IS 2179:1979 specifies the requirements for converted timber used in the construction of lorry bodies in India. It defines acceptable timber species, dimensions, moisture content, permissible defects, and preservative treatments to ensure durability and structural integrity. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and quality controllers involved in timber selection and processing for commercial vehicle bodies.
Overview
IS 2179:1979 specifies the requirements for converted timber used in the construction of lorry bodies in India. It defines acceptable timber species, dimensions, moisture content, permissible defects, and preservative treatments to ensure durability and structural integrity. This standard is essential for manufacturers, engineers, and quality controllers involved in timber selection and processing for commercial vehicle bodies.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 2179 covers specifications for timber used in vehicle bodies, including body sides, floors, front, and tailboards. It defines permitted timber species, dimensions, surface quality, and preservative treatments.
| Trade Name | Botanical Name | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Amari | Amoora spp. | AMA |
| Benteak | Lagerstroemia lanceolata | BEN |
| Bonsum | Phoebe spp. | BON |
| Chaplash | Artocarpus Chaplasha | CHP |
| Chickrassy* | Chukrasia velutina (Syn. C. tabularis) | CHI |
| Dhaman | Grewia tiliaefolia | DHA |
| Gurjan | Dipterocarpus spp. | GUR |
| Hollock | Terminalia myriocarpa | HOL |
| Hollong | Dipterocarpus macrocarpus | HON |
| Kail | Pinus wallichiana | KAL |
| ... | ... | ... |
*Subject to preservative treatment per Clause 8.1.
| Thickness (cm) | Max Depth of Crack (mm) |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 | 1.5 |
| Over 5 and up to 10 | 3 |
| Over 10 | 6 |
*Cracks on any surface except ends are permissible within these limits.
flowchart TD
IS 2179: Species of Timber for Cross-Bearers and Longitudinal Runners
| S.No | Trade Name | Botanical Name | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aini | Artocarpus hirsutus | AIN |
| 2 | Bijasal | Pterocarpus marsupium | BIJ |
| 3 | Deodar | Cedrus deodara | DEO |
| 4 | Hathipaila | Pterospermum acerifolium | HAT |
| 5 | Kala-siris | Albizia odoratissima | KSI |
| 6 | Kokko | Albizia lebbeck | KOK |
| 7 | Mundani | Acrocarpus fraxinifolius | MUN |
| 8 | Padri | Stereospermum spp. | PAD |
| 9 | Safed-siris | Albizia procera | SSI |
| 10 | Sissoo | Dalbergia sissoo | SIS |
| 11 | Teak | Tectona grandis | TEA |
| 12 | Thingan | Hopea odorata | THI |
graph LR
A[Cross-Bearers & Longitudinal Runners] --> B[Aini (AIN)]
A --> C[Bijasal (BIJ)]
A --> D[Deodar (DEO)]
A --> E[Hathipaila (HAT)]
IS 2179: Species of Timber for Lorry Body Components
| S.No | Trade Name | Botanical Name | Abbreviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aini | Artocarpus hirsutus | AIN |
| 2 | Bijasal | Pterocarpus marsupium | BIJ |
| 3 | Deodar | Cedrus deodara | DEO |
| 4 | Hathipaila | Pterospermum acerifolium | HAT |
| 5 | Kala-siris | Albizia odoratissima | KSI |
| 6 | Kokko | Albizia lebbeck | KOK |
| 7 | Mundani | Acrocarpus fraxinifolius | MUN |
| 8 | Padri | Stereospermum spp. | PAD |
| 9 | Safed-siris | Albizia procera | SSI |
| 10 | Sissoo | Dalbergia sissoo | SIS |
| 11 | Teak | Tectona grandis | TEA |
| 12 | Thingan | Hopea odorata | THI |
| Component | Recommended Timber Species (Abbreviations) |
|---|---|
| Body Sides | TEA, SIS, AIN, BIJ |
| Floor | TEA, SIS, DEO, PAD |
| Front & Tailboard | KSI, KOK, SSI, THI |
This ensures durability and safety in lorry body construction per IS 2179 standards.
