Tactile tiles play a huge role for people with disabilities. Using this finish, you can make objects more visible to those who have poor eyesight, or someone who is completely unable to see. Due to this surface, a person gains the ability to navigate in space.
Such technologies have not yet been actively introduced into life, but already today they are used on sidewalks, roads and in shopping centers. Using the products described, people with low vision can be warned about changing directions. Tile signals the presence of certain obstacles on the road.
Description
Tactile tile is a ground indicator that allows people with disabilities to get the necessary information for independent orientation on the road and street in towns and cities. Products are used for paving information strips in places of pedestrian crossings and on sidewalks. Such a coating may have fiber reinforcement.
In the manufacturing process, GOST R 52875-2007 is used. According to him, the surface should be corrugated. It should have anti-slip properties and be rough. The base must differ in color and structure from the adjacent surface so that people with disabilities can recognize the area by touch.
To date, some rules for using the described coating are known. For example, an underpass is indicated by a strip with a width of 500 mm; its length is equal to the width of the passage. Such products are located along the edge of the first step of the stairs. A land crossing is indicated by a strip whose length is equal to the width of the transition on the sidewalk. Reefs at the surface have a longitudinal shape. Such products are located along the edge of the roadway.
Tactile tiles may indicate a ground transition located at right angles. For this, two bands are used, the length of which is equal to the width of the transition. Covers across pedestrian paths. The reefs on the base are oriented diagonally. Such products are usually based on decorative concrete.
Pointers can also be designed for indoor installation. You can use the coating even in the conditions of a ready-made repair. The designs are durable and of high quality. They are universal, therefore they can be used in buildings of any purpose. The material is fireproof and has an attractive appearance.
The pointer can serve as an indication for better orientation in space. This solution can be called technically safe and designed for the convenient movement of the visually impaired. The dimensions of the tactile PVC tiles are 300 x 300 x 7 mm. Reefs rise 5 mm. Steel products have the same parameters as polyurethane. On sale you can also find cover for ramps.
Properties of some varieties of tiles
Tiles for orientation in space can be classified according to the material in the base, they can be:
- porcelain tile;
- concrete;
- granite;
- polymer.
Products made from these materials have different properties. For example, porcelain tiles have high wear resistance and strength, so they can be used in places with high loads. But ceramic products add acoustic perception to tactile sensations. This provides additional comfort for determining the route.
Ground tactile direction indicators for people with disabilities can be made of concrete. They have increased strength and are able to withstand the loads of multi-ton machines. Such products are suitable for use in pedestrian crossings. For home, this coating is not used. As its disadvantage is the meager color scheme.
An excellent alternative to the above option is granite. It is devoid of the aforementioned drawbacks and has increased wear resistance. Granite is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature and is made in different colors. It looks respectable and beautiful. If polymers are the basis, then they can be polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, etc. The material can have a self-adhesive base and has a wide variety of colors.
Rubber tile properties
Rubber tactile tiles have many advantages over analogues. It does not slip, can be repaired, gets rid of ice on its own, is resistant to aggressive chemicals, does not accumulate moisture on the surface and does not spoil shoes.
Reagents that typically treat the roadway can affect such a coating without harm. Rubber tactile tiles for the disabled are considered today the most optimal solution in terms of cost and quality. But this material may require replacement in a few years.
Production technology
The production of square-shaped FEM tactile tiles involves the use of semi-dry vibrocompression. Among the ingredients are harmless:
- slag;
- cement;
- fine gravel;
- water;
- sand.
Components give the product reliability and durability, making it environmentally friendly. The operation of the coating is not accompanied by the release of harmful substances into the atmosphere. Products have frost resistance and are not destroyed by ultraviolet radiation. Tiles can withstand heavy loads when moving people daily. It tolerates nighttime temperature changes and provides anti-slip performance.
Such a coating is not exposed to chemicals and resists mechanical shocks. If necessary, the material is replaced, the main coating is not affected. For production, a vibrating press, a forced concrete mixer, a set of technological pallets are required.
Vibrating presses are installed permanently. When forming products, two pieces of equipment work, one of them is a matrix, the other is a punch. A pattern is applied to the surface of the latter, it will be reflected on the front, while the matrix forms the walls.
The process of product formation takes place on pallets, which are then placed in areas intended for drying. Using this method allows you to make wall stones, curbs and gutters. At the first stage, concrete is prepared, at the second - the formation of the product. The final is drying.
Technology for laying polyurethane tiles
Laying tactile tiles is carried out after marking the surface. It is applied around the perimeter using masking tape. It allows you to minimize the flow of glue under it. It is important to clean the surface of foreign objects and debris such as sand, crumbs, particles of dirt and leaves. This can be done with a brush or compressor.
Soil application
The base is treated with soil for strong adhesion of the tile and the underlying surface, the latter may be:
- concrete;
- porcelain tile;
- asphalt.
Using a wide brush, the primer is applied to the installation site and the wrong side of the product. Particular attention should be paid to corners and edges. The soil is left for half an hour to dry until the surface becomes slightly sticky. Full evaporation should not be expected, because then you will encounter problems with installation and further peeling of the coating.
Sticking
Tactile tiles are laid on glue. Usually it is a two-component composition, which is mixed until smooth for 5 minutes. Ambient temperature should not be lower than +10 ° C.
The surface must be dry. The composition is applied and distributed using a spatula. For uniform distribution of the mixture, a special tool should be used. The consumption of glue will depend on the material of the underlying base. Within half an hour, tactile tiles for the disabled should be laid on the surface.
Stacking
After installation, the base is covered with a stretch tape, which eliminates the protrusion of the glue. It is necessary to use a load, which is usually sandbags. They are filled halfway, so that the load completely pressed the surface of the product. Sand is evenly distributed in the bag. Particular attention should be paid to the correct location of the tiles. After laying the load, it is not recommended to touch the bags, as this can cause the tile to move.
Finally
Tile for the visually impaired can help people with disabilities. Stacking products can be done independently. A day after completion of work, the load is removed, as well as the remains of glue along with the masking tape. If the technology has been followed, then the glue will provide a strong fixation to any curved and complex surfaces for a long time.