Technical approach to characterization of perceived comfort of walking surfaces

Abstract

Abstract The purpose of this study was to develop laboratory and field test methods to simulate the motions and system responses when an individual walks on a synthetic surface such as carpet. The heel-strike was simulated by the impact of a Clegg tester, a free-falling 2.27-kg missile, instrumented to record peak deceleration (g max ). Comparisons were made between indentations by the Clegg tester, dropped from different heights, and heel imprints in damp sand, collected with the aid of five test subjects under controlled conditions. A single Clegg drop height, 178 mm, was found to be a good compromise for the heel-strike simulation. Impact tests from this height and three other mechanical tests were performed on four carpet/cushion systems, which were also evaluated subjectively by a panel of pedestrians. Generally speaking, perceived comfort in walking over the test surfaces increased with decreasing g max values and with increasing ball rebound, a standard test for surface elaticity. Other tests of mechanical properties, performed at slower rates of loading, related less well to the comfort ratings of the carpets.