IS 2179: General Requirements and Defects
| Thickness of Piece (cm) | Max Depth of Deepest Crack (mm) |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 | 1.5 |
| Over 5 and up to 10 | 3 |
| Over 10 | 6 |
flowchart TD
A[Measure Length] --> B[Round down to nearest 0.05 m]
A --> C[Measure Width & Thickness]
C --> D[Round to nearest cm]
D --> E[Calculate Volume (m³)]
E --> F[Check Defects]
F --> G[Surface Cracks Allowed?]
G -->|Yes| H[Check Crack Depth Limits]
H --> I[Accept if ≤ Specified Depth]
G -->|No| J[Reject]
This ensures quality control per IS 2179 standards.
IS 2179: Moisture Content for Timber
| Timber Thickness | Moisture Content (%) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ≥ 50 mm | 10 to 16 | Within 20 mm depth from surface |
| < 50 mm | 8 to 14 | Within 20 mm depth from surface |
[ \text{Moisture Content (%)} = \frac{W_{wet} - W_{dry}}{W_{dry}} \times 100 ]
flowchart LR
A[Timber Sample] --> B[Measure Wet Weight (W_wet)]
B --> C[Oven Dry at 103°C]
C --> D[Measure Dry Weight (W_dry)]
D --> E[Calculate Moisture Content %]
This ensures timber meets IS 2179 moisture criteria for structural reliability.
IS 2179: Dimensions, Tolerances, and Measurements for Timber
Moisture Content Tolerance (Clause 5.3):
+3% permissible during rainy season or in humid areas (e.g., Assam, Malabar).
Dimensions (Clause 6.1):
Dimensions of planks and scantlings shall be as ordered.
Tolerances on Unplaned Cut Sizes (Clause 6.2):
| Trade Name | Botanical Name | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Amari | Amoora spp. | AMA |
| Benteak | Lagerstroemia lanceolata | BEN |
| Bonsum | Phoebe spp. | BON |
| Chaplash | Artocarpus chaplasha | CHP |
| Chickrassy | Chukrasia velutina (Syn. C. tabularis) | CHI |
| ... | ... | ... |
| Sal | Shorea robusta | SAL |
(Subject to prophylactic treatment as per Clause 8.1)
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m |
| Mass | kilogram | kg |
| Time | second | s |
| Force | newton | N |
| Pressure | pascal | Pa (N/m²) |
| Condition | Moisture Content Tolerance |
|---|---|
| Rainy season/humid areas | +3% |
For exact dimensional tolerances on width/thickness, refer to full Clause 6.2 in IS 2179.
flowchart LR
A[Timber Dimensions] --> B[Ordered Size]
A --> C[Tolerances]
C --> D[Width: ± as per Clause 6.2]
C --> E[Thickness: ± as per Clause 6.2
IS 2179: Permissible Defects Summary
| Thickness of Piece (cm) | Max Depth of Deepest Crack (mm) |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 | 1.5 |
| Over 5 and up to 10 | 3 |
| Over 10 | 6 |
flowchart LR
A[Measure Thickness] --> B{Thickness Range}
B -->|<=5 cm| C[Max Crack Depth = 1.5 mm]
B -->|>5 & <=10 cm| D[Max Crack Depth = 3 mm]
B -->|>10 cm| E[Max Crack Depth = 6 mm]
C & D & E --> F[Check cracks only on surfaces excluding ends]
F --> G[Accept if within limits]
This ensures structural integrity and durability per IS 2179 standards.
