How do you test a floor?

One of the frequent requests we get in Technical Services is "can I use your adhesive to stick flooring X to substrate Y?"  There are a number of theoretical ways to test this but one of the best methods of practically evaluating the performance of the system is with the Universal Floor Tester.  For years, the "Robinson Test" (ASTM test method C627) has been part of the arsenal of tests performed to determine the suitability of a system of tile installation.  The tester that MAPEI uses to perform C627 testing is called the Universal Floor Tester.  (Please also see Cris Bierschank's related blog post on why it is important to know the Service Rating of a floor)

The test starts out by actually constructing the system to be evaluated on a standard slab, typically 42"x42" of poured concrete that has cured at least 28 days.  The test can also be run over exterior grade plywood if that is the substrate of interest.  Once the system is assembled and cured, it is placed on the testing machine and weighted wheels rotate over the assembly.  First soft rubber wheels with increasing weight are used, then hard rubber wheels, then steel wheels.  This simulates the rolling loads that a real floor might see in a commercial environment where carts, suitcases, beds, or other wheeled devices will be acting on the surface.  The test ends when the system fails (either the tile chips or the grout fails, or both).  The Terrazzo Tile and Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) has created an informative article on the Universal Floor Tester that goes into more detail on how the test is 'scored.'

Because MAPEI is owned by the Squinzi family and the Squinzi family believes in investing in new and better testing, we were fortunate enough to purchase a new Universal Tester this year.  The new tester replaces the unit that has served us well for 15 years.  It has fancier electronics and can simulate the growth of a crack under the substrate.  This is important for testing crack isolation membranes and substrates where cracking may be an issue.  Our old Universal Tester isn't going to waste however, it has found a new home with the Tile Council of North America (TCNA).  Our hope is that having a Universal Tester will allow TCNA to compare the results of this unit with the traditional Robinson Tester that they use and lead to an improved standard for the entire industry.

By using devices like the Universal Floor Tester, MAPEI can better answer questions from installers and architects that want to make sure they are using the right product for the right situation.  By investing in new technology, we can look even further under the surface to make sure every piece of the system is doing its job.