The indentation and the residual indentation of resilient floor covering is important since the resistance and recovery from indentation reflects on the ability of the resilient floor covering to perform properly after installation.

The indentation of a resilient floor covering shall be measured using a specified type of indentor, flat or spherical, under a specified load and time.

The residual indentation of a resilient floor covering shall be measured after a specified recovery time.

See Table 1 for detailed testing and conditioning requirements by products (specification) type.

1.1 This test method covers procedures to determine short-term indentation and residual indentation of resilient flooring, when subjected to concentrated loads.

1.2 The test methods appear in the following order:

1.3 There are two procedures with their respective apparatus. The first (McBurney Test) is described in Sections 4 to 10 and is restricted to a spherical foot. It is only used for initial indentation measurements of VCT. The second is described in Sections 11 to 15 and has interchangeable feet with variable geometry. It is used to measure initial and residual indentation.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are provided for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.