Test method for measuring resistance of industrial floor overlays to impact loading

Durability of industrial floors depends to a great extent on the quality of floor surface, which must be highly resistant to mechanical loads, chemical attack and other types of influence. In order to choose the correct overlay material, it is necessary to define relevant characteristics and use reliable test methods. In this work, the new method is shown developed specifically to test the resistance of industrial floor overlays to impact loading. Compared to other standard test methods, the method suggested here has been adapted to the demands of industrial environments with respect to impact load size, specimen dimensions and shape, as well as boundary conditions. Laboratory tests have been carried out on specimens 40 × 40 × 10 cm and 100 × 100 × 10 cm, and a floor structure with layout dimensions 2.6 × 3.5 m, using different types of overlays. A theoretical model of industrial floor overlay under impact loading has been formulated with the help of the analysis package COSMOS/M, using various parameters such as specimen size and overlay characteristics for the sake of detail evaluation of their particular influence.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]