10-Jan-2008

Installing a Synthetic Racing Track - A Technical Overview

The all weather synthetic racing and training track phenomenon is experiencing rapid growth and a heightened awareness. The range of materials used and the installation processes can vary considerably and we have seen some interesting challenges in recent times. There is a technical process that can and should be followed for every installation. Kentucky (Pro Ride Racing) December, 2007 – There are six major elements involved in installing a synthetic racing or training track. When all six elements are addressed fully and in relation to each other the track's installation and performance will be maximised. This list has been supplied by Ian Pearse, the founder and technical expert at Pro Ride Racing.

1. Analyse the environmental conditions:  No track can be laid for long term success without careful consideration of the natural elements.
   1. The track installer should consider for each time of year:
   1. The historical average rainfall.
   1. This is a fundamental consideration in designing the footing’s infiltration rate.
   2. The temperature range re. the extremes of heat and cold.
   1. This determines the binder viscosity dependence on temperature. Based on climatic conditions the most appropriate binder is manufactured using a viscosity dependence graph.
   3. Natural wind conditions.
   1. What is the prevailing direction and what is likely to be introduced to the surface?
   4. The location of the track in relation to other tracks.
   1. Identify the possibility of contamination from neighbouring grass tracks, sand tracks, and other organic materials such as walk on locations from stables.
   2. Question whether there is any reason to think these conditions may change over time.
   1. For example, will a new grandstand be built that may create a new wind tunnel?

2. Review the workload expectations for the surface: Work closely with the facility’s management to clearly and comprehensively understand the expected workload the footing must support.
1. Will the surface be used for racing, training, or both?
1. How many individual races are planned during various time periods?
2. How many horses will be trained on a daily basis?
1. Will this be 12 months of the year or some interim period?
3. What time of day will the training / racing occur?
1. A training track with early morning training requires a different temperature focus on the viscosity range of the binder than a track with afternoon racing.

Developing a binder that suits both morning training and afternoon racing is the real key to successful synthetic track development. 

3. Test material compositions: There are different composition options depending on the analysis from points 1 and 2 above.
   1. Pay very close attention to sand type selection.
   1. Study and understand the sand sieve analysis. Sand granule size in relation to binder quantity and type is of the utmost importance.
   2. Selecting clean, angular, washed sand with low silt and clay content is essential when providing footing stability with controlled infiltration rates.
   3. High silt and clay content drastically reduces infiltration rates and can migrate downward to block drainage systems.
   1. 1% tolerance of silt and clay is typically appropriate.
   2. Conduct a number of laboratory tests prior to the footing being established in the field to ascertain consistency in performance. Tests should include:
   1. Confirmation of binder viscosity.
   2. Strength of cohesion of binder to sand.
   3. Analytical environmental report.
   4. Vertical water infiltration tests.
   5. Water retention rates.
   6. Correct formulation; ‘laboratory to field’ >> sand = binder = fiber = rubber.
   7. Establish similarities between initial sieve analysis and current supply of sand.
   8. Surface hardness testing; Clegg Hammer testing and track rating.

4. Engineering of the track: After the composition is confirmed a complete specification of the engineering of the track is approved. This will address and re-confirm key issues such as:
1. The final width and length of the new footing including walk offs and trail paths.
2. The sub-base drainage system being in good working order.
1. Inspect the installed base / drainage system for high and low spots.
3. Check the base cross falls are to specification.

5. A plan for ongoing maintenance: Initial discussions regarding maintenance are reviewed and re-confirmed at this stage.
1. How often will the track be graded; daily or weekly?
2. What equipment will be required?
3. What additional rejuvenation materials will be required over time and at what cost?
4. How often will the rejuvenation take place?
5. Removal of organic matter is necessary on a daily basis.

FACT – all synthetic tracks require an ongoing maintenance program.

6. Contingency planning: Weather conditions change. From the very beginning be clear about how the track will be managed under different conditions.

It is essential you have your track installed by an experienced technically proficient synthetic track manufacturer. Ian proudly noted that following the rigorous process outlined above during the installation of the Pro Ride Racing surface at the Skylight Center in Kentucky has resulted in not one single day of training has being lost during the recent heavy rains.  Ian is passionate about this industry and the unique properties of the product and welcomes technical questions.