Measurement of surface growth stress in Eucalyptus nitens Maiden by splitting a log along its axis

Abstract

Abstract When a log is sawn along the length, an outward bending or deflection of two half rounds arises from the release of growth stresses in the log. The relationship between this outward bending and the peripheral longitudinal growth strain in logs from a 10-year-old Eucalyptus nitens plantation was investigated. In total, 63 trees were felled and two logs (one bottom and an upper log) were cut from each felled tree. A strong association was observed between the measured longitudinal growth strain and the outward bending produced by splitting the log along its axis. A mathematical model was developed that enables calculation of the relationship between the surface axial growth stress and the opening of the split log. This involves calculation of the lateral deflection of a tapered cantilever beam of semi-circular cross-section under a known bending moment. The relationship between the opening of the slit log and the surface axial stress showed good agreement with the measured data on 126 logs. The model equation is effective in predicting the growth stress from the magnitude of the log distortion. This log sawing or splitting method is quick and reliable for assessing the surface growth stresses in small diameter trees. It could have potential in breeding programs for identifying families or clones for low-growth stresses of superior eucalypts for sawn timber production.