Geo-Civil Engineering Services for Synthetic Turf Fields

Geotechnical Investigation During subsurface exploration the field subgrade soil is visually classified and sampled.  Field conditions are noted to identify the potential for expansion or settlement, supporting capacity and drainage characteristics. In our fully equipped and staffed laboratory we perform a full range of tests to determine subgrade properties. Typical laboratory tests include permeability, expansion potential, plasticity and compressive strength.

Facility Design and Project Documents

Civil and Geotechnical design defines elevations, slopes and drainage of the overall plan including the required material properties, thickness, and sequence of the underlying drainage layers.  We coordinate with or retain qualified sub-consultants for landscape, irrigation, lighting, structural or electrical design and incorporate those features into the design.  Design Plans and Specifications are prepared for bidding and construction by pre-qualified contractors and material suppliers.

Project Management

When needed, Miller Pacific Engineering Group can provide an entire range of contract management and project oversight services. Our services may include the prequalification of bidders, solicitation and analysis of bids, notice of award, construction meetings, submittal review, progress reporting, review and approval of payment requests, evaluation of change order and final closeout procedures.

Construction Services

Our experienced engineers and field technicians provide field monitoring throughout construction.  Inspection during site preparation can reveal variations in subsurface conditions and enables appropriate adjustments to be made.  As fill is placed and the soil subgrade prepared, inspection and field density tests are performed to verify satisfactory placement and compaction. When filter and drainage materials are placed, field and laboratory QA/QC tests are performed to compare the as-delivered material with the specification requirements. Specified materials, their fit and finish are verified by confirming certificates of manufacture and field inspection.

Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex - Gillman Fields
Berkeley, CA

Client:  City of Berkeley, CA

Miller Pacific Engineering Group (MPEG) conducted geotechnical investigations for the Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex, just west of Highway 80 along the eastern bay margin. The project included reclamation of former landfill areas with over 6 acres of new natural and artificial playfields, lighting, parking lots, bathrooms, field house, and bleacher seating over a former landfill area.

Miller Pacific explored subsurface conditions and prepared a design level geotechnical report. Based on our evaluation and analyses, geotechnical and geologic hazards at the site included settlement of soft, compressible bay mud, potentially liquefiable soils and potentially contaminated landfill subgrade conditions. The original grading plans outlined an estimated 35,000 cubic yards of imported fill to raise the existing grade to design elevation.  Miller Pacific prepared grading plans that balanced loads and reduced differential settlement of the fields.  We also considered appropriate foundation types for the tall field lights and soft soil conditions.  Driven pile foundations were recommended to provide support into the underlying firm ground and provide some resistance to seismic induced lateral displacement.

Miller Pacific evaluated permeable base options for the fields and then prepared grading and drainage plans and technical specifications for permeable base below the synthetic turf areas, performed design review and construction observation and testing.  During construction, MPEG reviewed submittals, performed laboratory QA/QC testing and provided geotechnical inspection and testing.

After construction of the permeable base, Fieldturf synthetic turf was installed and infilled with ground rubber and sand to produce the final surface that emulates the feel and performance of natural grass. 

St. Helena High School,
St. Helena, CA

Client:  St. Helena Unified School District

The Saint Helena High School project consisted of the athletic stadium renovation.  The existing track and field surface was replaced with a synthetic turf playfield and an all weather running track.  Other  associated site improvements included a new grandstand, fencing, walkways, landscaping, drainage, lighting and retaining walls.

Miller Pacific provided design recommendations and synthetic turf drainage specifications.  During the construction of the project Miller Pacific Engineering Group provided on-call construction observation and testing to confirm the contractor adhered to the plans and specifications.
  • Geotechnical investigation
    • Subsurface exploration
    • Laboratory testing
    • Field evaluation
    • Synthetic turf field subgrade preparation
    • General site grading and subgrade preparation
  • Preparation of letter report, suitable for DSA submittal, containing:
    • Review of available geologic and geotechnical reference data
    • Results of subsurface exploration and laboratory testing
    • Evaluation of pertinent geologic hazards and geotechnical conditions
    • Consultation
    • Submittal reviews for permeable base materials
    • Foundation design recommendations and criteria
    • Pavement design
  • Construction Inspection
    • Laboratory testing of fill materials
    • Compaction of final subgrade
    • Utility and storm drain trench excavation
    • Asphalt pavement compaction
    • Synthetic turf field porous base rock
    • Running track and walkway pavement base rock
Highlights
  • Field buildings, bleachers, fencing, stadium lighting and goal posts
  • New all-weather running tracks
  • Ground rubber and sand infill emulating feel and performance of natural grass
  • Multi-layered permeable base installed with continuous synthetic turf
  • Vehicular, pedestrian and track pavement sections

Tamalpais Unified School District Athletic Fields
San Anselmo, Mill Valley, and Larkspur, CA

Client:  Tamalpais Unified School District

The capital investment in synthetic turf had the benefit of significantly reduced maintenance costs, improved playability and the availability of the fields after heavy rain.

The capital improvements also included new all-weather running tracks, bleachers, lighting, scoreboards, and fencing.  The projects were completed in early 2005.

The 2004 Capital Projects Program included the reconstruction of sports fields at all three High Schools in the Tamalpais Union High School District.  All of the fields required careful planning to restore proper drainage and provide subgrade support for the playing surfaces.

Miller Pacific Engineering Group conducted geotechnical investigations at all three fields.  We developed detailed recommendations and performed design review.  During construction, MPEG monitored every phase of the site preparation and geotechnical installation.

The Redwood and Tamalpais fields are both underlain with compressible bay mud and required special evaluation and design to mitigate settlement.

After removing the old natural turf, a multilayered permeable base was installed and topped with a continuous carpet of synthetic turf.  Ground rubber and sand was worked into the final surface to emulate the feel and performance of natural grass.