Nondestructive evaluation techniques for assessing modulus of elasticity and stiffness of small-diameter logs

The objective of this research was to investigate the use of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques to evaluate the flexural stiffness and MOE of small-diameter logs. A total of 159 red pine and jack pine logs were obtained from Northern Michigan in the United States and assessed nondestructively using longitudinal stress wave, transverse vibration, and static bending techniques. Statistical relationships between stiffness and MOE values obtained from each technique were then examined. Results of this study demonstrated that strong relationships exist between the log properties determined by longitudinal stress wave, transverse vibration, and static bending techniques. Longitudinal stress wave and transverse vibration techniques can be used to sort small-diameter logs with reasonable accuracy.