IS 2179: Preservative Treatment Key Points
| Thickness of Piece (cm) | Max Crack Depth (mm) |
|---|---|
| Up to 5 | 1.5 |
| Over 5 to 10 | 3 |
| Over 10 | 6 |
| Material/Composition | Details/Ratio |
|---|---|
| a) Thick coal tar or bituminous paint | - |
| b) Rosin and lamp black | 10:1 (melted & applied hot) |
| c) Hardened gloss oil | - |
| d) Paraffin wax | - |
| e) Molasses and lime | 3:1 |
| f) Anti-splitting-cum-preservative | See composition below |
| g) Tar acid-pitch | 1:1 |
| h) Bitumen paint-pitch | 4:3 |
Anti-splitting-cum-preservative composition (parts by weight):
| Component | Weight (%) |
|---|---|
| H.S.P. bitumen MexR 115/15 | 37.5 |
| L.S.P. bitumen MexR 10/20 | 12.5 |
| Creosote fuel oil (50:50) | 5.0 |
| Soap stone | 30.0 |
| Cinder (boiler ash) | 15.0 |
| Total | 100.0 |
flowchart TD
A[Timber with Sapwood] --> B{Marked with * in Appendix A?}
B -- Yes --> C[Prophylactic Treatment (IS 401-196
IS 2179 - Marking and Identification of Timber
Each timber piece shall be legibly and indelibly marked on a broad face about 30 cm from the end with:
| Trade Name | Botanical Name | Abbreviated Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Amari | Amoora spp. | AMA |
| Benteak | Lagerstroemia lanceolata | BEN |
| Bonsum | Phoebe spp. | BON |
| Chaplash | Artocarpus Chaplasha | CHP |
| Chickrassy | Chukrasia velutina (Syn. C. tabularis) | CHI |
| Dhaman | Grewia tiliaefolia | DHA |
| Gurjan | Dipterocarpus spp. | GUR |
| Hollock | Terminalia myriocarpa | HOL |
| Sal | Shorea robusta | SAL |
(Refer full Appendix A for complete list)
graph LR
A[Timber Piece] --> B[Marking on Broad Face]
B --> C[Approx. 30 cm from End]
C --> D[Species Symbol, Size, Supplier, Year]
Note: Marking must be durable and clear for traceability and quality assurance as per IS 2179.
IS 2179: Testing and Compliance - Key Points
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m |
| Mass | kilogram | kg |
| Time | second | s |
| Force | newton | N |
| Pressure/Stress | pascal | Pa |
flowchart TD
A[Select Timber Species] --> B[Seasoning & Moisture Check]
B --> C[Physical & Mechanical Testing]
C --> D{Test Results}
D -->|Within Limits| E[Compliance Confirmed]
D -->|Outside Limits| F[Reject or Reprocess]
Note: Refer Clause 8.1 for specific prophylactic treatment requirements.
IS 2179 Annexures & Appendices: Key Timber Species & Units
Cross-bearers & Longitudinal Runners (A-1.1):
Body Sides, Floor, Front & Tailboard (A-2.1):
| Quantity | Unit | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Length | metre | m |
| Mass | kilogram | kg |
| Time | second | s |
| Force | newton | N |
| Pressure, Stress | pascal | Pa |
| Energy | joule | J |
| Power | watt | W |
graph TD
A[Cross-bearers & Longitudinal Runners] -->|Species| B(Teak, Sissoo, Deodar, etc.)
C[Body Sides, Floor, Front & Tailboard] -->|Species| D(Amari, Sal, Chickrassy, etc.)
E[Prophylactic Treatment] --> C
Use these tables and species lists for selecting timber as per IS 2179 Annexures.
Frequently Asked
Under IS 2179 (1979), the approved timber species for lorry body construction are categorized by component:
| Trade Name | Botanical Name | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Aini | Artocarpus hirsutus | AIN |
| Bijasal | Pterocarpus marsupium | BIJ |
| Deodar | Cedrus deodara | DEO |
| Hathipaila | Pterospermum acerifolium | HAT |
| Kala-siris | Albizia odoratissima | KSI |
| Kokko | Albizia lebbeck | KOK |
| Mundani | Acrocarpus fraxinifolius | MUN |
| Padri | Stereospermum spp. | PAD |
| Safed-siris | Albizia procera | SSI |
| Sissoo | Dalbergia sissoo | SIS |
| Teak | Tectona grandis | TEA |
| Thingan | Hopea odorata | THI |
Summary: IS 2179 specifies durable, strong timber species like Teak, Sissoo, Deodar, Aini, etc., for structural parts of lorry bodies. For detailed species for body sides and floors, consult Appendix A of the standard.
