Athletics Track Construction
McArdle Sport Tec offer a range of athletics track options which fully comply with UK Athletics, SAPCA & International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
Whether you are looking to install an athletics track facility for an elite international competition venue or a local school or athletics club we can help with site surveys, planning and designs, soil investigation reporting and much more. Contact us for more information to see how we can help you with your project.
SURFACE OPTIONS FOR ATHLETIC TRACKS:
There are many different types of synthetic tracks surfaces available, but ultimately, they fall into two distinct categories:
POROUS:
About porous tracks...
Porous track surfaces are designed so that water will flow through the surface to the underlying sub-base allowing any moisture to filter through. In most cases the athletics track will incorporate a porous aggregate sub-base and drainage system.
- Porous Tracks
NON-POROUS:
About non-porous tracks...
Non-porous surfaces are designed so that any water cannot penetrate the track surface. Excess water is removed by slope and gravitational flow to a surface drain system.
- Sandwich Track
- Solid Track
- Prefabricated
POROUS TRACKS:
Porous track surfaces are a cost-effective solution for low level competition and training; this specification of athletics track is the most popular in the UK.
The robust rubber granule base, with a polyurethane top-coat provides a stable and supportive surface which is perfect for athletics clubs, colleges and schools.
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Key Points:
- Cost effective option
- Popular track system perfect for schools & community facilities.
- Proven energy reduction properties
- Economical
- 50,000 athlete user hours per year
- Professional cleaning every 3 years
- Re-mark lines every 7 years
- Surface respray every 7-10 years dependant on usage
*may require minor repairs/resurfacing to heavy wear areas.
SANDWICH TRACKS
Sandwich track ‘hybrid’ systems are an elite level, non-porous surfacing system which is more durable than Porous tracks.
A Sandwich track facility comprises an additional layer of ethylene propylene diene monomer or EPDM for short, which improves the shock absorbency properties.
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The EPDM layer is applied after the rubber granule base and sealed with the polyurethane top coat.
The main advantage of choosing a sandwich track surface is extending the track longevity; the EPDM cast can be retexturised numerous times; a cost saving option in the future.
Key points:
- High quality track surface suitable for international athletics, at a competitive price
- Offers many similar properties of the ‘Solid’ track system at a lower cost however more expensive than a porous track
- 100,000 athlete user hours per year
- Less inclined to develop moss, as water runs off and spores are unable to establish
- Professional cleaning every 3 years
- Re-mark lines every 7 years
- Surface ‘re-topping’ after 7-10 years dependant on usage
*may require minor repairs/resurfacing to heavy wear areas.
SOLID TRACKS
Designed for high level competition and high intensity use, solid tracks offer a harder surface consistency, which is preferred by elite level athletes. This method of athletics track produces an excellent finish and meets the highest IAAF accreditation standards. The track is made of specially formulated EPDM rubber granules with a double polyurethane top coat.
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Installing a solid track system can be relatively costly if comparing to porous or sandwich systems, however long term the surface is more durable and requires less maintenance.
Key Points:
- High performance track accredited to the highest standards of international competition
- 150,000 athlete user hours per year
- Robust spike resistant surface
- More expensive than porous or sandwich systems
- Less inclined to develop moss, as water runs off and spores unable to establish
- Professional cleaning every 3 years
- Re-mark lines every 7 years
- Surface respray every 7-10 years dependant on usage
*may require minor repairs/resurfacing to heavy wear areas.
PRE-FABRICATED TRACK
Unlike porous, sandwich or solid athletics tracks which are laid ‘in-situ’, prefabricated tracks are sections of rubber matting manufactured in a factory environment and supplied to the facility in ‘ready-made’ rolls. The rolls of prefabricated mats are installed on top of a macadam base providing a non-porous system.
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The advantages of manufacturing the track at a factory, produces a product in a controlled environment ensuring even thickness and performance characteristics.
Prefabricated tracks are designed for all levels, training and competing at high intensity usage; and is the preferred surface for major track and field championships including the Olympics.
The mats are made with a layer of vulcanised rubber and latex; providing outstanding performance characteristics. Although this system is more expensive long-term, they are proven to be hard wearing and require less maintenance or repairs.
Key Points:
- Top quality athletics track surface suitable for the Olympics
- More expensive than, porous, sandwich or solid systems
- Extremely durable, can withstand extreme usage
- Maintenance friendly, no recoating required
- Non-slip
- Professional cleaning every 3 years
- Re-mark lines every 7 years
- Resurface every 10-15 years dependant on usage
*may require minor repairs/resurfacing to heavy wear areas.
Project Portfolio:
CARDIFF METROPOLITAN UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
Completion date: August 2017
Project Details: Six-lane 400m athletics track, 2 sprint lanes, throw areas for javelin, discus and shotput. Full size 3G rugby pitch infield.
Specification: Porous Track
Press Release: Cardiff Metropolitan Track
Completion date: August 2017
Project Details: Eight lane athletics porous Stobitan track including: floodlighting, throwing and jump facilities with a 7000m² natural grass infield.
Specification: Porous Track
Case Study: University Of Birmingham
Manchester Commonwealth Games
KING GEORGE V SWANSEA
Completion date: 2002
Project Details: Pre-fabricated track by Italian manufacturer Mondo.
Specification: Prefabricated track
Case Study: Commonwealth Games XVII
Completion date: 2005
Project Details: Eight lane 400m international athletics track including throw areas, jumps and steeplechase.
Specification: Sandwich Track
CASE STUDIES
Find out more about our recent projects …
