Comparison of log taper in different wood species

Abstract

The rational yield of the sawlogs is one of the key factor for the prosperity of the sawmill capacity. One of the factors that significantly influence the maximum quantitative yield of sawlogs is the diameter taper. The diameter taper is an inevitable sawlogs occurrence and it is determined by the geometry of the logs. The diameter taper is defined as the difference between the diameters of the two ends of the log, alongside its length. Great differences between these two diameters adversely affect the percentage of maximum quantitative yield. This parametar plays a fundamental role in the classification of logs into quality classes. The aim of the paper is to compare the diameter taper in different wood species. Wood species of interest are: beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), pine (Pinus sylvestris, Pinus nigra), oak (Quercus sessiliflora), and fir/spruce (Abies alba/Picea excelsa). Log length is of important influence in the value of log taper. Therefore, the analysis for the different wood species will also present different groups of lengths, in order to determine the different values for the log taper. The selection of wood species is for the purpose of comparison of the taper values in deciduous and coniferous wood species.