EN 13746:2004

Surfaces for sports areas - Determination of dimensional changes due to the effect of varied water, frost and heat conditions

This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the dimensional stability of synthetic turf, textile surfaces, shock pads and loose-laid synthetic surfaces when subjected to varied water, frost and heat conditions.

Sportböden - Bestimmung von Maßänderungen aufgrund wechselnder Einwirkung von Wasser, Frost und Wärme

Diese Europäische Norm legt ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Maßbeständigkeit von Kunststoffrasen, textilen Belägen, Dämpfungsunterlagen und lose verlegten Kunststoffbelägen fest, die wechselnden Einwirkungen von Wärme, Frost und Wasser unterworfen sind.

Sols sportifs - Détermination des variations dimensionnelles dues aux effets de l'eau, du gel et de la chaleur

La présente Norme européenne fixe une méthode de détermination de la stabilité dimensionnelle du gazon synthétique, des surfaces textiles, des couches d'absorption des chocs et des surfaces synthétiques non fixes, lorsqu'ils sont exposés à l'eau, au gel et à la chaleur.

Podloge za športne dejavnosti – Ugotavljanje dimenzijskih sprememb zaradi vpliva spremenljivih pogojev (voda, zmrzovanje, vročina)

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-Jun-2004
• ICS: 59.080.60 - Textile floor coverings
• ICS: 97.150 - Floor coverings
• ICS: 97.220.10 - Sports facilities
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 217 - Surfaces for sport areas
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 217/WG 6 - Synthetic turf areas
• Current Stage: 9093 - Decision to confirm - Review Enquiry
• Start Date: 17-Nov-2009
• Completion Date: 17-Nov-2009
• Ref Project: SIST EN 13746:2005 - Surfaces for sports areas - Determination of dimensional changes due to the effect of varied water, frost and heat conditions

Overview

EN 13746:2004 is a European standard developed by CEN that specifies a method for assessing the dimensional stability of synthetic surfaces used in sports areas. This includes synthetic turf, textile surfaces, shock pads, and loose-laid synthetic surfaces. The standard focuses on evaluating how these materials change size when exposed to various environmental conditions such as water immersion, frost, and heat. Understanding dimensional changes is critical to ensure safety, performance, and longevity of sports surfaces across different climates and weather conditions.

Key Topics

• Dimensional Stability Testing
  The standard defines a precise test procedure to measure dimensional changes by comparing the size of test samples before and after exposure to water, frost, and heat. This testing ensures that surfaces maintain their integrity under environmental stress.

• Test Samples and Preparation
  Samples of sports surfaces are cut to a standard size (400 mm × 400 mm), with clear marking along and across the direction of manufacture. The condition of samples before testing is standardized to ensure consistent results.

• Conditioning Procedures
  Samples undergo sequential treatments: soaking in water with sodium lauryl sulfate, freezing at -18°C, and drying at 70°C. Measurements are taken after each step to detect dimensional changes.

• Measurement Apparatus
  The method requires specialized equipment including supported fixtures, metal plates of defined mass and size to hold test pieces during conditioning, and precision length measuring instruments accurate to 0.01 mm.

• Calculation and Reporting
  Results are expressed as percentage dimensional change in each direction, indicating shrinkage or expansion. Test reports must detail measurements, sample identification, and the appearance of test pieces throughout the process.

Applications

• Quality Control for Synthetic Sports Surfaces
  Manufacturers use EN 13746 to verify that their products meet dimensional stability requirements, preventing material deformation that can affect surface performance and athlete safety.

• Material Selection and Development
  Sports surface developers rely on this standard to evaluate new materials under simulated weathering conditions, optimizing formulations for resilience against moisture, freezing, and heat.

• Facility Management and Maintenance
  Sports facilities employ this testing method to ensure installed surfaces maintain their shape and dimensions despite climate variations, supporting maintenance planning and replacement scheduling.

• Compliance and Certification
  EN 13746 provides a benchmark recognized across Europe for contractual and regulatory compliance when importing, selling, or installing synthetic sports surfaces.

Related Standards

• EN 14808 - Determination of Shock Absorption of a Synthetic Surface
• EN 12235 - Synthetic Turf Sports Surfaces - Method for the determination of the interaction force between player and surface
• ISO 9001 - Quality management systems - Requirements (for manufacturing process consistency)

By integrating EN 13746 into product testing and certification workflows, stakeholders in the sports surface industry enhance reliability, safety, and user satisfaction while meeting international quality standards.

Keywords: EN 13746, sports surfaces standard, dimensional stability, synthetic turf testing, shock pads, environmental conditioning, water frost heat effects, CEN standards, sports facility surface testing, synthetic textile surfaces.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Sportböden - Bestimmung von Maßänderungen aufgrund wechselnder Einwirkung von Wasser, Frost und WärmeSols sportifs - Détermination des variations dimensionnelles dues aux effets de l'eau, du gel et de la chaleurSurfaces for sports areas - Determination of dimensional changes due to the effect of varied water, frost and heat conditions97.220.10Športni objektiSports facilitiesICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 13746:2004SIST EN 13746:2005en,fr,de01-januar-2005SIST EN 13746:2005SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 13746June 2004ICS 59.080.60; 97.150; 97.220.10English versionSurfaces for sports areas - Determination of dimensionalchanges due to the effect of varied water, frost and heatconditionsSols sportifs - Détermination des variationsdimensionnelles dues aux effets de l'eau, du gel et de lachaleurSportböden - Bestimmung von Maßänderungen aufgrundwechselnder Einwirkung von Wasser, Frost und WärmeThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 April 2004.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2004 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 13746:2004: ESIST EN 13746:2005

1 Scope This European Standard specifies a method for the determination of the dimensional stability of synthetic turf, textile surfaces, shock pads and loose-laid synthetic surfaces when subjected to varied water, frost and heat conditions. 2 Principle A comparison between the dimensions in the plane of a test piece parallel and perpendicu
...