Spruce logs (Picea abies) from the sawmill (n = 15) and from the domestic auction of more valuable timber (n = 17) were visually assessed for quality according to the applicable standards. The sound velocity and damping in the first three vibration modes of the logs were determined in parallel using the longitudinal vibration resonance method. The auctioned logs had a larger diameter (between 51 and 79 cm) and belonged to quality class A. The logs from the sawmill had a smaller diameter (27-59 cm) and were classified in quality classes B (47 %) and C (53 %). The speed of sound was significantly lower (v < 4000 m/s) in the grade C logs than in the grade A and B logs, and only in the second and third vibration modes. This result is consistent with the greater occurrence of internal structural anomalies, particularly knots and their increasing size, observed mainly in the worst grade (C) logs. Vibration damping was not significantly related to the quality of the spruce logs. Cracks at the ends of the logs were found to significantly increase vibration damping in the second and third vibration modes.
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