T81M: Underlay - Work Of Compression

AWTA TEST CODE

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T81M

OTHER NAMES

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TEST METHODS

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AS 4288
BS 4098
BS 5808

IMAGE

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Loads Applied To The Underlay Specimen On Thickness Guage

APPLICATION

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The method is applicable to fibrous, non-fibrous and combined underlays.

PRINCIPLE

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The compression and work of compression of a specimen of underlay, before and after being subjected to a specified dynamic loading regime, are determined over a given pressure range. This is a measure of the likely performance on the floor and is used to grade underlays into performance categories.

SAMPLES REQUIRED FOR TESTING

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A full width sample 1m in length in the machine production direction.

INTERPRETATION

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To give good on-floor performance, all underlays should comply with the following performance requirements for compression before and after dynamic loading and work of compression after dynamic loading:

1) Compression after dynamic loading: Min: 2mm, Max 7mm

2) Work of compression after dynamic loading: Min: 50J/m², Max: 200 J/m2

3) Retention of work of compression: 40%

Underlays can also be classified as suitable for different end-use applications in accordance with the performance levels shown by relating work of compression after dynamic loading versus work of compression after dynamic loading. The classifications are:

LD/U  Light domestic use, not suitable for stairs.

GD/U General domestic use.

L/U   Luxury use, domestic/contract, where high energy absorption is desirable.

GC/U General contract use, suitable for normal wheel and foot traffic.

AC/U Heavy contract use, suitable for heavy foot and wheel traffic and castor chairs.

SERVICE TARGET

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6 days.

COST

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See current Fees List.