Dry Friction Floor Test

This test method is recommended for predominantly dry areas such as those found inside shopping centres, office buildings and other undercover public areas.

Applicable Standards:

• AS 4586: 2013 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials
• AS 4663: 2013 Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces

Method:

The dry floor friction slip resistance test method measures the dynamic Coefficient of Friction (CoF) using a portable floor friction tester called the 'Tortus'.

This self-powered apparatus measures the force required to pull a standardised Four S rubber slider across the floor at a constant speed for a minimum distance of 800mm; the test run is repeated in the perpendicular direction and the average taken to give the ratio of the horizontal and vertical forces (CoF).

Notes:

• Appropriate for internal surfaces and smooth external surfaces
• Profiling of surfaces that are subject to contamination: this method may indicate the effectiveness of a cleaning regime, as the ‘ inherent’ measurement encompasses the potential contribution of dust and other solid contaminants to friction
• Dry floor friction tests may not apply to heavily profiled surfaces