Estimating the weight of Douglas-fir tree boles and logs with an iterative computer model.

Dale R. Waddell; Dale Weyermann; Michael B. Lambert

doi:10.2737/PNW-RP-374

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Estimating the weight of Douglas-fir tree boles and logs with an iterative computer model.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Dale R. Waddell, Dale Weyermann, Michael B. Lambert

Year:

1987

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2737/PNW-RP-374

Source:

Res. Pap. PNW-RP-374. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 20 p

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Abstract

A computer model that estimates the green weights of standing trees was developed and validated for old-growth Douglas-fir. The model calculates the green weight for the entire bole, for the bole to any merchantable top, and for any log length within the bole. The model was validated by estimating the bias and accuracy of an independent subsample selected from the original stand. Calculated weights were compared to actual weights as measured on truck scales. The model accurately estimated the weight of logs (less than 10 percent error) and provides an estimation technique that is expected to have application for various elements of timber management.

Keywords

Models, weight scaling (log), log weights, computer programs/programing

Citation

Waddell, Dale R.; Weyermann, Dale L; Lambert, Michael B. 1987. Estimating the weight of Douglas-fir tree boles and logs with an iterative computer model. Res. Pap. PNW-RP-374. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station. 20 p