Utilization of small diameter logs including branchwood
Loading...
Date
1998-02-14
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The effects of log diameter and sawing pattern on lumber yield were studied to find the most efficient technique in processing small diameter logs (Cedrella odorata and Aningeria sp.)
A Radomized complete Block Design (RCBD), 2 x 4 factorial with four replications was used for the analysis of branchwood of Aningeria sp. and 2 x 2 factorial with four replications was developed for the study of the stemwood of Cedrella odorata. 32 logs were used for the study of the branchwood and 16 for stemwood.
The study has shown that branchwood of Aningeria sp. can be efficiently sawn into lumber thus increasing the total recovery from tree species. Small diameter stemwood logs of Cedrella odorata can be efficiently processed.
There is no significant differences between live and cant sawing at a particular diameter class used in the study. Significant differences however exist between lumber yields from log diameter classes 10-13cm, 14-17cm and 18-21cm for branchwood. It also applies to log dameter classes 21-27cm and 28-34cm for stemwood.
Log diameters of more than 17cm give mean lumber yield of more than 40% as compared to those below 17cm which gives a maximum recovery of about 34% for branchwood. Log diameters of more than 27cm give mean lumber yield of more than 50% whilst those below 27cm generate about 43% for stemwood
The objectives of the study were to investigate an efficient sawing pattern for the processing of small diameter logs, to develop a mathematical model to predict lumber recovery of small diameter logs including branchwood.
Branchwood of Aningeria sp as well as small diameter stemwood logs can be I efficiently processed. However the physical and technological properties of branchwood of Aningeria sp. further studied in order for it to be used for downstream
processing
Description
A thesis submitted to the Board of Postgraduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the Degree of Master of Science in Wood Technology and Management, 1998