Relationship between acoustic wave velocity and different characteristics of wood in Eucalyptus nitens trees with sawing dimensions

Abstract

In this study, the relationships of acoustic wave velocity measured on the standing trees (VARBOL) and logs (VTROZA) to different wood characteristics of Eucalyptus nitens trees of 18-year-old, grown at the Biobio region Chile, with sawing dimensions were investigated. Nine trees were randomly selected. In each selected tree the VARBOL at North, South, East, and West of cardinal exposition of the stem was measured. VTROZA in the middle of logs taken at a fixed height of 2 m and 33 %, 66 %, and 100 % of the tree merchantable height was measured. In each log green moisture content (CHv), green density (Dv), basic density (DB), dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEd), growth stress indicator (GSI), modulus of elasticity in tension (Et), and longitudinal growth stress (σL) were obtained. There were no significant correlations among VARBOL and different characteristics examined in wood (CHv, Dv, DB, GSI, Et y σL). Acoustic wave velocity of log (VTROZA) changed significantly with the log position in the tree, increasing with tree height. VTROZA was significantly correlated to different parameters of wood quality and this variable could be used to segregate logs with a higher modulus of elasticity in tension (Et), lower green moisture content (CHv), and lower green density (Dv).