Journal Article

Using a Standing-Tree Acoustic Tool to Identify Forest Stands for the Production of Mechanically-Graded Lumber

Carter, Peter, Paradis, Normand, Auty, David, Achim, Alexis

2013

Overview

This study investigates how the use of a Hitman ST300 acoustic sensor can help identify the best forest stands to be used as supply sources for the production of Machine Stress-Rated (MSR) lumber. Using two piezoelectric sensors, the ST300 measures the velocity of a mechanical wave induced in a standing tree. Measurements were made on 333 black spruce (Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP) trees from the North Shore region, Quebec (Canada) selected across a range of locations and along a chronosequence of elapsed time since the last fire (TSF). Logs were cut from a subsample of 39 trees, and sawn into 77 pieces of 38 mm × 89 mm cross-section before undergoing mechanical testing according to ASTM standard D-4761. A linear regression model was developed to predict the static modulus of elasticity of lumber using tree acoustic velocity and stem diameter at 1.3 m above ground level (R2 = 0.41). Results suggest that, at a regional level, 92% of the black spruce trees meet the requirements of MSR grade 1650Fb-1.5E, whilst 64% and 34% meet the 2100Fb-1.8E and 2400Fb-2.0E, respectively. Mature stands with a TSF < 150 years had 11 and 18% more boards in the latter two categories, respectively, and therefore represented the best supply source for MSR lumber.

• Publisher: MDPI AG,Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI)
• Subject: acoustic sensors / Acoustics / Acoustics - instrumentation / Boards / Canada / Elasticity / Forestry / forestry wood chain / Forests / Humans / machine stress-rated lumber / Mathematical models / Mechanical properties / Quebec / Regression analysis / Sensors / Stands / Supports / Trees / Trees - ultrastructure / Velocity / Wood / wood stiffness