Base Structure of Padel Courts
The base structure is the invisible foundation that determines the longevity and performance of a padel court. From foundation type selection to advanced drainage systems, every element must be designed to support decades of intensive play.
The base structure of a padel court is much more than simply a flat surface. It is an integrated system that combines structural engineering, water management, and environmental considerations to create a foundation that supports both gameplay and extreme weather conditions for decades.
Foundation Types
Reinforced Concrete Foundations
Reinforced concrete foundations offer maximum durability and stability. They are ideal for unstable soils or where a completely rigid base is required.
Key Properties
- Thickness: 150-200mm
- Reinforcement: B500B steel mesh
- Strength: C25/30 minimum
- Expansion joints every 6m
- Maximum durability (50+ years)
- Resistance to settlements
- Easy maintenance
- Compatible with all surface systems
While the initial cost is higher, reinforced concrete foundations provide the best long-term value for high-traffic courts and challenging soil conditions.
Simple Concrete Foundations
An economical option that provides good stability for most applications. Suitable for stable soils and limited budgets.
Key Properties
- Thickness: 100-150mm
- Strength: C20/25
- No structural reinforcement
- Control joints every 4m
- Reduced initial cost
- Quick installation
- Sufficient for stable soils
- Easy local repair
Simple concrete foundations are cost-effective for recreational courts with moderate usage and stable ground conditions.
Porous Concrete Foundations
An innovative solution that combines structural stability with natural drainage. Ideal for areas with drainage problems or where sustainable water management is required.
Key Properties
- Thickness: 150-200mm
- Porosity: 15-25%
- Strength: C16/20
- Permeability: 10⁻³ m/s
- Integrated natural drainage
- Reduced surface runoff
- Better water management
- Environmental sustainability
Porous concrete foundations are perfect for environmentally sensitive areas and locations with poor natural drainage.
Drainage Systems
Surface Drainage
The first level of protection against water accumulation. Designed to capture and direct rainwater away from the playing surface.
- Surface slope: 1-2%
- Perimeter channels
- Catchment sumps
- Drainage pipes
Design Requirements:
- Minimum slope of 1% toward drains
- Channels every 10-15m
- Drainage capacity: 50 l/s per 100m²
- Material: PVC or polyethylene
Regular maintenance includes quarterly channel cleaning, sump inspection, and annual flow testing.
Subsurface Drainage
Buried drainage system that manages water infiltration and hydrostatic pressure. Essential for preventing long-term structural damage.
- Granular drainage layer
- Geotextile separation
- Perforated drainage pipes
- Infiltration well
Specifications
- Granular layer: 100-150mm
- Grain size: 4-8mm
- Pipes: Ø100mm, slope 0.5%
- Separation: 3-5m between lines
Installation involves excavation to 300mm below foundation, geotextile placement, granular fill, pipe installation, and functionality testing.
Edge Drainage
Specialized system for managing water that accumulates at court edges, especially important in courts with glass walls.
- Integrated edge channels
- Vertical drains
- Collection system
- Connection to main network
Edge drainage systems provide wall protection, integrated aesthetics, minimal maintenance, and superior durability.
Surface Preparation
Leveling and Compaction
Critical process that determines surface uniformity and long-term court stability.
Process Steps
- Excavation: Depth according to design
- Leveling: Tolerance ±5mm in 3m
- Compaction: Density 95% Proctor
- Quality control: Continuous verification
Required equipment includes vibratory compactor, laser level, vibratory plate, and pneumatic roller.
Joint Treatment
Joints are critical points that require special attention to prevent durability and performance problems.
- Construction joints: Between concrete sections
- Expansion joints: For thermal movements
- Control joints: To control cracks
Treatment involves deep cleaning, sealant application, flexible material filling, and leak testing.
- Polyurethane sealants
- Expansion tapes
- Filling materials
- Adhesion primers
Primer Application
Primers improve adhesion between base and surface materials, ensuring optimal long-term performance.
- Acrylic primer: For porous surfaces
- Epoxy primer: For maximum adhesion
- Resin primer: For special conditions
Application Specifications:
- Consumption: 0.2-0.3 l/m²
- Drying time: 2-4 hours
- Minimum temperature: 5°C
- Relative humidity: <80%
Climatic Considerations
Hot and Dry Climates
In regions with high temperatures and low humidity, the base structure must manage thermal expansion and rapid evaporation.
- Thermal expansion: More frequent expansion joints
- Evaporation: Integrated irrigation systems
- UV radiation: Material protection
- Wind: Reinforced anchors
Solutions include:
- Concrete with retarding admixtures
- Joints every 4m instead of 6m
- Misting systems
- UV-resistant materials
Maintenance includes semiannual joint inspection, anchor verification, irrigation system cleaning, and thermal crack repair.
Humid and Rainy Climates
Regions with high precipitation require robust drainage systems and protection against excessive moisture.
- Constant humidity: Risk of biological growth
- Intense rain: Drainage system overload
- Soil moisture: Hydrostatic pressure
- Corrosion: Metal degradation
Solutions include:
- High-capacity drainage systems
- Vapor barriers
- Corrosion-resistant materials
- Natural ventilation
Specifications include drainage capacity of 100 l/s per 100m², minimum slope of 2%, stainless steel materials, and antimicrobial treatments.
Cold and Frosty Climates
In regions with freeze-thaw cycles, the base structure must resist the destructive effects of ice.
- Ice expansion: Pressure on structures
- Freeze cycles: Material fatigue
- De-icing salt: Accelerated corrosion
- Residual moisture: Frost damage
Specific design includes:
- Air-entrained concrete
- Heating systems
- Improved drainage
- Salt-resistant materials
Specifications include air content of 4-6%, frost resistance F200, heating systems of 50W/m², and drainage with 3% slope.
Technical Specifications
Construction Tolerances
Strict tolerances are essential for optimal court performance and user satisfaction.
Tolerance Requirements
- General leveling: ±3mm in 3m
- Local leveling: ±1mm in 1m
- Flatness: Maximum deviation 5mm
- Drainage slope: 1-2% toward drains
All tolerances must be verified with laser levels and corrected immediately if deviations are found.
Quality Control
A rigorous quality control program ensures that every element of the base structure meets specified standards.
- Concrete strength: Tests at 7, 14 and 28 days
- Soil density: Modified Proctor test
- Permeability: Infiltration test
- Leveling: Laser verification
Testing frequency:
- Concrete: 1 sample per 50m³
- Soil: 1 test per 100m²
- Leveling: Continuous verification
- Drainage: Final flow test
Documentation includes material certificates, test reports, progress photos, and as-built plans.
Certifications and Standards
Compliance with international standards ensures quality, safety, and durability of the base structure.
- EN 1992: Eurocode for concrete structures
- EN 13242: Aggregates for bituminous mixtures
- EN 12620: Aggregates for concrete
- ISO 9001: Quality management systems
Required certifications:
- CE conformity certificate
- Performance declaration
- Installation certificate
- Material warranty
Audits include construction inspection, acceptance tests, final verification, and delivery with complete documentation.