A laboratory method to determine 3D fibre orientation around knots in sawn timber: case study on a Douglas fir specimen

Abstract The mechanical properties of structural timber largely depend on the occurrence of knots and on fibre deviation in their vicinities. In recent strength grading machines, lasers and cameras are used to detect surface characteristics such as the size and position of knots and local fibre orientation. Since laser dot scanning only gives reliable information about the fibre orientation in the plane of board surfaces, simple assumptions are usually made to define the inner fibre orientation to model timber boards. Those models would be improved by better insight into real fibre deviation around knots. In the present work, a laboratory method is developed to evaluate growth layers geometries and fibre orientation, solely based on the fact that the fibers are parallel to the tree rings and without any further assumptions. The method simply relies on color scans and laser dot scans of Douglas fir ( Pseudotsuga menziesii ) timber specimen sections revealed by successive planing. The proposed method provides data on fibre orientation in 3D with an accuracy that is relevant for the calibration of detailed models.