Measurement of timber

Quantities of timber need to be known in order to keep track of timber produced as a result of forest management and to conduct transactions. Timber is initially measured during mechanical harvesting, as it is logged by means of a measurement system located on the felling machinery (harvester). Measurement on which transactions are based is done on delivery to the customer, in the manner stipulated in the contract of sale.

Today, the majority of conifer logs are measured by means of accurate measurement equipment on timber sorting conveyors, with a small proportion measured by means of manual log scaling. A log volume formula developed by Artur Nilson is used to calculate the volume of logs.

To measure pulpwood and firewood, the volume of a stack is determined, and the quantity of timber is calculated using a coefficient for the fullness of the stack. The volume of timber sold by RMK is estimated exclusive of bark – be it logs, pulpwood or firewood.

Scaling auditors from RMK’s Timber Marketing Department systematically check the accuracy of scaling conducted at the time of receipt of timber.

A timber measurement roundtable has been set up in order to improve timber measurement practices by means of the establishment of common measurement principles, improved provision of information to the public, and other relevant activities.