cleaned as necessary to leave the work area in a clean, immaculate condition ready for immediate occupancy and use by the Owner.

3.06 G-MAX TESTING

1. Optional at substantial completion, the synthetic turf contractor can, as specified, hire an independent testing laboratory to perform a G-max test (ASTM 355, 1936 method) to verify that the shock attenuation properties of the field meet the requirements set forth in this specification. Submit three (3) copies of the G-max test to the owner.
2. At the time of substantial completion, the average G-max rating must not exceed 110 for a padded system and 135 for a non-padded system. The average G-max of a padded system must not exceed 140 and 170 for a non-padded system at any time during the life of the warranty. The owner reserves the right to have the field tested for shock attenuation at it's own cost at anytime it deems necessary. If at anytime the G-max ranges reach unacceptable levels, it is the responsibility of the turf contractor to bring the field back into the required ranges at no cost to the owner.