Abstract
The effect of freeze–thaw cycling on the slip resistance of dimension stones was investigated. Slip and frost resistance of limestones, granites and marbles were determined via pendulum tester in dry and wet conditions and controlled freeze–thaw cycles, respectively. Unpolished surfaces under dry conditions (mainly granites and marbles) were positively affected by freezing-thawing. In wet surfaces no significant change was observed. Polished surfaces were not affected even after 100 freeze–thaw cycles. Electron microscopy showed increased wear, hence roughness, of unpolished surfaces after freezing–thawing; homogeneity of polished surfaces prevented slip resistance from being significantly affected.
Highlights
Slip resistance is the property of a floor surface to maintain the adhesion of pedestrian footwear and it has become a considerable issue in the design of dimension stones used as floor coverings
Studies concerning the influence of these factors on the slip resistance of natural stones are very few focusing mainly on the investigation of other affecting parameters, such as floor roughness, liquid viscosity and shoe materials [4], or floor surface finishes [5].The effect of mineralogical and petrographic characteristics, chemical properties, physical and mechanical properties, the surface finish, and its dryness or wetness on the slip resistance were identified by Çoskun et al [6]
This effect could be expressed by the ratio of free surface area (FSA) versus nominal surface area (NSA), which was defined as the specific surface area (SSA) of each stone specimen examined, given in Equation (1): SSA
Summary
Slip resistance is the property of a floor surface to maintain the adhesion of pedestrian footwear and it has become a considerable issue in the design of dimension stones used as floor coverings. The assessment of anti-slip characteristics of the flooring materials is of major importance in order to prevent slipping accidents and ensure safe movement The characteristics of both the footwear and the walking surface, the temperature and other environmental parameters, such as water, moisture, ice, dust, etc., are important factors that affect slip resistance. This study investigates any potential effect of freezing–thawing on the slip resistance of dimension stones for flooring considering their surface type as well as the impact of wet or dry environment. This effect could be expressed by the ratio of free surface area (FSA) versus nominal surface area (NSA), which was defined as the specific surface area (SSA) of each stone specimen examined, given in Equation (1): SSA. It is obvious that SSA can be increased due to freeze–thaw action resulting in less slippery surface
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