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Abstract

Natural turf; as the best covering for playgrounds, has been used for a long time. Natural structure and tissues have made it very sensitive to changes in weather and applied destructive forces and conditions during the athletic competitions. The destruction of Turf layer results from different reasons usually accompanied with the extraction of plant roots from the soil or with soil compaction that decreases the field quality, specially during the compact competing seasons.
The reinforcement of natural turf to enhance durability, is the best way to meet the requirements of playgrounds. In this study, to spread and absorb possible destructive forces the plastic or polymeric nets have been laid on the planting area during the seeding process to avoid soil compaction and expected damages to the turf roots. Test results have shown that using polymeric nets didn’t any negative effect on turf efficiency during the growing process. On the other hand, it can absorb up to 30% of destructive forces and blows in different directions. Walking test with a simulating walking machine has revealed a considarable increase in natural turf quality after reinforcement with polymeric nets.

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