Application of standards in unedged beech board classification (Fagus sylvatica L.)

This paper discusses the procedures and criteria for determining the quality (classification) of the so called commercial boards of beech (unedged and half edged) according to standards, as well as their classification in the Croatian sawmilling technology. This paper also gives the analysis of the most significant factors affecting the quality of those boards. Practical research has been carried out in three sawmills in Croatia. The studied standards (HRN and EN) and their application in production strongly indicate that there are differences in view of terminology, such as nomenclature related to board quality, as well as description of defects according to standards, among standards and classification in practice. Considering the standard sizes, ways of measuring and tolerances against the standards as well as ways of measuring and tolerances applied in the sawmilling production, certain differences have also been established. It has been established that standards insufficiently cover the concept and the procedure of performing reductions (to the width and the length of the board) and at the same time it has been established that standard specifications were accurately met in the production of sawn timber. Generally speaking, a significant disparity of classification criteria can be noted in relation to standards, among different standards and their application in production. Not a single standard is fully acceptable for quality determination of unedged boards. The standards which would meet the required criteria should be a combination of all parts of studied norms and some indicators obtained through practice in the production of sawn timber. In order to create the best possible coordination between standards and practical experience, systematic research should be carried out in production with a large number of users of sawmilling technology as well as wood dealers. The obtained results should be used for creating new standards or accepting some other one