When you see one of our urban benches installed in a city park or transit station, you're looking at a product that has survived a gauntlet of rigorous durability tests. Our testing philosophy is simple: if it can't withstand our laboratory, it won't survive the urban environment.
Our process begins with structural load testing. Each bench design undergoes cyclic loading—simulating years of public use in mere weeks. We use specialized machinery to apply weight equivalent to multiple adults, repeating this cycle thousands of times while monitoring for any deformation, stress fractures, or joint weaknesses. This isn't just about maximum weight capacity; it's about understanding how materials fatigue over time with regular use.
Environmental simulation forms our second testing pillar. Benches spend days in climate chambers that replicate extreme conditions—from scorching summer heat to freezing winter temperatures, and rapid transitions between them. We expose materials to accelerated UV radiation to test color fastness and surface integrity, and simulate heavy rainfall to check drainage and moisture resistance. For coastal cities, we even conduct salt spray corrosion tests.
Vandal resistance and impact testing might be our most dramatic phase. We conduct controlled impact tests using weighted pendulums, drop tests with heavy objects, and surface abrasion tests. Our engineers analyze how materials respond to scratches, impacts, and attempted defacement, then refine designs accordingly. We also test for stability, ensuring benches can't be easily tipped or disassembled.
Material-specific testing varies by product. For wooden benches, we measure moisture content stability and resistance to fungal growth. Metal components undergo electrochemical testing for galvanic corrosion when different metals connect. Recycled plastic benches are tested for creep resistance and thermal expansion.
Finally, we conduct real-world pilot installations in high-traffic locations. These 6-12 month trials provide invaluable data about actual usage patterns and maintenance needs. Combined with our laboratory data, this creates a comprehensive durability profile for every bench model.
This multilayered approach ensures that when our benches reach your community, they're not just aesthetically pleasing—they're engineered to remain safe, functional, and beautiful through years of constant public use. We believe public furniture should be a long-term investment, not a recurring expense.