Floor Coverings Research Articles

Long-term viscoelastic behavior and evolution of the Schapery model for mirror epoxy

Abstract Mirror epoxy, used in its pure form with a resin-to-hardener ratio of 100:50, is emerging as an innovative material widely used in modern flooring. Its appeal lies in its smooth, shiny surface, offering a unique and contemporary aesthetic. However, understanding its long-term viscoelastic behavior is essential to ensure the durability and performance of floor coverings under various conditions of use. This study examines the evolution of the Schapery model for mirror epoxy, focusing on its long-term viscoelastic behavior. Creep tests at constant loads and ambient temperature are carried out in order to numerically determine the static nonlinearity factors g and g 0 formulated in the Schapery model. To validate this model, other relaxation tests at constant deformations are carried out under the same conditions, which allowed us to determine the nonlinearity factors h and h 0 formulated in this model using the same method. A remarkable consistency between the variations in the experimental and numerical values of the model programmed on MATLAB allows us to conclude that the Schapery model describes the real behavior of the mirror epoxy in a satisfactory manner.

Optimal Layout of Modular Systems by Geometric Perturbations

In this study, we investigate the potential of integrating geometric perturbations into the design process to optimise modular systems such as floor coverings, façade claddings, and masonry walls. By allowing small geometry adjustments of the initial design, we achieve significant reductions in material waste or labour requirements, leading to cost-saving and environmental benefits without compromising the design concept. We compared our approach to traditional methods, where the layout of the modular system is determined after the geometry of the design is finalised. To illustrate our method, we present case studies for two- and three-dimensional modular designs.

Impact sound insulation performance of floor coverings in a heavyweight reference floor with a floating floor

This study investigates the impact sound reduction performance of floor coverings used on the heavyweight standard floor of a floating floor structure in comparison with bare slab testbeds through on-site experiments. The laboratory performance evaluation of floor coverings designates only a bare slab between 100 mm and 160 mm as the heavyweight reference floor according to Annex C in ISO 10140-5. However, the recent expansion of over-floor heating systems has led to an increased need for understanding the impact sound reduction performance of floor coverings on floating floors, to enhance occupants' thermal comfort. In this study, it was measured the heavyweight and lightweight floor impact sound reduction levels of various floor covering test specimens in testbeds with different thicknesses of bare slabs and actual apartment houses with floating floors applied. The reduction rate for each frequency band was determined before and after installing floor coverings including single number quantity in accordance with ISO 717-2. Additionally, the impact of heavyweight reference floor conditions on quantifying the sound performance of floor coverings was discussed.

A New Approach to Prevent Injuries Related to Manual Handling of Carts: Correcting Resistive Forces between Floors and Wheels to Evaluate the Maximal Load Capacity

Test methods that use pushing forces to evaluate the maximal load capacities of carts in design standards require a flat, smooth and horizontal steel plate and thus do not take into account the real conditions of work. Resistive forces of a single wheel of a cart in a uniform rectilinear motion were measured using a unique test bench with five loads. Forty-four wheels were tested (varying diameters, treads and bearings) with one steel plate and four resilient floor coverings. Based on a linear mixed model, all the following results were significant (p < 0.05). Resistive forces were increased linearly with the load and depended on the characteristics of both the wheel and floor. These forces decreased as the diameter increased. They were important for wheels with sleeve bearings but decreased for cone ball bearings and precision ball bearings. Resistive forces depended on the material of the tread and were higher for solid rubber treads. In contrast, the hardness of the tread had little effect. Resistive forces strongly depended on the hardness of the base foam of resilient floor coverings: the softer the base foam, the higher the resistive forces. Test methods in design standards should be reviewed, using corrective forces based on these present results, to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.

Environmental impact of the variations in solar reflectance index values of some selected dimension stones due to cyclic thermal shock

Natural stones are widely used environmentally appropriate building materials as dimension stone both for exterior cladding and floor coverings in urban areas. Depending on their solar reflectivity, these materials may absorb more solar radiation, especially with noontime summer sunlight exposure, which may cause both increasing cooling costs in commercial buildings and overheating of a city with the formation of urban heat islands. Solar reflectance index (SRI) is defined as the ability of a surface to reject solar heat which tends to change with physical, chemical and biological degradation processes by varying solar reflectance (SR) and thermal emissivity (TE) values. Weakening of the stone matrix structure by physical degradation mechanism, such as thermal shock (T-S) cycles mostly have significant impact on SRI. Within the scope of this study, SRI values were calculated before and after cyclic T-S by measuring the optical properties such as SR and TE values of 30 selected sedimentary and metamorphic originated carbonate-based natural stone types. The changes in surface properties such as color, roughness, and gloss, that may have an impact on the SRI values were also analyzed. In addition, a multivariate regression analysis was established to predict SRI value from such properties with a high degree of accuracy. Finally, it was found that, initial SRI values of 9 natural stone types (mostly metamorphic originated) have been increased considerably by cyclic T-S and tend to increase their ability to reduce urban temperatures by higher SRI values, one of the most important selection criteria in energy consumption for natural stones.

