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Knowledge Base
T42.00 - Pedestal Structure & Fixings
The swing bag test.
The Swing Bag Test, formally designated Test P4.06 – T42.00 Pedestal Structure and Fixings, is a recognised performance test used within the raised access flooring industry to assess the strength and durability of pedestal structures, fixings and adhesives when subjected to repeated dynamic loading.
Unlike static load tests, which apply a constant vertical force, the Swing Bag Test is designed to replicate the sudden impacts and lateral forces that occur during the lifetime of a raised access floor. These dynamic loads can be generated by heavy foot traffic, movement of equipment, installation activities and accidental impacts, making the test an important indicator of long-term system reliability.
How the Test is Performed
The test is carried out on a raised access flooring pedestal that has been fixed to the base with a StarFix pedestal adhesive and allowed to cure for 48 hours. A calibrated weighted bag (3kg) is suspended from a fixed frame, allowing it to swing in a controlled pendulum motion. The bag is released from a predetermined height so that it strikes the pedestal with a repeatable impact energy. The repeated impacts introduce dynamic forces, placing significant stresses on:
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Pedestal adhesives
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Pedestal-to-subfloor connections
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Pedestal structures
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Stringers and fixings (where fitted)
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Floor panels and the overall support system
Following the required number of impacts, the pedestal is carefully inspected for any signs of movement, loosening or damage.
What is Being Evaluated?
The purpose of the Swing Bag Test is to determine whether the raised access flooring system can continue to perform safely after exposure to repeated dynamic loading.
During evaluation, inspectors typically assess:
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Integrity of the pedestal adhesive bond
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Stability of pedestal fixings
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Movement or rotation of pedestals
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Loosening of stringers or mechanical fixings
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Permanent deformation of components
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Overall structural integrity of the flooring system
A successful result demonstrates that the installation is capable of resisting the dynamic forces likely to be encountered during normal service without loss of performance.
Why Adhesive Performance Matters?
The pedestal adhesive plays a critical role in the overall stability of a raised access flooring installation. Even when pedestals and panels are manufactured to the highest standards, the system is only as reliable as the bond securing each pedestal to the subfloor.
StarFix® pedestal adhesives have been developed specifically to provide:
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High bond strength to common construction substrates
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Excellent resistance to impact and vibration
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Long-term durability
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Reliable performance under repeated dynamic loading
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Consistent results across a wide range of installation conditions
These characteristics help maintain the integrity of the complete raised access flooring system throughout its service life.
Confidence Through Testing
Independent testing to recognised industry procedures, including the P4.06 – T42.00 Swing Bag Test, provides reassurance that a raised access flooring installation is capable of withstanding the real-world demands placed upon it.
By combining high-performance chemistry with rigorous testing, the StarFix® range of pedestal adhesives helps ensure raised access flooring installations remain stable, secure and dependable for years to come.
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