Types And Characteristics of Plastic Running Tracks

Types and characteristics of plastic running tracks

Plastic running tracks can be mainly divided into the following types, each with its own characteristics:

Permeable plastic running track

Permeable synthetic running tracks are typically constructed by combining polyurethane elastomer granules with recycled tire rubber granules. The base layer consists of a mixture of single-component polyurethane and elastic rubber granules in a specific ratio, laid on-site using specialized equipment to form a breathable elastic layer. The surface layer is made by spraying a mixture of EPDM rubber granules and polyurethane adhesive. This type of track is characterized by excellent breathability, allowing moisture to quickly escape through the gaps in the base layer, effectively solving the problems of blistering and delamination caused by water accumulation in traditional tracks, thus significantly extending its lifespan. Simultaneously, its moderate elasticity provides good cushioning for athletes, reducing the risk of sports injuries. Furthermore, the construction process for permeable synthetic running tracks is relatively simple, with a short construction period and economical cost, making it widely used in primary and secondary school playgrounds and community sports fields. However, the surface layer has relatively weak abrasion resistance, requiring care to avoid scratches from sharp objects during use, and slight fading may occur with prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Currently, China no longer allows the use of waste tire pellets to pave running tracks. Instead, it uses larger EPDM pellets (2-5mm) for the bottom layer and smaller EPDM pellets (1-3mm) for the surface layer. This costs more than using tire pellets, but it is more environmentally friendly.

Composite plastic running track

Composite synthetic running tracks have a more complex structure, generally composed of multiple layers of materials. The bottom layer is typically made of polyurethane elastomer and rubber granules, providing basic elasticity and support; the middle layer is an elastic buffer layer, further enhancing the track's elasticity and shock absorption; the surface layer is made of PU (polyurethane) material mixed with EPDM or PU granules, offering good wear resistance and slip resistance. This type of track combines the advantages of permeable and all-plastic running tracks, possessing both good elasticity and shock absorption performance, as well as high strength and wear resistance. Its surface is smooth and flat, with vibrant and long-lasting colors, providing athletes with a stable running surface. Due to its multi-layered composite structure, composite synthetic running tracks have strong impact resistance and can withstand greater exercise loads, making them suitable for professional sports venues such as athletic fields and gymnasiums. However, its construction is relatively more difficult, requiring higher technical skills, and its cost is also higher than that of permeable synthetic running tracks.

All-plastic running track

All-polymer (or Full PUR) synthetic running tracks are entirely constructed from polyurethane material, containing no rubber granules. Both its elastic layer and surface layer are made of pure polyurethane, cast on-site as a single unit using a special construction process. The biggest advantage of this type of track is its excellent elasticity, which maximizes the absorption of impact generated during athletic activity, providing excellent protection for athletes' joints and muscles, making it ideal for professional athletes undergoing high-intensity training and competition. Simultaneously, all-polymer synthetic running tracks boast extremely high flatness and a seamless surface, ensuring stable strides for runners and reducing the risk of falls due to uneven ground. Their wear resistance and weather resistance are also outstanding, resisting erosion from ultraviolet rays, rain, and other natural factors, resulting in a long service life. However, all-polymer synthetic running tracks are the most expensive, have a longer construction period, and require more stringent conditions on the base surface, typically only used in professional, high-level sports venues.

Prefabricated plastic running track

Precast synthetic running tracks are a type of track that is prefabricated in a factory into rolls or blocks and then transported to the construction site for installation. They typically consist of a multi-layered structure, including a bottom buffer layer, a middle reinforcing layer, and a surface wear-resistant layer. Precast synthetic running tracks have stricter quality control because the material ratios and thicknesses can be precisely controlled during factory production, ensuring product quality stability. They are quick to install, significantly shortening the construction cycle, and the construction site is clean and tidy, with minimal environmental impact. This type of track has excellent elasticity, wear resistance, and slip resistance, as well as good aging resistance and UV resistance, resulting in long-lasting vibrant colors. However, precast synthetic running tracks have higher transportation costs and require extremely high site flatness; adjustments are relatively difficult if errors occur during installation. Furthermore, their price is relatively high, generally suitable for professional sports venues and large-scale event venues with extremely high site requirements.