Abstract
The aim of the present paper is to assess the non-destructive indicating properties of Slovenian beech (Fagus sylvatica) logs and correlate them with the mechanical properties of the final product, which is boards. Beech logs were visually graded according to the standard procedure and vibrational frequencies were measured. Logs were further on sawn into boards which were also non-destructively tested in wet and dry conditions. Finally, the boards were experimentally tested in tension. Special focus was directed towards visual parameters of the beech logs and their influence on the overall quality of the output material. The longitudinal natural frequencies of the logs were studied as potential indicating properties. The results showed that a majority of the visual log grading parameters do not result in good quality timber in terms of strength and stiffness properties, and only few are decisive for the final classification. The coefficient of determination of the static MOE vs. dynamic MOE of logs was r2=0.13, whereas vs. the MOE of wet boards was r2=0.49. Using a few visual characteristics in combination with dynamic measurements of logs and of wet boards could help to increase the yield of high quality beech wood.
Highlights
In the last few decades, the threat of climate change has been more and more visible everywhere around the world [1]
European beech (Fagus sylvatica) [2], since “beech trees and older beech trees in particular, are able to adapt to climate change and may better compensate for warmness and drought than other common European tree species” [3]
The material used in this work was European beech (Fagus sylvatica) from Slovenia
Summary
In the last few decades, the threat of climate change has been more and more visible everywhere around the world [1]. Among other things, this has led to changes in the forests in Europe, where in recent years the number of Norway spruce (Picea abies) trees has declined [2]. Spruce has gone from 32.5 to 30.4% and beech has gone up from 31.6 to 32.7%, overtaking the number one spot of the most common tree species in Slovenia from spruce [5]. There is a lot of expected rejection during the production process when using beech
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