SIST EN 14231:2003

Natural stone test methods - Determination of the slip resistance by means of the pendulum tester

This European Standard specifies a test method to determine the slip resistance value of the surface of the exposed face of natural stone elements intended to be used for flooring in buildings.
NOTE 1   If the surface of the exposed face has a roughness measured according to prEN 13373 higher than 1 mm it will be considered as not slippery, without performing the test.
NOTE 2   This method can be used for laboratory measurements or on floors in service.

Prüfverfahren für Naturstein - Bestimmung des Gleitwiderstandes mit Hilfe des Pendelprüfgerätes

Méthodes d'essai pour les pierres naturelles - Détermination de la résistance a la glissance au moyen du pendule de frottement

La présente Norme européenne définit une méthode pour déterminer la résistance à la glissance de la face exposée des éléments en pierre naturelle prévus pour une utilisation en sols de bâtiments.
NOTE 1   Si la surface de la face exposée a une rugosité mesurée conformément au prEN 13373 supérieure à 1 mm, elle sera considérée non glissante sans exécuter l'essai.
NOTE 2   Cette méthode pourra être utilisée pour des mesures en laboratoire ou sur des sols en service.

Preskušanje naravnega kamna – Ugotavljanje odpornosti proti zdrsu – metoda z nihalom

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Oct-2003
• ICS: 73.020 - Mining and quarrying
• ICS: 91.100.15 - Mineral materials and products
• Technical Committee: KAM - Natural stone
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 01-Nov-2003
• Due Date: 01-Nov-2003
• Completion Date: 01-Nov-2003
• Directive: Harmonized Standard305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Directive:

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  Not Harmonized89/106/EEC - Construction products
• Mandate: M/119 - Mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning the execution of standardization work for harmonized standards on floorings
• Ref Project: EN 14231:2003 - Natural stone test methods - Determination of the slip resistance by means of the pendulum tester

Relations

• Refers: SIST EN 12676-1:2002 - Anti-glare systems for roads - Part 1: Performance and characteristics
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: SIST EN ISO 6149-2:2007 - Connections for hydraulic fluid power and general use - Ports and stud ends with ISO 261 metric threads and O-ring sealing - Part 2: Dimensions, design, test methods and requirements for heavy-duty (S series) stud ends (ISO 6149-2:2006)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: SIST EN 596:1996 - Timber structures - Test methods - Soft body impact test of timber framed walls
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST-TS CEN/TS 15366:2010 - Winter and road service area maintenance equipment - Solid absorbents intended for road usage
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 12058:2004 - Natural stone products - Slabs for floors and stairs - Requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST-TS CEN/TS 16811-3:2016 - Winter service equipment and products - De-icing agents - Part 3: Other solid and liquid de-icing agents - Requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 15564:2009 - Precast concrete products - Resin bound concrete - Requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 15285:2008 - Agglomerated stone - Modular tiles for flooring and stairs (internal and external)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Referred By: SIST EN 12057:2004 - Natural stone products - Modular tiles - Requirements
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026

Overview

SIST EN 14231:2003 defines a standardized method for determining the slip resistance of the exposed faces of natural stone elements, primarily used for flooring in buildings. This European standard by the Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo (SIST) ensures that natural stone surfaces meet safety requirements for pedestrian usage, both in new installations and in service environments. The methodology specified involves the use of a pendulum tester to measure the friction and consequent slip resistance of stone surfaces under both dry and wet conditions.

Key Topics

• Slip Resistance Value (SRV): The standard introduces SRV as the primary metric to assess the safety of stone flooring. Higher values indicate better slip resistance, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
• Pendulum Tester Method: The pendulum tester is a calibrated device equipped with a standardized rubber slider. The reduction in swing due to surface friction gives a quantified measurement of slip resistance.
• Surface Roughness: Surfaces with a roughness greater than 1 mm (as per prEN 13373) are deemed non-slippery and exempt from this test.
• Test Environments: The method applies both to laboratory specimens and to natural stone flooring installed in buildings.
• Test Conditions: The procedure includes both dry and wet scenarios to simulate a range of real-world walking surface conditions.
• Sampling and Specimen Preparation: At least six representative specimens or areas are selected for meaningful and reproducible results.
• Reporting: The standard outlines comprehensive reporting requirements to document the test results and conditions of the tested stone.

Applications

• Building and Construction: The standard is essential for architects, construction professionals, and stone suppliers aiming to meet safety regulations for flooring in public, commercial, and residential buildings.
• Quality Control: Natural stone producers and flooring manufacturers use this method to certify their products' slip resistance prior to market release.
• Facility Management: Building managers and safety auditors apply this test to evaluate existing floors, ensuring continued compliance with slip resistance requirements over time.
• Restoration and Renovation Projects: When upgrading or replacing flooring in historic or high-traffic locations, this standard offers a benchmark for verifying slip resistance, especially in environments prone to moisture.

Related Standards

For a comprehensive approach to testing natural stone properties, the following standards are often used in conjunction with SIST EN 14231:2003:

• EN 1925 - Water absorption coefficient by capillarity
• EN 1926 - Compressive strength determination
• EN 12371 - Frost resistance
• EN 12372 - Flexural strength under concentrated load
• EN 12407 - Petrographic description
• prEN 13373 - Determination of geometric characteristics (used for roughness assessment)
• EN 13755 - Water absorption at atmospheric pressure

Adhering to these standards helps ensure that natural stone products are durable, safe, and fit for their intended use in the built environment.

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By using SIST EN 14231:2003 – Natural Stone Test Methods – Determination of Slip Resistance by means of the Pendulum Tester, stakeholders in the natural stone and construction industries can achieve compliance with European safety norms, minimize slip hazards, and deliver reliable flooring solutions across a wide range of applications.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Preskušanje naravnega kamna – Ugotavljanje odpornosti proti zdrsu – metoda z nihalomPrüfverfahren für Naturstein - Bestimmung des Gleitwiderstandes mit Hilfe des PendelprüfgerätesMéthodes d'essai pour les pierres naturelles - Détermination de la résistance a la glissance au moyen du pendule de frottementNatural stone test methods - Determination of the slip resistance by means of the pendulum tester91.100.15Mineralni materiali in izdelkiMineral materials and products73.020Rudarstvo in kamnolomsko izkopavanjeMining and quarryingICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 14231:2003SIST EN 14231:2003en01-november-2003SIST EN 14231:2003SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARDNORME EUROPÉENNEEUROPÄISCHE NORMEN 14231April 2003ICS 73.020; 91.100.15English versionNatural stone test methods - Determination of the slip resistanceby means of the pendulum testerMéthodes d'essai pour les pierres naturelles -Détermination de la résistance à la glissance au moyen dupendule de frottementPrüfverfahren für Naturstein - Bestimmung desGleitwiderstandes mit Hilfe des PendelprüfgerätesThis European Standard was approved by CEN on 26 May 2002.CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this EuropeanStandard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such nationalstandards may be obtained on application to the Management Centre or to any CEN member.This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translationunder the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Management Centre has the same status as the officialversions.CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and UnitedKingdom.EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATIONCOMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATIONEUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNGManagement Centre: rue de Stassart, 36
B-1050 Brussels© 2003 CENAll rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reservedworldwide for CEN national Members.Ref. No. EN 14231:2003 ESIST EN 14231:2003
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