Slip analysis of surface-processed limestones

This study was conducted to determine suitable surface-processing techniques which would enhance pedestrian safety by reducing the risk of slipping on wet floor coverings on which they walk barefoot. In the scope of the study, slip angles of surface-processed limestones on three different plate dimensions were determined by following the DIN 51097 standard, ‘The determination of the characteristics that reduce slipping on wet, barefoot surfaces’. Three different surface-processing techniques (polishing, honing and tumbling) were applied on six different types of limestone samples and slip angles were calculated by using an inclined plane method. It was found that the parameters which affected slip angle values of the limestones were surface roughness, plate size, grain size of the abrasives used for surface processing, mineralogical–petrographical properties of the rock, as well as physico- mechanical properties. Slip angle and surface roughness values of the polished, honed and tumbled limestones in the preferred plate sizes in this research were statistically evaluated. The statistical analyses have indicated that there is a statistically significant difference in slip angles and surface roughnesses at a significance level of 0·05 among all plate sizes and surface processes.