The role of surface roughness in the measurement of slipperiness

Abstract

Surface roughness has been shown to have substantial effects on the slip resistance between shoe heels and floor surfaces under various types of walking environments. This paper summarizes comprehensive views of the current understanding on the roles of surface roughness on the shoe and floor surfaces in the measurement of slipperiness and discusses promising directions for future research. Various techniques and instruments for surface roughness measurements and related roughness parameters are reviewed in depth. It is suggested that a stylus-type profilometer and a laser scanning confocal microscope are the preferred instruments for surface roughness measurements in the field and laboratory, respectively. The need for developing enhanced methods for reliably characterizing the slip resistance properties is highlighted. This could be based on the principal understanding of the nature of shoe and floor interface and surface analysis techniques for characterizing both surfaces of shoe and floor. Therefore, surface roughness on both shoe and floor surfaces should be measured and combined to arrive at the final assessment of slipperiness. While controversies around the friction measurement for slipperiness assessment still remain, surface roughness measurement may provide an objective alternative to overcoming the limitations of friction measurements.

A Microscopic Finite Element Model of Shoe–Floor Hysteresis and Adhesion Friction

“…Improving friction through enhanced slip-resistant shoes and flooring designs is an effective strategy for reducing slip and fall injuries. Previous studies have developed empirical relationships between coefficient of friction and sliding speed [5,6], vertical force [5,7,8], shoe material and tread [9][10][11][12], and floor surface roughness [7,8,13]. However, each of these studies used a limited set of testing conditions, and the findings cannot be easily generalized or integrated given the complex interactions among the factors affecting friction [12].…”

Friction Coefficient of Rough Indoor Flooring Materials

“…Surface roughness is known to be a key factor in determining the slip resistanmce of the floors. Surface changes through mechanical wear ranged from smoothing to roughening [3,4] , depending on flooring material and surface characteristics.…”

Preferred surface microscopic geometric features on floors as potential interventions for slip and fall accidents on liquid contaminated surfaces

“…Although the contact interface between shoe and floor is complex, surface roughness plays a crucial role in determining surface friction (Chang, Kim, Manning, & Bunterngchit, 2001b). Understanding the role of surface roughness in friction can help floor manufacturers improve floor designs and can also help the end users properly select floor surfaces appropriate for their applications as well as assess the safety of existing floor surfaces.…”

“…There are various profilometers using different methods, such as stylus, optics or atomic force (Chang et al, 2001b). The most common and least expensive method is the profilometers using a stylus.…”