Prediction of slips: an evaluation of utilized coefficient of friction and available slip resistance

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between measures of floor surface slip resistance and an individual's peak utilized coefficient of friction (COFU) on the probability of a slip occurring during level walking. Video, kinematic and ground reaction force data were recorded simultaneously as subjects walked at a self-selected speed during conditions of normal and reduced floor surface slip resistance. Peak COFU during weight acceptance was calculated and the available floor surface slip resistance was measured using the variable incidence tribometer (VIT). Separate logistic regression analyses identified that knowledge of the available slip resistance (as measured by the VIT) in combination with an individual's peak COFU allowed for greater accuracy in classifying slip outcomes (89.5%; p = 0.004), while knowledge of only the available slip resistance reduced the accuracy of categorization to 78.9% (p = 0.021).

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

“…4), the ratio of real contact area to normal force (A c /F N ) should be proportional to the adhesion coefficient of friction (Eqs. [3][4][5]. The A c /F N was averaged across the second loading step (Fig.…”

“…According to Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, fall accidents had the highest percentage of cost growth trends among the most disabling workplace injuries between 1998 and 2010 [2]. Previous research has reported an increase in the probability of slips and falls when the available coefficient & Kurt E. Beschorner beschorn@pitt.edu of friction between shoe and floor becomes less than the required coefficient of friction [3,4]. Improving friction through enhanced slip-resistant shoes and flooring designs is an effective strategy for reducing slip and fall injuries.…”

Barefoot-Pedestrian Tribometry: In Vivo Method of Measurement of Available Friction between the Human Heel and the Walkway

“…Burnfield and Powers 17) set pedestrians across a lubricated force-plate, and used logistic regression to predict pedestrian slips, separately using the difference between available and utilized/required friction (as did Hanson 16) ) and just available friction as the independent variable. They determined that, while the friction difference gave the most accurate results, available friction alone also proved "accurate.…”

Injuries Associated With Bathtubs and Showers Among Children in the United States

“…Our discussion focuses on COF measured at the start of motion (static), rather than during motion (kinetic). Slip resistance (measured as static COF) is a good predictor of slips, 26,27 with a person being less likely to fall with a higher COF. Many factors can affect friction, however, including water, sweat, dirt, oil, skin condition, and wear of the bathtub or shower floor surface.…”