ANSI Dynamic Coefficient of Friction Test for Natural Stone Surfaces

Public walking surfaces carry a unique level of liability. With the 2014 withdrawal of test method ASTM C1028, stone suppliers and specifiers do not have a test method available to document the safety of their surfaces. The Natural Stone Institute technical department has recently completed a comprehensive study using the ANSI A137 DCOF test method, which was written for ceramic products. The results are encouraging, suggesting that this test method may be equally applicable to stone products.  Attend this session to learn how the issue of slip/fall liabilities could be addressed by adoption of this test method.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the DCOF test method, the equipment required to perform it, and how it can impact future safety discussions.
• Identify differences in behavior between stone and other products that mandate slight adjustments to the test protocol.
• Discuss specific stone types and finishes: discover how both stone density and stone finish influence frictional properties, and why this is important regarding slip/fall liabilities.
• Explain what stage the industry is at in establishing an applicable test method to evaluate safety of stone products provided for walking surfaces.

This course has been approved for CEU credit through the following organizations:

• AIA                     NSISE75OD        1 LU|HSW 
• IDCEC              CCEU-116983-R1         5.3 , 0.1 HSW CEU
• LACES            NSISELAOD75      1.0 HSW PDH

In order to receive credit, you must complete the exam with at least 80% correct answers.