IS 21791979AI Search Enabled✦ AI Generated

converted timber for lorry bodies

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.

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What This Standard Covers

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.

Who Uses This Standard

  • Vehicle body manufacturers
  • Timber suppliers and merchants
  • Quality control engineers
  • Civil and mechanical engineers
  • Forest product specialists
  • Preservation and treatment professionals
  • Regulatory compliance officers

Key Topics Covered

Approved timber species for lorry body components
Dimensions and tolerances for planks and scantlings
Permissible moisture content levels
Allowed defects and their limitations
Preservative treatment requirements
Marking and identification of timber pieces
Seasoning and conditioning of timber
Surface cracks and warping allowances
Moisture content variations by climatic zones
Prohibitions on plugging or covering defects
Tolerance limits for width and thickness
Grain slope and knot specifications

Table of Contents

1Scope

IS 2179 - Scope: Key Specifications & Tables

1. Scope Summary

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.


2. Permissible Timber Species (Clause 2.1, Table A-2)

Trade NameBotanical NameSymbol
AmariAmoora spp.AMA
BenteakLagerstroemia lanceolataBEN
BonsumPhoebe spp.BON
ChaplashArtocarpus ChaplashaCHP
Chickrassy*Chukrasia velutina (Syn. C. tabularis)CHI
DhamanGrewia tiliaefoliaDHA
GurjanDipterocarpus spp.GUR
HollockTerminalia myriocarpaHOL
HollongDipterocarpus macrocarpusHON
KailPinus wallichianaKAL
.........

*Subject to preservative treatment per Clause 8.1.


3. Dimensions (Clause 6.1)

  • Dimensions of planks and scantlings are as ordered.
  • Refer to detailed project specifications or client requirements.

4. Surface Cracks Allowance (Clause 7.3.8, Table 7.3.3.2)

Thickness (cm)Max Depth of Crack (mm)
Up to 51.5
Over 5 and up to 103
Over 106

*Cracks on any surface except ends are permissible within these limits.


5. Preservative Treatment

  • Timber species marked with * require prophylactic treatment (Clause 8.1).
  • Treatment ensures durability and resistance to decay.

Summary Diagram: Timber Selection & Quality Checks

flowchart TD
   
2Species of Timber for Cross-Bearers and Longitudinal Runners

IS 2179: Species of Timber for Cross-Bearers and Longitudinal Runners

Key Table (Clause 1.1, Appendix A)

S.NoTrade NameBotanical NameAbbreviation
1AiniArtocarpus hirsutusAIN
2BijasalPterocarpus marsupiumBIJ
3DeodarCedrus deodaraDEO
4HathipailaPterospermum acerifoliumHAT
5Kala-sirisAlbizia odoratissimaKSI
6KokkoAlbizia lebbeckKOK
7MundaniAcrocarpus fraxinifoliusMUN
8PadriStereospermum spp.PAD
9Safed-sirisAlbizia proceraSSI
10SissooDalbergia sissooSIS
11TeakTectona grandisTEA
12ThinganHopea odorataTHI

Specifications Summary:

  • These species are recommended for cross-bearers and longitudinal runners in lorry body manufacturing.
  • Timber should be converted to planks and scantlings as per IS 2179.
  • Selection is based on strength, durability, and workability suitable for vehicle structural components.

Additional Notes:

  • Use Teak (TEA) and Sissoo (SIS) for higher durability.
  • Species like Aini (AIN) and Padri (PAD) are also commonly used.
  • Ensure timber is seasoned and free from defects for structural integrity.

graph LR
A[Cross-Bearers & Longitudinal Runners] --> B[Aini (AIN)]
A --> C[Bijasal (BIJ)]
A --> D[Deodar (DEO)]
A --> E[Hathipaila (HAT)]
3Species of Timber for Body Sides, Floor, Front and Tailboard

IS 2179: Species of Timber for Lorry Body Components

Key Timber Species for Body Sides, Floor, Front, and Tailboard (Appendix A)

S.NoTrade NameBotanical NameAbbreviation
1AiniArtocarpus hirsutusAIN
2BijasalPterocarpus marsupiumBIJ
3DeodarCedrus deodaraDEO
4HathipailaPterospermum acerifoliumHAT
5Kala-sirisAlbizia odoratissimaKSI
6KokkoAlbizia lebbeckKOK
7MundaniAcrocarpus fraxinifoliusMUN
8PadriStereospermum spp.PAD
9Safed-sirisAlbizia proceraSSI
10SissooDalbergia sissooSIS
11TeakTectona grandisTEA
12ThinganHopea odorataTHI

Notes:

  • These species are selected for their strength, durability, and suitability for different lorry body parts.
  • Body sides, floor, front, and tailboard require timber with good load-bearing and wear resistance.
  • Refer to Appendix A of IS 2179 for detailed specifications on timber quality, seasoning, and treatment.

