A flexible mat system, including a plurality of base platforms, each respective base platform having a first pattern of phase transforming columns and voids extending from a respective flat member, and a plurality of plane-engaging runway platforms, each respective plane-engaging runway platform having a second, reversed pattern of phase transforming columns and voids extending from a respective flat member such that each respective plane-engaging runway platform is lockingly engagable to a respective base platform to yield a landing segment with parallel top and bottom flat members. Each respective base platform is an aluminum/steel composite. Each respective phase transforming column is further comprised of a plurality of stacked operationally connected phase transforming cellular members. Each respective cell further comprises six hexagonally spaced support members defining six hexagonally arrayed sides, with two opposing sides define x-shaped struts extending between adjacent support members. Remaining sides define parallel struts extending between adjacent support members. Each respective phase transforming cellular member can shift from a first stable configuration to a second stable configuration in response to an applied load.

Soil form structure for supporting hardscape and corresponding vehicle, pedestrian traffic, and other loads while maintaining uncompacted or loosely compacted soil underneath. A number of cell structures may be coupled to each other, where each cell has a strong yet lightweight and open structure that can accept uncompacted soil, vegetation roots, utilities, and the like within at least approximately 85-90% of its volume, while also allowing hardscape to be poured or formed thereon. Thus, cell structures allow for hardscape to be integrally formed with the cell structures, without need for an underlying layer of highly compacted soil or other hardscape support.

A support layer for supporting an artificial turf assembly. The support layer being formed of a polymeric foam, preferably having a density of between 20 and 70 grams per liter, such as a polyolefin foam; and having an upper side and a lower side, wherein in use the support layer has been placed with the lower side thereof on a base surface and supports, on the upper side thereof, the artificial turf assembly, the support layer including a plurality of through drainage holes extending from the upper side to the lower side for allowing liquid such as rain water to flow via the plurality of drainage holes from the upper side to the lower side, and also including a plurality of channels at the lower side for allowing liquid such as rain water to flow through the channels along the lower side, wherein each of said plurality of drainage holes debouches into one of the plurality of channels. The support layer is further included in an artificial turf system, that includes an artificial turf assembly with the support layer supported on a base surface such as a layer of sand, wherein the support layer forms, at the upper sides thereof, a closed support surface supporting the artificial turf assembly.

The invention relates to a shock pad comprising: a coherent plate having upper and lower major surfaces, wherein the coherent plate comprises at least one coherent layer comprising man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF) bonded with a cured binder composition; an upper membrane layer bonded to the upper major surface of the coherent plate; a lower membrane layer bonded to the lower major surface of the coherent plate; wherein the at least one coherent layer has a thickness in the range of 12 mm to 40 mm and a density in the range of 175 kg/m.sup.3 to 300 kg/m.sup.3. The invention also relates to a method of producing the shock pad, and use of the shock pad for absorbing shock in a sports field, for absorbing and/or draining water in a sports field, and for cooling the surface temperature of a sports field.

Sports field (1), comprising abase structure (10) and a cover (13), wherein the cover is at least partly permeable to fluid, especially water, wherein the cover comprises a top layer (41) and a shock absorbing layer (38A) provided between the top layer and the base structure, wherein the shock absorbing layer has upper (38T) and lower (38L) surfaces and comprises manmade vitreous fibres (MMVF) bonded by a cured binder, wherein the shock absorbing layer has a thickness (D38) between the upper and lower surfaces of between 12 and 40 mm and has a density of between 175 kg/m.sup.3 and 300 kg/m.sup.3, wherein the shock absorbing layer is hydrophilic, such that it can absorb a volume of water of between at least 20 to 95% of the volume of the shock absorbing layer. A method for forming a sports field and a method for operating a sports field are also disclosed.

Foam insulation boards having an improved shiplap edge for interfacing with one another are disclosed.

A modular foundation structure for artificial surface systems may include a plurality foundation sections. Each of the foundation section may comprise a structure base layer, an adhesive layer, and an impact and thermal protective layer. The adhesive layer may cover the structural base layer, and the impact and thermal protective layer may be attached to the structural base layer via the adhesive layer. The foundation sections may be provided as separate foundation sections that may be positionable to be attached to one another to form the modular foundation structure. The foundation sections may be attachable one another with a section adhesive. Embodiments may include a connection edge that may be positioned to surround and abut a perimeter of the modular foundation structure. Embodiments may also include an artificial surface layer that may be positioned to cover an upper surface area of the modular foundation structure.

A support layer for supporting an artificial turf assembly. The support layer being formed of a polymeric foam, preferably having a density of between 20 and 70 grams per liter, such as a polyolefin foam; and having an upper side and a lower side, wherein in use the support layer has been placed with the lower side thereof on a base surface and supports, on the upper side thereof, the artificial turf assembly, the support layer including a plurality of through drainage holes extending from the upper side to the lower side for allowing liquid such as rain water to flow via the plurality of drainage holes from the upper side to the lower side, and also including a plurality of channels at the lower side for allowing liquid such as rain water to flow through the channels along the lower side, wherein each of said plurality of drainage holes debouches into one of the plurality of channels. The support layer is further included in an artificial turf system, that includes an artificial turf assembly with the support layer supported on a base surface such as a layer of sand, wherein the support layer forms, at the upper sides thereof, a closed support surface supporting the artificial turf assembly.

Structural cells and matrices using the structural cells for positioning below a hardscape that define a void space therein, the structural cells, matrices using the cells and methods of assembly allowing in one embodiment the introduction of a structural fluid such as concrete to provide an alternative structural cell and matrix product. In one embodiment a structural cell assembly is described comprising a structural cell with a plurality of legs integrally linked to a frame at a first frame end, the frame linking the legs together and the frame defining a generally flat plane with the legs extending substantially orthogonally away from the first frame end about the frame flat plane to a leg terminal end; and a separate plate engaging the legs, the separate plate comprising linked sockets, each socket engaging the leg terminal end; and/or linked sockets, each socket engaging the leg frame ends or a part thereof.

An artificial turf system utilizing a surface stabilization grid. The grid includes (i) a plurality of closed cells having a wall height, with each cell sharing a common wall section with at least two adjacent cells, and (ii) substantially each cell includes at least one reinforcing rib extending across the cell to attach to opposing walls of the cell. A cementitious load bearing material fills substantially all the cells of the grid, a layer of drainage fabric is positioned over the stabilization grid, and an artificial turf is positioned over the layer of drainage fabric.