Resource-Efficient And Data-driven integrated log and board Strength grading (READiStrength)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Avdelningen för Träteknik |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 4 418 100 |
| Project duration | January 2019 - March 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Forest Value ERA-NET cofund |
Important results from the project
The project´s goal is to improve the current concept for strength grading of softwood products and thereby create conditions for material-efficient and more flexible processes for disintegration of the log into products to be used for construction purposes. An optimized process for strength grading means that fewer logs need to be sawn to provide a certain amount of construction products. This provides better utilization of timber resources in general and is an important part of Europe´s strategic work towards a sustainable bio-based economy.
Expected long term effects
Results show that new digital traceability and measurement technology in the sawmills combined with multivariate feature control early in the production flow can improve strength-grading of timber. The concept means that the timber´s outcome regarding the strength properties can be controlled/improved and that the raw material consumption for the production of strength-graded timber is reduced. We also show the possibilities of combining a pre-sorting of timber with requirements for machine strength grading according to current standard EN 14081-2. Articles, see Appendix 2.
Approach and implementation
New scenarios for strength grading of timber have been defined based on proven industry standards, new technology in log and board scanning and from interviews in the sawmill industry regarding scanning techniques and grading rules. Logs from Sweden, Austria and Germany and the strength properties of sawn timber have been empirically tested and characterized. Data for 420 logs and 1200 boards from four tree species have been collected and analyzed with multivariate prediction models. Validity and robustness have been described in relation to the actual quality outcome.