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6.7 Measurement of Logs
Authors: J C EllisPublication: NZIF Forestry Handbook, Volume Section 6 – Data collection and projection, pp 7, Dec 2023
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry
Abstract: Common scaling methods All formulae in this section assume diameters in centimetres, log lengths in metres, and calculated volumes in cubic decimetres (dm3). The quantity of wood in logs is expressed as a volume, which usually excludes bark. The unit of measurement of log content is the cubic metre, which may be expressed in cubic decimetres (1m3 = 1,000 dm3). Volume is usually derived from diameter and length measurements of logs. The cross section of a log is assumed in most formulae to be circular at right angles to the length axis. The act of scaling (measuring logs) defines the log content for the purposes of commercial transaction and may not necessarily represent the true cubic content, such as obtained by water displacement. Preferred scaling tools are rules and retractable tapes for the measurement of diameter on sawn log ends, spring-loaded logger’s tapes for length measurement, and girth tapes (in diameter units) and calipers for the measurement of diameter. Bark removal is preferred to the use of the Swedish bark gauge.