Neutral Plane Faults & Stem Strength
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
K.D. Coder
2005
Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia
Athens, GA
3
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FOR00-021
Biology (tree), Disaster, Evaluation/Assessment, Mechanics (tree), Plant Health Care, Risk Assessment and Hazard, Safety Issues, Storms, Structure (tree)
National, Southeast, International
mechanics, Leaf characteristics, biomechanics, statics, risk assessment
