Static Coefficient Of Friction Flooring
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The commonly specified and often misunderstood value of 0 60 static coefficient of friction scof determined by the astm c1028 test method has been superseded by a new method new test conditions and a new threshold value all of which can be found in the 2012 edition of ansi a137 1 the american national standard specifications for.
Static coefficient of friction flooring. Typically steel on steel dry static friction coefficient 0 8 drops to 0 4 when sliding is initiated and steel on steel lubricated static friction coefficient 0 16 drops to 0 04 when sliding is initiated. Namely friction coefficients are practically independent of normal loading force and are below 1 0 below the limiting 45 degree slide angle. In the us architects and designers generally look for a wet static coefficient of friction of 0 60 or higher by astm method c 1028 to assess potential safety for wet areas of level floors. The astm international testing method determining static coefficient of friction in horizontal movement between ceramic tiles and other like surfaces.
The frictional resistance between two objects when beginning motion from a stationary position. A cof of 0 5 is not intended to be an absolute standard value. The americans disabilities act ada recommends the dry static cof of 0 6 on any flat or horizontal surfaces both wet and dry but 0 8 for any inclined or ramp areas. There has never been an official osha slip test or safety standard for flooring.
Static coefficient of friction scof. Static coefficient of friction is a term used in physics to describe the amount of force required to cause an object e g shoe sole material to start moving across a surface e g flooring material. Coefficient of friction cof is defined as the friction force opposing sliding motion divided by the force normal to the surface. In a nonmandatory appendix to a proposed rule in 1990 osha said a reasonable measure of slip resistance is static coefficient of friction scof is recommended as a guide to achieve proper slip resistance.
A higher coefficient indicates increased resistance of shoe sole material to start moving across a flooring material. Or more simply put how resistant to slips the floor is to prevent an object being pulled from its position when the floor is dry astm c1028 refers to the method using a horizontal dynamometer pull meter. The static friction coefficients for the flocked surfaces against the solid metal surfaces brass and aluminum show classical behavior. 4 2 polishes and other floor maintenance coatings having a static coefficient of friction of not less than 0 5 as measured by this test method have been recognized as providing nonhazardous walkways.