Typical Use Summary

ComponentRecommended Timber Species (Abbreviations)
Body SidesTEA, SIS, AIN, BIJ
FloorTEA, SIS, DEO, PAD
Front & TailboardKSI, KOK, SSI, THI

This ensures durability and safety in lorry body construction per IS 2179 standards.

4General Requirements and Defects

IS 2179: General Requirements and Defects

1. Measurements (Clause 6.3)

  • Length (m): Measured at midline; fractions rounded down to nearest 0.05 m.
  • Width (cm or mm): Measured at narrowest point; rounded to nearest cm.
  • Thickness (cm or mm): Measured at narrowest point; rounded to nearest cm.
  • Volume (m³): Computed from accepted sizes, accurate to 3 decimal places.

2. Permissible Defects (Clause 7.3)

  • Defects in 7.3.1 to 7.3.8 are permissible collectively, not individually.
  • Surface cracks (Clause 7.3.8): Allowed on any surface except ends.
Thickness of Piece (cm)Max Depth of Deepest Crack (mm)
Up to 51.5
Over 5 and up to 103
Over 106

Summary:

  • Measure dimensions carefully and round as specified.
  • Surface cracks allowed within limits depending on thickness.
  • Defects are considered in totality, not individually.
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.

5Moisture Content

IS 2179: Moisture Content for Timber

Key Specifications (Clauses 5.2 & 5.3)

Timber ThicknessMoisture Content (%)Notes
≥ 50 mm10 to 16Within 20 mm depth from surface
< 50 mm8 to 14Within 20 mm depth from surface
  • Tolerance: +3% moisture content allowed during rainy/humid seasons (e.g., Assam, Malabar).

Important Notes:

  • Moisture content is critical for durability and strength.
  • Values refer to timber at initial supply.
  • Moisture content limits vary by climatic zones (see IS 287-1973 for zone-wise details).
  • Moisture content is measured by weight loss on drying or moisture meters.

Moisture Content Calculation Formula:

[ \text{Moisture Content (%)} = \frac{W_{wet} - W_{dry}}{W_{dry}} \times 100 ]

  • (W_{wet}) = weight of the sample before drying
  • (W_{dry}) = weight after oven drying (usually at 103 ± 2°C until constant weight)

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.

6Dimensions, Tolerances and Measurements

IS 2179: Dimensions, Tolerances, and Measurements for Timber

Key Points:

  • 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):

    • Width: Tolerance applies irrespective of piece width (exact tolerance values not provided in excerpt).

Timber Species for Body Sides, Floor, Front, Tailboard (Clause 2.1, Table A-2):

Trade NameBotanical NameSymbol
AmariAmoora spp.AMA
BenteakLagerstroemia lanceolataBEN
BonsumPhoebe spp.BON
ChaplashArtocarpus chaplashaCHP
ChickrassyChukrasia velutina (Syn. C. tabularis)CHI
.........
SalShorea robustaSAL

(Subject to prophylactic treatment as per Clause 8.1)

Units & Symbols (SI Units):

QuantityUnitSymbol
Lengthmetrem
Masskilogramkg
Timeseconds
ForcenewtonN
PressurepascalPa (N/m²)

Summary Table: Moisture Content Tolerance

ConditionMoisture 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
7Permissible Defects

IS 2179: Permissible Defects Summary

Key Points from Clause 7.3 (Permissible Defects)

  • Defects are permissible collectively, not individually (Clause 7.2).
  • Defects specified in Clauses 7.3.1 to 7.3.8 are allowed within limits.

Surface Cracks (Clause 7.3.8)

Thickness of Piece (cm)Max Depth of Deepest Crack (mm)
Up to 51.5
Over 5 and up to 103
Over 106
  • Cracks are not allowed on ends, only on other surfaces.
  • Measurement of thickness is at the narrowest point (Clause 6.3c).

Measurement Rules (Clause 6.3)

  • Length: Measured at midline, rounded down to nearest 0.05 m.
  • Width & Thickness: Measured at narrowest point, rounded to nearest cm.
  • Volume: Computed in m³, accurate to three decimals.

