Grading of softwood lumber using non-destructive techniques

The purpose of this study was to determine the grading and wood properties of the four softwood lumbers using non-destructive techniques. The results indicated that the higher the visual grading, the higher the values of the dynamic modulus of elasticity (DMOE) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) in bending of the lumber. Mechanical grading was more reliable and more efficient than visual grading. The value of the DMOE was slightly higher than that of the MOE, and there were good relationships between the DMOE and MOE of the lumber. Flexural stiffness as determined by the transverse vibration method was found to be the best single predictor of the MOE.