What is Dry Floor Friction Testing?
- Ben Yarham
- Oct 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Dry floor friction testing is a widely used method for assessing slip resistance on dry pedestrian surfaces. This testing method measures the dynamic coefficient of friction (CoF), helping determine whether a surface provides adequate traction under dry conditions.
Dry floor friction testing is commonly used across:
Commercial buildings
Retail environments
Office spaces
Shopping centres
Hospitals
Schools
Internal walkways
Entry areas that remain dry
Because many indoor environments are expected to remain dry during normal use, dry floor friction testing provides relevant and practical safety data.
How Dry Floor Friction Testing Works
Dry floor friction testing measures slip resistance by pulling a weighted rubber slider across a dry surface at a controlled speed. As the slider moves across the surface, the resistance encountered is measured and converted into a dynamic coefficient of friction (CoF).
Higher CoF values indicate greater slip resistance, while lower values indicate higher slip risk.
Testing is conducted on dry surfaces, which makes this method particularly suitable for indoor environments where water exposure is unlikely.
This testing method provides objective and repeatable results, allowing building owners and facility managers to assess slip risk and compliance.
The Tortus Dry Floor Friction Tester
In Australia, the Tortus series of self-powered tribometers, manufactured in the United Kingdom, is the most commonly used equipment for dry floor friction testing.
The Tortus device is designed to:
Operate at a consistent speed
Maintain controlled testing conditions
Provide repeatable measurements
Assess dynamic friction performance
Because the device is self-powered, it eliminates inconsistencies that may occur with manual testing methods. This improves reliability and accuracy when measuring slip resistance.
Dry floor friction testing using the Tortus tribometer is commonly referred to as Floor Friction Testing (FFT).
Understanding Coefficient of Friction Results
Dry floor friction testing produces a Coefficient of Friction (CoF) result. This value indicates how much resistance exists between the slider and the floor surface.
Generally, a CoF result greater than 0.40 is considered acceptable in most dry pedestrian environments.
Values below this threshold may indicate:
Increased slip risk
Surface wear or polishing
Inadequate flooring selection
Maintenance or cleaning issues
These results help identify areas that may require remedial action or further assessment.
Where Dry Floor Friction Testing is Used
Dry floor friction testing is suitable for a wide range of dry surfaces, including:
Polished tiles
Vinyl flooring
Epoxy coatings
Polished concrete
Timber flooring
Stone surfaces
Internal walkways
Retail flooring
Because testing is conducted in dry conditions, it is particularly useful for indoor environments.
When Dry Floor Friction Testing Should Not Be Used
Dry floor friction testing is not suitable for surfaces that are likely to become wet or remain wet for extended periods.
This includes areas such as:
External walkways
Pool surrounds
Bathrooms
Commercial kitchens
Entryways exposed to rain
Outdoor ramps
In these environments, wet conditions create different slip risks. For these areas, wet pendulum slip testing is typically the appropriate alternative.
Selecting the correct testing method is important to ensure results accurately reflect real-world conditions.
Dry Floor Friction Testing and Australian Standards
Dry floor friction testing is commonly used as part of risk assessment and safety evaluation. While not always directly tied to P classifications, CoF results are widely used to assess dry slip resistance performance.
Testing is often conducted:
During safety audits
Following incidents
As part of compliance reviews
After floor installation
After cleaning or maintenance changes
This helps building owners and facility managers better understand surface safety and slip risk.
Why Dry Floor Friction Testing is Widely Used
Dry floor friction testing provides:
Objective measurements
Repeatable results
On-site testing capability
Fast assessment of slip risk
Reliable dry-condition data
These advantages make dry floor friction testing a valuable tool for dry pedestrian surface assessment.
Professional Dry Floor Friction Testing
Australian Slip Testing and Australian Slip Ratings provides professional dry floor friction testing across Australia and in- lab using Tortus tribometer equipment.
Testing can be conducted:
On-site
During construction
After installation
During safety audits
Following incidents
Dry floor friction testing helps ensure surfaces provide adequate traction and reduced slip risk under dry conditions.
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