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Neutral Plane Faults & Stem Strength

Reference Type
University Outreach Publication

In storm damage and tree failure assessments, estimating residual strength of damaged trees is difficult and filled with complex, dynamic interactions between the soil, tree, and environment. To help tree specialists appreciate tree biomechanics, this publication was developed to present the maximum relative strength values for two unique, ideal situations -- neutral plane faults leaving two stem halves and four stem quarters.

This theoretical view can help better understand certain mechanical forces and resistances.The relative strength of stems with two different types of "perfect" neutral plane faults are presented in this publication. Stems split in half and in quarters are compared in relative strength to solid stems of the same diameter. Figure 1 & 2 provide a descriptive review of the problems and associated calculations.

Tree Biomechanics Series

FOR00-021

Authors
K.D. Coder
Date Published
2005
Publisher
Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia
Publisher Location
Athens, GA
Pages
3
Publication Number
FOR00-021
Sub-Topics
Biology (tree), Disaster, Evaluation/Assessment, Mechanics (tree), Plant Health Care, Risk Assessment and Hazard, Safety Issues, Storms, Structure (tree)
State(s)/Region(s)
National, Southeast, International
Keywords
mechanics, Leaf characteristics, biomechanics, statics, risk assessment
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