The Measurements of Friction Coefficient on Ramps among Different Floor Materials

Abstract:

This study investigates the influences of slopes on objective friction measurements of different floor materials. It is known that a person is more likely to slip when walking on a slope than when walking on a level surface. In term of the prevention of falls for elders and MMH (manual material handling) workers, slope is more commonly in the design of barrier-free environments. However, it could be a potential environmental risk of slip accidents. The environmental problems were generally caused by poor floor slipperiness. The coefficient of friction (COF) is one of important objective indexes to assess floor slipperiness. It is worthy to investigate that the influences of slope on COF. Thus, COF measurements under different slopes, floor materials and surface conditions were conducted in this study. The data were analyzed to investigate the influence of slope on objective friction measurements of floors. The results showed that the rougher surface and dry conditions had the higher COF values. The different slopes result in significant COF values; however, there is no significant trend. Therefore, there should be more warning signs and slip resistance facilities or accessories to reduce the chance to slip and fall on the slopes.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volumes 303-306)
• Pages: 790-793
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.303-306.790
• Online since: February 2013
• Authors: Yao Wen Hsu, Kai Way Li
• Keywords: COF Measurement, Floor Material, Slipperiness, Slope

References

[1] R.A. Haslam and T.A. Bentley, Follow-up investigations of slip, trip and fall accidents among postal delivery workers. Safety Science, Vol. 32 (1999), pp.33-47.

DOI: 10.1016/s0925-7535(99)00009-0

[2] J.P. Hanson, M.S. Redfern and M. Mazumdar, Predicting slips and falls considering required and available friction. Ergonomics, Vol. 42 (1999), pp.1619-1633.

DOI: 10.1080/001401399184712

[3] M.S. Redfern and J. DiPasquale, Biomechanics of descending ramps. Gait and Postures, Vol. 6 (1997), pp.119-125.

DOI: 10.1016/s0966-6362(97)01117-x

[4] R. Cham and M.S. Redfern, Heel contact dynamics during slip events on level and inclined surfaces. Safety Science, Vol. 40 (2002), pp.559-576.

DOI: 10.1016/s0925-7535(01)00059-5

[5] J. Sun, M. Walters and N. Svensson, Lloyd, D. The influence of surface slope on human gait characteristics: a study of urban pedestrians walking on an inclined surface. Ergonomics, Vol. 39 (1996), pp.677-692.

DOI: 10.1080/00140139608964489

[6] R. Cham and M.S. Redfern, Changes in gait when anticipating slippery floors. Gait Posture, Vol. 15 (2002), pp.159-171.

DOI: 10.1016/s0966-6362(01)00150-3

[7] W.R. Chang, R. Grönqvist, S. Leclercq and R. Myung, Makkonen, L., Strandberg, L., Brungraber, R.J., Mattke, U., Thorpe, S.C. The role of friction in the measurement of slipperiness, Part 1: friction mechanisms and definition of test conditions. Ergonomics, Vol. 44 (2001).

DOI: 10.1080/00140130110085574

[8] W.R. Chang, The Effect of Slip Criterion and Time on Friction Measurement. Safety Science, Vol. 40 (2002), pp.593-611.

[9] T.E. Lockhart, An integrated approach towards identifying age-related mechanisms of slip initiated falls. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology, Vol. 18 (2008), pp.205-217.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jelekin.2007.06.006

[10] K.W. Li, W.R. Chang, J.C. Wei and C.H. Kuo, Friction measurements on ramps using the Brungraber Mark II slipmeter. Safety Science, Vol. 45 (2006), pp.375-386.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2005.11.003

[11] ASTM E303-93 Standard Test Method for Measuring Surface Frictional Properties Using the British Pendulum Tester. Book of Standards, Volume: 04. 03, USA (2008).

DOI: 10.1520/e0303

[12] K.W. Li, Y.W. Hsu, W.R. Chang and C.H. Lin, Friction Measurements on Three Commonly used Floors on a College Campus Under Dry, Wet, and Sand-Covered Conditions. Safety Science, Vol. 45 (2007), pp.980-992.

DOI: 10.1016/j.ssci.2006.08.030

[13] R. Grönqvist, M. Hirvonen and A. Tohv, Evaluation of three portable floor slipperiness testers. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Vol. 25 (1999), pp.85-95.

DOI: 10.1016/s0169-8141(98)00101-2

[14] American National Standard InstituteStandard for the Provision of Slip Resistance on Walking/ Working Surfaces. American National Standard Institute (ANSI)/American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) A 1264. 2, ASSE, Des Plaines, Illinois (2001).

[15] W.R. Chang, The Effect of Surface Roughness on the Measurements of Slip Resistance. International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, Vol. 24 (1999), pp.299-313.

DOI: 10.1016/s0169-8141(98)00038-9

[16] W.R. Chang, I.J. Kim, D.P. Manning and B. Bunterngchit, The Role of Surface Roughness in the Measurement of Slipperiness. Ergonomics, Vol. 44 (2001), pp.1200-1216.

DOI: 10.1080/00140130110085565