Library furniture and fittings, Part 2: Steel
1993 Edition

IS 1829 Part 2 mandates specific Indian Standards for various types of steel library furniture: steel bookcases must adhere to IS 7761:1983; steel glass-front cabinets should comply with IS 7760:1985; and steel chairs are governed by IS 3499 (Part 1):1985. For other steel furniture items such as book trolleys, card trays, index cabinets, and tables, the dimensions follow timber furniture standards (IS 1829 Part 1), while the design details and steel grades are left to the discretion of designers, ensuring compliance with the referenced IS codes and emphasizing uniformity and durability.

Per IS 1829 Part 2:1993, the catalogue cards work tray measures 300 mm in length, 135 mm in width, and 50 mm in depth. Book trolley shelves consist of two pairs of sloped shelves each 200 mm wide, plus one flat-bottom shelf approximately 425 mm wide for accommodating large books. Standard book racks dimensions include double-faced units measuring 2175 mm high, 1840 mm long, and 460 mm deep (with a 600 mm depth option for oversized materials), and single-faced units with the same height and length but 230 mm depth (extendable to 300 mm for large documents). These dimensions ensure ergonomic and efficient storage solutions.

To ensure longevity and corrosion resistance in steel library furniture, IS 1829 Part 2 recommends a multi-step finishing process: first, mild steel components undergo pickling to clean the surface, followed immediately by phosphating treatment as per IS 3618:1966. Then, a primer coat, such as red oxide or aluminium primer (IS 5660:1970), is applied. Subsequently, two enamel paint coats are applied—an undercoat conforming to IS 149:1950 and a finishing coat as per IS 151:1985, IS 2932:1974, or IS 2933:1975. Surface imperfections are filled with putty meeting IS 110:1983. Optionally, powder coating adhering to IS 13871:1993 can be applied upon purchaser’s request. This layered approach ensures enhanced protection against environmental wear.

According to IS 1829 Part 2, typical shelves in steel library furniture must sustain a load of 60 kg per shelf per bay. Sloping shelves are required to bear 40 kg each, while bottom shelves should support up to 80 kg per bay. The shelves are to be rigidly attached at the ends to maintain structural integrity. Shelf spacing is generally set at 350 mm center-to-center to accommodate diverse storage needs. These load requirements ensure the safety and durability of furniture under normal library usage.

While IS 1829 Part 2 does not explicitly enumerate performance tests for steel quality, it references related Indian Standards that guide material and fabrication quality. Recommended tests include dimensional accuracy checks, load capacity assessments consistent with IS 7761, IS 7760, and IS 3499, corrosion resistance and surface finish durability evaluations, welding and joint strength examinations, and mechanical property analyses such as tensile and yield strength. These tests ensure the furniture meets structural, functional, and durability standards expected for library use.

Yes, IS 1829 Part 2 mandates that steel chairs used in concrete work must include noise prevention pads on the legs to minimize sound during movement, as specified in Clause 13.3. Additionally, designs for chairs and trolleys emphasize quiet operation, with chair seats preferably woven rather than hard or upholstered, complying with IS 3499 (Part 1):1985 and dimensions per IS 3663:1991. These provisions ensure a quieter environment and protect flooring surfaces.

IS 1829 Part 2 aligns closely with multiple Indian Standards to maintain consistency in material quality, dimensions, finishes, and testing. It harmonizes dimensional criteria with IS 1829 Part 1 (timber furniture), while steel furniture finish and performance are governed by IS 101 series (paint tests), IS 13871 (powder coating), and IS 3618 (phosphating). Steel materials and welding conform to IS 513, IS 814, and IS 1278. Furniture components such as book ends, steel bookcases, and glass-front cabinets reference IS 7076, IS 7761, and IS 7760 respectively. This integration ensures comprehensive compliance and quality assurance across library steel furniture.