Abstract
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.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 3394-3408 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Sensors |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Mar 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Acoustic sensors
- Forestry wood chain
- Machine stress-rated lumber
- Wood stiffness
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
- Instrumentation
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering