EN 14903:2018

Overview

EN 14903:2018 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies a precise test method for determining rotational friction on multi-sports floor systems designed for indoor use. Excluding synthetic turf, this method measures the frictional interaction between sports surfaces and a rotating test foot under vertical load. The standard is applicable to both laboratory and on-site testing, ensuring consistent evaluation of surface safety and performance within sports facilities.

The standard covers the entire testing protocol- from sample preparation and conditioning to measurement, reporting, and result evaluation-making it essential for manufacturers, installers, and facility managers who prioritize safe and durable sports flooring.

Key Topics

• Scope and Applicability
  Focuses on indoor multi-sports floor systems, excluding synthetic turf, assessing friction using a rotating foot to simulate athlete movements.

• Testing Principle
  The test foot rotates under a constant vertical load, with torque recorded during contact and sliding phases on the sports surface. Friction coefficient µ is calculated from this torque.

• Sampling and Specimen Preparation

  • Laboratory testing: Requires test sections representative of the floor type (area elastic, point elastic, combi-elastic).
  • On-site testing: Involves direct measurement on installed sports floors at multiple points.
  • Conditioning requirements for temperature and humidity ensure reproducible results.

• Test Apparatus

  • The iconic Stuttgart sliding machine is used, including a vertical shaft, wobble hinge, leather sliding skids, and a torque measuring cell.
  • The test sole is leather, pre-conditioned and roughened per EN 660-1 and ISO 21948 standards.

• Measurement and Data Analysis

  • Torque is captured continuously and plotted to distinguish the contact phase from the sliding phase.
  • The decisive torque is derived by intersecting linear fits on the graph, providing a reliable value to calculate the friction coefficient.
  • Multiple test points and repetitions ensure statistical accuracy.

• Test Reporting
  Includes a complete description referencing EN 14903:2018, surface characteristics, test conditions, skid type used, friction coefficients (individual and mean), and dates.

Applications

EN 14903:2018 has practical value in multiple areas related to indoor sports flooring:

• Safety Assessment
  Determining rotational friction helps in evaluating slip resistance and athlete injury risk on various sports floor surfaces.

• Quality Control for Manufacturers
  Manufacturers of multi-sports indoor floors use this method for performance verification and product development.

• Installation Verification
  Post-installation testing ensures the floor meets required friction standards before facility commissioning.

• Facility Management and Maintenance
  Periodic on-site testing under this standard can detect wear and surface degradation affecting friction, guiding maintenance decisions.

• Compliance and Certification
  Supports conformity with European regulations related to sports floor safety and performance.

• Research and Innovation
  Provides a standardized baseline for developing new materials and floor system designs with optimized friction properties.

Related Standards

EN 14903:2018 references and complements several important standards:

• EN 660-1 – Specifies leather types and their properties used as test soles, critical for consistent friction measurement.

• EN ISO 291 – Covers standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing to ensure reproducibility of material behavior.

• ISO 21948 – Details abrasive papers used for preparing leather test soles, ensuring consistent surface roughness.

• EN 60051 Series – Defines specifications for measuring instruments used to record torque during the test.

By integrating these referenced standards, EN 14903:2018 ensures that rotational friction testing is accurate, repeatable, and globally recognized.

Keywords: EN 14903, rotational friction test, multi-sports floor systems, indoor sports surfaces, sports floor friction, CEN standards, sports floor safety, friction coefficient, sports flooring testing, laboratory and on-site testing, Stuttgart sliding machine, friction measurement protocol, sports facility flooring standards.