Independent Assessments and Expert Services for Synthetic Sports Surfaces

Damage, wear, or construction defects in synthetic running tracks and playing fields often raise the question of whether a repair is sufficient or if a comprehensive renovation is necessary. An independent expert assessment provides clarity and serves as the basis for technical, economic, and legal decisions.

For over 40 years, the Lehmacher Schneider Laboratory has been preparing expert reports on synthetic sports surfaces and serving municipalities, sports clubs, planning firms, construction companies, insurance companies, and courts as an independent expert and consultant. Our expert reports provide an objective assessment of damage, construction defects, renovation needs, and the technical quality of synthetic surfaces.

By combining an expert consulting firm, a testing laboratory, and in-house building materials and environmental analysis, we provide our clients with all services from a single source.

When is an expert report needed?

An expert report is particularly recommended in the following cases:

• Damage or defects in synthetic running tracks
• Damage to synthetic playgrounds or multipurpose sports facilities
• New construction and building inspections
• Renovation and modernization projects
• Warranty claims
• Disputes between the client and the contractor
• Insurance claims
• Evidence preservation procedures
• Purchase or Acquisition of Existing Sports Facilities
• Valuation and condition assessment of older sports facilities

Our expert reports provide planning certainty and offer an objective basis for decision-making for building owners, operators, and planners.

Our Expert Services

As independent experts, we examine all components of a synthetic sports surface and evaluate them in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.

These include, among other things:

• Condition of the synthetic surface
• Flatness and surface quality
• Force dissipation
• Deformation behavior
• Coefficient of sliding friction
• Water permeability
• Coating thicknesses
• Material quality
• Bond between the individual layers
• Condition of the asphalt subbase
• Base courses
• Soil conditions
• Drainage
• Causes of damage
• Remaining service life
• Reusability of existing building materials

The investigations are conducted through site visits, field tests, sampling, and laboratory analyses.

Damage Assessments for Synthetic Running Tracks

Not every instance of damage requires the complete replacement of a synthetic surface. As part of our assessments, we analyze the causes of cracks, delamination, blistering, unevenness, material fatigue, or signs of wear and evaluate the actual need for renovation.

Our experts clearly demonstrate which measures are technically sound and economically justifiable.

Evidence Preservation and Court Expert Reports

Our experts prepare reports for the preservation of evidence prior to construction work, as well as independent expert reports in the event of disputes between clients, construction companies, or system manufacturers.

These reports clearly document the condition of the sports facility and serve as a reliable basis for insurance companies, attorneys, or courts.

Reports in Accordance with Applicable Standards

Our expert reports are based, among other things, on the requirements of

• DIN 18035-6
• DIN EN 14877
• the RAL quality specifications
• and other technical regulations governing the construction of sports facilities.

Using state-of-the-art testing technology and drawing on our many years of involvement in standards-setting and technical committees, we ensure an objective and transparent evaluation.

Everything from a single source

A key advantage of the Lehmacher Schneider laboratory is that all tests are conducted by our own experts.

We handle:

• On-site inspections
• Structural inspections
• Site investigations
• Sampling
• Laboratory analysis
• Field Tests
• Damage Analyses
• Preparation of Expert Reports
• Quality assurance during construction
• Acceptance tests
• Certifications

This eliminates the need for coordination between different service providers, and our clients receive all services from a single source.

Your Expert for Synthetic Sports Surfaces

Whether it’s a new construction project, a renovation, a warranty claim, or damage assessment - Lehmacher Schneider Laboratory prepares independent expert reports for synthetic running tracks, synthetic playing fields, and other synthetic sports surfaces.

With over 40 years of experience, in-house laboratory analysis, state-of-the-art testing technology, and internationally recognized accreditations, we support building owners, municipalities, sports clubs, planning firms, and courts in the objective assessment of sports facilities - nationwide and internationally.