In the construction of modern landscapes and sports fields, artificial turf has become an essential element. Both filled and non-filled artificial turf have their own characteristics, and the differences in their installation methods and performance advantages provide diverse choices for different projects.
I. Filled Artificial Turf: A Choice Combining Tradition and Innovation
(I) Installation Method: A Meticulously Crafted Multi-layer Process
1、Site Preparation: Laying a Solid Foundation
First, clear the site of debris to make the ground level. For sites with drainage requirements (such as football fields), it is necessary to lay crushed stones and drainage pipes at the base layer to ensure smooth drainage and avoid waterlogging damage to the turf.
2、Turf Laying: The Art of Seaming
Filled artificial turf is transported in the form of rolls. When laying, it should be unrolled according to the design requirements. Use professional seaming tapes and adhesives to ensure that there are no gaps or unevenness at the seaming joints. Pay attention to the direction of the turf to ensure consistency in visual appearance and performance.
3、Filling Material Filling: Giving Soul to the Turf
Common filling materials are quartz sand and rubber granules. Quartz sand increases the weight and stability, while rubber granules provide elasticity and cushioning. First, evenly spread the quartz sand and use tools to comb it to the roots of the turf filaments. Then, fill the rubber granules and comb them again after filling to make them evenly distributed.
(II) Comparative Advantages: Outstanding Performance Sets an Example
1、Excellent Sports Performance: Ensuring the Safety and Comfort of Athletes
During high-intensity sports, the rubber granules provide excellent elasticity and cushioning for athletes, reducing damage to joints, muscles, and bones. The good stability of the turf is beneficial to sports performance, making the ball roll more smoothly and improving the accuracy of passing and ball control.
2、High Durability: Withstanding the Test of Time and Use
The filling materials extend the service life of the turf and protect the turf filaments from wear. In places with a dense population and frequent use, the turf filaments are not easily flattened or broken. Meanwhile, the filling materials can also protect against sunlight, slowing down the aging of the turf filaments, reducing the frequency of turf replacement, and saving maintenance costs.
3、Beautiful and Natural: Creating a Picturesque Green Landscape
The appearance of filled artificial turf is excellent, highly simulating the texture of natural lawns. The filling materials make the turf look fuller and thicker, and it is almost indistinguishable from natural lawns from a distance. When used in landscape design, it can create a beautiful and comfortable environment.
II. Non-filled Artificial Turf: A Fashionable Choice Guided by Simplicity and Environmental Protection
(I) Installation Method: A Simple and Efficient Green Process
1、Site Preparation: Emphasizing Both Drainage and Leveling
Similar to filled artificial turf, first clear and level the site. However, the drainage requirements are more stringent. Design drainage slopes and channels if necessary, and lay waterproof membranes and leveling layers when needed.
2、Turf Laying: Precise Seaming and Detail Control
The method of laying the turf is similar to that of filled turf. However, since there are no filling materials to cover up the seaming flaws, the precision requirement for seaming is extremely high. Ensure that there are no gaps or unevenness at the seaming joints and that the direction of the turf filaments is consistent. After laying, conduct a comprehensive inspection and adjustment.
3、Fixing and Adjusting: Ensuring the Stability and Aesthetics of the Turf
After the turf is laid, use nails or other fixing devices to fix the edge of the turf to prevent it from moving. After fixing, check and adjust the flatness and density of the turf, and clean up debris and dust.
(II) Comparative Advantages: Unique Charm Illustrates Green Values
1、Low Maintenance Cost: Easily Managing Green Spaces
The non-filled artificial turf has a low maintenance cost. There is no need to supplement filling materials, reducing the maintenance workload. There is also no problem of the filling materials being blown away by the wind or washed away by the rain to pollute the surrounding environment.
2、Excellent Environmental Protection Performance: Practicing the Green Concept
The non-filled artificial turf has excellent environmental protection performance, avoiding the pollution problems that may occur during the production and use of some filling materials (such as rubber granules). It is also easier to handle after the service life of the turf ends.
3、High Flexibility in Use: Adapting to Diverse Design Requirements
The non-filled artificial turf can be freely cut and seamed according to the shape and design requirements of the site. It is suitable for variously shaped sites and is widely used in special landscape design and indoor and outdoor decoration projects.
III. Comprehensive Comparison and Selection Suggestions
(I) Usage Scenarios
1、Sports Fields
For professional competition or training fields of high-intensity sports, filled artificial turf is a better choice. For small leisure sports fields, non-filled artificial turf can meet the basic requirements and has an obvious advantage in low maintenance cost.
2、Landscape Areas
For large parks, squares and other areas with high requirements for aesthetics and naturalness, filled artificial turf has a good effect. For landscape areas with high environmental protection requirements and inconvenient maintenance, non-filled artificial turf is more advantageous.
(II) Budget Considerations
1、Initial Installation Cost
The initial installation cost of filled artificial turf is high because it requires the purchase of filling materials and the filling process is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The installation cost of non-filled artificial turf is relatively low, but when the requirements for infrastructure such as drainage are high, it may increase the upfront investment.
2、Long-Term Maintenance Cost
The long-term maintenance cost of filled artificial turf is high because it requires regular inspection and supplementation of filling materials. The maintenance cost of non-filled artificial turf is mainly concentrated on cleaning and occasional repairs, and the overall maintenance cost is low.
(III) Environmental Protection Requirements
For projects with strict environmental protection requirements, such as green buildings and ecological parks, non-filled artificial turf is the preferred choice. If the quality and environmental performance of the filling materials can be ensured, filled artificial turf can also play its advantages under the premise of meeting environmental protection requirements.
In conclusion, both filled and non-filled artificial turf have their own values and applicable scenarios. When making a choice, it is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the project requirements, budget, and environmental protection requirements to create a comfortable, beautiful and environmentally friendly green space for people.