Surface designs of natural stone floor coverings

Status:

completed 07/1996

Aims:

On account of the large number of indoor accidents due to slipping on natural stone floors, the German Berufsgenossenschaft for administration initiated a research project into the anti-slip properties of such floorings. The project was aimed to elaborate recommendations as the selection of a suitable surface structure and treatment of natural stone floors in order to increase anti-slip properties of floor covering and thus prevent slipping accidents.

Activities/Methods:

44 natural stone floor coverings with different surface characteristics were tested with rubber- and leather-faced footwear in dry, wet and oily conditions according to the German standard DIN 51130 "Testing of floor coverings, determination of anti-slip properties".

Results:

The results show that polished natural stone surfaces are not sufficiently slip resistant. Natural stone floor coverings grinded C 120 make proof of a sufficient slip resistance in dry and wet conditions. Natural stone floor coverings grinded C 120 should therefore be used in entrance halls, main halls and comparable areas.

Further informations:

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