Estimating component yield for CLT production

The emergence of cross-laminated timber (CLT) for building construction in North America may provide an additional and possibly more valuable product market for hardwood logs. Using the RaySaw sawing and ROMI rough mill simulators and a digital databank of laser-scanned low-grade yellow-poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) logs, we examine the yield-recovery potential for components used in the production of CLT. Results include a sawing yield of 65% and a rough-mill yield of 78%, for a total material yield of approximately 50%. This study confirmed the usability of yellow poplar as a material for the production of CLT and allows to estimate the impact on our forest resource of increased use of yellow poplar CLT.