Abstract
The quantification of the solid wood content in a wood stack has been an object of investigation since the 18th century. Particularly, the log parameters exert a considerable influence on the volume of the stack, such as (1) the log midpoint diameter, (2) average bark thickness, (3) crookedness, and (4) log taper. Although many of these parameters have already been studied and some are already considered in many countries when measuring wood stacks, their influence has not been analyzed individually so far since a broad statistical database is needed and the data collection is very costly. Consequently, a 3D-simulation model was developed based on a cross-platform game engine. This model generates virtual wood stacks based on a data set of logs which are defined by the user. The simulation of a stack can be done in a few seconds only and each stack generated can be visualized once all iterations are done. The simulation results are the stacked cubic volume, solid wood cubic volume, and the respective conversion factors. The model, fed with both real data and user-defined data, allows for a detailed analysis of the effect of each parameter on the results, as the user can vary their values discretionary. To obtain the first results from real data, 1000 logs of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) were measured. The first simulations based on these data show reliable results and it is possible to quantify the influence of the proportion of crooked wood in a pile on the stack volume and the conversion factor. In addition, the results are highly in line with the real trials that have already been performed in parallel. A further scientific evaluation and statistical analysis will be done in a second study phase. However, the model already provides a reasonable tool that is easy to apply for the forest and wood industry in order to make the most accurate estimate possible of the solid wood content in a wood pile.
Highlights
There are two parameters, which are important at this point: the stack volume and the solid wood content
The stack volume is normally measured by multiplying the length, width, and height of a stack and its result is the cubic area occupied by the stack of wood
The average values of the stack volume and conversion factors according to different proportions of crooked logs in the stack are displayed in Figures 1 and 2
Summary
The most important factor for the purchaser when buying round wood in stacks is to precisely know the volume, which is acquired. There are two parameters, which are important at this point: the stack volume and the solid wood content. The stack volume is normally measured by multiplying the length, width, and height of a stack and its result is the cubic area occupied by the stack of wood. Two common units to express the stacked wood measure are the stere and the cord. When expressing the volume of a stack in such a way, the wood volume and the bark portion, air space, etc., are included
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