Wind Load Estimation for Trees and Palms
Peter Sterken B.S.
Independent Researcher on Physics (formerly on Arboriculture, Tree Biomechanics and Tree Risk Assessment)
The V-Model (Sterken 2006) is a mathematical model that is designed to better understand a wide range of factors that can influence the mechanical behaviour of palms and trees.
Depending on the type of V-Model and tree or palm species, several parameters can be introduced in the NEW 2018 model by the User, such as for example:
- tree or palm characteristics: diameter of the trunk, dimensions of the crown, weight of the crop (dates or coconuts), weight of a climber, mechanical properties,...
- surroundings: temperature, altitude, expected wind speed for a given area, snow..
In this way, the User can acquire a better understanding of how trees and palms hypothetically behave under certain loads and winds. The wind load in the tree or palm can be estimated, while the influence of a crown reduction (pruning) can be assessed.
Some of the calculations are based on propotype specimens (like for instance the software from 2004: https://osf.io/s4ewb/
However, if, for instance, the shape of the tree crown is irregular, we can provide you with custom-made calculations for that specific tree or palm.
Some defects, such as for instance rots, and irregular trunk geometries have not been considered in these models, but we can provide you with custom-made calculations and assessment for that specific tree or palm.
To the best of our knowledge, there is currently no definitive method for predicting the failure (breaking or uprooting) of an individual tree or palm.
Hence, this educational VMODEL is only intended to understand better a wide range of factors that may influence the mechanical behaviour of palms and trees. The V-Model is based on peer-reviewed scientific publications, to offer the highest quality possible. This engineering approach has often been used to assess the stability of trees and palms. However, the real reasons behind the uprooting or breaking of trees, and especially palms, still remain elusive.
In following publications, several limits and problems have been described and should be known to the User of this method:
- “Zweifelhafte Grundlagen der Zugversuche”. Wald und Holz: 5/2018: 20-24
- “Boomdiagnose: methodes voor boombeoordeling kritisch bekeken”. Vereniging voor Openbaar Groen. Groencontact. 2018: 44/3: 18-21
- “Tree Risk Assessment: a review of methods”. Arboricultural Association. Arb Magazine. Issue 180: Spring 2018: 40-43.
- “Arboricultura”. Asociación Espa?ola de Parques y Jardines Públicos. PARJAP. Madrid. Spain. No 88: 24-39. 2018.
- “Prognosis of the development of decay and the fracture-safety of hollow trees”. Arboricultural Journal, Vol. 29: 245-267. December 2006.
The use of the V-Model should be based on a profound knowledge on this kind of models, and their possibilities and limits. We can offer you the necessary training through workshops.
We also offer the scientific version of several very different types of V-model for:
- several palm species
- urban forestry
- forestry plantations
This scientific version allows the User to introduce custom-made calculations, such as for example irregular crown areas. This version is available for research and/or educational purposes only (please contact us for more information).
Lastly, it should be mentioned that the V-Model (versions from 2005 onwards) can only be used after the License Agreement has been explicitely accepted by the User.
Best regards,
Peter Sterken
https://peterarboriculture.wordpress.com/
? Peter Sterken, 2018
Arboricultural and Environmental Consultant.
5 年I sometimes wonder if research is better targeted to providing arborists with data that can quantify viability rather than failure. The wind load factors on trees is subject to too many variables to the point where it is unusable. Unknown factors like root damage, wind speeds and direction make predicting failure problematic. It makes me think back to the time when my boss would tell me that " the only way to stop a tree from falling down is to cut it down" I have found that dedicated arborists develop an intrinsic sense of knowledge about a trees viability or otherwise just by careful examination of the tree and it's surroundings. These values are acquired over a long period of time and dedication to their craft.