Laboratory measurement of treadmill noise under several speeds, runners, and floor coverings

Treadmills are an important generator of noise in the retail fitness and multi-family housing environments. Field studies have demonstrated that treadmills have a low-frequency sound characteristic, and treadmill use can lead to neighboring-occupant annoyance and necessitate consideration in building design and space planning. This work presents sound level measurements of a treadmill in operation to report sound levels and the effect of runner speed, runner cadence, and floor covering. Tests were conducted on an elevated 6-inch concrete slab in a vertical laboratory setting, and results are in terms of measured SPL in the lower room. Runner speed and floor covering were confirmed to be relevant variables in sound levels due to treadmill noise. Spectral shapes in multiple tests were found to be similar despite presence and composition of floor covering. Results on the effect of runner cadence are not conclusive. SPL was lower than expected due to the relatively stiff structural floor, and future testing should continue to pursue higher source levels.

Assessing the risks associated with indoor and outdoor air quality in relation to the geographic placement of nursing home

Indoor air quality significantly impacts the well-being and health of elderly residents in nursing homes. This study was conducted to explore the connection between indoor and outdoor PM (Particulate Matter) concentrations in nursing homes and their association with the facilities' location and construction characteristics. The findings revealed that indoor PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 124 μg/m3 and 2–188.4 μg/m3, respectively, which were approximately 12.67 and 1.25 times higher than their outdoor counterparts. A strong correlation (P < 0.05) was identified between indoor PM levels and various factors, including proximity to parks, passenger terminals, and gas stations, as well as building attributes such as single-glazed windows, ceramic floor coverings, and the use of radiators. The risk assessment indicated that carcinogenic risk factors were well within acceptable limits for all nursing homes. However, it's important to note that certain PM components, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), may have long-term adverse effects on the health of nursing home residents. Even though indoor PM levels met the standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) for particulate matter risk assessments, the study emphasized that even low levels of indoor air pollutants can affect the health and well-being of older adults, particularly considering the increased vulnerability associated with aging. Consequently, the study underscores the importance of nursing home location selection and the regular monitoring of particulate matter concentrations. These measures are essential for enhancing air quality within nursing homes, ultimately contributing to the improved well-being and health of their residents.

Применение инновационных технологий в настольном теннисе и влияние их на подготовку студентов-спортсменов

The introduction of innovative approaches in the last decade has taken on a new form and character. Analyzing various methods of innovative development in sports and its impact on sports results, as a factor that improves the effectiveness of the educational and training process in the preparation of athletes of various qualifications and their physical fitness, it can be confidently noted that it is necessary to choose the right innovative path of development in health-saving technologies. Introduction of innovations in table tennis as one of the areas of innovation, through the use of new materials for the manufacture of playing and training uniforms, equipment, floor coverings in halls and the use of various robots in the educational and training process leads to an increase in students’ athletic skills and an improvement in the effectiveness of the training process.

Measurement uncertainty of vertical combustion test of civil aircraft interior materials

The civil cabin interior materials vertical combustion test is the necessary test to verify the flame retardancy ability of the floor coverings, textiles, seat cushions and cushions. It is an inspection step required for cabin interior materials before installation, which is of great significance for the safe flight of civil aircraft. During the experiment process, variable factors such as personnel and equipment are highly likely to impact the test results. To ensure the reliability of test results, it is necessary to summarize and evaluate the factors that may affect the results of the test process. Thus, in this paper, the test method, measurement model, and sources of measurement uncertainty have been analysed, and the calculation case of experimental measurement uncertainty has been introduced.

