Floor Coverings Research Articles

The Effects of Transitioning Between Different Floor Coverings on Gait Characteristics of Older Adults

The Effects of Transitioning Between Different Floor Coverings on Gait Characteristics of Older Adults

Efficiency of Additives for Aluminate Cement-based Dry Mixes for Self-Levelling Floors

This article examined the properties of non-shrinking binders for floor coverings. The main goal of the experiment is to develop a dry self-levelling, non-shrinking mixture for monolithic seamless flooring. The possibility of obtaining a non-shrinking dry mixture based on aluminate cements and gypsum is considered. The main structural component in the experiments is ettringite. Additive-modifying agents for rheological properties that work effectively with a two-component binder were selected experimentally. The results of rheological studies, measurements of expansion and shrinkage deformations, physical and mechanical properties of the hardened solution are given.

Research on the coefficient of friction of becorit K22 and K25SB linings

Abstract The article presents the method and results of experimental tests of the coefficient of friction between a steel rope and friction lining. The BECORIT K22 and BECORIT K25SB floor coverings were tested. The tests were carried out in accordance with the recommendations of the new German standard: DIN 21258 – Lubricants and impregnating agents for drive discs and transport ropes in mining – safety and testing requirements. The authors in this article emphasize that the Becorit K22 and K25SB linings are used for the wheels of propeller drums of mining machines. Characterized by high coefficients of friction (μ ≥ 0.25), also in cases of extreme weather conditions on the surface. The chemical properties of BECORIT linings ensure their resistance to swelling in the event of different oils and lubricants as well as mine waters. The material of which the claddings are made ensures very good machinability during rolling of rope grooves with the use of turning or milling tools. BECORIT K22 plastic cladding is particularly suitable for use in hoisting machines, where the rope base forms a large overlap angle on the wheel grooves (max 1°31'), which causes its lateral wear faster. BECORIT K22 material in this case provides a higher service life compared to other materials. Due to the way they are mounted on the wheel, they are made as 1-piece (monolith) or bipartite. In this article, moreover, the structure and principle of operation of the measuring station on which the tests were carried out are presented in great detail.

Potential of static sampling using solid-phase microextraction for the assessment of formaldehyde sorption on building materials

Formaldehyde is considered as a priority pollutant of indoor air due to its numerous indoor sources and health impact. Due to its physico-chemical properties, the interaction of gaseous formaldehyde with material surfaces is suspected to play an important role in the distribution and fate of this compound indoors. This paper proposes an experimental method providing several parameters characterizing the material/air exchanges for formaldehyde namely, the adsorption and desorption rate constants (kam and kdm) and the material/air equilibrium partition coefficient (Ke) and the initial gas-phase concentration in equilibrium with the material surface (Cieq0). These parameters are assessed in a closed system (glass cell) containing the material and by a static sampling using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers for measuring gaseous concentrations at the material surface during the emission and adsorption phases. Compared to the available methods of determining these parameters described in the literature, this method has the following advantages: (1) Taking into account of sorption on the inner walls of cell in the calculation of the material sorption parameters; (2) An analytical solution assessing the adsorption and desorption rate constants simultaneously from data of the adsorption phase; (3) An assessment of these sorption parameters under experimental conditions close to those encountered in indoor environments; (4) a satisfying reproducibility of the measured sorption parameters. The main performance of SPME sampling was assessed. The applicability of this method was proven to compare the sorption behavior of formaldehyde towards floor coverings.

Analysis of slip safety risk by portable floor slipperiness tester in state institutions

Globally, 50% of occupational accidents occur as a result of falling and/or slipping. The slip safety risk should be determined in order to ensure the safety of people on floor coverings and minimize slips and fall accidents. The risk of slipping has been identified so that people can move safely on floor coverings. In this study, a new safety slip risk scale (SSRS) has been determined in order to move pedestrians on a floor covering more safely. The dynamic friction coefficients (DCOF) were examined with a portable (GMG 200) test device, in accordance with DIN EN 51131 standards, of commercial floor coverings used in state institutions in a wide range of applications over six zones of flooring materials in dry and wet conditions. In the statistical K average clustering (KMC) method, the SSRS was determined by using DCOF data. According to the SSRS, the safety classification of floor coverings were formed by taking the mean of the obtained DCOF data. Finally, when it is imperative to use flooring materials in a dry environment, six zones would be appropriate.

