Exotic softwoods, such as radiata and Caribbean pine, are an important source of structural timber, but the variable properties of wood from these fast grown trees means that mills must sort the timber into appropriate stress groups to ensure safety and performance. Currently this grading takes place once the logs have been cut into boards and undergone costly drying. In this study, researchers assessed the usefulness of non-destructive grading techniques that are conducted before logs are cut or dried. The results showed that these non-destructive tests gave a good indication of the boards’ final stiffness. In particular, grading green boards before drying could reduce the volume of non-structural boards that are dried by 5 to 8 per cent, with an associated saving of $70 to $85 per cubic metre.
Reference Number:
PNB040-0708