Environmental Sustainability of Building Materials in Turkey: Reference Information Recommendations for European Green Deal Declarations

This study provides weight and normalization reference information for declaring the environmental information of building materials produced and exported in Turkey. Reference information was first determined for the global warming potential based on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is the subject of the European Union Green Deal Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). For a more holistic approach, reference information is also recommended for environmental impact categories acidification, air pollution, ecological toxicity, eutrophication, fossil fuel depletion, human health, indoor air quality, land use, ozone depletion, photochemical smog formation, and water depletion, in addition to GHG emissions. Reference information is determined based on the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology defined in the international standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. Semi-structured interviews were held with twenty-one industry stakeholders in Turkey to determine the weight reference values. The results obtained from the semi-structured interviews were combined using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. Normalization reference information was determined by compiling Turkey’s national emission values. The suggested reference information has been tested using a case study. Total environmental impact scores were calculated for floor coverings and exterior wall finishes, including global warming potentials based on GHG emissions, and eleven other environmental impact categories. The findings support the need to use regional reference information in Turkey. The reference information recommended in this study can be used both in declarations within the scope of the EU Green Deal and in other possible environmental impact declarations resulting from building materials.

Hookahs and smoldering hookah coals as an object of forensic fire and technical expertise

The subject of the study is to establish the involvement of smoldering hookah coals in the occurrence of a fire during the production of a forensic fire-technical examination. Currently, there is no universal concretized algorithm for determining the involvement of tobacco smoking devices and hookah coals in the occurrence of a fire for all possible cases of fire. The authors have attempted to combine well-known information about the detection of signs of exposure to combustible materials from a relatively low-power ignition source with the results of experiments and studies of smoldering hookah coals. Two types of hookah coals were selected as objects of research: cubic natural charcoal for hookah, fast-burning cylindrical coal. Cotton fabric, cotton wool, paper, wood (pine), synthetic carpet with fine pile, synthetic carpet with large pile, soft decorative elements with synthetic filling and a pillowcase made of furniture fabric, PVC floor materials (linoleum, PVC tiles), floor panels, lined with polymer films (laminate). In conducting this study, a systematic approach was applied to the analysis of the situation of a fire-related incident, as well as general scientific empirical and theoretical research methods (observation, comparison, description, measurement, analysis and synthesis, etc.) The results of empirical studies confirm the hypothesis of the formation of deep charring zones in places of contact of hookah charcoal with combustible materials (wood, laminated floor coverings). Based on the results of experimental studies, a step-by-step algorithm for constructing versions about the occurrence of a fire from smoldering hookah charcoal is formulated, including focusing the attention of an expert (a person conducting an inspection of the scene of an incident related to a fire) on the need to take into account factors such as the time of the fire and the induction period of ignition, the presence of conditions for heat accumulation, the presence of air exchange, the presence of an air inflow into the smoldering zone, the presence of signs of the dynamics of fire propagation, characteristic of low-power ignition sources. It is noted that the probability of burning from smoldering hookah coal increases in cases where conditions are created for the smoldering process to proceed with minimal heat loss, the possibility of heat accumulation and the presence of an oxidizer (oxygen in the air) in sufficient quantities.

Impact of floor covering on wheelchair rugby players: analysis of rolling performance.

Despite the increased interest in indoor wheelchair sports in many countries, research on the effect of floor coverings on sports performance is limited. Currently, there are no specific guidelines for covering characteristics for wheelchair sports, whether for competitive or recreational purposes. This study aimed to determine the impact of floor coverings on the biomechanical parameters of manual wheelchair propulsion for wheelchair rugby practice. Ten wheelchair rugby players performed 6 maximum-velocity sprints over 20 meters, with a 20-second recovery time between sprints, on 3 different coverings, using their personal sports wheelchairs. The coverings were: wood parquet, Gerflor TX System Endurance®, and a plastic synthetic covering (balatum). Performance and propulsion technique variables were collected using inertial measurement units (265 Hz, Kinvent, France). Additionally, rolling resistance quantification tests were conducted on each covering. Rolling resistance was lowest on the wood parquet, with an average value of 3.98 ± 0.97 N. Best sprint performance was achieved on the wood parquet. The fatigue index on the parquet was significantly lower than on the balatum (p < 0.05). Our results highlight that floor surface influences both performance and propulsion technique variables. Therefore, we recommend performing wheelchair rugby training on wood parquet to optimize performance. It is also important to consider the impact of different coverings on sprint performance when organizing player rotations to maintain a high level of competition during tournaments.

