Title: Wind dynamic forces on some urban trees

Summary: This presentation reports findings from a field study measuring the wind forces urban trees encounter. Tree size and shape are important factors and results indicate that differences in species need to be considered when assessing the wind loads that occur during storms. Static tests of trees in the field were compared to dynamic analysis methods. Results indicate that static analysis may overestimate the wind load likely to cause tree failure. Findings allow for a better understanding of tree stability and may be used to make comparisons between static and dynamic assessments.

Ken James, M. Eng. Sci.(Melbourne University), Burnley College, Department of Resources and Geography, Burnley, VIC, Australia

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