Latest update February 18th, 2025 1:40 PM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

The synthetic track must conform to international standards

Sep 11, 2012 Letters

Dear Editor,
During the recent burst of argumentation published, as to which of the two Tournaments Guyana was qualified to participate – the Olympics or Paralympics – there was relevant discussion about the proposed construction of a synthetic track, and its location.
All would agree that wherever sited, the whole objective of the project is to have competition timings recognised by international bodies. It is therefore obvious that the track must conform to international standards.
The following extracts from the IAAF should therefore be instructive:
“IAAF Performance Specifications for Synthetic Surfaced Athletics Tracks (Outdoor)
· It is important to remember that the tolerances required of this type of facility involve a good standard of road construction. The total depth of base necessary to ensure long-term stability of the finished track surface will depend upon the exact nature of the site on which it is to be built. It should be noted that, even on the most ideal site, a MINIMUM of 150mm free-draining aggregate below a MINIMUM of 60mm bitumen/macadam will prove to be necessary. The macadam would typically comprise a base course 40-60mm thick and a wearing course 25-30mm thick. Great attention must be paid to the accuracy of the final macadam layer because of the very strict requirements for surface flatness in Clause 1.2 and the requirements for minimum thickness of the synthetic surface in Clause 1.3 of these specifications. It is quite likely that, in order to achieve the required tolerances, corrective work to the macadam layer will be necessary and time should be allowed for this in the programme for the works. It is important that the overall construction must drain freely by means of an adequate perimeter drainage system.
· It is recommended that a geotechnical survey of the ground conditions over the site is carried out at an early stage, and the results of such a survey should be made available to an independent consultant engineer in order that an adequate base to the track can be designed.
· It should be noted that certain options for the construction of the track surface may not be entirely appropriate for particular climatic conditions prevailing in certain countries. The advice of an independent expert should be sought at an early stage.
· It is usual for a five-year warranty to be given by the installer of the facility. The specifier should obviously be satisfied that the terms of such a guarantee can be met by the company concerned. The exact mechanism for ensuring such compliance by the installer will vary from one country to another.
· It is important that, during construction, quality control of ALL aspects of the work is rigorously adopted. This should extend from the installation of the drainage system, through the entire project, to the application of the finished synthetic surface and line markings. The assistance of an independent, suitably experienced and competent test laboratory should be sought in particular for the quality control of the synthetic surface and to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the finished facility in order to ensure compliance with the performance parameters. When selecting such a laboratory, the specialised requirements of this IAAF Specification must be carefully considered.”
It is worth noting the commonsensical emphasis that is placed on drainage – a particular concern so far as Guyana’s rainfall pattern is concerned.
The remainder of related information can be found at: http://www2.iaaf.org/TheSport/Technical/Tracks/PerfSpecifications.html.
E B John

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 14th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

National Table Tennis duo Shemar Britton, Chelsea Edghill to represent Guyana at prestigious Panam Table Tennis Cup

National Table Tennis duo Shemar Britton, Chelsea Edghill to...

Feb 18, 2025

Kaieteur Sports- National women’s Table Tennis champion Chelsea Edghill OLY and Guyana’s ace star table tennis player Shemar Britton are set to represent Guyana at the Prestigious 2025 Pan...
Read More
Athaleyha Hinckson Joins LSU

Athaleyha Hinckson Joins LSU

Feb 18, 2025

Paul Nixon Appointed Head Coach of Antigua and Barbuda Falcons for 2025 CPL Season

Paul Nixon Appointed Head Coach of Antigua and...

Feb 18, 2025

Aubrey Hutson open to fourth term as AAG President

Aubrey Hutson open to fourth term as AAG

Feb 18, 2025

Guyana U17s close out unbeaten group stage campaign in historic Concacaf qualifiers run

Guyana U17s close out unbeaten group stage...

Feb 18, 2025

Mashramani Basketball tournament ongoing in Berbice

Mashramani Basketball tournament ongoing in...

Feb 18, 2025

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]