IS 12674 Part 11989AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

Methods of test for strength and stability of settees and benches, Part 1: Strength

IS 12674 Part 1:1989 specifies test methods to evaluate the strength of settees and benches by simulating normal use and common misuse forces. It provides procedures for static, fatigue, impact, and drop tests at four severity levels to assess structural integrity of seating furniture. This standard is essential for furniture manufacturers, quality controllers, and engineers to ensure settees and benches meet safety and durability requirements under expected service conditions.

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What This Standard Covers

IS 12674 Part 1:1989 specifies test methods to evaluate the strength of settees and benches by simulating normal use and common misuse forces. It provides procedures for static, fatigue, impact, and drop tests at four severity levels to assess structural integrity of seating furniture. This standard is essential for furniture manufacturers, quality controllers, and engineers to ensure settees and benches meet safety and durability requirements under expected service conditions.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Furniture Manufacturers
  • Quality Assurance Engineers
  • Product Designers
  • Testing Laboratories
  • Furniture Safety Inspectors
  • Civil and Structural Engineers
  • Procurement Specialists

Key Topics Covered

Static load testing of seat, back, arms, and legs
Fatigue testing for seat and back under repeated loads
Impact testing using pendulum and hammer devices
Drop tests simulating accidental impacts
Determination of seat and back loading points
Use of loading pads and templates for force application
Test levels corresponding to different usage severities
Inspection criteria before and after testing
Conditioning and moisture content requirements
Test report documentation and defect classification
Balancing forces to prevent overturning during tests
Applicability exclusions and related standards

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 12674 Part 1 - Scope: Key Specifications & Tables

The standard defines test levels and procedures for furniture strength and durability, focusing on static, fatigue, impact, and drop tests.

Test Levels & Load Specifications (Table 2 Summary)

Test TypeLoad/Force/HeightLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
Seat static loadSeat force (N)1100130016002000
Back static loadBack force per pad (N)410560760760
Arm sideways static loadForce applied (N)300400600900
Seat fatigue testCycles @ 950 N seat force25,00050,000100,000200,000
Leg forwards static loadMax forward force (N)375500620760
Seat impact testDrop height (mm)140180240300
Back impact testDrop height (mm)120210330620
Drop testDrop height (mm)75100150200

Furniture Application vs Test Level (Table 4)

Use TypeLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
Domestic
Office
Educational
Institutional
Hotel
Hospital

Purpose of Tests (Table 1)

  • Static load tests: Basic strength, damage initiation
2Referenced Standards

IS 12674 Part 1: Referenced Standards & Key Tables

Referenced Indian Standards (Clause 2.1)

  • IS 287:1973 — Maximum permissible moisture content of timber for various uses.
  • IS 809:1970 — Specification for rubber flooring materials.

Furniture Test Levels & Applications (Table 4, Clause 1.2)

Type of UseTest Level 1Test Level 2Test Level 3Test Level 4
Folding garden/campingSelectedSelectedNot selectedNot selected
DomesticSelectedSelectedSelectedNot selected
OfficeNot givenSelectedSelectedSelected
EducationalNot givenNot givenSelectedSelected
InstitutionalNot givenNot givenNot givenSelected
HotelNot givenSelectedSelectedNot given
HospitalNot givenSelectedSelectedSelected
MilitaryNot givenNot givenNot selectedSelected
Police stationNot givenNot selectedSelectedSelected
Recreation roomNot givenNot givenNot selectedSelected
Common roomNot givenNot givenNot givenSelected
Public hallNot givenNot selectedSelectedSelected

Summary of Test Procedures & Loads (Table 2, Clause 8.7.1)

Test TypeTest Level 1Test Level 2Test Level 3Test Level 4
Seat static load (N)1100130016002000
Back static load (N)410560760760
Arm sideways load (N)300400600900
Seat fatigue cycles25,00050,000100,000
3Principles of Testing

IS 12674 Part 1: Principles of Testing - Key Points

1. Types of Tests & Their Purposes (Clause 3.1.1, Table 1)

TestPrimary PurposeSecondary Purpose
Seat static loadBasic strengthDamage initiation
Back static loadBasic strengthDamage initiation
Arm & wing sideways static loadBasic strengthDamage initiation
Seat & Back fatigue testService durabilityDamage propagation
Leg static & diagonal base testHandling strength-
Seat impact testResidual strengthAcceptable misuse
Back & Arm impact testImpact strength-
Drop test--

2. Test Levels & Parameters (Clause 8.7.1, Table 2)

TestLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
Seat static load (N)1100130016002000
Back static load (N)410560760760
Arm sideways load (N)300400600900
Seat fatigue cycles25,00050,000100,000200,000
Seat impact drop height (mm)140180240300
Back impact drop height (mm)120210330620
Arm impact angle (degrees)28384868
Drop test height (mm)75100150200

3. Impact Test Principle (Clause 3.4)

  • Tests simulate rapid loading events.
  • Assess residual and impact strength.
  • Important for durability under occasional misuse.

