A Three-Dimensional Bucking System for Optimal Bucking of Central Appalachian
Authors
Jingxin Wang
West Virginia University
Jingang Liu
West Virginia University
Chris B. LeDoux
USDA Forest Service
Abstract
An optimal tree stem bucking system was developed for central Appalachian hardwood species using three-dimensional (3D) modeling techniques. ActiveX Data Objects were implemented via MS Visual C++/OpenGL to manipulate tree data which were supported by a backend relational data model with five data entity types for stems, grades and prices, logs, defects, and stem shapes. A network analysis algorithm was employed to achieve the optimal bucking solution with four different alternative stage intervals under the bucking by value principle. A total of 264 tree stems were measured in the field including stem dimensions, defects, sweep, and the manual bucking solution of each stem. Results when using the 3D optimal bucking system suggest that compared to manual bucking the total log value and volume gain from each tree stem could be increased on average by 31 to 38 percent and 16 to 17 percent, respectively. Results also show the individual tree stem utilization rate could be increased by 10 to 11 percent. The optimal bucking system developed can be used as a training tool on desktop PCs and can also be installed on field PCs to aid field buckers and operators of sawbucks. The 3D bucking optimization system developed in this research should be valuable to operators in the central Appalachian region due to the variability in tree stems and species of hardwoods.
