Tactile tiles play a huge role for people with disabilities. With this finish, you can make objects more visible to those with low vision or someone who cannot see at all. Due to such a surface, a person acquires the ability to navigate in space.
Such technologies are not yet very actively introduced into life, but today they are used on sidewalks, roads and in shopping centers. With the help of the described products, it is possible to warn visually impaired people about changing the direction of the path. The tile signals the presence of certain obstacles on the road.
Description
Tactile tile is a terrestrial sign that allows people with disabilities to get the necessary information for self-orientation on the road and the street in towns and cities. Products are used for pavinginformation strips in places of pedestrian crossings and on sidewalks. Such a coating may have fiber reinforcement.
GOST R 52875-2007 is used in the production process. According to him, the surface should be corrugated. It should have anti-slip properties and be rough. The base must be different in color and structure from the adjacent surface so that the disabled can recognize the area by touch.
Today, some rules for using the described coverage 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 transition. Such products are located along the edge of the first step of the stairs. A ground crossing is indicated by a strip, the length of which is equal to the width of the crossing on the sidewalk. The reefs at the surface have a longitudinal shape. Such products are located along the edge of the roadway.
Tactile tiles may indicate a ground crossing at right angles. For this, two strips are used, the length of which is equal to the width of the transition. The pavement is located across the footpaths. The reefs on the base are oriented diagonally. These products are usually based on decorative concrete.
The signs can also be designed for indoor installation. You can use the coating even in the conditions of the finished repair. The designs are durable and of high quality. They are universal, so they can be used in buildings of any purpose. The material features fireproof performance and attractive appearance.
The pointer can play the roleindications for better orientation in space. This solution can be called technically safe and designed for convenient movement of the visually impaired. The dimensions of the PVC tactile tiles are 300 x 300 x 7 mm. The reefs rise 5 mm. Steel products have the same parameters as polyurethane. On sale you can also find a coating for ramps.
Properties of some types of tiles
Tiles for orientation in space can be classified according to the material in the base, they can be:
- porcelain stoneware;
- concrete;
- granite;
- polymer.
Products made from these materials have different properties. For example, porcelain stoneware structures have high wear resistance and strength, so they can be used in places with increased load. But ceramic products allow you to 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 conditions of pedestrian crossings. For the home, this coating is not used. Its disadvantage is the meager color scheme.
An excellent alternative to the above option is granite. It is devoid of the mentioned shortcomings and has an increasedwear resistance. Granite is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature and is made in different colors. Looks respectable and beautiful. If they are based on polymers, 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 is non-slip, repairable, self-de-icing, resistant to aggressive chemicals, does not accumulate moisture on the surface and does not damage shoes.
Such a coating can be harmlessly affected by reagents that are usually used to process the roadway. Rubber tactile tiles for the disabled are today considered 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 FEM square tactile tiles involves the use of semi-dry vibrocompression. Harmless ingredients include:
- slag;
- cement;
- fine crushed stone;
- water;
- sand.
Components give the product reliability and strength, making it environmentally friendly. The operation of the coating is not accompanied by the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere. Products have frost resistance and do not collapse under the influence of ultraviolet radiation. Tilewithstands heavy loads during the movement of people daily. It tolerates night temperature changes and provides anti-slip performance.
This coating is not exposed to chemicals and resists mechanical shock. If necessary, the material is replaced, the main coating is not affected. Production requires a vibropress, a forced-action concrete mixer, a set of technological pallets.
Vibrating presses are permanently installed. When forming products, two parts of the 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 part, while the matrix forms the walls.
The process of forming products 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, the preparation of concrete is carried out, at the second - the formation of the product. Drying becomes final.
Technology for laying polyurethane tiles
Laying tactile tiles is carried out after marking the surface. It is applied around the perimeter with 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, dirt particles and leaves. You can do this with a brush or a compressor.
Applying primer
The base is treated with primer for strong adhesion of the tile and the underlying surface, the latter may be:
- concrete;
- porcelain stoneware;
- asph alt.
Using a wide brush, the primer is applied to the installation site and the wrong side of the products. Pay special attention to corners and edges. The primer is left for half an hour to dry until the surface becomes slightly sticky. You should not wait for complete evaporation, because then you will encounter installation problems and further peeling off the coating.
Sticking
Tactile tiles are laid on the adhesive. Usually it is a two-component composition, which is mixed until smooth for 5 minutes. The ambient temperature must not be lower than +10 °C.
Surface must be dry. The composition is applied and distributed with a spatula. A special tool should be used to evenly distribute the mixture. Adhesive consumption will depend on the underlying material. Within half an hour, the tactile tiles for the disabled must be laid on the surface.
Stowing weights
After installation, the base is covered with a stretch tape, which will prevent the glue from protruding. It is necessary to use a weight, which is usually sandbags. They are filled halfway so that the load completely presses the surface of the product. The sand is evenly distributed in the bag. Particular attention should be paidthe correct position of the tiles. It is not recommended to touch the bags after laying the weight, as this may cause the tiles to move.
In conclusion
Tiles for the visually impaired can help people with disabilities. You can carry out the installation of products yourself. A day after the completion of the work, the weight is removed, as well as the remaining glue along with the masking tape. If the technology has been followed, then the glue will provide a strong fixation on any curved and complex surfaces for a long time.
