ISSN: 0090-3973
Page Count: 8

The Use of the Tortus and the Pendulum with the 4S Rubber for the Assessment of Slip Resistance in the Laboratory and the Field

Dravitzki, VK
Work group manager, Materials and Environmental Science, and technical officer,Works Consultancy Services Ltd., Central Laboratories,

Potter, SM
Work group manager, Materials and Environmental Science, and technical officer,Works Consultancy Services Ltd., Central Laboratories,

(Received 14 September 1995; accepted 24 May 1996)

Abstract

This study was undertaken to meet a need in New Zealand about five years ago. Earlier an increased use of ceramic tiling and polished natural stones within buildings and on adjacent pavements highlighted what was an existing problem of frequent use of low slip resistance materials for pedestrian areas. A national standard, NZS 5841 “Code of Practice for the Reduction of Slip Hazard—Part 1, Guidelines…”, had been prepared. However, because it was qualitative rather than quantitative in approach, its application was limited. Building regulators wished to have a standard with minimal criteria and appropriate test methods so they could enforce minimum requirements, and there was some support for this approach from architects and materials suppliers. There was, however, uncertainty as to the appropriate test method and, consequently, of the minimum criteria.

Keywords:
Tortus, Pendulum, slip resistance, coefficient of friction, slope, 4S rubber

Paper ID: JTE11333J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE11333J
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