Study of the antimicrobial activity of the drug "DB" when exposed to various test surfaces

This paper presents the results of a study of the antimicrobial activity of the drug «DB» when exposed to various test surfaces. Among the many reasons for the occurrence of mass lesions of the fingers and hooves of cattle, one of the main ones is the untimely provision of veterinary and zootechnical care to animals with limb injuries and the inadequate sanitary and hygienic condition of the floor coverings of premises, leading to rapid infection and illness of a large number of animals. The active and excipients of the developed medicinal product «DB» are inexpensive and widely available on the country’s market: bentonite, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, polyvinyl alcohol, perlite, camphor oil and sodium benzenesulfochloramide. Material costs and time for organizing therapeutic and preventive measures using «DB» are minimal and are combined with the production process, which allows for the systematic prevention and treatment of finger diseases at the very beginning of the development of the pathological process, thereby significantly reducing the concentration of microorganisms in the wound area and floor coverings, effectively preventing the development of infection. Based on the results of laboratory studies, it was shown that «DB» has antimicrobial activity against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, as well as fungicidal activity and, in the future, will help not only reduce the incidence of disease in livestock, but also significantly reduce the microbial load on the floor coverings of livestock buildings.

Evaluation of building condition index, repair, and maintenance priority order (Case study: Lecture room of engineering faculty, Syiah Kuala University)

The Engineering Faculty building at Syiah Kuala University was constructed in 1963 and completed in 1998. Visible damages can be observed on the components. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the damages to these components, the condition index (CI) value, as well as the priority order for repairing and maintaining the building. The process commenced by evaluating the physical condition of the lecture hall. Questionnaires were also distributed and the data were then analysed using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method to determine the weights of the component. These weights were combined with the volume of component damage to obtain the building’s CI values. The results showed that the majority of the damage in the Faculty of Engineering at Syiah Kuala University was related to architectural components. The Building Condition Index (BCI) classified all structures were in Zone 1 where indicated a very good condition with values ranging from 87.09% to 97.83%. Building A, received the highest priority for repair and maintenance, followed by the PPI and the D3 Civil Engineering structure. Regarding the building elements, columns were given the highest priority with a weight of 0.226, whereas carpet floor coverings were assigned the lowest with a mass of 0.003.

Analysis of European regulatory requirements for near to zero energy consumption buildings and the possibility of implementation in Ukraine

Efforts are currently being made around the world to mitigate the impact of human activity on climate change. The construction sector is one of the largest sources of emissions. To reduce emissions, buildings must be energy efficient and use a significant amount of renewable energy. NZEB buildings are an important part of our transition to a lower carbon future. Efficient energy consumption in buildings is one of the most affordable ways to reduce the negative impacts of climate change and health-related problems. The purpose of the study is to analyze the regulatory requirements of European countries for NZEB buildings and compare them with the current norms in Ukraine. Determining the cost of energy-efficient structural solutions with current regulatory values. Based on the calculations and research, the following scientific and practical results were obtained. Analysis of norms in European countries for NZEB buildings and compare them with current norms in Ukraine. The calculated design values for NZEB buildings in Ukraine were considered. The needs for insulation of the wall, roof, and basement floor coverings were calculated according to the current norms in Ukraine and the norms proposed by the NZEB. The economic feasibility of measures to insulate the proposed normative options of NZEB was calculated. As a result of obtaining scientific and practical results of increasing the energy efficiency of enclosing structures, it shows that in terms of indicators of enclosing structures, Ukrainian standards are not lagging behind European countries, although they require further improvement and additional changes. The results of the economic calculation of the increase in the thickness of the insulation show that the NZEB standards have a more economic and thermal insulation potential in the long term compared to the current standards in Ukraine. The obtained research results can be used, as an example, in the design or reconstruction of buildings to increase the level of energy efficiency.

RESEARCH ON THE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF THE BUILDING STONES IN EAST BLACK SEE REGION

This study investigated the physical properties of Ünye stone (Ordu), Harşit granites (Giresun), and Trabzon gray stone (Trabzon) used as building materials in the Eastern Black Sea Region. Chemical components, thermal conductivity, compressive stress, water absorption, and abrasion percentages were determined. Ünye stone has small thermal conductivity coefficient values (0.67 W/mK), indicating that it can be used for thermal insulation and decorative purposes as briquettes, bricks, or wall cladding materials. Harşit granites have compressive stress and abrasion rate values of 113 MPa and 1.05%, respectively. Trabzon gray stone has compressive stress and abrasion rate values of 125 MPa and 1.13%, respectively. These results indicate that Harşit granite and Trabzon gray stone can be used as wall cladding materials and wear-resistant floor coverings. These three stones can be widely used because they are cheap and abundant.

