Relationships between Static Mechanical Properties and SilviScan Measured Wood Properties in Loblolly Pine

Relationships between static bending modulus of elasticity (MOE) and SilviScan (SS) properties (SilviScan MOE [MOESS], specific gravity, and microfibril angle) were explored. Seventy-three clearwood specimens (25 by 25 by 406 mm) were cut from thirty-two 33-year-old loblolly pine trees. Relationships were calculated between MOE and MOESS (R-2 = 0.77); however, MOESS, calibrated using sonic resonance, averaged 25 percent higher than static MOE. Calibrating MOESS to static MOE instead of sonic resonance MOE resulted in similar prediction performance (R-2 = 0.77), but more importantly approximately equal prediction values. The results demonstrate the importance of properly utilizing SilviScan information for predicting loblolly pine properties in static bending.