Abstract
In the field of electronic roundwood measurement, 3D-laser systems are becoming more and more important for the determination of log volume and quality. Especially the outer shape of the logs is of particular importance for the yield and should therefore be described in as much detail as possible. This study focuses on the parameter curvature and compares five different approaches to quantify the sweep of logs based on high-resolution 360°-scans of 269 debarked logs of the species spruce, oak and pine. We observed strong differences between the approaches, including the two variants that are currently approved in German sawmills. Due to our findings, we suggest the introduction of a method that is based on a calculated centerline through the log instead of considering the outer log contour for future German log grading.
Highlights
Over the past several years, annually, on average, 30–40 million cubic meters roundwood have been cut in German sawmills [1]
This study focuses on the parameter curvature and compares five different approaches to quantify the sweep of logs based on high-resolution 360◦-scans of 269 debarked logs of the species spruce, oak and pine
Comparison of All Approaches For the comparison of all approaches, we calculated curvature values using the current standards for the offsets of the RV WV (500 mm at butt end, 0 mm at top end)
Summary
Over the past several years, annually, on average, 30–40 million cubic meters roundwood have been cut in German sawmills [1]. For the detection of the external shape of the logs, electronic measurement systems are becoming more and more important and are already used as a basis in the majority of the billed soft wood. The use of modern 3D-laser measurement systems allows the calculation of the billing-relevant volume, and the automatic determination of quality parameters such as curvature, ovality and taper is possible [2]. Since approximately one third of hardwood saw logs show a significant amount of sweep especially the curvature value is of particular importance for the quality assessment of roundwood. For the sawmill industry, the reason for an undervaluation of crooked logs is due to the potentially lower yield [9,10,11] and, especially in fast running softwood mills, a lower cutting speed in the process [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
