ANALYSIS OF DIAMETER TAPER IN FIR (ABIES ALBA Mill.) AND SPRUCE (PICEA ABIES L.) SAWLOGS FROM 1ST AND 2ND QUALITY CLASS

Abstract

The success of sawmill capacities mainly depends on the rational use of raw materials, specifically the logs for sawing. The rational use of sawmill logs is primarily influenced by quantitative yield. The quantitative yield is a complex matter influenced by several parameters, with the main ones related to the sawmill logs. The key parameters include the diameter of the logs, their length, and the diameter taper. This study focuses on analyzing the diameter taper of fir (Abies alba Mill) and spruce (Picea abies L.) sawlogs from 1st and 2nd quality class. Taper, which represents the gradual reduction in log diameter from the base to the top. By examining 80 selected logs from the sawmill company in Berovo, Republic of North Macedonia, this study identifies patterns in taper rates across eight diameter groups. The results show the impact of taper on log utilization, highlighting the implications for sawing efficiency and wood quality.