Within- and between-stand variation in selected properties of Sitka spruce sawn timber in the UK: implications for segregation and grade recovery

Moore, John R; Lyon, Andrew J; Searles, Gregory J; Lehneke, Stefan A; Ridley-Ellis, Daniel

Abstract

Context

Information on wood properties variation is needed by forest growers and timber processors to best utilise the available forest resource and to guide future management.

Aim

This study aims to quantify the variation in selected properties of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis (Bong.) Carr.) structural timber.

Methods

Twelve harvest-age stands were selected, ten trees per site were felled and processed into 301 logs. Dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEdyn) was measured on each tree and log using portable acoustic instruments. Logs were processed into structural timber and its MOE and bending strength was determined.

Results

Overall, the timber satisfied the MOE, bending strength and density requirements for the C16 strength class. Approximately 25 % of the total variation in timber mechanical properties was attributed to between-stand differences, with the remaining 75 % attributed to within-stand differences. A series of equations were developed to predict site, tree and log-level variation in timber properties.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the site and stand factors that are associated with differences in timber properties can assist with segregation of the current resource. Portable acoustic tools can also be used to increase the stiffness of sawn timber by segregating out individual trees and logs that will yield low stiffness timber.

Citation

Moore, J. R., Lyon, A. J., Searles, G. J., Lehneke, S. A., & Ridley-Ellis, D. (2013). Within- and between-stand variation in selected properties of Sitka spruce sawn timber in the UK: implications for segregation and grade recovery. Annals of Forest Science, 70, 403-415. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-013-0275-y

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Online Publication Date: Mar 29, 2013
• Publication Date: 2013
• Deposit Date: Apr 10, 2014
• Print ISSN: 1286-4560
• Electronic ISSN: 1297-966X
• Publisher: BMC
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 70
• Pages: 403-415
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13595-013-0275-y
• Keywords: Acoustics; Timber properties; Structural timber; ; Modulus of elasticity; Wood quality; Segregation
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/id/eprint/6762
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s13595-013-0275-y