Use remote sensing techniques to estimation of vegetation factor (C) for selected areas in Diyala Governorate

This study was conducted on the floor coverings of Diyala Governorate, central Iraq, between latitudes 44 ° 27 ‘31.99 “-45º 25‘11.78”, and 33º 30‘ 8.66 “-34º36‘48.18”, with an area of 10,336,399 km 2. Using the two satellite images of the Landsat 8 satellite OLI_TIRS (rod 36, 37 and path168) captured on 29/4/2018. For the purpose of the NDVI calculation and then a mathematical equation was applied to calculate the values of factor C, the study determined the classification of NDVI values and C factor values to 4 categories The low values of the C factor were concentrated in the presence of forests and orchards with dense vegetation cover (0 - 0.04731), whereas the average values were concentrated in areas with medium density vegetation cover and agricultural areas cultivated with different crops ranged from (0,04732-0.09462) The high values of the vegetation factor were concentrated In the areas of water, mountain ranges and building areas where there is no vegetation cover and ranged between (0.09463-0.18925).

“One”

The robustness of the One building as the main building of Sa’o traditional house in Ngada Regency, Flores, has been proven to be reliable. The experience and testimony of indigenous people proves that when there was a shock in the area due to the earthquake and tsunami, the human victims who lived in traditional houses were the least number. The most severe damage occurred when Sa’o was shaken violently, until the One building fell to the ground. The One building is located on a stage floor made of wooden beams with split bamboo floor coverings. The stage floor is supported by wooden pillars or megalithic stone pillars. Floor and ceiling construction are tightly integrated with wooden columns and plank walls. The construction of the One building use wooden pegs, interlocking board walls, without nails or screw bolts, and tied thatched roof coverings. Therefore, inspired by the One building is the Ngadha architectural identity I designed the “One” model as a space box rescue from the earthquake and tsunami disaster. The goal is that when the disaster occurs, each family could save themselves to the “One” box rescue, close tightly for several minutes to avoid accidents and security threats from more severe natural disasters. The “One” prototype model must be tested for its strength, patented, calculated the technical feasibility, collaborated with industry, the government, and the local government.

Composition of ashes from the combustion of solid fuels and municipal waste in households

In this study, 73 ash samples (comprising 49 ash samples from combustion tests performed in 2017, and 24 ash samples from combustion tests performed during 2014–2016 at the Energy Research Center, Ostrava, Czech Republic) were analysed. Ash samples were obtained via the combustion of various solid fuels, their mixtures with municipal waste (floor coverings, paper, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) briquettes, plastics, and textiles), and municipal wood waste (furniture chipboard, window frames) in household combustion units, such as an overfire boiler, boiler with downdraft combustion, gasification boiler, automatic boiler, and stove. The aim of this study was to determine the composition of representative ash samples from solid fuels and municipal waste and to determine which parameters (metals and halides) were present in the ash analysis after waste incineration. Statistical evaluation of box plots with the determination of the boundaries for outliers and extreme values was performed. Finally, six metals (Sb, Cu, Pb, Sn, Ti, and Zn), together with chlorides, were taken as the indicators of municipal waste incineration in households. The highest value of Sb was 344 mg/kg in plastics + dry beech; the highest value of Cu was 30,500 mg/kg in textiles + black coal (B1); the highest concentration of Pb was 1,360 mg/kg in floor coverings + dry beech; the highest value of Sn was 108 mg/kg in textiles + dry beech; the highest concentration of Ti was 38,200 mg/kg in window frames; the highest value of Zn was 215,000 mg/kg in window frames; and the highest concentration of chlorides was 191,000 mg/kg in floor coverings + dry beech.

Environmental comparison of indoor floor coverings.

