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Author (up) Clair, B.; Fournier, M.; Prevost, M.F.; Beauchene, J.; Bardet, S.
Title Biomechanics of buttressed trees: Bending strains and stresses Type Journal Article
Year 2003 Publication American Journal of Botany Abbreviated Journal Am. J. Bot.
Volume 90 Issue 9 Pages 1349-1356
Keywords biomechanics; buttress; Eleaocarpaceae; French Guiana; Sloanea spp.; tropical trees; wood
Abstract The different hypotheses about buttress function and formation mainly involve mechanical theory. Forces were applied to two trees of Sloanea spp.. a tropical genus that develops typical thin buttresses. and the three-dimensional strains were measured at different parts of the trunk base. Risks of failure were greater on the buttress sides, where shear and tangential stresses are greater, not on the ridges. in spite of high longitudinal (parallel to the grain) stresses. A simple beam model, computed from the second moment of area of digitized cross sections, is consistent with longitudinal strain variations but cannot predict accurately variations with height. Patterns of longitudinal strain variation along ridges are very different in the two individuals, owing to a pronounced lateral curvature in one specimen. The constant stress hypothesis is discussed based on these results. Without chronological data during the development of the tree. it cannot be proved that buttress formation is activated by stress or strain.
Address CIRAD ENGREF INRA, UMR Ecol Forets Guyane, F-97310 Kourou, Guyane Francais, France
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher BOTANICAL SOC AMER INC Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0002-9122 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes ISI:000185459000010 Approved no
Call Number EcoFoG @ eric.marcon @ Serial 244
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