Specification
TRAFFICMASTER SUPPORTS SOLUTIONS FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OUR
INDUSTRY.
AS A MEMBER OF THE TILE COUNCIL OF NORTH AMERICA, WE TEST OUR PRODUCTS
TO THE NEWEST INDUSTRY STANDARD INCLUDING DYNAMIC COEFFICIENT
OF
FRICTION DCOF). DCOF ASSESSES A PRODUCT’S SUITABILITY FOR SPECIFIC USABILITY
NEEDS OF THE APPLICATION.
FRICTION CHARACTERISTICS
Friction is the force that resists the slippage of one surface against another. Contami-
nants, such as liquids, can alter the measurement of friction. There are two types of
friction: static (SCOF) and dynamic (DCOF). SCOF is the ratio of forces necessary to start
two surfaces sliding. This is what the former American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) C1028 static test measured. DCOF is the ratio of forces necessary to keep two
surfaces sliding.
Similar to measuring the speed of a car in both mph and kph, friction can also be mea-
sured on two scales (DCOF and SCOF). The new 0.42 wet (DCOF) is replacing the old refer-
ence of 0.60 COF wet, which has long been the benchmark for friction in commercial
applications. The more stringent DCOF uses a portable robot that gives realistic values on
very smooth surfaces.
WATER ABSORPTION, ASTM C373-88
Water absorption is measured using ASTM C373-88. Individual tiles are weighed, saturat-
ed with water, then weighed again. The percent difference between the two conditions
is referred to as the water absorption value. Tiles are classified according to water absorp-
tion percentages as follows:
Impervious Tiles exhibiting 0.5% or less.
Vitreous Tiles exhibiting more than 0.5%, but not more than 3.0%.
Semi-Vitreous Tiles exhibiting more than 3.0%, but not more than 7.0%.
Non-Vitreous Tiles exhibiting more than 7.0%.
SCRATCH HARDNESS – MOHS SCALE RATINGS
The relative hardness of glazed tile is an important issue that should be addressed when
selecting a tile. The test is performed by scratching the surface of the tile with different
minerals and subjectively assigning a “Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness” number to the
glaze. The softest mineral used is talc
(“1” rating)—the hardest is a diamond (“10” rating).
Other minerals of varying hardness providing Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness values of 5
or more are suitable for most residential floor applications. A value of 7 or greater is
normally recommended for commercial applications.
BREAKING STRENGTH CERAMIC TILE, ASTM C -
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE, ASTM C
-
Chemical resistance is measured using ASTM C650-04. A tile sample is placed in continu-
ous contact with a variety of chemicals for 24 hours, rinsing the surface and then examin-
ing the surface for visible variation.
FROST RESISTANCE
Commonly accepted industry criteria recommend that, for frost-prone areas, tiles must
have 5% or less water absorption. Wall tile must not exceed 20% water absorption and
can’t be labeled as frost resistant.
SPECIFICATION STANDARDS
AND REGULATIONS
CERAMIC
TEST RESULTS
PAGE -
Ceramic tiles used on floors and walls must be able to withstand the expected load
bearing capacity of various installations. The tile industry uses ASTM C648-04 to deter-
mine the strength and durability of the tile. A force is applied to an unsupported speci-
men until breakage occurs. The ultimate breaking strength is recorded typically in
pounds or Newtons. Tile integrity is critically dependent upon proper installation; Trac-
Master recommends adherence to industry installation guidelines set forth in ANSI A108,
A118 and A136.