Practical Notes:

  • Always check combined defects for acceptance.
  • Use these limits to assess timber quality before preservative treatment (Clause 8).
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.

8Preservative Treatment

IS 2179: Preservative Treatment Key Points

1. Prophylactic Treatment (Clause 8.1)

  • All sapwood-containing timber and those marked * in Appendix A must be treated as per Group 7, Table 2 of IS 401-1967.
  • Pressure treatment is mandatory for unlimited sapwood (Clause 7.3.6.1).

2. Surface Crack Limits (Clause 7.3.8)

Thickness of Piece (cm)Max Crack Depth (mm)
Up to 51.5
Over 5 to 103
Over 106

3. End Coating Materials (Clause 9.1)

Material/CompositionDetails/Ratio
a) Thick coal tar or bituminous paint-
b) Rosin and lamp black10:1 (melted & applied hot)
c) Hardened gloss oil-
d) Paraffin wax-
e) Molasses and lime3:1
f) Anti-splitting-cum-preservativeSee composition below
g) Tar acid-pitch1:1
h) Bitumen paint-pitch4:3

Anti-splitting-cum-preservative composition (parts by weight):

ComponentWeight (%)
H.S.P. bitumen MexR 115/1537.5
L.S.P. bitumen MexR 10/2012.5
Creosote fuel oil (50:50)5.0
Soap stone30.0
Cinder (boiler ash)15.0
Total100.0

Summary Diagram: Treatment Process Flow

flowchart TD
    A[Timber with Sapwood] --> B{Marked with * in Appendix A?}
    B -- Yes --> C[Prophylactic Treatment (IS 401-196
9Marking and Identification

IS 2179 - Marking and Identification of Timber

Key Specifications (Clause 10.1)

Each timber piece shall be legibly and indelibly marked on a broad face about 30 cm from the end with:

  • a) Species Abbreviation: Use symbols from Appendix A (see table below).
  • b) Size: Dimensions in which timber is accepted.
  • c) Supplier Identification: Name, initials, or recognized trademark.
  • d) Year of Supply

Species Abbreviated Symbols (Excerpt from Appendix A)

Trade NameBotanical NameAbbreviated Symbol
AmariAmoora spp.AMA
BenteakLagerstroemia lanceolataBEN
BonsumPhoebe spp.BON
ChaplashArtocarpus ChaplashaCHP
ChickrassyChukrasia velutina (Syn. C. tabularis)CHI
DhamanGrewia tiliaefoliaDHA
GurjanDipterocarpus spp.GUR
HollockTerminalia myriocarpaHOL
SalShorea robustaSAL

(Refer full Appendix A for complete list)

Optional Marking (Clause 10.1.1)

  • ISI Certification Mark may be added, indicating compliance with ISI quality control and inspection.

Summary Diagram: Marking Location on Timber

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.

10Testing and Compliance

IS 2179: Testing and Compliance - Key Points

1. Timber Species for Vehicle Bodies (Clause 2.1, Table A-2)

  • Permitted species include:
    • Amari (AMA) - Amoora spp.
    • Benteak (BEN) - Lagerstroemia lanceolata
    • Chickrassy (CHI) - Chukrasia velutina (subject to treatment as per 8.1)
    • Others like Gurjan (GUR), Sal (SAL), Piney (PIN), etc.

2. Moisture Content & Seasoning

  • Timber must conform to moisture content limits as per zones (introduced in this revision).
  • Seasoning provisions are mandatory to ensure durability and dimensional stability.

3. Testing & Compliance

  • Final test values must be rounded off according to IS:2-1960.
  • Compliance is based on observed or calculated values matching specified limits.

4. Units & Symbols (SI Units)

QuantityUnitSymbol
Lengthmetrem
Masskilogramkg
Timeseconds
ForcenewtonN
Pressure/StresspascalPa
  • Force: ( N = kg \cdot m/s^2 )
  • Pressure: ( 1 Pa = 1 N/m^2 )

Summary Diagram: Compliance Workflow

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.

11Annexures and Appendices

IS 2179 Annexures & Appendices: Key Timber Species & Units

Timber Species (Appendix A)

  • Cross-bearers & Longitudinal Runners (A-1.1):

    • Examples: Teak (TEA), Sissoo (SIS), Deodar (DEO), Aini (AIN), Safed-siris (SSI).
  • Body Sides, Floor, Front & Tailboard (A-2.1):

    • Examples: Amari (AMA), Benteak (BEN), Chickrassy (CHI), Sal (SAL), Kail (KAL).
    • Note: Some timbers require prophylactic treatment (Clause 8.1).

