Laboratory Exercises No.

Log Measurements and Volume Calculation

Learning Objectives:

1. To expose the students in the actual measurement of diameter, bark thickness and
length of logs.
2. To practice the computations of log volumes using different formulas.
3. To compare the relative accuracy of the different log volume formulas.

Introduction:

Logs are tree sections that are to be processed to produce lumber, veneer, and
plywood. A log is assumed to have a circular cross-section at any point on its axis. The cubic
volume of a cylinder which is equal to its basal area (BA) multiplied by its length or height is
used as the basis for log volume. Logs are measured to determine their total cubic contents
with or without bark, or they are scaled for merchantable contents only. The total cubic
contents are required in scientific studies involving growth and yield and for commercial
purposes that make use of the entire volume of the log. In addition, the volume of the log is
considered an indispensable factor in the sustainable forest management and a good indicator
of site quality.

Materials: Ball pen, short coupon bond, graphing paper, scientific calculator, meter
stick/tape, diameter tape, bark gauge

Methodology:

1. Log Measurements

a. Prepare a table with which to record your measurements as follows:

Log Big end of log (cm) Middle of log (cm) Small end of log (cm) Length
No. Dob ABT Dib Dmob ABT Dmib dob ABT dib (m)
1                    
2                    
3                    
4                    
5                    

Where:

Dob = big end diameter outside bark

ABT = average bark thickness
Dib = big end diameter inside bark
Dmob = middle diameter outside bark
 Dmib = middle diameter inside bark
dob = small end diameter outside bark
dib = small end diameter inside bark

b. Choose five (5) logs within your area (sawmills, newly cut trees or any logs
available) and take their respective measurements i.e. set of diameter, bark
thickness and length. Record them appropriately in your data table.

2. Log Volume Calculation

a. Prepare a table with which to record your estimate of the volume of the five
(5) logs using the different sectional log volume formulas i.e. Huber, Smalian,
Newton, and Government scaling formulas. A sample table is shown below
for your convenience:

% difference based on Newton's

Log Estimated Volume (cu.m.)
Formula
No.
Huber Smalian Newton Gov't Huber Smalian Gov't
1              
2              
3              
4              
5              

b. Using the data obtained from your log measurements, calculate the solid wood
volume of each log using the different sectional log volume formulas.
c. Make a comparative analysis of the volumes obtained by computing the
percent difference based on Newton’s formula. Please see example
computation below:

% Diff. = ( [Volume (Newton) – Volume (Huber)]/ Volume (Newton)) x 100

d.On a graphing paper, make a graph showing the relationship between the
percent difference (by volume formula) and the log volume obtained by the
Newton Formula.
e. Trace the graph on a clean coupon bond paper for submission with your
report.
Guide Questions:

1) What did you learn from your personal experience in log measurements and volume
computation?
2) What conclusions can be drawn from the results of your computations with respect to
the relative accuracy of the different volume formulas?

References:

2
Avery, T.E. and H.E. Burkart. Forest Measurement. 4 th Ed. 1994. McGraw-Hill Book
Company, Inc. USA. 408p.

Bettinger P, K Boston, JP Siry, DL Grebner. 2009. Forest Management Planning. Elsevier.

San Diego, California, USA. 331p.

Chapman, H. H. and W. H. Meyer. Forest Mensuration. 1978. McGraw-Hill Book Company,

Inc. USA. 522p.

Chapman, H. H. 1921. Forest Mensuration. John Wiley & Sons Inc. New York, USA, 584p.