Sports Field Construction

Specializing in sports field construction, we bring expertise, precision, and dedication to every project. From meticulous site analysis to strategic planning and execution, our team ensures top-notch quality. We handle every aspect, including grading, turf installation, drainage systems, and facilities. With a focus on creating optimal playing surfaces, we guarantee sports fields that meet the highest standards of performance and safety.
Sports

Cricket       Pitch & Field

Size: Strips should be 24 meter x 3.05 meter.

Direction of pitch: Pitch length should be orientated to lie true north to south.

Slope of oval

Ideally, the oval should have a symmetrical slope in all directions from the center. If this is not possible, a single-phase slope of 1% in any convenient direction is recommended. In cases where a specific direction is chosen, the pitch should be slightly elevated to prevent water drainage issues onto or under the bulli. However, if the oval is situated on well-drained soil, a slope may not be necessary.

Slope of pitch

The pitch slope should not surpass 1%, aligning with the slope pattern of the oval. If the oval has a center slope, the pitch square should also slope from the center. The descent should not exceed 30mm across a 3.05m strip or 200mm along its length, maintaining a relatively flat surface at the center.

Height of pitch above outfield

The pitch square should be elevated approximately 75mm above the outfield level to facilitate effective surface drainage off the pitch.

Drainage

The material beneath the pitch should facilitate efficient drainage, and in cases where water may enter the sub-base, artificial drains might be necessary to ensure proper drainage. To prevent the accumulation of salts in the bulli layer, which can lead to undesirable effects like pitch surface crumbling, it is advisable to incorporate at least one gravel layer as a sub-base, even if the natural material allows for free drainage. In instances where poor drainage is indicated, the installation of an artificial drainage system is recommended. These drainage pipes should be set at a slope of 1:100 to swiftly eliminate water from the sub-base of the pitch and the outfield.

Begin by excavating to the desired size and depth. Determine the number of layers and their respective depths, subtracting 75mm to ensure the finished pitch rests slightly above the outfield level. For pitches designated for five-day matches, the excavation depth, including gravel layers, should be around 550mm; for three-day matches, it should be 475mm (including gravel layers); and for one-day matches, 400mm (with gravel) or 225mm (without gravel layers). Note that these depths represent the minimum at the upper-slope edge of the pitch area, and if a layer of clay loam is used, its depth must be added to the values mentioned above.

Base Construction

Regardless of the drainage capacity of the underlying material, the excavated base should slope in the direction of natural drainage. Construct a ring drain along the excavation perimeter to effectively remove excess water from the pitch area. In well-drained soils, a coarse gravel drain is sufficient, but poorly-drained soils may necessitate drainage pipes and a more advanced lateral pipe-drain system to drain the entire base.

  1. Excavate trenches for drain pipes, ensuring a minimum fall of 1:100, and line them with geotextile like Bidum. Lay 50mm diameter drain pipes on a thin layer of coarse sand and backfill the trenches with the same sand; it's crucial not to use CRUSHED GRANITE as it forms a hard layer that severely restricts water movement.

  2. Lay a coarse gravel layer (approximately 65% between 4 and 9mm and 35% between 9 and 12mm) and level its surface after compacting it with a vibrator to a thickness of about 100mm.

  3. Optionally, add an intermediate fine gravel layer approximately 100mm thick, with about 90% of the gravel between 1 and 4mm in diameter.

The bulli

  • Opt for a dry and fine bulli for optimal results. The ideal mixture comprises 40% aggregates less than 2mm in diameter, with approximately 60% less than 5mm. Ensure the bulli is free of stones, root material, and other impurities.

For a five-day test pitch, the bulli layer should be between 250 and 300mm thick. This thickness can be reduced to 200mm for three-day pitches and further to a range of 150 to 200mm for one-day games.

  • To address potential mole issues, consider laying a 50mm layer of crushed glass immediately below the bulli.

In an attempt to cut costs, some opt for a 100mm layer of clay loam or sandy clay between the gravel and glass, reducing the bulli depth to less than 100mm. While not recommended, if necessary, ensure thorough fertilization, especially with bonemeal and/or phosphate, based on soil analysis. Avoid adding compost. Compact the material in a dry state with a roller to a thickness of 100mm. After compaction, score the surface to ensure proper binding between this layer and the bulli layer, remembering to mix in the fertilizer before compaction.

For one-day pitches or school fields, the need for a coarse gravel layer and clay loam layer may be waived if the underlying material is well-drained with less than 25% clay content.

  1. Prior to laying the bulli, it should be air-dried and rolled on a firm surface, such as a car park, to achieve uniform particle size and remove stones, roots, and other debris—avoid sieving the bulli.

