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Related Experiment Videos

Branch breakage under snow and ice loads.

M G Cannell1, J Morgan

  • 1Institute of Terrestrial Ecology, Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH24 0QB, Scotland.

Tree Physiology
|September 1, 1989
PubMed
Summary

Sitka spruce branches with more laterals or greater deflection are more likely to break. Snow and ice loads increase breakage risk, though moderate deflection may shed snow before failure.

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Area of Science:

  • Forestry and Wood Science
  • Plant Biomechanics
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Branch structure significantly influences tree stability and survival.
  • Understanding Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce) branch mechanics is crucial for forest management and predicting windthrow.
  • Previous research indicated that certain branch traits reduce wood needed for foliage support.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify the relationship between branch bending moment at breakage and midpoint diameter cubed in Sitka spruce.
  • To model basal bending moments and predict breakage risk under various loads, including snow and ice.
  • To assess how branch characteristics like lateral number and deflection influence breakage likelihood.

Main Methods:

  • Measured bending moments causing breakage in relation to midpoint diameter cubed for Sitka spruce branches.
  • Applied cantilever beam theory to calculate basal bending moments and diameters.
  • Incorporated snow and ice loads (2 and 4 g cm(-1) shoot) into breakage risk calculations.

Main Results:

  • Branch breakage likelihood increases with a higher number of laterals.
  • Increased endpoint deflection under self-weight also correlates with higher breakage risk.
  • Branches with moderate deflection (>10% length) under self-weight experienced greater deflection under snow/ice loads.

Conclusions:

  • Branch structural traits influencing foliage support also impact breakage susceptibility.
  • Snow and ice loads significantly elevate the risk of branch failure in Sitka spruce.
  • Moderate branch deflection may offer a protective mechanism by shedding snow before breakage occurs.

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