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Internal decay assessment in standing beech trees using ultrasonic velocity measurement

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Abstract

Ultrasonic wave timing inspection was used to detect the internal decay in standing Iranian beech trees (Fagus orientalis). To evaluate the influence of internal decay on ultrasonic velocity, healthy round sections of freshly cut fallen beech trees were selected. Holes [as heart or internal decay indicator and with different shapes (circular and slot) and locations] were manually created and progressively enlarged in the wood section disks, and ultrasonic wave velocity was measured by using a commercial ultrasonic tester (Sylvatest Duo). The results showed that ultrasonic wave velocity linearly and significantly decreased by increasing hole dimensions, and location of holes had no influence on the extent and trend of velocity decrease. Although slots covered a small volume fraction of disks, they had a greater effect on ultrasonic velocities reduction as compared with circular holes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wood and Paper Science and Technology Department, Natural Resources and Marine Sciences Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran

    Saeed Kazemi-Najafi & Ali Shalbafan

  2. Wood and Paper Science and Technology Department, Faculty of Natural Resources, Tehran University, Karaj, Iran

    Ghanbar Ebrahimi

Authors
  1. Saeed Kazemi-Najafi
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  2. Ali Shalbafan
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  3. Ghanbar Ebrahimi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Saeed Kazemi-Najafi.

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Communicated by R. Matyssek.

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Kazemi-Najafi, S., Shalbafan, A. & Ebrahimi, G. Internal decay assessment in standing beech trees using ultrasonic velocity measurement. Eur J Forest Res 128, 345–350 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-009-0269-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10342-009-0269-3

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