Design

Production of a detailed design and specification Taking into account all of the information obtained during the feasibility study, and in consultation with the Client, TGMS is able to produce a set of detailed designs, specifications, bills of quantities and construction drawings.  All design work is undertaken in AutoCAD Civil 3D, which is compatible with most technical drawing packages.  These documents can form part of the tender and contract documentation for the project.
The design and specification will, where appropriate, include items for: 

• Site remodelling (e.g. cut and fill earthworks).
• Sub-base and Drainage design.
• Playing surface selection and design (based on primary/multi sport usage, see matrix below). 
• Floodlight specification and design.
• Fencing specification and design. 

Site Remodelling 

Site remodelling is undertaken, where neccessary, to ensure that the playing surface has a gradient of no more than 1:100 in order to comply to Sport England specification. Additional site remodelling can also be undertaken to assist site drainage and maximise the usable area, whilst taking into consideration issues such as access, maintainence (ensuring batter slopes are not to steep), asthetics, budget and the Client's needs.

 

 

Drainage Design

TGMS does not condone the use of “off the shelf” solutions to drainage problems because these are often fundamentally flawed and do not necessarily address the key issues at the site (e.g. is there a need to address a perched water table? or is the problem due to a rising watertable?).

TGMS drainage designs are tailored specifically to the site in question in terms of the indigenous hydrogeology, climatic conditions and characteristics of materials intended for use in the remediation / construction works. 

Playing Surface Selection  

There are numerous different synthetic surfaces currently available on the market. Selecting the most appropriate one for the Client's needs is of paramount importance. The selection of the synthetic surface initially depends on which sport will be being played; will it be solely used for Football? Hockey? or a mixture of sports? An example of the compatibilty between sports and the appropriateness of different Artificial Grass surfaces is illustrated in the matrix below.    

Sport	Type of Artificial Grass Surface
	Long Pile Surfaces	Sand Filled + Shockpad	Sand Dressed + Shockpad	Water based non-filled + Shockpad
Eleven aside football	1	3	3	3
Small sided football	1	2	3	3
Rugby	1	4	4	4
Hockey	3	2	1	1
Tennis	4	4	3	4
Netball	4	4	3	4
Rounders	2	2	2	2
Lacrosse	2	3	4	2
American Football	2	3	4	2
Athletics Training (not field events)	2	2	2	2

1= Recommended, 2 = Suitable, 3= Basic Level / training only, 4 = Not suitable Type of Artificial Grass surface matrix was reproduced from "Guide to Artificial Grass Pitches for Community Use, Part 2, Their Design, Specification and Construction", The Football Association, 2004.  

Floodlight Design  

The addition of Floodlights to a facility ensures that the maximum amount of usage is achievable throughout the year. Floodlight emission modeling is undertaken as part of the design process (see image above) to ascertain; (A) whether the playing area is receiving the required level of light, and (B) to model the effects of light spillage around the facility. This can form part of the planning application, and is particularly important if residential areas surround the site.

 

 

Fencing design

A well designed fencing system has several functions. A typical installation may have dual strength mesh up to a hieght of 1.2m to act as a ball rebound (the additional strength of fencing in this area ensures that the fence is not damaged by the ball during play), and single mesh up to a height between 3 - 5m (generally fencing behind goals will be to the maximum height of 5m). The fencing also acts as a security feature to stop illicit use of the facility and vandalism of the synthetic surface, and also prevents debris and rubbish from accummalating on the surface itself. The fencing and access gates can be designed to ensure that players can only access the playing surface through designated routes which pass through boot cleaning facilities, ensuring that the surface is protected from outside contaminants.

As with all parts of the design process, the fencing design will be lead by the Client's needs and budget, whilst ensuring that the neccessary safety and security requirements are met.        

Construction, Design and Management (CDM) Regulations

CDM is intended to protect the health and safety of people working in construction, and others who may be affected by their activities. The regulations require the systematic management of projects from concept to completion; hazards must be identified and eliminated where possible, and the remaining risks reduced and controlled.  This approach reduces risks during construction work and throughout the lifecycle of a structure (including eventual demolition).

Designers have particular responsibilities under the CDM regulations, in particular designers must:

• take reasonable steps to ensure that Clients are aware of their duties under CDM before starting work;
• prepare designs with adequate regard to health and safety, and to the information supplied by the Client;
• provide adequate information in or with the design;
• co-operate with the CDM Coordinator and with any other designers so that each of them can comply with their duties under the Regulations.  This includes providing any information needed for the health and safety file.

Furthermore, under CDM, designers must ensure that any designs they prepare for the purposes of construction work avoid risks to anybody carrying out construction work and to anyone else who may be affected by this work, e.g. the general public.

As part of the feasibility study and design phases, TGMS pays particular attention to these regulations.  Depending on the requirements of the Client, TGMS is also able to undertake the role of CDM Coordinator.  For further information on the CDM regulations, please refer to the HSE leaflet "Having construction work done?".

For more information feel free to contact us on Tel: 01234 756040 or email via our online contact system