Murrayfield Stadium

The challenges

In 2008, STRI design and research specialists were contacted by Transport Initiative Edinburgh (TIE) regarding the redevelopment of rugby training pitches to the west end of Murrayfield Stadium. TIE was engaged in the development of a new tram system for Edinburgh. A further flood alleviation scheme is planned to alleviate flooding on the adjacent Water of Leith. Both projects would directly impact upon the six existing training pitches, reducing the area of land and warranting the construction of four new pitches to be positioned on the remaining area. It was essential that the newly reconfigured pitches be extremely durable and able to tolerate heavy wear due to the high usage by a number of different clubs. The high profile of the venue required an appropriate design to meet these requirements.

The objectives

• To remove two existing pitches and construct four new pitches, including three natural grass and one synthetic pitch.
• To manage the entire redevelopment from initial site assessment and feasibility through to project completion.

The solutions

In order to ensure that the performance levels of the newly constructed surfaces equally met or exceeded the standard of the existing training facilities, STRI performed initial site assessments prior to reconstruction for comparison purposes. The following performance criteria were evaluated: grass sward cover and composition; volumetric water content; infiltration rates; surface firmness, traction and smoothness; rootzone depth and particle size distribution. The results of the tests showed that the training facilities had performed relatively well given the sustained high level use of the site.

The pitches would be used for matches and international rugby events, as well as for routine training. The work began in August 2008 and it was essential to prepare the pitches for use in the following spring and early summer. Combined with the installation of a new irrigation system and floodlighting this required an intensive programme of work to meet the required deadline. Fibres were incorporated into the rootzone to accommodate the heavy wear. The turf was established using washed turf as the work continued into November and December.

The whole site was cleared, removing the existing pitches, floodlighting and irrigation system. The location of the new pitches was adjusted to accommodate the new tram line adjacent to the existing railway.

New natural turf pitches. After removing the existing Netlon mesh reinforced rootzone, a new formation surface was prepared and a completely new pitch profile was constructed. A new pipe drainage system was installed followed by a new drainage layer and rootzone materials. The rootzone material was fibre reinforced to provide the durability for heavy use. The turf was established using a washed turf, allowing the work to continue into November and December to meet the required programme for use of the pitches the following spring. A state of the art automatic irrigation system was installed, as well as new floodlighting for all of the pitches. A maintenance regime was implemented
to encourage the growth and development of the turf in time for the first games. Performance testing was undertaken to compare with the playing assessment of the original pitches.

The artificial turf pitch was constructed on the new formation surface with a new drainage system and stone base layer. An ‘in situ’ Europave rubber crumb shock-pad was laid to provide the required playing characteristics for rugby. A Polytan Ligaturf 65mm artificial turf carpet with a sand infill followed by rubber crumb infill formed the finished playing surface. A perimeter railing fence was installed, as well as a new floodlighting system.

The results

• Successful reconstruction of three natural and one artificial turf pitches.
• Successful reconstruction within the budget and programme.
• Successful achievement of playing performance criteria.
• Successful maintenance of established pitches.