Stiffness prediction of radiata pine clearwood test pieces using near infrared spectroscopy

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has been used to predict the modulus of elasticity (stiffness) of samples taken from knot-free sapwood specimens of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don). The method shows the potential of using NIR spectroscopy for assessment of lumber stiffness. A model based on NIR spectra taken on the radial face of 404 samples of radiata pine clearwood was established to predict stiffness. Samples were moved past the detector at a rate of 900 mm min –1 . This model then was used to predict the stiffness of a further 80 samples and the results show an error in prediction of 14% of the mean measured value.