A Method for Measuring Fluid Pressures in the Shoe–Floor–Fluid Interface: Application to Shoe Tread Evaluation

Abstract

OCCUPATIONAL APPLICATIONS This study introduces a method for measuring fluid pressures in the shoe–floor interface. The novel method was then applied to shoes with varying tread depths. The rationale for this approach is that measuring fluid pressures can help to identify the reason for low friction and guide interventions for increasing slip resistance. High fluid pressures were observed in the absence of tread and the presence of high viscosity fluids. Fluid pressures were negligibly small when at least 1.5 mm of tread depth was present or when a low viscosity fluid was present. This study indicates that shoe tread is effective at channeling fluid out from the shoe–floor interface in the presence of highly viscous fluids. The presented methodology may be suitable for testing the performance of tread designs and establishing wear limits for shoe replacement.

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT Background: Fluid contaminants cause slipping accidents by reducing shoe–floor friction. Fluid pressures in the shoe–floor interface reduce contact between the surfaces and, thus, reduce friction between the surfaces. A technological gap for measuring fluid pressures, however, has impeded improved understanding of what factors influence these pressures. Purpose: This study aimed to introduce a technique for measuring fluid pressures under the shoe and to demonstrate the utility of the technique by quantifying the effects of tread depth and fluid viscosity on fluid pressures for two different shoes. Methods: A fluid pressure sensor embedded in the floor surface was used to measure fluid pressures, while a robotic slip-tester traversed the shoe over the floor surface. Multiple scans were collected to develop 2D fluid pressure maps across the shoe surface. Two shoe tread types (an athletic shoe and a work shoe), two fluids (high-viscosity diluted glycerol and a low-viscosity detergent solution), and three tread depths (full tread, half tread, and no tread) were tested, while fluid pressures were measured. Results: Untreaded shoes combined with a high-viscosity fluid resulted in high fluid pressures, while treaded shoes or low-viscosity fluids resulted in low fluid pressures. The increased fluid pressures that were observed for the untreaded shoes are consistent with tribology theory and evidence from human slipping studies. Conclusions: The methods described here successfully measured fluid pressures and yielded results consistent with tribological theory and human slipping experiments. This approach offers significant potential in evaluating the slip-resistance of tread designs and determining wear limits for replacing shoes.

KEYWORDS:

• Slip and fall accidents
• shoe tread
• fluid pressures

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH R01 OH008986-01), although it had no role in the design or execution of the study.