ASTM_F_1679_-_04e1.pdf

Designation:F 1679 04e1An American National StandardStandard Test Method forUsing a Variable Incidence Tribometer(VIT)1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1679;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon(e)indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.e1NOTESection 11 was corrected editorially in July 2005.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers the operational procedures forusing a variable incidence tribometer2(VIT)for determiningthe slip resistance of planar walkway surfaces or walkwaysurrogates(test surfaces)and can be used for footwear bottommaterials and surrogates(test feet)in either the laboratory orfield under dry,wet,or contaminated conditions.This testmethod does not address all methodological issues(for ex-ample,test surface and test foot material selection and prepa-ration,experimental design,or report preparation).1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas the standard.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:F 1646 Terminology Relating to Safety and Traction forFootwear33.Terminology3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of terms,refer to Terminol-ogy F 1646.4.Significance and Use4.1 The VIT is designed to determine the slip resistance ofwalkway surfaces or surrogates and footwear bottom materialsor surrogates under field or laboratory conditions so that theirslip-resistant properties may be evaluated.4.2 The measurement made by this apparatus relates to slipresistance.Other factors such as environmental conditions canaffect slip resistance.When this test method is used in fieldtests,relevant factors shall be described.5.Apparatus5.1 Mast AssemblyA rigid metal frame attached to thechassis with a hinge joint permitting its inclination to any anglefrom vertical to 45.A hand wheel is attached between themast assembly and the chassis to adjust the angle of the mast.The top of the mast assembly consists of a round metal handlethat can be used to carry the tester or to apply a downwardforce while testing to prevent slippage.A pointer on the mastassembly indicates the slip index value for each inclination ofthe mast.5.2 Actuating CylinderA pneumatic cylinder mounted tothe mast assembly by a hinged joint to permit the test footassembly to swing when a slip occurs.5.3 Test Foot AssemblyThe combination of(1)the actu-ating cylinder,(2)the piston,(3)a round aluminum shoe thatscrews onto a nylon nut holding it on the piston ball joint,(4)the test foot that is glued onto the shoe,and(5)a spring thatholds the shoe perpendicular to the piston.5.4 Pressure SystemThe pneumatic system that drives theactuating cylinder consists of a 12-g carbon dioxide cylinder,tubing that runs to a variable pressure regulator,and tubing thatruns to the actuating valve.Pressing the actuating valvepressurizes the actuating cylinder and drives the test foot ontothe surface being tested.6.Test Foot Preparation and Test Surfaces6.1 Test Foot Preparation:1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F13 onPedestrian/Walkway Safety and Footwear and is the direct responsibility ofSubcommittee F13.10 on Traction.Current edition approved Sept.1,2004.Published September 2004.Originallyapproved in 1996.Last previous edition approved in 2000 as F 1679 00.2The English XLis covered by a patent held by William English.The sole sourceof supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time is William English,Inc.,20500 North River Rd.,Alva,FL 33920.If you are aware of alternativesuppliers,please provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters.Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsibletechnical committee1,which you may attend.3For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.1Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959,United States.6.1.1 Securely attach a 1.25-in.diameter disc of the desiredtest foot material to the round aluminum shoe.Attachmentmethods include epoxy cement,super glue,or double-sidedcarpet tape cut to fit the size of the foot.6.1.2 Preparation of the test foot surface will depend on thematerial,and should be described in detail in reporting so it canbe reproduced.If footwear bottom material or surrogate isused,employ a preparation method suitable for that material.6.1.3 If Neolite4Test Liner is used,use 180 grit siliconcarbide