Analysis of log shape and internal knots in twenty Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) stems based on visual scanning and computer aided reconstruction

A mathematical reconstruction of Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) was produced using the WoodCim(R) software based on input information obtained by image scanning of twenty 83 years old stems sampled in Portugal. The application of the reconstruction software resulted in 3D and 2D representations for logs and trees that allowed the visual appraisal of external shape as well as of the internal knot architecture. Information on tree geometry (i.e. taper) and knot parameters (i.e. knot length, diameter and volume) and on their variation with tree height could be obtained from the reconstructed logs and stems and may be incorporated in sawing yield studies through simulation as well as in raw material characterisation studies. In the studied trees, the average volume percentage of knots varied from 0.07% for butt logs to 1.95% for top logs. The knot core represented, in % of the tree radius, from 28% at the stem bottom to 84% at 70% of total tree height.