AvTurf - Installations





First International Aviation Artificial Turf Installation AvTurf completed the first international artificial turf installation at the Canada’s Toronto Lester B. Pearson International Airport in October 2002. Situated on the southwest radius of Taxiway November at Runway 15L/33R, the 2,150-square-foot area was installed for test and evaluation purposes and subjected to a 15-month technical review and economic appraisal by Greater Toronto Airport Authority (GTAA) and the University of Toronto to focus on durability, integrity, and flammability characteristics inherent in the AvTurf product. The qualitative and quantitative research supported further implementation of the AvTurf safety system as a measure of providing a technically and economically compatible technology for airside located surfaces. Pearson served as the first airfield installation site to perform a jet blast test on an artificial turf installation. Air Canada graciously provided a Boeing 767 heavy airliner to simulate current critical aircraft impacts at YYZ. The B-767-300 was equipped with the same engines as the B-747-400 which produces approximately 60,000 pounds of thrust. The B-767-300 was situated on the runway in a manner that accurately simulated the impact of an outboard engine (B-747-400) on the AvTurf. A static taxi-power up and high power taxi-pass were completed 4 times. Wind speeds on the turf surface measured between 75-125 mph. The AvTurf performed as expected with no visible sand or turf movement. In addition to the jet blast tests, three-airport emergency (70,000 lbs+) and five maintenance vehicles maneuvered onto AvTurf surface to demonstrate the structural integrity of the installation system. Tests divided into 1) static load maneuver (full stop), 2) high torque turn and 3) dynamic load (high speed pass) portions. To exaggerate loads of heavy emergency vehicles, a high torque turn from static position was employed by all critical mass vehicles. The tests result s determined there was no damage to the AvTurf and no damage/depression to underlying compacted aggregate base. Even under the extreme conditions present during the testing scenarios, the AvTurf product performed as advertised. Installation Location Taxiway N & Runway 15L/33R