RUNNING TRACKS
Running is an excellent exercise for people of all ages, but it can be challenging to maintain a consistent training routine during adverse weather conditions. That's where all-weather running tracks come in handy. These specialized tracks are designed to provide excellent traction, cushioning, and durability in all weather conditions. In this article, we'll explore the different types of binders and rubber-to-glue ratios used in all-weather running track surfaces and their advantages and disadvantages.
Binders used in all-weather running track surfaces
The binder is the component that holds the rubber particles together in the running track surface. The most common binders used in all-weather running tracks are polyurethane and latex. Here's a brief overview of each binder:
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Polyurethane: This binder is highly durable and has excellent weather resistance. Polyurethane also offers superior shock absorption and is highly resistant to fading, making it an ideal choice for outdoor tracks.
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Latex: This binder is a bit softer than polyurethane and is highly elastic, which means it offers great flexibility and comfort. Latex is also highly durable and has excellent weather resistance, making it an excellent choice for outdoor tracks.
Rubber-to-glue ratios
The ratio of rubber to glue in an all-weather running track surface is critical to its performance. Here's a brief overview of the different ratios used:
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SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber): This type of rubber is the most commonly used in all-weather running tracks. The rubber-to-glue ratio is typically 12:1 or 14:1. The higher the rubber-to-glue ratio, the firmer the track will be, and the lower the ratio, the softer the track will be.
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EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer): This type of rubber is becoming increasingly popular due to its excellent UV resistance and color stability. The rubber-to-glue ratio is typically 15:1 or 20:1. The higher the rubber-to-glue ratio, the firmer the track will be, and the lower the ratio, the softer the track will be.
Advantages and Disadvantages of different binders and rubber-to-glue ratios
Now that we've covered the different types of binders and rubber-to-glue ratios used in all-weather running tracks let's explore the advantages and disadvantages of each:
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Polyurethane: The advantages of polyurethane are its durability, weather resistance, and excellent shock absorption. The disadvantages are that it can be more expensive and take longer to install.
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Latex: The advantages of latex are its elasticity, flexibility, and durability. The disadvantages are that it can be more expensive than polyurethane and may not last as long.
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SBR: The advantages of SBR are its affordability, durability, and good shock absorption. The disadvantages are that it may not provide as much cushioning as other materials, and it may fade over time.
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EPDM: The advantages of EPDM are its excellent UV resistance, color stability, and durability. The disadvantages are that it can be more expensive than other materials and may not provide as much cushioning as other materials.
Conclusion
All-weather running tracks provide an excellent surface for runners to train on in all weather conditions. The binders and rubber-to-glue ratios used in these surfaces are critical to their performance, and understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each can help you make an informed decision when selecting a running track surface. Whether you choose polyurethane, latex, SBR, or EPDM, all-weather running tracks provide a durable, comfortable, and safe surface for runners to train on.