Pendulum Testing using ASTM E303, AS 4586 or EN 16165 is not widely used in North America but if you are selling services or providing coatings that will be used outside of North America it is a useful test to provide material specifiers, interior designers, architects, engineers, and property owners.
The Pendulum was invented in the United States but has not been widely adopted for pedestrian walkway surface testing. Pendulum testing is used to test runways and roads. It is an impact device unlike the majority of tribometers (slip meters) that measure dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF).
Pedestrian walkway materials measured using a Pendulum are quantified for slip resistance using Pendulum Threshold Value (PTV). A specific rubber, called Slider 96 (formerly called 4S) is used for assessing PTV on walkway materials used by pedestrians with shoes. Slider 55 (formerly called TRRL) is used for walkway materials used by barefoot pedestrians.
PTV values give guidance on slip potential (who slippery a surface is to a pedestrian):
0-24 – High Slip Potential (Very Low Slip Resistance)
25-35 – Moderate Slip Potential
36+ – Low Slip Potential (High Slip Resistance)
Once you know the PTV of a walkway surface you can evaluate the material for use. For example, a coating applied to the floor of a food processing plant where vegetables or meat are processed for canning can become highly contaminated. A walkway surface must have a PTV of 36+.
While PTV provides valuable information for selecting walkway materials, don’t forget to also measure surface roughness. An Rz micro roughness of more than 10 micrometers is recommended for any walkway that can be expected to be walked on wet with water. If a contaminant can be expected with a high viscosity the material may require more than a 20 micrometer roughness. Ra can also be measured.
If you want to learn more about getting your material tested either onsite or in the lab, called us at 1-866-853-5361, email us at sales@substratumgroup.com or go to www.substratumgroup.com/store.