Summary Diagram of Test Interrelations

graph LR
A[Static Load Tests] --> B[Fatigue Tests]
B --> C[Impact Tests]
C --> D[Drop Tests]
A --> D

Use these tables and principles to select appropriate test levels based on product category and expected service conditions.

4General Requirements for Tests

IS 12674 Part 1: General Requirements for Tests

Key Tables & Test Summary

Table 1: Test Types & Purposes

Test NumberTest TitlePrimary PurposeSecondary Purpose
1a, 1bSeat & Back static load testBasic strengthDamage initiation
2Arm & wing sideways static loadBasic strengthDamage initiation
3Arm downwards static load testBasic strength
4a, 4bSeat & Back fatigue testService durabilityDamage propagation
5a, 5b, 5cLeg forward/sideways & diagonal baseHandling strength
6Seat impact testResidual strengthAcceptable misuse
7a, 7bBack & Arm impact testImpact strength
8Drop test

Table 2: Test Levels & Parameters

TestParameterLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
Seat static loadForce (N)1100130016002000
Back static loadForce at pad (N)410560760760
Arm sideways static loadForce (N)300400600900
Wing sideways static loadForce (N)200300400500
Arm downwards static loadForce (N)7008009001000
Seat fatigue testCycles @ 950 N2500050000100000200000
Back fatigue testCycles @ 400 N2500050000100000200000
Leg
5Inspection Before and After Testing

IS 12674 Part 1: Inspection Before and After Testing

Key Specifications (Clauses 5.1 & 5.1.1)

  • Before Testing:
    • Thorough inspection of all articles.
    • Note defects in members, joints, attachments.
    • Complete dimensional check on parts prone to permanent deformation.
  • After Testing:
    • Thorough re-inspection immediately after tests.
    • Note any new defects or changes since initial inspection.

Important Tables for Test Levels & Loads (Clause 8.7.1)

Test TypeTest Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
Seat static load (N)1100130016002000
Back static load per pad (N)410560760760
Arm sideways static load (N)300400600900
Wing sideways static load (N)200300400500
Arm downwards static load (N)7008009001000
Seat fatigue cycles (950 N)25,00050,000100,000200,000
Back fatigue cycles (400 N)25,00050,000100,000200,000
Leg forwards static load (N)375500620760
Leg sideways static load (N)300390490760
Diagonal base force (N)250375500620
Seat impact drop height (mm)140180240300
Back impact drop height (mm)120210330620
Arm impact angle (degrees)283848
6Test Equipment and Setup

IS 12674 Part 1: Test Equipment and Setup - Key Specifications

Test Levels & Forces (Table 2 Summary of Test Procedure)

Test TypeTest Level 1Test Level 2Test Level 3Test Level 4
Seat static load (N)1100130016002000
Back static load (N)410560760760
Arm sideways load (N)300400600900
Wing sideways load (N)200300400500
Arm downwards load (N)7008009001000
Seat fatigue cycles (950 N)25,00050,000100,000200,000
Back fatigue cycles (400 N)25,00050,000100,000200,000
Leg forwards load (N)375500620760
Leg sideways load (N)300390490760
Diagonal base load (N)250375500620
Seat impact drop height (mm)140180240300
Back impact drop height (mm)120210330620
Arm impact angle (degrees)28384868
Drop test height (mm)75100150200

Test Equipment Setup Guidelines

  • Load Application: Use calibrated hydraulic or mechanical actuators capable of applying static and cyclic loads as per test levels.
  • Impact Tests: Use drop-weight impact testers with adjustable drop heights
7Determination of Seat and Back Loading Points

IS 12674 Part 1: Determination of Seat and Back Loading Points

Key Specifications & Procedure

  • Double Back Loading Pad (Clause 6.13):

    • Two rigid rectangular pads: 200 mm height × 250 mm width
    • Faces curved with convex cylindrical radius = 450 mm
    • Front edges rounded with 12 mm radius
    • Adjustable distance between pads to align centers over back loading points
  • Loading Point Determination (Clause 6.3 & 7):

    • Use a template (Clause 6.3) positioned on the seat centerline, pushed rearwards to match seat shape.
    • Template set at 90° angle (Fig. 3).
    • Mark loading points on seat and back from template.
    • Seat loading pad mounted first on seat plane at seat loading point, then on front edge.
    • Apply downward force V (from Table 2) 10 times per position.

