Performance testing of furniture. Part II. A multipurpose universal structural performance test method

Ultimate realization of universal performance test methods for furniture is dependent upon the development of methods that meet the perceived needs of consumers and manufacturers alike. Such systems must provide a means for the unambiguous evaluation of the important performance characteristics of the furniture, provide information that can be incorporated into the product engineering design process, provide information that will enable consumers to evaluate furniture on a cost versus performance basis, and finally, provide a means for determining the performance levels required for furniture to survive in any service environment. Performance test methods based on a stepped load model concept, which is described in this paper, largely satisfy these requirements and have already been incorporated into two federal methods of test. Future development of test methods based on this load model will likely occur as discriminating buyers increase their use of the growing body of information available concerning upholstered furniture and premier grade office chairs, and begin to demand similar information for other types of furniture. Such tests are also likely to be developed by offshore manufacturers so they can demonstrate the quality of their furniture compared to furniture produced in the United States.

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