Underground Fixes For Better Groundstrokes

Better drainage and a post-tensioned concrete surface give players an edge and owners an award.

The University of Michigan’s competition asphalt courts were developing substantial cracks in all four batteries. GMB was retained to design a post tension concrete solution, which has a greater resistance to cracking, superior surface drainage and is less susceptible to the effects of climate than asphalt.

The courts were tiered in two elevations, making subdrainage a challenge. The existing subdrainage system was also compromised by poor soils and was not draining properly. New subdrainage was specified at each battery to assure that the sub base would remain dry and stable. Beckett & Raeder served as the architect of record.