TGMS are one of the country’s leading consultancy practices specialising in the design, specification and project management for the construction of natural turf sports surfaces.
We normally structure our service into discrete stages, although we are entirely flexible depending on our customer’s requirements:
Project Stages
We normally structure our services into discreet stages, although we are entirely flexible depending on our clients requirements.
Site survey and feasibility study
The overall aim of this stage is to provide the customer with sufficient information such that a detailed project plan can be developed. Very often, our feasibility reports are used as the basis for attracting funding (e.g. from The Football Foundation) or obtaining outline planning consents for developments. The feasibility study normally comprises a topographic survey, geophysical (soil) survey, site technical appraisal (excavation of test pits, removal of soil samples for laboratory analysis etc), production of outline development/construction options, indicative cost estimates for the development options and an indicative work programme for the construction phase.
Design
Taking into account all of the information gathered during the feasibility study, and in consultation with the customer, the aim of this stage is to produce a set of detailed designs, specifications, bills of quantities and construction drawings for the project. The specification will be scientifically sound in terms of addressing the specific issues prevailing at the site, and will provide the basis for the production of tender documentation for potential contractors.
Managing the tender process
Depending on the customer’s requirements, TGMS is able to produce all of the necessary documentation required for the tender process. Once the tender period closes, we can provide an analysis of the tender returns, looking at factors such as quality and cost, in order to reduce the list down to a single preferred contractor.
Project management & contract admin
Once the contract has been let, it is crucial that the project is managed rigorously in order to avoid the efficacy of the remediation or construction works being compromised by factors such as the use of inappropriate or hydraulically incompatible materials (very common), use of machinery in unsuitable conditions (causing soil compaction and smear) and deviation from the specifications. TGMS undertakes regular site visits during the construction phase to ensure that the requisite quality is achieved.
Agronomic advice and performance testing
Following completion of the construction phase of the project, TGMS can provide on-going agronomic advice to assist the customer in maintaining a first class facility. Furthermore, we offer a performance testing service in order to assist the customer in demonstrating compliance with the relevant governing body criteria (e.g. Sport England Performance Quality Standards).
PQS Performance Testing
The sports governing bodies (e.g. Sport England) have developed a range of performance quality standard (PQS) assessments for natural turf playing surfaces that provide a benchmark for the minimum acceptable standard for:
- Ground cover (desirable grass species)
- Presence of pests, diseases and weeds
- Grass rooting depth
- Thatch (partially decayed organic material) depth
- Stone content
- Infiltration rate (i.e. surface drainage rate)
- Gradient along and across the direction of play
- Surface evenness
- Surface hardness
- Traction
- Ball rebound resilience
- Ball roll
The methods for each of these tests are described in the British Standards (BS 7370:P3 and BS7044:P2).
Very often, PQS assessments are undertaken prior to and following remediation works to objectively demonstrate the improvement in the facility. In addition, these can also form part of the contract management for “new-builds” to demonstrate compliance with the specifications and the criteria stipulated by sports governing bodies such as Sport England and The Football Association.
TGMS are able to undertake the full range of Performance Quality Standard assessments according to the methodologies provided in the British Standards. The results from these are provided to the Client in a written report together with recommendations to address any areas where the facility may fail to meet the basic standards.
For more information feel free to phone us on 01772 297830 or email via our online contact system
