Protect A Load with Friction Mat

8 Nov Blog

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Protect A Load Friction Mat Testing

Date : 16/01/2018
Ref: E00728
Author: Paul Dore,
BEMech, MIEAUST
Logistics Engineer, Engistics
Tel 0437 988 148
Reviewed: Mike Robertson
BEMech, CPEng, RPEQ
Managing Director, Engistics
Tel 0425 001 086

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Report Contents/Overview

• Introduction and Purpose of Testing
• Background – Tie Down Restraint
• Equipment and Set-up
• Methodology
• Results and Observations
• Conclusion

Introduction/Purpose of Testing

• Engistics has been engaged by Protect A Load to assist with testing the
  coefficient of friction of their Transport load matting (“Protect A Load Friction
  Matting”).
• Typical Australian trailer decks are made of steel and load matting is used to improve the grip between the load and the steel deck.
• The friction coefficient is a measure of the ‘grip’ between two surfaces. To
  determine this friction coefficient, we conduct tests by dragging loads and measuring the forces involved.
• Tests to determine the friction coefficient have been conducted in both wet and dry conditions.
• The test results published in this report only apply to the particular type of matting tested.
• Protect A Load should be aware that these results do not apply to other
  types of matting/rubber and should ensure matting types and manufacturer/suppliers are not changed without confirming equivalent friction.

Background – Tie-down Restraint

• Understanding Friction is critical for the tie-down method
• Friction is the force that resists motion (grips) between two surfaces

The Straps pull DOWN! and Friction Holds the Load BACK!

Friction is a function of only:

• The friction factor (Usually called the
  friction Coefficient) – the “grip” between two
  surfaces, and
• The down-force

Down-force is a combination of:

• The weight of the object
• The vertical

Equipment and Test Setup:

• To measure the friction coefficient, a steel drum has been dragged across the matting.
• The force required to drag the drum compared to the actual weight of the drum is a measure of the friction coefficient

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Friction Coefficient = Drag Force (kg.f) / Drum Weight (kg)

Equipment and Test Setup:
Load Cell Calibration Certificate

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Equipment and Test Setup: Test Weight Measurement

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• The steel drum was measured to be 733kg.
• The drum was observed to be smooth on the underside and free of significant corrosion.

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Methodology:

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• The load cell was setup in-line with the load.
• The ‘Peak hold’ function was used to measure the tension at the point of load movement.
• 5x tests were repeated with both wet and dry matting
• The static friction coefficient was determined as below:

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Friction Coefficient = Drag Force (kg.f) / Drum Weight (kg)

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• Generous amounts of water were poured onto the rubber (below the drum) before repeating the test.
• Lower friction coefficients were observed with water on the surface of the rubber.

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Results and Observations:

Tests showed pleasing consistency of results.

Photo of test surface – After test Completion

• The mat surface was smooth and free of any surface wearing on completion of the test.
• The drum did not bite into the matting. Results obtained are a true value of the steel/load mat friction coefficient.

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Conclusion

• The average coefficient of friction between the Friction Matting and a steel drum was determined to be μ=0.67 dry and μ = 0.6 wet
• Engistics recommends utilising the wet coefficient of friction only for determining tie down restraints.
• Testing has shown the rubber to be capable of achieving a consistent high level of friction.
• Please note that to achieve adequate restraint, additional consideration needs to be given to:

1. Blocking
2. Pre-tension
3. Lashing Angles
4. Weight of the Load

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