Appropriate selection of construction materials plays a major role in a building's sustainable profile. The study sets out a comparative life cycle assessment of indoor flooring systems of different nature. The flooring systems consisted of coverings and, where required, bonding material and/or impact soundproofing material. The following coverings were assessed: inorganic (natural stone and ceramic tiles), polymer (carpeting and PVC), and wood-based (laminate and parquet) coverings. The life cycle assessment scope was defined cradle to cradle, i.e. product stage, transport to the construction site, installation of all construction elements, use, and valorisation by recycling, as end-of-life transition scenario towards a circular economy. In the use stage, three scenarios were defined as a function of pedestrian traffic intensity, which determined maintenance, repair, and replacement operations and frequencies. The environmental impacts of the coverings product stage were taken from previously assessed and selected Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), as these are standardised public documents devised to provide environmental life cycle information. The method adopted in the study suggests that, though the use of EPDs as information source is interesting, erroneous conclusions may be drawn if the EPDs are not comparable and/or if the comparison is not made in the building context. The results indicate that the flooring systems with inorganic coverings performed best in the global warming, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical ozone creation, and abiotic depletion for fossil resources impact categories, whereas laminates performed best in the abiotic depletion for non-fossil resources and ozone layer depletion impact categories. The carpet flooring system performed worst in every impact category except photochemical ozone creation potential.

Revealed comparative advantage for US textiles and apparel

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to identify US textile and apparel (TAP) products and categories that demonstrate export comparative advantage and their respective country destinations.Design/methodology/approachRevealed comparative advantage (RCA) and normalized revealed comparative advantage (NRCA) in the long term (1996-2016) and short term (2010-2016) using two-digit Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System codes (HS codes) provide an insight into export advantage of TAP products. Non-parametric rank correlation (i.e. Spearman rank correlation) tests consistency between RCA and NRCA. Subsequently, NRCA using four-digit HS codes identify textile sub-categories with export comparative advantage. Bilateral trade data identify export destinations for sub-categories that indicate US export comparative advantage in the short term.FindingsAggregated product-level comparison of RCA and NRCA ranking indicates a consistent positive correlation between the two indices. The disaggregated findings reveal cotton fiber HS5201, artificial filament tow HS5502, non-wovens HS5603, cotton yarn HS5205, carpet and other floor coverings HS5703 and worn clothing HS6309 as sources of US TAP export advantage.Originality/valueThis research provides a comprehensive, current analysis of the US competitive position within the TAP global environment. Incorporation of NRCA into the study’s design demonstrates the flexibility of this measure in a new industry context.

A Scottish Iron Age Wetland Village Built from Nature’s Bounty: Understanding the Formation of Plant Litter Floors

ABSTRACT The ongoing excavations at Black Loch of Myrton in south-west Scotland have revealed the existence of an Iron Age wetland village, preserved through both waterlogging and charring. Of particular interest is a single roundhouse (Structure 2) from which a large macroplant assemblage has been recovered. Dendrochronology and radiocarbon dating have revealed that this roundhouse was in use from 435 BC for approximately 30–40 years. However, very few artefacts were found within the structure and its function remains unclear. By employing a range of sampling techniques and analytical methods to study the macroplant assemblage, it has been possible to more fully understand the role of plant material in the construction and development of this building. Analyses undertaken at both the macro and micro scales, coupled with excavation of stratigraphically distinct floor layers observed within monolith samples, have allowed for identification and arrangement of the plant materials used for construction and as floor coverings. In addition, differential activity areas within the roundhouse have been identified.

220Rn (Thoron) Geohazard in Room Air of Earthen Dwellings in Vietnam

Thoron’s (220Rn) contribution to α-radiation exposure is usually considered negligible compared to that of 222Rn (radon). Despite its short half-life of 55.6 seconds, thoron can be exhaled from porous surface layers of building materials into indoor air where people subsequently inhale radioisotopes, including metallic radioactive progeny. Bare surfaces of dry porous soil with relatively high 232Th content can pose a thoron radiation hazard in indoor air. On northern Vietnam’s Đồng Văn karst plateau, the spatial distribution of thoron was determined in indoor air of traditional earthen and other types of dwellings using portable RAD7 and SARAD® RTM 2200 detectors. “Mud houses” are constructed with local compacted soil and typically do not have any floor or wall coverings (i.e., no plaster, wallpaper, or paint). Detailed measurements in a mud house revealed levels of thoron in room air averaging >500 Bq m-3. The spatial distribution of α-radiation from thoron in indoor air at a distance of about 1 m from interior walls was fairly homogeneous and averaged ~200 Bq m-3. Most concerning, from a human health perspective, were the high thoron concentrations of up to 884 Bq m-3 in sleeping areas near mud walls. The average annual thoron radiation dose to inhabitants of mud houses was estimated based on 13 hours of daily occupancy, including daily activities and sleeping. The estimated average thoron inhalation dose of 27.1 mSv a-1 during sleeping hours near mud surfaces accounts for nearly 75% of the total estimated radon and thoron inhalation dose of 37.4 mSv a-1 from indoor mud house air. Our conservative annual radiation dose estimates do not include subsequent radiation from inhaled metallic progeny of thoron. Our data demonstrate a significant human health risk from radiation exposure and a critical need for remediation in traditional northern Vietnamese mud house dwellings.

