No abstract

The predictability of modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR) and density of 120 samples of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestrisL.) were investigated using various non-destructive variables (such as time of flight of stress wave, natural frequency of longitudinal vibration, penetration depth, pullout resistance, visual grading and concentrated knot diameter ratio), and based on multivariate algorithms, applying WEKA as machine learning software. The algorithms used were: multivariate linear regression (MLR), Gaussian, Lazy, artificial neural network (ANN), Rules and decision Tree. The models were quantified based on the root-mean-square error (RMSE) and the coefficient of determination (R2). To avoid model overfitting, the modeling was built and the results validated via the so-called 10-fold cross-validation. MLR with the “greedy method” for variable selection based on the Akaike information metric (MLRak) significantly reduced the RMSE of MOR and MOE compared to univariate linear regressions (ULR). However, this reduction was not significant for density prediction. The predictability of MLRak was not improved by any other of the tested algorithms. Specifically, non-linear models, such as multilayer perceptron, did not contribute any significant improvements over linear models. Finally, MLRak models were simplified by discarding the variables that produce the lowest RMSE increment. The resulted models could be even further simplified without significant RMSE increment.

No abstract

The use of roundwood in structures has drawbacks that include tapering and lack of flatness, which can be overcome by making a longitudinal cut to flatten one side. The aim of this work was to compare the mechanical behavior of roundwood vs. roundwood with one flat face, comparing pieces of small-diameter roundwood from young trees of Pinus nigra Arnold. Half the samples were given a longitudinal cut. Specimens taken from these pieces were tested for bending and compression parallel to the grain to determine their modulus of elasticity and strength. The modulus of rupture by bending was 22% lower in roundwood with one flat face (59.0 MPa) than in roundwood (75.6 MPa). It has been observed that the smaller cross section in the roundwood with one flat face is not the only explanation for the decrease in the bending strength. In contrast, no significant differences were observed for the other three mechanical properties studied (compression strength parallel to the grain and modulus of elasticity in bending and compression).