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At each stage the area
has to be packed well, watered and leveled. Closer the packing, faster
the court. The slope has to be given according to flow in that area. The
depth of the basic Brick Rubbish Foundation will depend on the soft or
hardness of the existing area on which the court has to be laid. In the
last stage the clay is sprinkled over the whole area, water is then added
and as it becomes a paste it is spread over the area with a leveling stick
(normally 3 feet in length).This is similar to plastering walls. Sea sand
(fine type) is then sprinkled on top of the leveled clay and the heavy/light
hand-roller used. As the area of the court totally dries up the loose
sea sand is removed, leaving behind a clean, smooth, well leveled playing
surface.
Description of clay: This
clay is a sticky mud normally available in lake areas. There are generally
two types-black as available in paddy fields and (2) Dark Grey type used
for making pots, Ganesh Idols, etc. This Dark Grey type is the one used
for tennis courts. This is because you can level it when the clay is wet
and it hardens when it is dries.
It is important to ideally
water and roll it everyday .The top clay layer needs to be scrapped and
re-laid at least once every year. The slight disadvantage is that it takes
a longer time to dry when it rains.(i.e. may be an extra ½ day
or so.)Cow dung paste is added on top for special occasions for extra
binding.
Note:
Based on Clay court at Chennai.
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