Animat Inc. Interlock Flooring System – walking way cover

Deformability and elasticity

The deformability is measured in new condition and following permanent tread load with a round steel foot (diameter of 105 mm and therefore a contact area of 75 cm²) and a penetration force of 2,000 N (corresponding to approx. 200 kg).

Permanent tread load

The permanent tread load is measured on a test stand with a round steel foot in the standard test programme with 250,000 alternating loads at 5,000 N (corresponding to approx. 500 kg). The steel foot is adapted to the natural conditions as an “artificial cow foot”. The foot has a diameter of 105 mm and therefore a contact area of 75 cm²; the carrying edge of the hoof is simulated by a 5 mm wide ring on the periphery of the sole that projects 1 mm above the rest of the surface.

Abrasion test

In a standardised abrasion test with 10.000 cycles the top cover was grinded with an emery cloth (granulation 280) and a grinding pressure of 500 N (= 8.1 N/cm² surface pressure). The friction element was cooled continuous with water to prevent an influence of the generated heat during the abrasion test. The size of the grinded  area was 61,5 cm².

Slip resistance

The measurements were carried out with the ComfortControl test rig of the DLG test centre. A loaded (10 kg) round plastic foot (105 mm diameter, with a contact area of 70 cm², 3 mm wide ring at the periphery of the ground) was pulled with a velocity of 20 mm/s across the mat.

Acid resistance

A permanent dipping test in accor­dance to DIN EN ISO 175:2000 (performance of synthetic material against liquid chemicals) was carried out. Test samples (size 30 mm x 30 mm) were completely dipped into different test liquids for 24 hours and 28 days (room temperature 20° Celsius). In the 28 days test the liquids were changed weekly. After the 28 days the samples were washed with distillate water and dried for 24 hours. Before and after the dipping the weight, the dimensions and the shore hardness (shore A) of the test samples were measured. Additional visual evaluation was done for alterations like colour changing, swelling, destruction or crystallisation. All samples were evaluated in comparison to the standard water.

Cleaning distance

In test stand trials with a high ­pressure cleaner (approximately 145 bar, exposure period 1 minute with a 25° flat jet nozzle and a coarse dirt remover) the distance was measured where no damage occurs.

Deformability and elasticity

In the penetration test in new condition with a round steel foot (artificial cow´s foot) having a ­diameter of 105 mm (contact area 75 cm², with a 5 mm wide ring at the periphery of the sole, which projects 1 mm over the rest of the surface (carrying edge of the claw)) and a penetration force of 2.000 N (corresponding to ca. 200 kg), penetration depth was 1.7 mm.  This results in a calculated surface pressure of 26.67 N/cm². Elasticity was measured after the mat had been exposed to a permanent tread load exerted by the steel foot (250.000 alternating loads of 5.000 N). After the endurance test, the penetration depth of the mat increased to 1.8 mm (see Fig. 2). Evaluation see Table 1.

Permanent tread load

After the mat had been exposed to a permanent tread load exerted with 250.000 alternating loads of 5.000 N (corresponding to ca. 500 kg), the mat showed no appreciable wear on the surface and little wear on the grooves. Lasting deformation could not be observed. Evaluation see Table 1.

Abrasion test

The abrasion depth after 10,000 cycles amounted to 2.0 mm, this corresponds to approximately 10 % of the mat thickness. Of the ground surface 10.4 grams were rubbed off. Evaluation see Table 1.

Slip resistance

The slide pulling tests showed a good slip resistance on the dry or wet mat surface in new condition. The measured friction coefficients (μ) all surpassed the minimal value of μ = 0.45 which speaks for a good foothold. Evaluation see Table 1.