EN 1516:1999

Overview

EN 1516:1999 is a European Standard published by CEN that specifies a method of test for the determination of resistance to indentation of artificial sports surfaces other than synthetic turf. This standard is used by manufacturers, test laboratories and facility operators to assess surface deformation characteristics that affect performance, durability and athlete safety. The standard has been adopted by national bodies (for example, referenced as SIST EN 1516:2002 in Slovenia).

Key Topics

• Scope and applicability: Applies to artificial sports surfaces excluding synthetic turf; focused on measuring how surfaces resist localized indentation under load.
• Purpose: Provides a repeatable method for evaluating surface deformation behavior as part of quality assurance, acceptance testing and maintenance planning.
• Test relevance: Supports comparison between surface types and batches, helps detect manufacturing or installation issues, and informs replacement or refurbishment decisions.
• Stakeholders: Surface manufacturers, independent test laboratories, sports facility managers, specifiers and health & safety officers.

Applications

The EN 1516:1999 test method is practical for a range of use cases in sports facilities and procurement processes:

• Quality control during production and after installation to verify that surfaces meet specified indentation resistance levels.
• Acceptance testing for new installations or repaired sections to ensure conformance with contractual requirements.
• Maintenance planning by tracking changes in indentation resistance over time, which can indicate wear or degradation.
• Safety and performance assessments where surface deformation affects shock absorption, traction and athlete comfort.

Benefits of applying this standard include consistent, comparable test results across laboratories, improved confidence in surface performance, and more informed lifecycle decisions for sports area assets.

Related Standards

• Standards addressing other performance aspects of sports surfaces (e.g., shock absorption, vertical deformation, surface friction) are complementary to EN 1516:1999 and are often referenced together in specifications.
• National adoptions and translations (such as SIST EN 1516:2002) reflect the European standard’s harmonization across member bodies.

Keywords: EN 1516:1999, resistance to indentation, artificial sports surfaces, non-turf surfaces, test method, CEN, sports facility quality control, surface performance

For implementation, consult the official EN 1516:1999 text and the appropriate national adoption document to ensure compliance with any national forewords or application notes.