According to IS 2179, the acceptable moisture content limits for converted timber vary by thickness and zone:
For timber 50 mm and above thickness:
10% to 16% moisture content within 20 mm depth from the surface.
For timber less than 50 mm thickness:
8% to 14% moisture content within 20 mm depth.
In humid/rainy zones (e.g., Assam, Malabar), an additional tolerance of +3% moisture content is allowed.
These limits align with IS 287-1973 moisture content zones, ensuring timber seasoning suits local climatic conditions.
| Timber Thickness | Moisture Content (%) | Additional Tolerance in Humid Zones |
|---|---|---|
| ≥ 50 mm | 10 – 16 | +3 |
| < 50 mm | 8 – 14 | +3 |
This ensures durability and dimensional stability of timber in different climatic zones.
According to IS 2179, timber used for lorry bodies must be:
Free from defects such as:
Permissible defects are exceptions allowed as per Clause 7 (not detailed in your context).
Only minor, non-structural defects classified under permissible defects (Clause 7) are allowed. All major defects compromising strength or durability are prohibited.
For precise permissible defects, refer to Clause 7 of IS 2179, which typically allows small, sound knots or slight surface imperfections that don't affect structural integrity.
| Defect Type | Permissible? |
|---|---|
| Centre-heart (pith) | No |
| Decay (rot) | No |
| Shakes | No |
| Spike/slay knots | No |
| Spiral/twisted grain | No |
| Twist | No |
| Live insect attack | No |
| Minor sound knots | Yes (permissible) |
For detailed species and suitability, see Appendix A of IS 2179.
Preservative Treatments for Timber Durability per IS 2179 & IS 401-1967
Sapwood Treatment: Unlimited sapwood is allowed only if pressure treated with an approved preservative as per Clause 5.5 of IS 401-1967 (Clause 7.3.6.1).
Prophylactic Treatment: All timbers containing sapwood and those marked in Appendix A must receive prophylactic treatment per Group 7, Table 2 of IS 401-1967 (Clause 8.1).
Seasoning: Proper seasoning of timber is mandatory following IS 1141-1973 methods (Clause 5.1).
End Coating Options (Clause 9.1):
| Component | Parts |
|---|---|
| H.S.P. bitumen MexR 115/15 | 37.5 |
| L.S.P. bitumen MexR 10/20 | 12.5 |
| Creosote fuel oil (50:50) | 5.0 |
| Soap stone | 30.0 |
| Cinder (boiler ash) | 15.0 |
| Total | 100 |
Summary:
Pressure treatment and prophylactic treatments are essential for sapwood. End coatings protect timber ends from moisture ingress, enhancing durability.
Loading diagram...
IS 2179: Dimensions and Tolerances for Timber Planks and Scantlings
Dimensions: As per Clause 6.1, dimensions of planks and scantlings are as ordered by the purchaser; the standard does not fix specific sizes.
Moisture Content: Clause 5.2 specifies moisture content at supply:
Knots Tolerances (Clause 7.3.3.2):
| Knot Type | Diameter Allowed | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Live | ≤10 mm | Permissible without restriction |
| Live | 10–35 mm | Distance ≥ 30 cm; max 2 knots/m length |
| Dead | ≤6 mm | Permissible without restriction |
| Dead | 6–25 mm | Same as live knots above |
This ensures strength and usability are not compromised.
Loading diagram...
In essence: Order dimensions explicitly; control moisture; limit knot size, spacing & frequency to maintain
Ask AI about any clause, requirement, or provision in IS 2179. Get instant, clause-cited responses powered by our indexed library.
Free tier includes 150 queries (50 AI + 100 Reference) · No credit card required