  2. Add a 100mm layer of appropriately fertilized bulli and compact it in a dry state using a roller or vibrator, scoring the surface.

  3. Complete the construction by gradually infilling the surface with bulli layers, each not exceeding 100mm in thickness. After each addition, compact the bulli and score its surface before adding any further material.

It is strongly advised to mix the initial fertilizer application, particularly bonemeal and phosphate, with the bulli before filling. Due to the varying soil conditions, no specific fertilizer program can be provided here; recommendations should be tailored to the results of soil tests.

Choosing the right turf grass is crucial for a cricket field:

For warm seasons, consider Bermuda Latitude 36, Seashore Paspalum, Sunday Ultra Dwarf, etc.

For winter seasons, options like Perennial Ryegrass, Creeping Bentgrass, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Kikuyu are suitable.

Grass establishment

Establishing the grass involves thoroughly soaking the entire area before planting, ensuring all low spots and uneven areas are filled. Plant the grass, whether it's Skaapplaas or Bayview, only when the surface is dry enough to walk on without clay sticking to your shoes.

There are two methods for planting the grass:


(a) Grass sods are rinsed and separated into individual sprigs, which are then laid on the scored bulli surface. The entire sprig-covered area is thoroughly wetted, followed by a careful spreading of a thin (10mm) layer of fine bulli over the sprigs.

(b) Alternatively, grass plugs can be planted in hollow-tine holes with slightly moist bulli, spacing the plugs about 75mm apart.

Ensure the planted area is watered at least once a day using a fine nozzle sprayer until signs of sprouting appear. Daily watering should persist until the grass covers at least 75% of the area. A light dressing of dry bulli can then be evenly spread over the pitch and leveled with a straight edge.

Post-construction maintenance

Allow the grass to initially grow out to around 30mm to foster a strong root system. Once full cover is achieved, reduce its height to 15mm.

  1. After full cover and well-established grass, adjust watering based on weather conditions.

  2. Provide a minimum of 4 months for the grass to grow, encouraging a robust root system before rolling the pitch.

  3. Maintain the grass at a height of approximately 15mm, using a grass box on the mower to remove cuttings.

  4. If the pitch surface is uneven, lightly rub a dressing of bulli into low-lying areas. Avoid entirely covering the grass, and ensure the final level is not exceeded.

  5. Employ a light hand roller after each dressing to create a firm and level surface.

  6. Only cut the grass down to 3mm when pitch preparation commences.
Sports

Football Ground

International organization: FIFA (The Federation International of Football Association)

Indian organization: AIFF (All India Football Federation)

Field Size:  According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), fixed dimensions have been set in football field. This change has taken place since 2008 and the size of the field is 105m x 65m, unlike the earlier flexible rules of a minimum and maximum length – from 100m to 110m – and a minimum and a maximum width – from 64m to 75m. 
Construction of Football Ground 

Drainage system

Effective drainage is essential, and naturally well-drained sites provide a solid foundation for a quality playing surface. In areas where the soil tends to be impervious, it is crucial to implement sufficient supplementary drainage to cater to the specific requirements of the intended use.

The construction of pipe-drained football pitches is a commonly employed method nowadays. Based on the drainage design, plastic perforated flexible pipe drains are typically installed with laterals spaced between 5 and 10 meters at a depth ranging from 450 to 600mm below ground level.

All drains must be laid with a steady fall, no less than 1:200. A positive outfall must be provided in the form of an existing surface water system. When the drains have laid trenches must be backfilled with porous material (6-10mm gravels) to ensure the high percolation rates necessary for effective drainage. This should be fill within 150-200mm of surface than trench backfill capped with a 50mm blinding layer in the form of coarse sand to prevent infiltration of top soil. And the trench is backfilled to ground level with prepared soil mix as recommended by agronomist.

Suspended water table

The water is retained in the lower part of the root zone and above the blinding or drainage layer. This moisture reserve serves as a crucial support for the grass sward, particularly during dry weather. This approach is the preferred option when an exceptionally high standard of pitch performance is sought, and there is access to a fully automatic irrigation system.

Choosing turf grass species for a football ground depends on the prevailing temperature conditions.

In warm-season regions with temperatures ranging from 20-40 degrees Celsius.

  1. Bermuda grass varieties like Altitude 36, Tifway 419, and Sunday Ultra Dwarf are suitable.

  2. For coastal areas with high soil salt levels, Seashore paspalum, Sealsle Supreme, Sealsle -1, and Seasle -2000 are recommended.

In winter season regions with temperatures between 0 to 25 degrees Celsius options include Perennial ryegrass, Fine fescue, Creeping bent grass, and Kentucky bluegrass.