Concrete bases naturally require careful joint design.
Existing joints should not simply be ignored when artificial turf is installed.
The project team should determine:
- Where control joints are located
- Where expansion joints are required
- Whether joints need to be transferred through the turf system
- How cracks will be treated
- Whether movement isolation is required
Covering a structural problem with artificial turf does not eliminate the underlying movement.
If the base continues to move, the turf system may eventually reflect that movement.
12. Base Acceptance Checklist
Before installing non-infill artificial turf, I recommend checking at least the following:
| Inspection Item | What to Verify |
|---|---|
| Subgrade | Proper soil preparation and compaction |
| Aggregate | Correct material, thickness and compaction |
| Surface flatness | Meets project tolerance |
| Slope | Consistent and connected to drainage |
| Drainage | No blocked or ineffective drainage paths |
| Concrete | Required strength and adequate curing |
| Asphalt | Adequate compaction and stability |
| Surface | Clean and free from loose material |
| Moisture | Meets turf/adhesive manufacturer’s requirements |
| Cracks | Repaired according to project specification |
| Joints | Properly designed and treated |
| Acceptance records | Measurements and test results documented |
Only after the base passes inspection should the turf installation proceed.
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