Method of estimating timber stiffness profiles

A system for breaking down a stem, log, cant or slab to sawn timber comprising:

• a measuring system configured to:
• determine an acoustic velocity value for the stem, log, cant or slab, and
• determine density profile information across the width of the stem, log, cant or slab, including locate a position of minimum density in a stem, log, cant or slab, and at least one processor configured to predict a stiffness profile across the stem, log, cant or slab from the acoustic velocity and the density profile information across the stem, log, cant or slab, for generating a sawing pattern for cutting the stem, log, cant or slab, wherein the sawing pattern is dependent on the position of minimum density of the stem, log, cant or slab.

A method of breaking down a stem, log, cant or slab which includes:

• determining an acoustic velocity value for the stem, log, cant or slab,
• determining density profile information using x-ray radiation across the width of the stem, log, cant or slab, including locating a position of minimum density in a stem, log, cant or slab,
• predicting a stiffness profile across the stem, log, cant or slab from the acoustic velocity and the density profile information across the stem, log, cant or slab, and utilising the stiffness profile in cutting the stem, log, cant or slab including locating a sawing pattern for the stem, log, cant or slab by locating a centre of the sawing pattern in a predetermined position relative to the determined position of minimum density of the stem, log, cant or slab.