Development of new footwear sole surface pattern for prevention of slip-related falls

作者：Yamaguchi Takeshi^*; Umetsu Tomoki; Ishizuka Yusuke; Kasuga Kenichi; Ito Takayuki; Ishizawa Satoru; Hokkirigawa Kazuo

来源：Safety Science, 2012, 50(4): 986-994.

DOI：10.1016/j.ssci.2011.12.017

• Coefficient of friction
• Fall
• Footwear
• Slip
• Rubber

In this study, a new rubber surface pattern for a footwear sole was developed to prevent slip-related falls. This pattern shows a high static coefficient of friction (SCOF) and a high dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) when sliding against a liquid contaminated surface. A hybrid rubber block, in which a rubber block with a rough surface (Ra = 30.4 mu m) was sandwiched between two rubber blocks with smooth surfaces (Ra = 0.98 mu m), was prepared. The ratio of the rough surface area to the whole rubber block surface area r was 0%, 30%, 50%, 80%, and 100%. The coefficient of friction of the rubber blocks was measured when sliding against a stainless steel plate with Ra of 0.09 mu m contaminated with a 90% aqueous solution of glycerol. While the SCOF increased with an increase of the rough surface area ratio r, the DCOF during steady-state sliding decreased with an increase of the rough surface area ratio r. The rough surface area ratio of 50% achieved a SCOF value around 0.5 or more and a DCOF value greater than 0.5. Furthermore, the difference in the value of the SCOF and DCOF was the smallest for the rubber block with r of 50%. The results indicated that the rubber block with r of 50% would be applicable to a footwear sole surface pattern to prevent slip and fall accidents on contaminated surfaces.

• 出版日期2012-4