Floor and paving materials must satisfy a variety of both physical and aesthetic requirements. Slip resistance under both dry and wet conditions is a crucial performance quality, essential to the safety of pedestrians and vehicular traffic. For vehicular traffic, the term skid resistance is used.
There is an ever-increasing range of materials available for internal and external floor and paving surfaces including those listed below:
- High strength wearing screed
- Polymer modified concrete
- Resin finishes (epoxy, acrylic)
- Natural stone
- Terrazzo
- Ceramic
- Clay or concrete pavers
- Mastic asphalt
- Timber
- Flexible (vinyl, rubber, PVC)
- Glass
The most commonly accepted and specified method of measuring slip resistance is by use of the TRL Pendulum Tester incorporating a rubber slider. Sandberg has UKAS accreditation for site and laboratory measurement of slip resistance using the Pendulum Tester to BS EN 16165.
Sandberg offers a comprehensive service of slip resistance testing ranging from advice regarding new materials to accident investigations. Below are listed some of the services available:
- In-situ testing in various locations, for example, shopping malls, station concourses, lift lobbies and reception areas
- Measurement of surface roughness (Rz) using a micro-roughness meter
- Laboratory testing of proposed flooring materials including assessment of different finishes such as honed, etched or polished
- Interpretation of results, the Pendulum Test Value (PTV) and calculation of the coefficient of friction (µ)
- Advice on remedial measures to improve the slip resistance of floor and paving surfaces
