New Practice for Deriving Walkway Friction Thresholds Using Research-Based Reference Materials
1. Scope
This practice covers a methodology for establishing available friction thresholds for manufactured walkway materials, based on tribometry validated using research-based reference materials. Bathing surface products and fabricated-in-place walkway surfaces such as asphalt, concrete, or hardened liquid coatings (polishes, paints, epoxies) are not covered by this practice. Conformance with any friction threshold derived using this practice shall not be the only determining factor as to a particular walkway's adequacy for a particular use.
Keywords
Validation; Tribometer; interlaboratory study
Rationale
Walkway friction thresholds (minimum values to be achieved) are provided in certain standards and publications, but the technical foundations for these thresholds typically lack a robust link to human frictional requirements and a statistical pedigree that accommodates variability in reference materials.
