+-----------------------------------+---+-----------------+---------------+
| ![](media/image1.wmf)             |   | ##### Advisory  |               |
|                                   |   |                 |               |
| U.S. Department                   |   | **Circular**    |               |
|                                   |   |                 |               |
| of Transportation                 |   |                 |               |
|                                   |   |                 |               |
| ### Federal Aviation              |   |                 |               |
|                                   |   |                 |               |
| #### Administration               |   |                 |               |
+-----------------------------------+---+-----------------+---------------+
| **Subject:** AIRSIDE APPLICATIONS | * |                 | **AC No:**    |
| FOR ARTIFICIAL TURF               | * |                 | 150/5370-15   |
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1.  **PURPOSE.** This Advisory Circular (AC) provides guidance for the
    planning, design, installation, and maintenance of aviation grade
    artificial turf in areas adjacent to the operational areas of an
    airport.

**2. BACKGROUND.** Specially designed artificial turf systems are
available for use on airports in areas normally planted with natural
turf. These systems can mitigate localized erosion problems caused by
jet blast, poor drainage, and vehicle loads. The Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) conducted a study to investigate the ability of
these systems to resist jet blast, weather effects, and contaminants
(fuel, deicing chemicals, hydraulic fluids); to support vehicle loads;
and to be skid and fire resistant. At the time of the study, there were
only two suppliers/installers of artificial turf for airside
applications.

The study included an informal survey of airports that have test
installations of these systems. The results of the survey indicate the
main reason for the use of artificial turf instead of natural turf is to
mitigate soil erosion, which creates potentially damaging debris.
Secondary considerations for use of artificial turf were found to be
abatement of turf management/low maintenance, wildlife control, and
visual enhancement. Research in investigating airside applications for
artificial turf is incomplete. Sufficient data are not available to
report on the specific long-term operational performance and cost
effectiveness of these systems, but indications are that artificial turf
systems can be cost effective in comparison to the other solutions
evaluated by the airports that have used the systems to address specific
problem areas.

**3.** **APPLICATION.** The FAA recommends the guidelines and standards
in this AC for artificial turf. This AC does not constitute a regulation
and in general is not mandatory. However, use of these guidelines is
mandatory for artificial turf funded under the Airport Improvement
Program (AIP) or Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Program. Mandatory
terms such as "must" used herein apply only to those who purchase
artificial turf using AIP or PFC funds. Artificial turf can be
considered a substitute for natural turf although it is not cost
effective for all applications. Artificial turf systems that meet the
requirements of this AC can be used at locations adjacent to taxiway and
apron pavement where the use of natural turf has resulted in repeated
soil erosion, where natural turf is impractical (e.g. paved islands), or
where natural turf has unusually high costs associated with its
maintenance.

**4. PLANNING.** Sufficient data are not available on the performance of
artificial turf in the case of high-speed veer-offs to consider its use
along runways, runway ends, and high-speed taxiways. Such use requires
approval by the FAA Office of Airport Safety and Standards through the
responsible FAA Airports Regional/District Office.

**5.** **ARTIFICIAL TURF SYSTEM DESIGN REQUIREMENTS.** Airside
artificial turf systems must meet the following minimum design
standards. The design standards must be successfully tested prior to the
installation of an airside artificial turf system.

**a. Jet Blast.** The artificial turf system must be designed and
installed so it will not become displaced or damaged from expected
aircraft jet blast. For artificial turf located in safety areas, under
normal operating conditions, there must be less than 5-percent migration
or evacuation of infill material for the artificial turf system.
Anchors, seams, and ballast integrity must be confirmed through wind
tunnel test procedures at various jet blast angles and with varied
engine types and speeds. An anchor pull test must be performed after
installation is complete for each type of anchor used.

+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Critical factors to be           | -   Integrity of anchoring system |
| demonstrated                     |                                   |
|                                  | -   Integrity of joints           |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   Stability of ballast at       |
|                                  |     various jet blast angles      |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Laboratory tests                 | > Wind tunnel testing             |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| Field testing/post-installation  | -   Quality assurance             |
|                                  |                                   |
|                                  | -   Anchor pull test              |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| References                       | > Respective aircraft             |
|                                  | > manufacturers' manuals, usually |
|                                  | > titled Airplane Characteristics |
|                                  | > for Planning Purposes           |
+----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

The procedure described in Chapter 4 and Appendix C of research report
DOT/FAA/AR-06/23, *Airside Applications for Artificial Turf*, is an
acceptable procedure to evaluate jet blast resistance. The report is
available on the FAA website at
[www.tc.faa.gov/its/worldpac/techrpt/ar06-23.pdf](http://www.tc.faa.gov/its/worldpac/techrpt/ar06-23.pdf).