Environmental engineering as a tool to reduce the risks of industrial production in the region

This article proves that one of the main conditions of overcoming technological inferiority and improving the competitiveness of the territory is a balanced socio-economic development of the region which should be planned with consideration of reducing the negative impact of industry on the environment on the basis of industrial areas rational placement, the use of resource-saving technologies and alternative energy sources. This article presents a SWOT analysis of the investment project of the industrial enterprise for the production of floor coverings from polyvinylchloride (PVC) being implemented in the Orel region. The authors of the study identified the environmental risks of launching this production. It has been discovered that it will have a negative impact on the environment. One of the effective tools to reduce environmental risks and to ensure environmental safety in the industrial enterprise is environmental engineering. Some specific measures for the industrial enterprise environmental audit for the production of floor coverings from polyvinylchloride (PVC) in the Orel region have been proposed.

Impact-reduction effect of tatami floor mat made of nonwoven fabric for head injuries in fall accidents

Recently, with the rapid increase in aging population, there is a growing interest in the development of a high-quality living environment, especially in terms of safety. In particular, injuries due to fall accidents have serious after-effects and can sometimes even be fatal. In order to reduce the impact of fall accidents, floor coverings with a buffering effect are used. However, floor coverings have some limitations in terms of thickness from the perspective of ease of construction. Therefore, the buffering effect is limited. This study proposes a high-buffering technique for reducing fall-related head impacts using a high-performance nonwoven fabric combined with a rigid plate. Additionally, it verifies the shock absorption performance of this structure. The analysis confirmed that it is possible to achieve high shock absorption in fall accidents by using a tatami mat of thickness 55 mm, even with flooring as thin as 16 mm. Tatami mats using nonwoven fabrics as buffering materials exhibit high buffering performance against head impacts by combining nonwoven fabrics of appropriate density and thickness with core boards of adequate rigidity. As a result, a range of Tatami mat modulus, thickness and density was identified that provided about 70% reduction in peak head acceleration.

Eco-friendly polymers mortar for floor covering based on dredged sediments of the north of France

The onshore management of marine and river sediments represents economic, environmental, and societal issues; these materials are considered as wastes after dredging. In the framework of the SEDIPLAST regional project, dredged sediments, which are considered as non-inert waste according to European regulation, are recovered as mineral aggregates in thermosetting polymeric matrix to formulate polymer mortars in the field of floor coverings. The formulations are optimized using the Packing Density Model, to determine the optimum density of the mixtures, thus allowing having the high mechanicals characteristics of material. These formulations are evaluated by mechanical, thermal, and chemical tests according to the French classification of durability which characterizes the soil of a locality according to its use (UPEC). The results showed that the polymer mortars including dredged sediments have excellent physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, such as low voids content and excellent chemical resistance properties. Finally, SEM observations of different mixtures allowed to give an explanation of the results observed in macroscopic scale.

Elastic Wood-Filled Floor Coverings for Children’s Play Areas

According to modern standards, all courtyard, school and public playgrounds on which gaming equipment is installed must undergo tests of shock absorption of the surface under and around the equipment to prevent serious injuries to the child. In this regard, widely spread coatings on the basis of rubber chips. However, they not only do not meet the aesthetic requirements, but can also worsen the environmental situation when operating indoors. The paper describes a method for producing composites from wood flour and a silicone binder. The effect of wood meal content on the water absorption of composites as well as the effect of silicone content on the density of the results of the research showed that an increase in the content of wood flour significantly increases the water absorption of the resulting composite, that the composite material obtained with the addition of filler from wood meal, the values ​​of the maximum and minimum elastic moment increased, since the presence of fillers imparts a restriction on the deformation of the composite, and, consequently, the composite becomes harder and harder. As a result of the studies carried out, it can be concluded that the use of silicone as binder and shredded wood waste as a filler makes it possible to obtain good quality elastic flooring with high aesthetic, operational and environmental properties.

