Assessment of the timber quality of standing trees and wood quality models for the log scanning

International audienceThis presentation discusses recent results and trends in the field of models and tools that permit the assessment of timber quality of the actual forest resource for two different contexts of the primary conversion. 1) In the forest: This method is based upon individual tree measurements, such as they are performed for a forest inventory (DBH, total height, and age). A set of models has been built in order to simulate the individual stem morphology and wood properties. For each simulated tree, the software in which the models are embedded (Win-EPIFN) simulates log cutting and grading, and board sawing in each log. 2) In the sawmill: Using multi-points shadow scanners, the external shape of the logs was recorded. A set of models has been built in order to predict the number of rings, the elliptic shape of the log section, and the pith location within the section. Using an x-ray scanner, it is possible to investigate the internal-log structure. This enabled the analysis of the relationship between external log shape and internal wood quality (ring limits, sapwood area, knots, features, etc.)