The following table shows the recommended profiles for evaluating the
artificial turf system.

RECOMMENDED PROFILES FOR EVALUATING

AIRCRAFT JET BLAST RESISTANCE

  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------
  Average at 40                       Average at 75 feet 
  feet                                                   

  12 repetitions                      12 repetitions for 
  for 1 month                         1 month            

  Time (sec)        Power (%)         Time (sec)         Power (%)

  0                 85                0                  85

  240               85                180                85

  250               90                190                90

  375               90                280                90

  380               85                290                85

  565               85                470                85

  580               100               485                100

  595               100               495                100

  600               85                510                85

  Note: Power is                                         
  expressed in                                           
  terms of                                               
  percentage of                                          
  take-off thrust                                        
  ----------------- ----------------- ------------------ ------------------

**b. Load-Bearing Capacity.** The artificial turf system must be
constructed on a prepared surface capable of supporting the occasional
passage of the heaviest aircraft using the adjacent pavement and support
the occasional passage of the heaviest anticipated traffic (e.g.
maintenance, snow removal, and ARFF vehicles) without structural damage
to the aircraft or vehicles and without rupturing, tearing, or shearing
the material, seams, or connections to anchor systems. It must be
designed to perform satisfactorily under all local weather, temperature,
and soil conditions. Surface deformations in excess of 3 inches or that
allow shoving or wrinkles in the material will require immediate
inspection and repair.

+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Critical factors to be          | -   Turf must not shear or pull    |
| demonstrated                    |     from the anchoring system      |
|                                 |     under design wheel loading.    |
|                                 |                                    |
|                                 | -   System must maintain its       |
|                                 |     integrity when subjected to    |
|                                 |     design traffic loads.          |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+

**c. Drainage Characteristics.** The artificial turf system must be
designed and installed so water does not accumulate on the surface or
cause other drainage problems. Heavy precipitation must not wash/flush
any infill material from the turf surface. Pre-installation testing must
include measuring surface runoff drainage coefficients and permeability.
Testing must conform to the German Institute for Normalization (DIN)
18-035 Part 6, *Water Permeability of Synthetic Turf Systems and
Permeable Bases*.

+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Critical factors to be          | Heavy precipitation must not       |
| demonstrated                    |                                    |
|                                 | wash/flush any infill material     |
|                                 | from                               |
|                                 |                                    |
|                                 | the turf surface.                  |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Laboratory tests                | Testing must conform to the German |
|                                 | Institute for Normalization (DIN)  |
|                                 | 18-035 for the turf product prior  |
|                                 | to installation.                   |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Field tests                     | DIN 18-035                         |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+

Longitudinal and transverse grade requirements for airside surfaces can
be found in FAA AC 150/5300-13, *Airport Design*.

**d. Skid Resistance.** The artificial turf must not have properties
inferior to natural grass under wet/dry and above/below freezing
conditions. Pre-installation testing must conform to ASTM C 1028,
*Standard Test Method for Determining the Static Coefficient of Friction
of Ceramic Tile and Other Like Surfaces by the Horizontal Dynamometer
Pull-Meter Method*. In-field /post-installation testing must conform to
ASTM C 1028.

+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Critical factors to be          | The turf must not have properties  |
| demonstrated                    | inferior to natural grass under    |
|                                 | wet/dry and above/below freezing   |
|                                 | conditions.                        |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Laboratory tests                | Conform to ASTM C 1028, *Standard  |
|                                 | Test Method for Determining the    |
|                                 | Static Coefficient of Friction of  |
|                                 | Ceramic Tile and Other Like        |
|                                 | Surfaces by the Horizontal         |
|                                 | Dynamometer Pull-Meter Method.*    |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Field testing/post-installation | -   Quality assurance procedure    |
|                                 |     followed.                      |
|                                 |                                    |
|                                 | -   Tests in accordance with ASTM  |
|                                 |     C 1028.                        |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+

Chapter 4 of research report DOT/FAA/AR-06/23, *Airside Applications for
Artificial Turf*, contains limited results from test method ASTM C 1028
for materials that have been installed at airports.

