A new experimental device for rapid measurement of the trunk equivalent modulus of elasticity on standing trees

Abstract

A new device has been developed in order to determine experimentally the modulus of elasticity of standing trees. Following preliminary trials on aluminum and steel beams, its performances have been compared to the one of another equipment built according to the model proposed by Koizumi (1987). Large-scale trials were then carried out on Douglas-fir and larch plantations of 72 and 292 trees, respectively. Results showed that the new device described here allowed rapid assessments of the mechanical characteristics presented by populations of rather young trees (i.e.: less than 20 years old). Thus, the data obtained with the device can efficiently be included in selection schemes along with other criteria.