Abstract: A system and method for testing floor coverings provides test data that not only permit meaningful comparisons of various types of floor coverings relative to each other but also permit accurate prediction of how the floor covering samples will perform in actual use. Floor covering testing is provided by repeatedly subjecting a floor covering sample to simulated footfall impacts. The simulated footfall impacts include normal and shear components that are selected based on actual physiological studies of the human gait. The floor covering testing is performed based on the expected pedestrian traffic to be encountered by the floor covering in use. In certain tests, the type of soil expected at the installation site is taken into consideration. The amount of soil retained by particular floor covering samples is measured. Additional tests measure pile retention, in the case of carpets, to predict changes in appearance through usage over time.

Abstract: A reciprocating pneumatic cylinder is mounted to drive a simulated heel at an angle of 15 to 20 degrees into a floor covering system which is mounted to move back and forth and rotate with respect to the heel impacts. The impacts are thereby varied in angle of attack over the surface of a test specimen and are simulative of human foot traffic. A carpet sample is stretched beneath the impacting heel over a cushion 56 which is unstretched. A bidirectional clamping assembly allows readings to be taken during a test to determine dimensional stability and rate of change of dimensional stability. The test specimen which results from multiple impacts has a central region which is heavily worked and an outer region which is subjected to fewer impacts, permitting a range or wear to be analyzed on a single specimen. Carpet response to soiling may also be examined on a test specimen.