AHCARB804 — Analyse tree structure and biomechanics

Elements & performance criteria

Performance evidence

• analysed the structure and biodynamics of a minimum of five different trees, including performed the following: five static load tests, and five dynamic load analyses
• determined existing physical loads affecting trees
• identified areas of high stress on trees and the factors that affect these areas of high stress
• assessed root plate environment for damage
• assessed history and effect of tree pruning operations on tree roots and stems
• determined presence and extent of tree defects
• assessed strength and material properties of tree structural components
• determined wind environment of tree
• determined surface area of structure exposed to wind
• determined crown surface area exposed to wind
• assessed aerodynamic drag factor of tree crown
• estimated primary loads occurring in seasonal climatic events
• determined wind-load of prevailing storms
• determined load associated with saturated foliage
• determined static load on trees for structural integrity testing as an estimate of a wind equivalent load
• calibrated static load testing instruments
• conducted static tests that must include: loads to the tree, measures the trunk strength, assesses root plate anchorage
• monitored loads and forces using electronic equipment
• monitored trees to ensure loads are kept within safe limits to prevent damage
• maintained records of all data from static tests
• compared data against benchmarks from stable tree populations and prepared a report on structural integrity testing
• investigated tree biomechanics using dynamic methods of analysis
• reviewed complex models of tree dynamics analysis
• calculated mass of branches to determine degree of open-grown form of tree
• calculated vector of force on the tree
• determined tree dynamic response under defined wind loads
• investigated level of contribution of material properties in tree dynamics
• investigated the dynamic effect of branches on frequency and damping
• determined the level of contribution of form and morphology in tree dynamics
• reviewed suitability of invasive and non-invasive methods of testing
• evaluated and determined likelihood of structural failure
• confirmed level of anchoring potential of root system and stability of tree
• prepared a structural integrity report and provided to client

Knowledge evidence

• tree dynamics and impact of tree form and morphology
• tree stability and physical loads affecting trees, particularly in high stress environments
• root plate environment, including: depth and consistency of soil, spatial limitations, site excavations and potential damage
• arboricultural activity and impact on tree structure and stability, including: pruning operations to branches and roots
• presence and impact of defects on tree structure, including: extent of decay and damage of trunk and root system
• assessment of strength and material properties of structural wood
• biomechanical impact of wind on tree structure, including: seasonal wind patterns, and tree exposure, surface area and tree structure, aerodynamic drag factor of tree crown in relation to trunk diameter and extent of hollowness
• estimation of primary loads occurring in seasonal climatic events
• severe wind-load due to storms and extreme weather conditions
• load associated with rain and snow saturated foliage
• additional drag associated with saturated foliage
• open-grown form of tree
• testing principles for static load, including: use and purpose of a static load on trees during structural integrity testing as an estimate of a wind equivalent load, calibrating static load testing instruments, limits of structural safety during a static testing, measurement of trunk strength
• invasive and non-invasive methods of testing trees
• assessment of root plate anchorage in the ground
• methods and reasons for monitoring loads and forces on trees, including: electronic monitoring, monitoring of tree to ensure loads are kept within safe limits
• value and purpose of benchmarks obtained from stable tree populations
• tree biomechanics studies using dynamic methods of analysis, including: simple models of tree dynamics, complex models and finite element analyses, multimodal approaches representing dynamics of branches on trees
• calculations required for structural and biomechanical assessments of trees, including: mass of branches, vector of force on trees, tree dynamic response, wind velocity and direction, statistical analysis and interpretation of test results
• dynamic effect of branch movement on tree stability and failure rate, including: oscillation frequency, energy dissipation and damping effect of canopy structure
• likelihood of structural failure
• level of anchoring potential of root system
• stability of tree
• records and reporting procedures for analysis of structural integrity testing

Foundation skills

• Writing: Create logical, succinct and accurate reports that use appropriate industry terminology and mathematical language and symbols
• Numeracy: Analyse and synthesise highly complex mathematical information for tree mechanics, and perform calculations to determine structural integrity of trees

Unit content sourced from training.gov.au — © Commonwealth of Australia, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Auditori is not affiliated with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Questions about assessing AHCARB804