Loading Pads Dimensions (mm)

Pad TypeHeightWidthCurvature RadiusEdge Radius
Double Back Loading200250450 (convex)12
Seat Loading PadSee Fig. 4 & 5 (varied)---

Test Reference

  • Clause 8.1: Seat and Back Static Load Tests use these loading points and pads.

Summary Diagram (Loading Point Setup)

graph LR
A[Template (6.3)] --> B[Position on Seat Centerline]
B --> C[Push Rearwards to Match Seat Shape]
C --> D[Mark Seat & Back Loading Points]
D --> E[Mount Seat Loading Pad at Marked Points]
E --> F[Apply Force V (Table 2) 10 Times]

This procedure ensures accurate and repeatable load application points for static load testing of chairs per IS 12674 Part 1.

8Test Procedures

IS 12674 Part 1 — Key Test Procedures Summary

Test Levels & Forces (from Table 2)

Test No.Test TypeTest Level 1Test Level 2Test Level 3Test Level 4
1aSeat static load test (N)1,1001,3001,6002,000
1bBack static load test (N)410 (pad)560 (pad)760 (pad)760 (pad)
Balancing seat force (N)1,1001,3001,6002,000
2Arm sideways static load (N)300400600900
Wing sideways static load (N)200300400500
3Arm downwards static load (N)7008009001,000
4aSeat fatigue test (cycles @ 950 N)25,00050,000100,000200,000
4bBack fatigue test (cycles @ 400 N)25,00050,000100,000200,000
5aLeg forwards static load (N)375500620760
5bLeg sideways static load (N)300390490760
Balancing seat force (N)7801,0001,2501,800
5cDiagonal base force (N)250375500620
6Seat impact test (drop height mm)
9Criteria for Passing Tests

IS 12674 Part 1: Criteria for Passing Tests

Key Specifications & Test Levels (from Table 2)

Test No.Test TypeParameterTest Level 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
1aSeat static loadSeat force (N)1100130016002000
1bBack static loadBack force per pad (N)410560760760
2Arm sideways static loadForce (N)300400600900
3Arm downwards static loadForce (N)7008009001000
4aSeat fatigue testCycles @ 950 N25,00050,000100,000200,000
5aLeg forwards static loadMax force (N)375500620760
6Seat impact testDrop height (mm)140180240300
8Drop testDrop height (mm)75100150200

Summary of Criteria for Passing

  • Load Tests: Must sustain specified static forces without failure or permanent deformation.
  • Fatigue Tests: Must endure the specified number of load cycles without structural damage.
  • Impact Tests: Must resist impact at specified drop heights or angles without loss of function.
  • Drop Test: Must survive drop from specified height without failure.

Additional Notes (Clause 8.4)

  • Document any non-standard forces applied.
  • Clearly state pass/fail status.
  • Report any deviations from standard procedures.

Purpose of Tests (Table 1)

  • Static Load Tests: Assess basic strength and damage initiation.
  • Fatigue Tests: Evaluate service durability and damage propagation.
  • Impact Tests: Measure residual strength and resistance to misuse.

flowchart TD
    A[Start: Test Setup] --> B{Apply Static Load}
    B -->|Pass| C{Apply Fatigue Load}
   
10Test Report

IS 12674 Part 1 — Test Report Key Formulas, Tables, and Specifications


1. Pass Criteria (Clause 9.1)

  • Article passes if:
    • No defects observed (Clause 5)
    • Backforce ≥ 410 N (Clause 8.1.2)
    • Meets product-specific requirements

2. Test Types & Purposes (Table 1, Clause 3.1.1)

Test No.TitlePrimary PurposeSecondary Purpose
1a, 1bSeat & Back static load testBasic strengthDamage initiation
2Arm & Wing sideways staticBasic strengthDamage initiation
3Arm downwards static loadBasic strength
4a, 4bSeat & Back fatigue testService durabilityDamage propagation
5a, 5b,5cLeg & diagonal base testsHandling strength
6Seat impact testResidual strengthAcceptable misuse
7a, 7bBack & Arm impact testImpact strength
8Drop test

3. Test Levels & Parameters (Table 2, Clause 8.7.1)

TestLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4
Seat static load (N)1100130016002000
Back static load (N)410560760760
Arm sideways load (N)300400600900
Wing sideways load (N)200300400500
Arm downwards load (N)7008009001000
Seat fatigue cycles @ 950 N25000

Popular Questions About IS 12674 Part 1

?What types of loads and forces are applied during strength testing of settees and benches?

Strength Testing Loads & Forces on Settees and Benches (IS 12674 Part 1)

  • Outward Arm Forces (Clause 6.9):
    Apply two outward forces (H_a) at the most failure-prone point along the arms, repeated 10 times using local loading pads.

