Why Synthetic Grass is Used in Airports

Synthetic grass is a common sight to behold within a variety of different businesses and municipal settings, although the phrase synthetic grass invariably conjures up mental images of baseball fields and soccer pitches. Although there can be no denying of the fact that synthetic grass is indeed heavily and prominently featured within these sort of sporting facilities, synthetic grass can and indeed, is, found in other areas as well.

Synthetic grass in airports
At first glance, the idea of artificial grass at an airport may seem a rather odd choice, a seemingly arbitrary and random decision. However, artificial grass plays a crucial role within the functions and stability of an airport and so we will consider just how exactly the synthetic grass plays such a pivotal role.

The speeds at which commercial jets, planes and other aircraft move at when accelerating prior to take off is extremely high and provides sufficient torque and power to mow down numerous potential obstacles or obstructions within its path.

However, one of the crucial threats to the stability and safety of an aircraft is the risk of foreign object damage (FOD); whereby debris or other foreign material can become clogged up in the engines or thrusters of the aircraft.

One of the most problematic types of foreign objects that can be found within an airport is wildlife; as the birds can become trapped within the engine and cause either partial or total failure of the engine system. Synthetic turf effectively ensures that there is absolutely no sustenance whatsoever made available for wildlife; thereby ensuring that the very real risk of animal collision with aircraft is nullified.

Visibility of landmarks and areas within the perimeter of the airport is essential in order to ensure that aircraft can land safely and speedily. Given the bright and vibrant color of artificial turf, this means that pilots will always have a reliable landmark to navigate and orientate themselves with. This is especially relevant within winter, heavy snowfall can conceal the runways and taxiways.

Artificial turf on the other hand provides a sharp contrast with the surrounding area, providing a crucial point of orientation no matter what the weather conditions or the visibility.

One danger that is often associated with the inclusion of natural grass turf is that exposure to rainfall and storms can mean that the turf becomes muddy and marsh-like; not only breaking up the contours of the landing zone for pilots but potentially destabilizing the shoulders as well. Artificial turf on the other hand will not become eroded irrespective of how heavy the rain fall maybe and so this means that it can be used to serve as a reliable buffer zone and bed rock.

In order for aircraft to be able to take flight, it is necessary for them to maneuver themselves into the proper position and then from there; increase their speed. However, the heat, shock waves and humidity produced as waste material of the take-off process will be comfortably absorbed by the artificial turf without any undue consequences.