Addressing water ponding issues at Selangor Turf Club using MIRAFI

Overview

The Selangor Turf Club (STC), a horse-racing track in Malaysia, initiated a major refurbishment of its main track following the running of the prestigious Tunku Gold Cup on Sunday, 14 April. The project aimed to improve the drainage system and ensure a safer, more reliable racing surface. Starting on 15 April 2024, the refurbishment involved excavating and re-turfing the track surface from the 500 m mark to the winning post.

Water ponding after heavy rainfall had been a persistent issue, softening the ground and causing disruptions to racing events. The new drainage system was designed to improve the track's drainage capability and ensure minimal race cancellations. The project was successfully completed by 1st May 2024, with positive feedback from jockeys following a test run on 4th June.

Challenge

The existing subsurface drainage system at STC, built in 1993, was believed to be clogged and ineffective, causing water buildup after rainfall. This water ponding softened the track, potentially leading to race delays or cancellations, which affected the safety of the horses and jockeys and resulted in financial losses for the club.

The primary objective of the refurbishment was to construct a modern drainage system capable of handling heavy rainfall and minimizing track disruptions. The project required the excavation of 7,500 m² of turf from the 500 m mark to the winning post. Excavations were carried out to a depth of 350 mm with a 2-degree gradient to facilitate water runoff into the subsoil trench drain along the track's outer section.

Additionally, STC needed the project to be completed within a month, to avoid extended disruptions to its racing events. Malaysia's weather in April, with strong sunlight followed by heavy afternoon rain, added to the challenge.

Solution

STC selected MIRAFI^® FWL22-DR1 geotextile as the core solution for the new drainage system. MIRAFI FWL DR is a multi-layer drainage blanket featuring two outer layers of anti-capillary barrier filtration geotextiles, woven with super wicking yarns. The alternating free loops across the fabric enable rapid absorption and efficient in-plane drainage.

This wicking drainage geotextile, resistant to biological deterioration, was laid smoothly over the excavated and compacted subgrade. It provided an advanced drainage solution by preventing capillary moisture buildup and allowing water to drain faster from the track, making it usable shortly after rainfall.

The project involved the removal of the old turf, excavation to the required depth, and the installation of the MIRAFI FWL22-DR1 geotextile. The geotextile was laid flat with a 300 mm overlap between panels, terminating into the subsoil trench drain. Afterward, a new variety of Zoysia El Toro turf from the club’s nursery was installed on top of the geotextile, completing the refurbishment.

The entire section was completed by 1 May 2024, and following a test run on 4 June 2024, jockeys provided positive feedback on the improved track conditions. The club’s penetrometer data revealed that drainage capability had improved by 30%, ensuring a better racing surface, even after heavy downpours over the preceding three weeks.

The installation of the MIRAFI FWL22-DR1 geotextile system improved the track’s drainage capability by 30%, ensuring safer and faster racetrack recovery after heavy rains. The club’s racing events experienced minimal disruptions, and the refurbished track is prepared to accommodate the anticipated increase in horse population and racing demand at Selangor Turf Club.

This project demonstrated the effectiveness of modern geotextile solutions in mitigating water-related issues, reducing environmental impact, and maintaining the operational efficiency of racetracks.