    • For settees with wings, apply outward forces on wings similarly.
  • Seat Loading & Forward Force (Clause 6.5):

    • Restrain front feet to prevent movement.
    • Apply vertical force at seat loading point per Table 2, using loading pads.
    • Apply a horizontal forward force at seat level on the rear, magnitude per Table 2, repeated 10 times.
    • If overturning occurs, reduce forward force to prevent it and record the reduced value.
  • Repeated Application:
    Forces are applied repeatedly (usually 10 times) to simulate fatigue.

Summary Table (from Table 2, typical values example):

Test TypeForce DirectionMagnitude (kN)Repetitions
Arm Outward ForceOutwardAs per Table 210
Seat LoadVertical DownAs per Table 210
Forward Leg ForceHorizontal ForwardAs per Table 2 (reduce if overturn)10
Loading diagram...

This ensures structural strength and stability under realistic use conditions.

?How are the seat and back loading points determined for testing?

According to IS 12674 Part 1 (1989):

Seat Loading Points:

  • The seat loading pad is positioned to conform to the seat plane at the seat loading point (Clause 6.5).
  • Load is applied at the central seat loading point and then on the front edge of the seat.
  • The force magnitude and repetitions are specified in Table 2 (typically 10 times).
  • The front feet are restrained to prevent movement during loading.

Back Loading Points:

  • The back loading pad center is placed either at:
    • The back loading point (Clause 6.7), or
    • 100 mm below the top of the back, whichever is lower.
  • Stops are placed behind rear feet/castors to prevent rearward movement.
  • A downward force of 330 N is applied repeatedly, or a lesser force if needed to prevent overturning.

Summary Table:

Loading TypeLocationForce (N)Repetitions
Seat LoadingSeat loading point & front edgeSee Table 210
Back LoadingBack loading point or 100 mm below top330 (or less)As specified

This ensures realistic simulation of user loads for durability testing.

Loading diagram...
?What are the four test levels and how do they relate to furniture usage?

According to IS 12674 Part 1, the four furniture test levels relate to the expected usage severity and corresponding strength requirements:

Test LevelUsage DescriptionTypical Application Example
1Careful domestic useDomestic bedroom furniture
2General domestic useLiving/dining rooms, hotel bedrooms
3Severe domestic useSettees in college studies, hotel receptions
4Exceptionally severe useStudent common rooms, barrack rooms

Relationship to Furniture Usage

  • Level 1: Light use, careful handling.
  • Level 2: Regular household use with moderate wear.
  • Level 3: Rough treatment, frequent use in semi-public spaces.
  • Level 4: High abuse, heavy-duty institutional or public use.

Application by Type of Use (Summary from Table 4)

  • Domestic furniture typically fits Levels 1-3.
  • Office and hotel furniture usually require Levels 2-3.
  • Institutional, military, and public spaces require Levels 3-4.

This graded approach ensures furniture strength matches expected durability and misuse scenarios.

?What defects are considered failures after strength testing?

According to IS 12674 Part 1 (Clause 5.1.3), the following defects after strength testing are considered failures:

  • Fracture of any member, joint, component, including seat suspensions and castors.
  • Fracture or cracking through thickness of any part of the structural shell.
  • Permanent loosening of joints intended to be rigid, verified by hand pressure.
  • Permanent loosening of underframe or base inserts molded into the shell relative to the shell surface.
  • Excessive free movement in back, arms, legs, or other components beyond initial inspection limits.
  • Deformation or cracks adversely affecting appearance or strength.
  • Impairment of mechanical parts' operation.

Passing criteria (Clause 9.1):

  • No defects as above.
  • Backforce ≥ 410 N applied during testing.
  • Compliance with product-specific requirements.

These ensure structural integrity and safety post-testing.

Loading diagram...
?Does this standard cover durability of upholstery materials or only structural strength?

IS 12674 Part 1 focuses exclusively on the structural strength and durability of the furniture frame, such as settees and benches.

  • It defines methods to test strength, fatigue, impact, and stability of the structural parts (seat, back, arms, legs).
  • Tests simulate normal use and acceptable misuse to assess damage initiation, propagation, and residual strength.
  • Upholstery materials or fabric durability are not covered in this standard.
  • For upholstery durability, separate standards or specifications would apply.

Summary:

Covered AspectNot Covered Aspect
Structural strengthUpholstery material durability
Fatigue and impact on frameFabric wear and tear
Load tests on framesCushion resilience

Thus, IS 12674 Part 1 is not intended for upholstery durability assessment but for the structural integrity of seating furniture.

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