Standards Update. COF Major Changes to North American Criteria. Thin Tile - Overview and Specification Challenges

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1 Standards Update COF Major Changes to North American Criteria Thin Tile - Overview and Specification Challenges Bill Griese Standards Development and Green Initiative Manager bgriese@tileusa.com

2 North America is switching from Static COF with ASTM C1028 method to Dynamic COF with BOT 3000

3 ANSI A137.1 has always specified ASTM C1028 for coefficient of friction test results There has never been a requirement in ANSI or any other governing body (i.e. OSHA, ADA, etc.) ADA used to have a 0.6 COF recommendation in an old Access Board document that was removed because it did not specify a test method or condition (wet or dry) However, many projects have long required 0.6 SCOF measured by ASTM C1028.

4 Variables that can affect results (testing requires experienced skilled technician) Pulling motion Sanding pressure Availability of Neoliterubber material Stiction Affects measurement of polished and highly smooth surfaces No standardized reference value

5 May occur when measuring wet static COF of polished or very smooth surfaces Like two wet pieces of glass sticking together Possible to generate higher COF results which may give a false expectation of slip resistance

6 No standard value exists: This causes a risk that the manufacturer might be held responsible for failure to warn or strict liability (to provide a safe product) when a slip occurs in the absence of a defined standard. Most commercial projects blindly require tile that meets or exceeds ASTM C1028 SCOF value of 0.6 without regard for stictioneffect.

7 For tiles expected to be walked on when wet, ANSI A137.1 now specifies 0.42 DCOF measured with the BOT 3000 per the procedure in the A137.1 standard

8 Definitions help differentiate between the two methods How they are measured How the results differ The definitions clearly state that SCOF is higher than DCOF on most surfaces Definitions point to effects from contaminants

9 Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF): Sometimes called kinetic coefficient of friction. This is the ratio of the force necessary to keep a surface already in motion sliding over another divided by the weight (or normal force) of an object. This force is a materials property of the two surfaces. DCOF is usually less than SCOF for the same materials. Contaminants such as dirt, water, soap, oil, or grease can change this value. Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF): This is the ratio of the force necessary for a surface to begin sliding over another divided by the weight (or normal force) of an object This force is a materials property of the two surfaces. SCOF is usually higher than DCOF for the same materials. Contaminants such as dirt, water, soap, oil, or grease can change this value.

10 Dynamic testing is done in many other countries Generally more repeatable predictor of slip resistance DCOF is a more suitable test of polished and highly smooth surfaces DCOF measures COF when sensor is already in motion, which better simulates human ambulation at the time of a slip.

11 Why the BOT 3000? Measures wet and dry, static and dynamic coefficient of friction Easy to use with little possibility of human error Self-propelled device Uses various sensor materials

12 Extensive research done at the University of Wuppertal in Germany Studied various devices, sensor materials, and wetting agents

13 Extensive research done at the University of Wuppertal in Germany The BOT 3000 had a good correlation to the German Ramp (considered by many as the Gold Standard ) and GMG 100 (current device specified by the German Worker s Compensation Board) BOT 3000 and German Ramp (r 2 =0.879) BOT 3000 and GMG 100 (r 2 =0.926) Note: r 2 of 1.00 is ideal

14 TCNA has conducted multiple studies over the past 5-6 years to find the most repeatable and reproducible method Static vs. Dynamic COF DI water vs. SLS water (slightly soapy water used in German research) BOT 3000 vs. C1028 BOT 3000 vs. British Pendulum Designed a specialized sanding device for BOT 3000 sensors to eliminate variation from sanding

15 BOT 3000 testing method (ANSI A137.1 Section 9.6) Dynamic COF (DCOF) testing with 0.05% SLS water SBR Sensor resurfaced with sanding device after each set of four measurements

16 TCNA Sanding Device Radius matches radius of BOT 3000 sensor Provides consistent pressure on sensor Sensor is resurfaced every 4 measurements 400 Grit Sandpaper Sensor

17 BOT 3000 testing method (ANSI A137.1 Section 9.6) Test at least 3 representative tiles (additional samples required if more than 3 texture variations exist) Four measurements on each tile Average of each piece of tile reported separately

18 Test Method Precision Measurement Consistency: Device consistency (solid state electronics) Consistency of the sensor materials (well- documented SBR material made to DIN specification) Sensor preparation (TCNA sanding device) Only remaining variability is the variability of the tile surface!

19 Video Demonstration 1

20 Video Demonstration 2

21 Video Demonstration 3

22 There is a DCOF Threshold Value included in ANSI A for level interior spaces expected to be walked upon when wet. Note: Minimum threshold value is found in the specification tables for mosaic tile, quarry tile, pressed floor tile, and porcelain tiles, as well as, section of ANSI A

23 Because many variables affect the risk of a slip occurring, the COF shall not be the only factor in determining the appropriateness of a tile for a particular application. Multiple factors that affect the possibility of a slip occurring on a tile surface are listed.

