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Examining the Use of Internal Defect Information for Information-Augmented Hardwood Log Breakdown

Informally Refereed

Abstract

In present-day hardwood sawmills, log breakdown is hampered by incomplete information about log geometry and internal features. When internal log scanning becomes operational, it will remove this roadblock and provide a complete view of each logâs interior. It is not currently obvious, however, how dramatically this increased level of information will improve log breakdown by the sawyer. In this study, 3 hypothetical logs were generated (grades 1-3) and sawn via computer simulation using 6 established log sawing heuristics÷with and without the use of internal information. These same logs were also computer sawn by applying new heuristics that take advantage of complete, defect information. Following edging and grading operations the lumber values obtained from each log breakdown were compared. Preliminary results indicate that÷in the absence of an optimal log breakdown procedure÷increased information about internal log features can improve value recovery by 8.5% for grade #1 logs. Lumber values for lower grades do not change significantly, which suggests that choosing a breakdown pattern with high value recovery becomes very difficult when viewing logs with many internal defects.

Citation

Occeña, Luis G.; Schmoldt, Daniel L.; Thawornwong, Suraphan. 1997. Examining the Use of Internal Defect Information for Information-Augmented Hardwood Log Breakdown. Proceedings, ScanPro - 7th International Conference on Scanning Technology &Process Optimization for the Wood Products Industry. 8 pp. (Extended version of published article)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/research/treesearch/129