Sports Surfaces

What is Classified as a Sports Surface?

There are a variety of surfaces which are classified as sports surfaces:

• Sports surfaces for sports centres and gymnasiums
• Sports surfaces for athletics, both indoor and outdoor use
• Artificial grass for both elite football and lower divisions/training pitches
• Sports and gymnastics mats
• Floor surfaces for aerobics
• Synthetic surfaces for tennis and multisport (outdoor). 

Sports Floors, Indoor

 

SP performs tests according to the specification EN 14904 which is the basis for CE marking. The standard specifies the requirements for surfaces for multi-sports use for indoor installations. It covers the entire floor system including the underlying design both prefabricated and constructions built on-site, or a combination thereof. 
 

Sports Surfaces, Indoor and Outdoor

 

SP performs tests according to the specification EN 14877 The standard specifies the requirements for synthetic surfaces, both built on-site and prefabricated, for outdoor installations. It covers synthetic surfaces for the following applications: athletics, tennis and multi-sports. 
 

Artificial Turf, for Elite Football and Lower Divisions/Training Pitches, etc 

 

SP performs testing of artificial turf according to the specification EN 15330, the "FIFA Quality Concept for Football Turf" as well as the “Nordic Test Certificate”. The majority of the tests are performed as a field test, test on site. There are a few tests performed in the laboratory. The specification covers synthetic turf coverings for the following applications, football, tennis and multi-sports.  

Analysis, etc. 

 

SP performs chemical analysis on artificial turf material. Analysis performed are for example leaching and total content of metals (for example lead and zinc), phthalates, phenols and PAHs.
We have long extensive experience in measuring chemical substances that dissipate into the air, something that we can perform for this kind of materials. Other measurements of air quality is analysis of dust and odour.

Fire Tests 

 

SP performs Euro classification for floor coverings according to EN 13501-1. Two fire test standards are  used to test floorings.
 
• EN ISO 9239-1 -  Determination of the burning behaviour using a radiant heat source
• EN ISO 11925-2 -  Ignitability of building products subjected to direct impingement of a single flame 

Playgrounds, Fall Protection  

 

SP performs tests on shock absorbing surfaces for playgrounds according to EN 1177 The Standard covers, not only, aggregates such as sand, gravel, bark, but also shock-absorbing tiles and pads. During the test a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) is determined.
 
Municipalities now require that landscaping companies who construct playgrounds can show that the dampening ability of the surface is tested and meets the requirements.  

Mechanical Comfort of Floor Coverings

 

The mechanical comfort of floors in public areas was made aware in recent years. A floor that is too rigid, in places where you stand and walk long shifts can lead to pain and discomfort in the feet, knees, hips and back.
SP can perform measurements of shock absorption, deformation, friction, etc., and thus determine the mechanical comfort of a floor. These measurements can be performed at SP as well as on site. 

 

Accreditation

SP's accreditation is a formal recognition that we are competent to perform specific tests, measurements, certifications, etc. The accreditation makes it easy for the manufacturer to receive international acceptance for the results from SP.

 
Examples of accredited tests

Example of other tests