The Influence of textile floor coverings on the indoor air quality

Textile floor coverings are often used in offices and residential buildings. Large areas like meeting rooms, cinemas, theaters and hotels are often equipped with such coverings. They contribute to the comfort of the users as they provide high pedaling comfort and sound absorption. The weakness of these building materials is due to the odor emission that is released from the floor covering, which affects the comfort of the users. A bad air quality and the resulting dissatisfaction can lead to lower employee productivity [1] [2]. The research project of the Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin (HTWBerlin) is promoted by the German Environment Agency (UBA). The project has the following title: Lowemission and low-odor building products for energy-efficient buildings - Development of requirements and concepts for the Blue Angel from a climate protection perspective; investigates the emission and odor behavior of textile floor coverings (Emissions- und geruchsarme Bauprodukte für energieeffiziente Gebäude - Entwicklung von Anforderungen und Konzepten für den Blauen Engel aus Klimaschutzsicht; untersucht das Emissions- und Geruchsverhalten textiler Bodenbeläge). The results of the study are shown in this paper.

Пульс мегаполиса. Напольные покрытия в качестве альтернативного источника энергии в зданиях общественного назначения, а также в общественных пространствах

Пульс мегаполиса. Напольные покрытия в качестве альтернативного источника энергии в зданиях общественного назначения, а также в общественных пространствах

Specifications of eco-materials and their influence in the design of modern furniture

The materials are an important segment of everyday life and their choice in the production of products is of a great importance. The choice of materials is influenced by certain technical requirements that are necessary to be met, and those requirements are density, strength, temperature stability, price, and material resistance. According to the origin, the materials are divided into natural/eco-materials and artificial/conventional. Eco materials are natural resources that are obtained directly from nature and can have a variety of benefits in the design of the home. The human and nature's symbiosis is an important foundation in the modern design industry. Adding the same to the home brings the warmth felt in nature. In the manufacture of modern furniture the following eco-materials are used: wood, stone, leather, metals, bamboo, cork and natural fibres. All these materials provide a pleasant ambience that is in harmony with nature without harming people's health. The wood used in the manufacture of furniture introduces warmth, naturalness, and attractiveness. The natural stone most often has a decorative role in the making of furniture. Natural leather is used for upholstery of furniture to add comfort and softness. Metal is used in furniture in order to give a special look. The bamboo has a significant role in furniture manufacture and is characterized by high toughness, easy processing, and durability. The cork, besides being used for insulation, has also been used in the manufacture of furniture, as well as decorative material. Natural fibres are used for upholstery of furniture and as floor coverings.

Measurement of in-room impact noise reduction

There are well-established measurement standards for the rating of impact noise reduction provided by floor coverings in relation to structurally transmitted impact noise, e.g. BS EN ISO 10140-3 and ASTM E492 are widely used in Europe and North America Respectively. Standardisation for “in-room” impact noise transmitted by an airborne path is however less well established. At the current time the standard used for rating the “in-room” impact sound reduction is BS EN 16205:2013 which focuses primarily on walking noise as a the impact source. This standard employs the same tapping machine used for impact improvement testing in BS EN ISO 10140-3 but has been found not to be ideal due to the mechanical noise it produces and because it is not fully representative of the walking loads that the standard primarily aims to address. There is currently no standard that deals with “in room” impact noise from falling objects which may be a greater concern than walking noise, for example in a healthcare or education setting. Thus, presented in the paper are the findings from a large measurement survey conducted to investigate the influence of impactor mass, hardness and velocity on measured “in room” impact noise reductions. Other measurands such as the reduction in impact force and floor acceleration are also considered. It is discussed in the paper how ‘In-room’ impact noise differs from transmitted impact noise and this is demonstrated by performing a transfer path analysis to separate out the impact noise contributions from a falling object and from the floor. The key finding of the study is that the whilst the impact noise reduction achieved by different floor coverings varies wildly for different impactor types the rank order of the floor coverings tested in terms of Impact noise reduction did not. Thus, the ideal test method may not be the one that simulates best the type of impacts a floor is likely to be subjected to, but rather, it ought to be the one that gives the biggest differences between similar floor coverings so as to highlight most clearly the differences between them.