Relationship between the Measured Friction Coefficient and Tread Groove Depth on Footwear Pad under Different Floor and Surface Conditions

在不同地板與地面狀況下鞋材紋路深度與摩擦係數量測值之關係

10.7005/JOSH.200903.0018

李開偉(Kai-Way Li)

摩擦力 ； 迴歸模型 ； 滑倒與跌倒 ； 鞋底紋路設計 ； Friction ； Regression model ； Slip & fall ； Shoe-sole tread groove design

勞工安全衛生研究季刊

17卷1期（2009 / 03 / 01）

18 - 28

英文

Slips and falls are common in both workplaces and our daily activities. The risks associated with slips and falls are related to the materials of footwear/floor, contamination condition, and geometric design of the sole. Tread pattern of the shoe affects friction at the footwear-floor interface. Verification of the effects of tread groove depth is important in helping the managers and/or supervisors in selecting and replacing proper footwear for workers exposed to slippery floors. In this study, friction measurements were conducted on terrazzo, steel, and vinyl floors under three liquid-contaminated conditions using footwear pads with tread groove depth from 1 to 5 mm. The results showed that tread groove depth affected COF significantly. Higher COF readings were obtained for footwear pads with deeper tread grooves. A regression models was established to describe the relationship between measured COF and tread groove depth for the three floors under wet and water-detergent contaminated conditions. The model was significant at p＜0.0001 with an R^2 of 0.90. Recommended tread groove depths on footwear to prevent slip and fall incidences were proposed based on this model.

Slips and falls are common in both workplaces and our daily activities. The risks associated with slips and falls are related to the materials of footwear/floor, contamination condition, and geometric design of the sole. Tread pattern of the shoe affects friction at the footwear-floor interface. Verification of the effects of tread groove depth is important in helping the managers and/or supervisors in selecting and replacing proper footwear for workers exposed to slippery floors. In this study, friction measurements were conducted on terrazzo, steel, and vinyl floors under three liquid-contaminated conditions using footwear pads with tread groove depth from 1 to 5 mm. The results showed that tread groove depth affected COF significantly. Higher COF readings were obtained for footwear pads with deeper tread grooves. A regression models was established to describe the relationship between measured COF and tread groove depth for the three floors under wet and water-detergent contaminated conditions. The model was significant at p＜0.0001 with an R^2 of 0.90. Recommended tread groove depths on footwear to prevent slip and fall incidences were proposed based on this model.