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Wood Science and Measurement Technology

Course developer

Course abstract

Students obtain comprehensive information regarding roundwood from different tree species. The students learn the macro structure of wood and tree species determination by the macro characteristics of wood, as well as the physical properties of wood such as moisture, density, shrinkage and decorative properties, which gives an understanding of further wood use and volume determination. Students learn some parts of wood and how to use it. Students gain an understanding of the process of determining the volume of round timber, starting with legislation, continuing with the application of various methods and techniques, and the accuracy and significance of volume and quality measurement and evaluation. At the end of the course, an insight into the flow of round timber data from the forest owner to the processing site is obtained.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

After completing the course, the student:
• Know the structure, physical and mechanical properties of wood and methods of determining it (1. test);
• Have skills to measure and evaluate round timber on an individual or group basis (2. test)
• Is Competence in selecting survey methods, their accuracy and organization of data flow from forest owner to processing site (3. test)

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Content of study course, definition of wood, macro structure of wood (2h L)
2.Wood Parts and Their Usability (1h L)
3. Physical properties of wood (3h L) Determination of wood moisture, density and shrinkage (3h LD)
4. Micro-structure of wood and chemical structure of wood (1h L) Determination of micro-structure of conifers and hardwoods (1h LD)
5. Mechanical properties of wood (1h L) Determination of sample strength (1h LD)
1. TEST - Macro-structure, physical and mechanical properties of wood
6. Legislation Related to Round Timber Surveying (1L) Regulatory Environment Analysis (3h LD)
7. Basic Principles for Determining Round Timber Volume (2h L)
8. Individual Measurement of Round Timber (1h L) Calculation and Comparison of Volume Using Different Individual Volume Measurement Techniques (3h LD)
9. Group Measurement of Round Timber (1h L) Modeling Principles of Formation of Bulk Geometry and Volume Factor (1h LD)
10. Use of mass method for determination of round timber volume (1h L) Application of mass / volume and volume / mass conversion factor (1h LD)
2.TEST - Determination of the volume of round timber
11. Classification of round timber (1h L)
12. Quality Assessment of Round Timber (1h L) Characterization of Quality Requirements (1h LD) Limits of Quality Requirements for Different Assortment Types (5h LD)
13. Characteristics of roundwood data flow from forest owner to processing site (1h L) Data flow modeling (1h LD)
14. Estimation of Volume Determination Algorithm for Round Timber Volume Harvester (1h L) (1h LD)
15. Factors Affecting Accurate Measurement of Round Timber Volume (2h L) Evaluation of Different Influencing Factors (2h LD)
16. Measurement of Volume and Quality Assessment of Round Timber in Forest (4h PrD)
17. Determination of individual volume with automatic measuring devices, visit to the processing site (4h PrD)
18. Bulk volume determination using hand tools, processing site visit (4h PrD)
19. Bulk Volume Determination Using Automatic Survey Equipment, Site Visit (4h PrD)
20. Visit to Timber Survey and Flow Management Companies (6h PrD)

3.TEST - Classification of logs, quality assessment, data flow and factors affecting accuracy

Requirements for awarding credit points

The laboratory works must be developed and defended and the practical work review and exam must be prepared and defended.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Students must independently prepare before practical works and tests according to the study course plan.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

During the semester there are 3 written tests, the topics of which are lectures, laboratories, practical work material, as well as self-study material. By the end of the exam everyone must have completed and passed all the practical and laboratory work provided in the lesson plan and written tests successfully. The cumulative assessment consists of the assessment of study course 3 tests (each 20 %), laboratory work and practical work (total 30 %) and activities during the classes (10 %). Knowledge, skills and competence are assessed on a 10-point scale. The student can get a successful mark in the
test or exam if at least 50% of the questions are answered correctly. The exam may not be passed if each test and colloquium have a score of 7 and higher; exam grade equals the arithmetic average of tests, practicals and colloquia. Exam is written without consumables. If the exam, test mark is unsuccessful (3), the course total score is also unsuccessful. Requirements and Procedures for Missing Lessons: Attendance of lectures and classes is mandatory. Delayed and unrecognized laboratory and practical work shall be completed in the time and order determined by the Department. In case of unsuccessful tests, oral answer or transcription is given one opportunity at the time indicated by the department.

Compulsory reading

1. Bowyer L., Shmulsky R., Haygreen J.G. Forest Products and Wood Science. An Introduction. Fourth edition. Ames; Iowa: Iowa State Press, 2003. 554 p. (2003)

Further reading

1. Miklašēvičs Z. (2013) Harmonization of Piece-by-Piece Measurement Methods of Roundwood Approved by Latvian Standard LVS 82:2003 “Apaļo kokmateriālu uzmērīšana”. Environment. Technology. Resources. Proceedings of the 9th International Scientificand Practical Conference. Volume 1. Rēzeknes Augstskola. Rēzekne: RA Izdevniecība. 2013. 154.-162. lpp.

2. www.timbermeasure.com

Notes

For academic bachelor study programme “Sustainable forestry” students