Sorting of logs using acoustics

The practical implications and benefits of using acoustics for sorting pine logs at the skids is reported. The aim is to segregate logs according to their intrinsic stiffnesses and to determine the proportion of lumber making framing or structural grades. The proposition is that there are significant financial benefits to sawmillers if the poorest logs – those which yield low stiffness timber – can be identified and diverted to other end uses that do not require high stiffness.