Effect of varied waste concrete ratios on the mechanical properties of polymer concrete

Abstract Polymer concrete (PC) was developed at the end of the 1950s and gained popularity in the 1970s for precast parts, flimsy floor coverings, and repairs. Due to its superior performance over traditional Portland cement concrete, which offers many benefits, including mechanical properties, quick hardening, and durability. In this article, polymeric concrete was made using a mixture of sand and epoxy, and different proportions of sand were replaced with crushed concrete waste. This study found that the ideal ratio between resin and fine aggregate was 23% resin to 77% fine aggregate in terms of the total weight of the combination to get the best dispersion of fine aggregate. Waste concrete replaced 5, 10, 15, and 20% of aggregate in PC, respectively. It was further demonstrated that increased waste concrete aggregate content in PC increased the 28-day compressive strength by 7.7, 13.44, 16.8, and 18.97%, respectively; flexural strength increased by 16.68, 25.32, 37.16, and 47.71% at 28 days’ age; and direct tensile strength was higher than the reference mixture by values of 3.41, 17.21, 23.54, and 30.38% at 28 days age. The findings recommended using recycled fine aggregate on PC and suggested a 20% replacement ratio as an optimum percentage.

Aryloxyphosphazene-Modified and Graphite-Filled Epoxy Compositions with Reduced Flammability and Electrically Conductive Properties

A method has been developed for producing an epoxy composition based on a low-viscosity epoxy-resorcinol resin, a phosphazene-containing curing agent, isophoronediamine, and thermally expanded graphite as a filler. The degree of cure and the absence of side reactions during the curing process were confirmed using IR spectroscopy. The influence of the content of phosphazene-containing curing agent and filler on the physico-mechanical properties of the composition, its fire resistance, and antistatic properties were studied. Using the UL-94 HB horizontal burning test, it was found that the addition of 10 and 20 wt. % phosphazene-containing curing agent (relative to isophoronediamine) reduces the burning speed by 10 times compared to a sample without phosphazene. The addition of a filler to a composition containing phosphazene reduces the burning speed by 25 times compared to a composition without phosphazene and imparts antistatic properties to the epoxy composition, as evidenced by the specific volume electrical resistance of the order of 101 Ohm·m. Phosphazene-containing curing agent had no statistically significant effect on specific volume electrical resistivity (p &gt; 0.05). Tests of physico-mechanical and adhesive properties (tensile strength, compressive strength, water absorption, water solubility, abrasion resistance, and adhesive strength) of filled epoxy compositions with 10 and 20 wt. % phosphazene-containing curing agent demonstrated that these properties met the requirements for floor coverings in construction and parts of electrical devices.

Bringing free weight areas under acoustic control

Fitness studios that are housed in office, residential, or hotel buildings are repeatedly confronted with the problem that the strong vibrations caused by dropping weights lead to noise and vibrations in the entire building or even cause damage to existing ceiling structures. For these situations, Getzner has developed the g-fit Shock Absorb system with low construction heights and low weight. This is achieved through several layers of polyurethane foam materials including high damping or high elasticity sub-layer. The impact is isolated, the drop energy is absorbed by the material and dangerous rebound of the weights (dumbbell, barbell, kettlebells, etc.) is prevented. But the best flooring system can hardly be used without a proper prognosis of the isolation effect and the achieved sound pressure level in adjacent rooms. This paper is about the development of a prognosis tool that allows to predict the sound pressure level as a function of the impact energy, the type of weight at gym, and the ceiling mass for all g-fit Shock Absorb floor coverings. The extensive drop tests as well as the evaluation and the development of a prediction function is described in detail and explained by examples.

Impact of five floor coverings on the orthostatic balance of healthy subjects.

Plantar skin sensitivity contributes to the regulation of postural control and, therefore, changing the characteristics of the plantar support surface can modify this control. This study aimed at assessing the impact of five different floor coverings on the orthostatic balance in 48 healthy subjects. Static posturography was performed with eyes open or closed on a platform in a control condition (no covering) and with five different covering surfaces: foam, silicone, ethyl vinyl acetate, and two textured mats with small (height 2mm) or large pimples (7mm). The average velocity of center of pressure (CoP) displacement was the primary endpoint measure and ten other posturographic variables were assessed. Comfort and pain produced by the covering were also scored. In eyes open condition, the average velocity of CoP displacement was increased when subjects stood on the foam mat, the silicone mat, and especially the textured mat with large pimples. Several other posturographic variables showed significant changes with different types of floor coverings with eyes open. These changes were not correlated to the comfort or pain scores associated with the different surfaces. In contrast, no difference was observed compared to the control condition (no covering) with eyes closed. This study shows that adding smooth or textured floor covering can alter balance in eyes open condition. In eyes closed condition, although more disturbing for balance, healthy subjects achieved better postural adaptation, probably by mobilizing more of their proprioceptive resources. This posturographic examination procedure could, therefore, be used to assess "proprioceptive reserve" capacities in clinical practice.