Standards experts have agreed on two ways to measure the traction of a walking surface. Static coefficient of friction (SCOF) is the force needed to make a still object—such as a shoe—lose its grip and begin sliding sideways. Dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) is the force needed to make an already moving object lose traction as it touches the surface. SCOF looks like this: You’re standing still when someone starts pushing on your shoes with a pushbroom. Your shoes have all your … [Read more...]