Method of applying waste rubber materials for construction of golf courses and athletic fields

Abstract

A method for utilizing waste rubber materials for construction of turf areas such as golf courses or athletic fields is disclosed. The method involves implementing waste rubber materials as a drainage layer to provide the following benefits: capability of adsorbing contaminants, insulation, and a lightweight construction backfill material. Also, the method involves the use of waste rubber materials as a supporting layer for athletic fields for the resiliency and shock absorption. Secondly, a method for utilizing waste rubber materials for filtration of runoff from turf or vegetated areas is disclosed. The method involves implementing waste rubber materials as a filter medium for adsorption of contaminants from runoff before entering detention ponds, wetlands, or other water bodies.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . Use of waste rubber materials for turf areas in which the pea gravel drainage layer described in the United States Golf Association green or other specifications is replaced or appended by waste rubber materials for the following properties: 
 (a)adsorption of contaminants such as fertilizers and pesticides;    (b)control of temperature of green or other turf areas using the insulation property of waste rubber materials;    (c)lightweight characteristics of waste rubber materials to apply to construction of turf areas in wetlands or soft soil foundations.    
     
     
         2 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein waste rubber materials are used as a backfill material for turf areas such as golf courses and athletic fields.  
     
     
         3 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein waste rubber materials are used in drainage systems for tee box and sand trap construction in which the gravel applications are replaced by waste rubber materials.  
     
     
         4 . A method as set forth in  claim 1  wherein waste rubber materials have sizes from 1 to 12 mm for ground rubber materials and from 0.1 to 10 cm for chipped waste rubber materials without further refinement.  
     
     
         5 . Use of waste rubber materials as a filtration system before entering into a detention pond, a wetland, or other waterbody for adsorption and filtration of contaminants as a part of the pollution control system. The contact time in the filtration system should vary from 30 seconds to 30 minutes depending on type and concentration of contaminants to be removed.  
     
     
         6 . Use of waste rubber materials as a 2.5 to 15 cm layer located within the top 20 cm underneath athletic field turf surfaces to provide resiliency and shock absorption.