Hydroturf
As part of a general study of various applications of hydraulic stabilization in earthworks, a project on hydraulic stabilization of turfed surfaces was initiated. The principle use of a hydraulically stabilized turfed surface (Hydroturf) is to improve the performance characteristics of natural turf sports fields under adverse weather conditions. Hydroturf is composed of any natural topsoil underlain by a filter medium that can be maintained at pressures less than atmospheric pressure.Model tests reported in this paper show that the benefits of Hydroturf are increased surface strength under wet conditions and internal drainage of surface water during rainfall. The Hydroturf system is designed for temporary hydraulic stabilization and would generally be operated only when the surface is in use during rainfall. Hydroturf offers an economical alternative to artificial turfs for all-weather sports surfaces and is ideal for improving existing natural turf fields where only heavy-wear areas need to be improved.