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G-Max Testing

Synthetic fields are designed with a pad or rubber infill to absorb any falls, especially on athletic fields. These pads are built for shock absorbency to cushion falls and limit injury potential. If the field is too hard, injury risk goes up. Since this layer is designed to protect people on the field, it’s important to make sure it is performing at its top level by GMAX Testing.

GMAX Testing involves using a specialized machine that will test the shock absorbency of your field using a 20-lb hammer dropped from two feet in the air. The hammer has an accelerometer built in that measures the velocity and deceleration of the hammer during its fall and impact on the surface. The fast the hammer stops, the harder the surface is, measured in units called gravities. The test is meant to simulate the impact of a head on your field’s surface.

Synthetic Turf Safety Standards

The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has set standards for the testing and safety of synthetic fields. According to ASTM F1936, the G-Max on a field should be no more than 200. Fields with values above this are considered unsafe and should be repaired or replaced. This standard is based on biomechanical test data that shows that the risk of life-threatening head injuries increases substantially on surfaces with values above 200. The test does not address and may not relate to other injuries such as muscle, bone, or joint injuries.

G-Max Testing

The regularity of testing is often dictated by the original contract between the field owner and field installer. Some contracts require testing before the field is put into use, and then every one or two years for the length of the warranty. The information provided by this regimen ensures that the owner of the field is informed if the field meets ASTM standards for safety before the field is ever used and as the field ages and wears. Where there are no contractual obligations to test, it is certainly in the best interest of the owners to have this test performed on a yearly basis. Turf Prep offers testing plans to our clients for testing several times a year.

gmax testing

GMAX & Safety Testing for Synthetic Turf in Massachusetts

By signing up for one of Turf Prep’s annual maintenance programs, your field will be tested six times per year during peak usage seasons. If there are any malfunctions or any necessary maintenance to perform, you will be able to know right on the spot. Turf Prep uses the most advanced technology available in New England to conduct its tests and give our customers the most thorough results. Turf Prep can be reached by calling 877-774-8873 or by filling out our online contact form.