Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces
A new pedestrian surface is considered to become an existing pedestrian surface once it has been installed and made available for pedestrian traffic, other than movements specifically for purposes of formal testing to determine compliance with AS 4586.
New pedestrian surfaces are to be tested in accordance with AS 4586
This Standard provides methods of measuring the frictional characteristics of existing pedestrian surfaces in wet and dry conditions.
Note:: This Standard does not specifically cover gratings, although it is possible to use the test methods specified herein for some gratings.
Provision has been made for either of two rubbers to be used in the wet pendulum test method. Clay and concrete pavers have traditionally been tested using Slider 55 (TRL rubber), whereas Slider 96 (Four S rubber) is used for other pedestrian surfaces. When testing highly profiled surfaces such as shown in Figure I, Slider 55 (TRL rubber) generally produces more consistent results than Slider 96 (Four S rubber). The standard Slider 96 (Four S rubber) was prepared so as to have poor abrasion resistance such that the rubber would be less likely to become contaminated, as fresh surfaces would be produced during testing. It was also formulated to be temperature independent. When assessing products for wet barefoot areas, or unusually rough products, the use of the softer more resilient Slider 55 (TRL rubber) is preferable.