Units (SI Units)

QuantityUnitSymbol
Lengthmetrem
Masskilogramkg
Timeseconds
ForcenewtonN
Pressure, StresspascalPa
EnergyjouleJ
PowerwattW
  • Force: ( N = 1,kg \cdot m/s^2 )
  • Pressure: ( Pa = N/m^2 )

Summary Diagram of Timber Use

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.

Popular Questions About IS 2179

?Which timber species are approved for use in lorry body construction under IS 2179?

Under IS 2179 (1979), the approved timber species for lorry body construction are categorized by component:

1. Cross-bearers and Longitudinal Runners (Clause 1.1, Table A-1)

Trade NameBotanical NameSymbol
AiniArtocarpus hirsutusAIN
BijasalPterocarpus marsupiumBIJ
DeodarCedrus deodaraDEO
HathipailaPterospermum acerifoliumHAT
Kala-sirisAlbizia odoratissimaKSI
KokkoAlbizia lebbeckKOK
MundaniAcrocarpus fraxinifoliusMUN
PadriStereospermum spp.PAD
Safed-sirisAlbizia proceraSSI
SissooDalbergia sissooSIS
TeakTectona grandisTEA
ThinganHopea odorataTHI

2. Body Sides, Floor, Front and Tailboard

  • Refer to Appendix A of IS 2179 for the detailed list of species suitable for these parts (Clause 3.1).

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.

?What are the acceptable moisture content limits for converted timber in different zones?

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.

Summary Table:

Timber ThicknessMoisture Content (%)Additional Tolerance in Humid Zones
≥ 50 mm10 – 16+3
< 50 mm8 – 14+3

This ensures durability and dimensional stability of timber in different climatic zones.

?What types of defects are permissible in timber used for lorry bodies?

According to IS 2179, timber used for lorry bodies must be:

  • Free from defects such as:

    • Centre-heart (pith)
    • Decay (rot)
    • Shakes
    • Spike or slay knots
    • Spiral or twisted grain
    • Twist
    • Live insect attack
  • Permissible defects are exceptions allowed as per Clause 7 (not detailed in your context).

Summary:

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.


Quick checklist for timber defects in lorry bodies (IS 2179):

Defect TypePermissible?
Centre-heart (pith)No
Decay (rot)No
ShakesNo
Spike/slay knotsNo
Spiral/twisted grainNo
TwistNo
Live insect attackNo
Minor sound knotsYes (permissible)

For detailed species and suitability, see Appendix A of IS 2179.

?What preservative treatments are required to ensure timber durability?

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):

    • Thick coal tar or bituminous paint/solution
    • Rosin and lamp black (10:1 ratio), applied hot
    • Hardened gloss oil
    • Paraffin wax
    • Molasses and lime (3:1 ratio)
    • Anti-splitting-cum-preservative composition (by weight):
ComponentParts
H.S.P. bitumen MexR 115/1537.5
L.S.P. bitumen MexR 10/2012.5
Creosote fuel oil (50:50)5.0
Soap stone30.0
Cinder (boiler ash)15.0
Total100
  • Tar acid-pitch (1:1)
  • Bitumen paint-pitch (4:3)

Summary:
Pressure treatment and prophylactic treatments are essential for sapwood. End coatings protect timber ends from moisture ingress, enhancing durability.

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?How are dimensions and tolerances specified for timber planks and scantlings?

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:

    • 50 mm and above thickness: 10–16% within 20 mm depth from surface.
    • Below 50 mm thickness: 8–14%.
  • Knots Tolerances (Clause 7.3.3.2):

    • Live knots:
      • ≤10 mm diameter allowed freely.
      • 10–35 mm diameter allowed if:
        • Distance between knots ≥ 30 cm.
        • Max 2 knots (live + dead) per meter length.
    • Dead knots:
      • ≤6 mm diameter allowed freely.
      • 6–25 mm diameter allowed under same spacing and number limits as live knots.

Summary Table for Knots in Scantlings

Knot TypeDiameter AllowedConditions
Live≤10 mmPermissible without restriction
Live10–35 mmDistance ≥ 30 cm; max 2 knots/m length
Dead≤6 mmPermissible without restriction
Dead6–25 mmSame as live knots above

This ensures strength and usability are not compromised.

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In essence: Order dimensions explicitly; control moisture; limit knot size, spacing & frequency to maintain

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