The potential gains that could be realized from
optimizing timber harvesting are significant. To a great
extent it is these initial functions that dictate the
quality of future manufacturing steps. Timber harvesting
systems are defined by the operations they contain and the
equipment that perform them. For any given harvesting
situation there are a large number of unique systems,
performing under a variety of cost, production, and
environmental conditions. The objective of optimized timber
harvesting is to reduce cost while simultaneously increasing
production and minimizing environmental impact. One way to
accomplish this objective is through mechanization and
automation.
Mechanization increases the production output,
efficiency, and product quality. However selecting an
appropriate level of mechanization to avoid under
utilization of expensive resources is a critical decision.
The decision requires that the product mix, environmental
and user specified constraints be matched against the
available equipment technology, and the required performance
criteria.
This research describes a computer based system which
queries a user on the timber stand specifics and a set of
harvesting objectives. The system then matches these user's
needs to a level of mechanization that would maximize the
efficiency of the production system. The computer
accomplishes this by searching a set of databases containing
information on the available technology and its impact on
production, efficiency, economics and the environment. The
level of mechanization is determined by specific
combinations of existing equipment. Individual pieces of
equipment that are compatible with one another are balanced
together to form a viable productive unit. / Graduation date: 1991
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ORGSU/oai:ir.library.oregonstate.edu:1957/37615 |
| Date | 14 March 1991 |
| Creators | Scott, Thomas M. (Thomas Matthew), 1958- |
| Contributors | Randhawa, Sabah |
| Source Sets | Oregon State University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis/Dissertation |
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