**e. Durability.** Installed material must maintain its integrity when
maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Pre-installation testing must include ASTM D 4632, *Standard Test Method
for Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles,* and ASTM D 1435,
*Standard Practice for Outdoor Weathering of Plastics.*

+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Critical factors to be          | -   Limited visual degradation may |
| demonstrated                    |     occur over the life expectancy |
|                                 |     of the turf product. The       |
|                                 |     system must maintain its       |
|                                 |     integrity when subjected to    |
|                                 |     extended exposure to UV Light. |
|                                 |                                    |
|                                 | -   If rolls or extended lengths   |
|                                 |     of material are joined, it     |
|                                 |     must be demonstrated that the  |
|                                 |     strength of joints is equal to |
|                                 |     or greater than the material   |
|                                 |     being joined and that strength |
|                                 |     is maintained throughout the   |
|                                 |     expected life of the system.   |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Laboratory tests                | ASTM D 4632, *Standard*            |
|                                 |                                    |
|                                 | *Test Method for Grab Breaking     |
|                                 | Load and Elongation of             |
|                                 | Geotextiles,* and                  |
|                                 |                                    |
|                                 | ASTM D 1435, *Standard Practice    |
|                                 | for*                               |
|                                 |                                    |
|                                 | *Outdoor Weathering of Plastics*.  |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Field testing/post-installation | Quality assurance procedure        |
|                                 | followed.                          |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+

**f. Artificial Turf Infill.** All artificial turf systems must
incorporate a non-flammable infill system, preferably sand. The
gradation of the infill material must not fall outside the gradation
limits provided for winter operations sand contained in FAA AC
150/5200-30, *Airport Winter Safety and Operations.*

**6. MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS.** Artificial turf products must meet the
following requirements:

**a. Flammability.** Artificial turf products must have documented
flammability testing to ensure the material does not emit toxic fumes
when enflamed. Tests must demonstrate the turf is easily extinguishable
with conventional firefighting materials.

Pre-installation testing must conform to ASTM D 4804, *Standard Test
Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Non-Rigid
Solid Plastics*. A cone calorimeter for smoke analysis test must be
performed prior to installation. The manufacturer must provide
documentation of burn tests for acceptance.

+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Critical factors to be          | -   Easily extinguishable with     |
| demonstrated                    |     conventional fire fighting     |
|                                 |     materials.                     |
|                                 |                                    |
|                                 | -   Does not emit toxic fumes when |
|                                 |     enflamed.                      |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+
| Laboratory tests                | -   Conform to ASTM E 84/ NFPA     |
|                                 |     251, *Standard Methods of      |
|                                 |     Tests of Fire Resistance of    |
|                                 |     Building Construction and      |
|                                 |     Material.*                     |
|                                 |                                    |
|                                 | -   ASTM D 4804, *Standard Test    |
|                                 |     Method for Determining the     |
|                                 |     Flammability Characteristics   |
|                                 |     of Non-Rigid Solid Plastics.*  |
|                                 |                                    |
|                                 | -   A cone calorimeter for smoke   |
|                                 |     analysis.                      |
+---------------------------------+------------------------------------+

**b. Chemical Resistance.** Artificial turf products must endure
extensive chemical resistance tests prior to being approved for airport
use. The tests must conform to ASTM D 4632, *Standard Test Method for
Grab Breaking Load and Elongation of Geotextiles*. The product must be
resistant to deterioration due to prolonged exposure to the following
elements by comparative testing of original and aged specimens.

1.  Aircraft and Runway/Taxiway Deicing Chemicals.

2.  Aircraft Fuels.

3.  Hydraulic Fluids.

4.  Lubricating Oils.

5.  Salt.

6.  Occasional Exposure to Herbicides.

  ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------
  Critical factors to be             The product must be resistant to
  demonstrated                       deterioration due to prolonged
                                     exposure and comparative testing of
                                     original and aged specimens.

