As summer approaches, many schools are preparing for runway renovation projects. With 12 years of experience as a sports facility construction supervisor, I’ve observed that 80% of schools fall into these common traps during renovations: rushing construction without proper base preparation, using adulterated materials that cause odors, or failing to meet drainage slope standards leading to water pooling. Today, I’ll share hard-earned, million-dollar insights in this "foolproof" construction guide to help you dodge these pitfalls.
1. Pre-Construction Inspection: Don’t Skip the "Checkup"
Last year, a prestigious high school skipped base inspections to meet deadlines, only to see bubbles forming across their new runway within three months. Just like a building, a weak foundation spells disaster. Before breaking ground, ensure these tests are completed:
: Use a rebound hammer to verify concrete meets C25 standards (values >25 MPa).
: Gaps under a 3-meter straightedge should not exceed 3mm.
: Film test results must be <5%.
Pro Tip: Fill cracks with epoxy resin and grind down uneven areas (height differences >5mm). Never trust claims that "a thin layer can hide flaws"—this is a recipe for delamination later.
2. Material Selection Dictates Runway Longevity
With countless subpar materials flooding the market, focus on these three criteria:
: Choose EPDM elastic particles (verified by ASTM D-412 reports).
: Must comply with China’s updated GB 36246-2018 standard.
: Opt for solvent-free glue (free TDI content ≤0.5%).
Quick Quality Test: Rub particles—excessive color fading indicates poor quality. Smell adhesives—if pungent, reject them. Consider premium modified TPU (used in CBA league courts), which costs 15% more but extends lifespan by 3-5 years.
3. 7-Step Construction Protocol (Key!)
This exact process was used for a provincial stadium renovation:
: Remove old layers with a milling machine (depth: 3-5mm).
: Apply two-component penetrating primer (0.2kg/m²).
: Lay 8mm-thick cushioning (temperature >15°C).
: 3 cross-coated layers for even coverage.
: Use UV-resistant polyurethane paint.
: Water flow must confirm 0.3%-0.8% slope.
: After 48-hour closure, TVOC levels ≤0.5mg/m³.
Critical Note: Apply elastic layers in two passes (4-hour intervals). Halt work if rain hits—humidity >75% causes layer separation.
4. Overlooked Inspection Details
Schools often focus on aesthetics but miss these hidden metrics:
: Random core samples (allow ±1mm variance).
: Vertical deformation should be 6-10mm.
: ≥0.7MPa (prevents tearing).
DIY Test: Place a coin on a 30-degree incline—if it slides >50cm, the anti-slip layer fails.
5. Maintenance Tips to Extend Lifespan
A primary school’s 8-year-old runway still looks new thanks to:
- Monthly cleaning with a high-pressure water jet (pressure ≤100 bar).
- Quarterly checks for cracks at seams.
- Banning spiked shoes or heels.
- Immediate repair of damage with specialty glue.
Winter Warning: Clear snow promptly—avoid metal shovels or deicing salts (use rubber scrapers instead).
Final Notes
Runway renovation isn’t just "laying plastic"—it’s an engineered system. Prioritize contractors with Grade II+ municipal qualifications and material traceability over low bids. For schools planning renovations, DM us to request our 18-Point Quality Control Checklist—it helps avoid 90% of common defects. Let’s build runways that keep students safe for decades!