METLA Project 3192

Quality, measurement and procurement of wood raw materials in specializing timber utilization

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Duration: 1997-2001   Keywords: SME sector, Wood quality, measurement, mechanical forest industries, special timber assortments, wood procurement.

Objectives

The main goal of this research project is to intensify the utilisation of Finnish domestic wood raw materials and the high natural wood quality for specialised mechanical wood industries, especially in the small- and medium-scale sector. The aim is to be achieved by studying the potential of selected wood raw materials and by displaying the potentials for the users and producers of the materials in forest management, timber procurement, and primary and further wood processing. In addition, organising and problems in wood procurement to the small and medium scale industries are explored, and the activities of the subject area Diversification of Wood Utilisation in the Centre of Expertise for Wood Products 2000 to 2006 are managed.

In this project, distribution of research results and transfer of technology for forestry and mechanical forest industries are emphasised. Furthermore, a research programme in wood science and technology of Metla will be designed for the period of 2002 to 2006.

Primary tasks: 1. Study the technological and economic suitability and potential of selected wood raw materials seldom used and/or insufficiently known in the specialised wood industries, from the standpoint of end-uses and by using comparative research methods. The wood raw material sources to be studied: 1.White birch (Betula pubescens) - plywood and veneers, 2. Common and white birch (B. pendula, B. pubescens) and grey alder (Alnus incana) - different products of sawn wood, 3. Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Norway spruce (Picea abies) and white birch from drained peatlands - different products of sawn wood, plywood and veneers (white birch), 4. Norway spruce in Southern Finland - different patterns of saw milling, plywood, 5. Thinning wood of Scots pine and Norway spruce - round building timber, different products of sawn wood

Supporting tasks: 2. Determine the variation in wood and timber properties essential for specialised wood industries, potential to predict these properties, and yield, grade and value of the products. 3. Study the effects of changes in the requirements for timber dimensions and quality on the recovery of and net income from different timber assortments in the final cuttings and thinnings of Scots pine, Norway spruce and birch, resulting from the specialised utilisation. 4. Explore specific issues related to timber procurement for small and medium scale wood industries, on special timber in particular.

Other tasks: 5. Study the basics and develop the methods of commercial scaling of quantity and quality of wood raw materials. 6. Manage the official and statutory duties of Metla in timber scaling. 7. Co-ordinate and develop collaboration in R&D in the subject area Diversification of Wood Utilisation. 8. Prepare the coming research programme of Metla in wood science and technology.

Project leader: Verkasalo, Erkki
The Finnish Forest Research Institute, Joensuu Research Centre, PL 68, 80101 Joensuu
Phone: +358 10 211 3020 Telefax: +358 10 211 3001
E-mail: Erkki.Verkasalo@metla.fi

Other researchers: Aarnio, Jukka, HE (1997), Boren, Hannu (1998-2000), Eeronheimo, Olli (1997-99), Heräjärvi, Henrik, JO (1998-2001), Hujo, Samuli, JO (1999-2001), Jalonen, Olli-Pekka (2000), Jouhiaho, Aki (2001-02), Kaurala, Hanna (1998-99), Kilpeläinen, Harri, JO (2000-02), Kärki, Timo (2000-01), Lehtimäki, Jani (1999-2002), Lindblad, Jari, JO (1999-2002), Mäkinen, Pekka, VA (1997), Nevalainen, Seppo, JO (1998-2001), Riekkinen, Mika, JO (2000-01), Rummukainen, Arto, VA (1997), Sairanen, Pentti (1997-99), Stöd, Reeta (2000-01), Vainikainen, Vesa (2000), Wall, Tapio, JO (2000-02)

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Updated 31.12.2004
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