CEN/TS 15122:2005

Overview

CEN/TS 15122:2005 is a European Technical Specification developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) that defines a standardized method to determine the resistance of synthetic sports surfaces to repeated impacts. This standard applies specifically to synthetic sports flooring materials used in sports facilities. Its primary focus is to assess the durability and longevity of these surfaces when subjected to continuous, repetitive mechanical stress-critical for ensuring safety, performance, and durability in sports environments.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose
  CEN/TS 15122:2005 describes a precise laboratory test method for evaluating how synthetic sports surfaces withstand repeated impacts. The goal is to identify surface degradation such as cracking or material thinning after a set number of impacts.

• Test Methodology
  The testing involves cyclic impact of a synthetic test piece by an impacter equipped with three hard plastic studs. The test piece is mounted on a rotating plate and subjected to up to 40,000 impacts, simulating long-term wear conditions in sports applications. Periodic inspections during the test detect the onset of surface damage.

• Apparatus Specifications
  The impact machine features a swinging arm with adjustable force applied by a spring and a motor-driven mechanism. Key parameters include stud dimensions (approximately 12.5 mm length and 12.7 mm diameter), impacter hardness (minimum Shore A 95), and a controlled impact force of 711 ± 10 N.

• Sample Preparation and Conditioning
  Synthetic sports surface samples are cut into circular test pieces with specified diameters and conditioned for 24 hours at controlled temperature and humidity before testing to ensure consistent baseline characteristics.

• Performance Metrics
  The test reports measure and document:

  • Visual surface integrity before and after impact testing
  • Reduction in thickness and mass loss of the test sample
  • Number of impacts sustained before visible damage occurs

Applications

• Sports Facility Construction and Maintenance
  Facility managers and contractors can use this standard to select synthetic sports surfaces that demonstrate superior resistance to repeated impact, enhancing the lifespan and safety of sports floors.

• Product Quality Control and Certification
  Manufacturers of synthetic sports flooring can apply CEN/TS 15122:2005 to certify their products meet international durability benchmarks, supporting product claims and facilitating compliance with procurement requirements.

• Research and Development
  Researchers and engineers developing new synthetic flooring materials can leverage this impact resistance testing method to optimize material formulations and surface constructions for improved athletic performance and wear resistance.

• Safety Assurance
  Assessing the impact resistance of sports surfaces helps mitigate the risk of sudden material failure, maintaining safe playing conditions and reducing injury risks due to surface degradation.

Related Standards

• CEN/TC 217 Series
  This Technical Specification is part of the broader CEN/TC 217 portfolio addressing performance requirements and test methods for sports area surfaces.

• ISO 4649:2017
  While ISO 4649 covers abrasion resistance for rubber products, CEN/TS 15122:2005 focuses specifically on impact resistance for synthetic sports surface applications.

• EN 14877
  Standard for artificial turf surfaces, complementing CEN/TS 15122 by providing additional performance and safety criteria for artificial sports surfaces.

• Local National Standards
  This CEN/TS has been adopted or incorporated by multiple European national standard bodies, providing unified testing protocols aligning with regional quality and safety policies.

By following CEN/TS 15122:2005, stakeholders in sports facility design, manufacturing, and maintenance can ensure that synthetic sports surfaces deliver consistent impact resistance performance critical for durability and athlete safety. This standard aids in harmonizing testing approaches across markets, supporting the global adoption of high-quality sports floorings.