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An analysis of
biomechanical and anthropometric parameters on classroom
furniture design
Metin Tunay* and Kenan
Melemez
Department
of Forestry, Zonguldak Karaelmas University, 74100,
Bartin-Turkey.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
mtunay74@ttnet.net.tr.
Tel: +90 378 2277422 Fax: +90 2277421.
Accepted
25 February, 2008 |
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In this
study, the necessary anthropometric measurements of
classroom furniture used in Turkish higher education were
carried out. The static anthropometric measurements of 13
dimensions from 1049 students were obtained while they are
standing and sitting. The data obtained was analyzed to
determine the limit values to be used in classroom and
laboratory design. The dimensions of school desks and chairs
were compared with the student’s anthropometric
measurements. For male students, the average weight was
found as 69.50 kg, stature as 1749 mm, and popliteal height
as 433 mm. For female students, the average weight was found
as 56.02 kg, stature as 1618 mm, and popliteal height as 421
mm values. According to these anthropometric measurements,
it was observed that there was a mismatch between popliteal
height and seat height, knee height and desk clearance,
buttock to popliteal length and seat depth. The percentile
values concerning the ergonomic design of school desks and
chairs in our classrooms were presented. The results show
that there are significant differences between the
anthropometric measures of Turkish students and other
nations compared.
Key
words:
Anthropometry, biomechanics, ergonomic design, classroom
furniture. |
