Sports Facility
Design and cost for sports facilities. El-Eman Office provides surveying and construction for sports projects.
Why Levelling and Slopes Matter on Pitches
A good pitch is not perfectly flat, as many assume. An open football pitch is designed with a very slight fall to drain water, so rain does not collect on the surface and players do not feel the slope. Enclosed courts made of asphalt, concrete or rubber flooring need high flatness together with calculated falls. This is achieved by laser levelling and survey measurement on a grid of points before each layer is built.
- Survey a grid of levels at regular spacing before and after levelling.
- Check the final level of the top layer before laying the turf.
- Verify that the falls run toward the edge drains.
- Check line axes and pitch dimensions against the sports regulations.
Base Layers and Drainage
A pitch floor is made of successive layers over compacted soil: an aggregate base, a drainage layer that lets water pass through, and a surface layer according to the type of pitch. Drainage quality affects whether the pitch is usable after rain and how long the grass lasts. Natural grass pitches need special soil mixes and buried irrigation and drainage systems, while artificial turf needs a firm, very flat base, since any surface defect shows after installation.
Groundwater and weak soil should be watched, because they can cause uneven settlement of the pitch over time.
Lighting, Safety and Maintenance
Lighting is essential for pitches used at night, and needs a design that spreads light evenly without glare for players and spectators. The positions and heights of the towers and the angles of the floodlights are set by calculation and precise setting-out, and the tower foundations are designed to resist wind. Safety includes fencing the pitch with suitable netting and barriers, providing exits and walkways, and protecting posts and equipment.
- Set a regular programme for cleaning the surface and checking joints and lines.
- Check the lights and replace failed ones periodically.
- Follow the condition of drains and clear them before the rainy season.
- Repair local defects before they spread.
Choosing Materials and Sports Equipment
The choice of surface affects players' performance and safety. Each sport has a suitable surface in terms of bounce, friction and shock absorption, and materials should be approved by the sports bodies if official competitions will be hosted. Equipment includes goals, nets, barriers and net posts, whose foundations are fixed precisely to the dimensions of the game. Ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts should be considered.
Frequently asked questions
What is the expected life of artificial turf?
It depends on product quality, intensity of use, maintenance and sun exposure. The manufacturer normally gives maintenance instructions and an approximate life, and it is advisable to refer to the product's technical specifications.
Can a pitch be built on uneven ground?
Yes, but with cut and fill works to achieve the required surface, and the cost may rise if the differences are large. A survey determines the cut and fill quantities in advance.
What causes puddles on a pitch?
Weak falls, poorly built layers, blocked drains or local soil settlement. The cause is found by measuring surface levels before any repair.