24 The specifiershall determine tiles appropriate for specific project conditions, considering by way of example, but not in limitation, type of use, traffic, expected contaminants, expected maintenance, expected wear, and manufacturers guidelines and recommendations. Footnote: The COF of installed tiles can change over time as a result of wear and surface contaminants. In addition to regular cleaning, deep cleaning and traction-enhancing maintenance may be needed periodically to maintain DCOF values.

25 The presence on installed tiles of water (including standing water as can exist on floors which are not properly sloped for drainage or on exterior tiles immediately after a rain storm or on which snow is melting), oil, grease, and any other elements which reduce traction, creates slippery conditions where the risk of a slip or fall cannot be completely eliminated.

26 Also in Section Tile installations with exposure to such elements require extra caution in product selection, use, and maintenance. The risk of a slip can be diminished but not eliminated in these installations by installing tiles with a structured/textured surface, mosaic tiles, or certain extruded unglazed quarry tiles. The specifiershall shall follow manufacturers guidelines and recommendations for these products.

27 When tested using SLS solution as per the procedure in section 9.6.1, tiles with a wet DCOF of less than 0.42, (including by way of example, but not in limitation, polished tiles), shall only be installed when the surface will be kept dry when walked upon and proper safety procedures will be applied when cleaning the tiles.

28 0.42 value stems from the research done at the University of Wuppertal over ten years to establish threshold values in DIN used by the German Workers Compensation Board. Various human subjects walked on force plates to determine actual force requirements to reduce accidents.

29 University of Wuppertal researchers determined threshold in two ways: Accident Statistics: Required DCOF -threshold determined to be 0.36 Hazard Awareness: Required DCOF when hazard awareness is elevated threshold determined to be 0.35

30 The German researchers conducted a validation study with additional human subjects and based on their perception of slipperiness and to incorporate additional safety criteria, the value was set at TCNA Comparison of over 300 tile surfaces: 0.6 SCOF correlated with 0.38 DCOF (w/sls).

31 A137.1 specifies 0.42 to follow German Research and include additional measure of safety over current level

32 With no standard value there is a risk that the manufacturer might be held responsible for failure to warn or strict liability (to provide a safe product) when a slip occurs in the absence of a defined standard. Reference to old SCOF method will remain available when specifiers still ask for Most commercial projects blindly require tile that meets or exceeds ASTM C1028 SCOF value of 0.6 without regard for stictioneffect.

33 TCNA Handbook insert Information on our website Seminar at Coverings TCNA press breakfast at Coverings TCNA Press Release Articles in Industry Magazines Online banner ads

34 Testing products! Educating! Adding information to websites Link to TCNA s information Educating clients about the change Educating the architectural community about the change Using connections (AIA, CSI, etc.) National architectural publications Local chapter newsletters Press releases to reinforce TCNA general press release

35 Questions on COF? Helpful Contacts: Katelyn Simpson Claudio Bizzaglia

36 Now... A Brief Discussion on Thin Tile

37 Thin Tile Generally, any tile 5.5 mm thick or less Options for reinforced or non-reinforced backing Several Different Types (based on type of manufacture), including... Lamina Technology Continua -Fed Presses Traditional Dust Pressed

38 Thin Tile Advantages Environmental Reduced material used in production Reduced energy for production/square foot Reduced energy for transport/square foot New interior design options Tile over tile Large panels available Potential bending applications with unique reinforced products

39 Material Properties Thin Tile Concerns Generally, weaker than thicker tiles Lower breaking strength Lower impact resistance More prone to failure from improper coverage More prone to edge-chipping from lippage

40 Thin Tile Concerns No product standards established Definitions for different types of products and quality specifications for each type Strength and flexibility Water absorption Bonding ability, especially reinforced products Reinforcement quality Sizing and planarity Mechanical behavior of reinforced tiles are very different from nonreinforced tiles

41 Thin Tile Concerns Lack of guidance on proper installation No industry standards or guidelines No way to specify suitable products (lack of product standards) A very different experience with different techniques

42 Thin Tile Things being considered... Full coverage is essential... experimentation of new techniques with unique trowels

43 Thin Tile Things being considered... Even with 100% coverage, are thin tiles strong enough? So far, observed failures tend to be compressive in nature

44 Thin Tile Things being considered... Can the bending ability of some reinforced products introduce new methodologies for wood construction? Do different types of thin tiles (i.e. lamina vs. dust-pressed) need to be specified for different applications? Are all lamina products created equal? Are all continua products created equal? Are all pressed products created equal? A product standard is very much needed before we will know which products to specify.

45 What s Next for Thin Tile? Product standards being developed internationally (ISO TC 189 Committee on Ceramic Tile) North American installation guidelines likely to be developed based on research at TCNA Perhaps, improved products and installation quality and greater North American market acceptance

46 Thank You! Questions/Discussion? Bill Griese Standards Development and Green Initiative Manager