ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Page Count: 7

Repeatability and Bias of Two Walkway Safety Tribometers

Powers, CM
Assistant professor, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Kulig, K
Associate professor of Clinical Physical Therapy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Flynn, J
J2 Engineering Inc., Fresno, CA

Brault, JR
Senior biomechanist, Biomechanics Research & Consulting Inc., El Segundo, CA

(Received 15 March 1999; accepted 4 August 1999)

Abstract

Falls resulting from slips on walkway surfaces are a significant source of injury in society. To measure friction between the floor and the shoe, various types of tribometers and ASTM standards have been developed to assess walkway slip-resistance with the goal of improving pedestrian safety. The purpose of this study was to determine the repeatability and bias of the PIAST and VIT tribometers under both dry and wet conditions. Both devices were tested on an AMTI force platform over a wide range of angles. Bias was assessed by comparing the tribometer slip resistance reading to the actual Fx/Fz ratio measured by the force plate, while reliability was established by evaluating the ability of the tribometers to reproduce Fx, Fz, and the Fx/Fz ratio. Both tribometers demonstrated high degrees of bias and repeatability under both wet and dry conditions; however, each measured different slip-resistance values for the same surface. Further study should be directed at establishing which tribometer best simulates initial foot contact during gait with respect to measuring slip resistance.

Keywords:
slip resistance, tribometer, force plate, walkway safety

Paper ID: JTE12164J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE12164J
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.