  ---------------------------------- ------------------------------------

**c. Resistance to Ultraviolet Rays.** Limited visual degradation may
occur over the life expectancy of the turf product. Turf chemical
compounds must be pre-tested in accordance with ASTM G 90-98, *Standard
Practice for Performing Accelerated Outdoor Weathering of Nonmetallic
Materials Using Concentrated Natural Sunlight,* and ASTM WK572,
*Specification for Durability of Turf Reinforcement Mats to Laboratory
Accelerated Weathering*.

**d. Wildlife.** Artificial turf systems must be designed and installed
to offer no source of food, water, or shelter for animals, including but
not limited to reptiles, rodents, and birds.

**e. Plant Growth.** Artificial turf systems must be designed and
installed to prevent unintended plant growth from penetrating up through
the turf backing. Artificial turf systems must be designed to withstand
periodic applications of chemicals intended to prevent or eradicate
plant growth.

**f. Turf Infill.** Materials used as an artificial turf infill must not
support combustion and must not exceed the gradation requirements for
winter operation sand found in AC 150/5200-30, *Airport Winter Safety
and Operations*. The infill material must be designed to allow
occasional exposure to herbicides.

**7. DESIGN SUBMITTAL.** The artificial turf system design and plans and
specifications must be certified as meeting all the requirements of this
AC and must be submitted to the airport sponsor for review and approval.
Installations proposed along runways, runway ends, and high-speed
taxiways require approval by the FAA Office of Airport Safety and
Standards through the responsible FAA Airports Regional/District Office.
The submittal must include all design assumptions and data utilized in
its development as well as proposed construction procedures and
techniques.

**8. INSTALLATION.**

**a. Base preparation.** Base preparation must be conducted in a manner
required by the artificial turf manufacturer and meet the specific needs
of the airport. FAA specifications for free-draining non-frost
susceptible base material or state Department of Transportation
specifications for high-quality free-draining non-frost susceptible base
material may be used.

**b. Post-installation checks.** Checks must be conducted in accordance
with the artificial turf manufacturer's post-installation checklist.

**9. QUALITY ASSURANCE.** Suppliers of artificial turf system systems
must demonstrate that their firm administers a quality assurance program
that includes defined quality assurance procedures and a quality
assurance manual. The quality procedures must ensure that materials and
installation procedures conform to those used in test site applications.
Checks must be in place to assure the systems are installed according to
quality procedures, and an internal audit must be conducted. The
supplier must present to the airport owner Certificates of Origin that
have been issued by the artificial turf manufacturer.

**10. MAINTENANCE.** Experience to date suggests that periodic brooming
and additions to infill material will be required during the useful life
of the artificial turf system. The artificial turf system
supplier/installer must provide inspection and maintenance program
documentation to the airport detailing any necessary procedures,
equipment, and protocols for preventative maintenance and repair. The
airport staff and/or turf supplier must administer the plan in
accordance with a pre-established schedule. The plan must include
inspection procedures to ensure the product is performing according to
established quality standards.

**11. DOCUMENTATION.** Airport documents must be annotated to show
locations and dimensions of artificial turf installations. These
annotations must be made after installation is complete and should be
communicated to all appropriate airport personnel.

**12. RELATED READING MATERIAL**. Publications referenced in this AC are
available from the following sources:

**a.** FAA ACs:
[www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/resources/advisory_circulars](http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/resources/advisory_circulars)

**b.** DOT/FAA/AR-06/23, *Airside Applications for Artificial Turf*:
[www.tc.faa.gov/its/worldpac/techrpt/ar06-23.pdf](http://www.tc.faa.gov/its/worldpac/techrpt/ar06-23.pdf)

**c.** American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International:
100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, or
[www.astm.org](http://www.astm.org/)

**d.** German Institute for Normalization (English version):
<http://www.din.de/cmd?level=tpl-home&contextid=din&languageid=en>

13\. COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS. Send comments or suggestions for improving
this AC to---

> Manager, Airport Engineering Division
>
> Federal Aviation Administration
>
> ATTN: AAS-100
>
> 800 Independence Avenue SW
>
> Washington DC 20591

![](media/image2.png){width="2.5881944444444445in"
height="0.6041666666666666in"}

David L. Bennett

Director of Airport Safety and Standards