Synthetic Field GMAX Test Report

Chenango Contracting has recently conducted the final maintenance visit for the 24-25 school year. This is the period in which we test the Gmax values to ASTM F1702. The upper limit in this test is 200 Gmax (field taken out of service for maintenance).

Our average Gmax value with thirty drops was 95.467. Our field typically scores under 100 which is a good place to be for player safety. These tests are an indication of field conditions and proper maintenance procedures. The twice yearly preventative maintenance program by Chenango is of great value in maintaining our fields in a safe manner.

GMAX testing measures the shock absorption of synthetic turf. The results indicate how much shock an athlete absorbs when impacting the turf. As the GMAX value increases, the field becomes harder, and is less likely to absorb shock. These measurements are a fundamental tool alerting you to critical compaction issues and the possible need of additional infill -- keeping your field safe and limiting injuries.

GMAX values increase with high usage, compaction, and infill segregation. These values can be reduced by grooming or top dressing your field. For synthetic surfaces, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), specifies that the reported GMAX value for all test points on a field should be less than 200 GMAX (as measured in accordance with ASTM procedures F355-A and F1936). If the standard isn’t met, the field is considered in need of maintenance and remediation is required. The shock tests, also called “drops,” are done 3 times in 10 separate locations.