Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:04 AM AWST

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Analyse tree biomechanics

Analyse tree biomechanics

Unit of competency
National Code
AHCARB701
State Code
BAP45
TGA Status
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Current Release Number
1.00
Current Release Date
27/06/2016
View on TGA
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/01/2017
Field of Education
050301 - Horticulture
Original Release Date
12/01/2017
Nominal Hours
70
Description
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and analyse aspects of tree biomechanics that affect the physical loads and strengths of trees, branches and anchorage in the ground; understand the assessment of tree strength and the loads that occur; and assess factors that can weaken the tree and are likely to increase the chance of failure.This unit applies to individuals with broad and coherent theoretical and technical knowledge with depth in one or more disciplines or areas of practice and cognitive, technical and communication skills to demonstrate autonomy, well developed judgement and responsibility in undertaking complex self-directed work and learning to provide specialist advice and functions.The role involves the self-directed application of specialised knowledge in arboriculture with substantial depth in areas such as with substantial depth in areas such as tree statics, dynamics, wind loading and structural failure.No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine existing physical loads and strengths of trees, branches and anchorage
  • 1.1 Determine existing physical loads affecting trees
  • 1.2 Identify areas of high stress on trees and the factors that affect these areas of high stress
  • 1.3 Assess root plate environment including depth and consistency of soil, spatial limitations and history of site excavations
  • 1.4 Assess prior tree pruning operations to branches and roots
  • 1.5 Determine extent of decay and damage of trunk and root system
  • 1.6 Assess strength and material properties of structural wood, particularly in areas of high stress
2. Determine wind load
  • 2.1 Determine wind environment of tree
  • 2.2 Determine surface area of structure exposed to wind
  • 2.3 Determine crown surface area exposed to wind
  • 2.4 Assess aerodynamic drag factor of tree crown in relation to trunk diameter and extent of hollowness
  • 2.5 Estimate primary loads occurring in seasonal climatic events
  • 2.6 Determine wind-load of prevailing storms
  • 2.7 Determine load associated with saturated foliage
  • 2.8 Consider additional drag associated with saturated foliage
3. Determine structural integrity by static load testing
  • 3.1 Determine appropriate static load on trees for structural integrity testing as an estimate of a wind-equivalent load
  • 3.2 Calibrate static load testing instruments so loads are accurately applied and maintained within limits of structural safety during a static test
  • 3.3 Carry out a static test that loads the tree, measures the trunk strength and assesses root plate anchorage in the ground
  • 3.4 Monitor loads and forces electronically
  • 3.5 Monitor tree to ensure loads are kept within safe limits and damage is avoided to tree
  • 3.6 Maintain accurate records of all data from static test.
  • 3.7 Compare data with benchmarks obtained from stable tree populations
  • 3.8 Document a report on structural integrity testing of tree from the static load test
4. Determine tree dynamic response
  • 4.1 Research tree biomechanics studies using dynamic methods of analysis
  • 4.2 Understand simple models of tree dynamics
  • 4.3 Review complex models and finite element analyses that provide multimodal approaches representing dynamics of branches on trees
  • 4.4 Calculate existing mass of branches
  • 4.5 Determine degree of open-grown form of tree by calculation of the of branch mass
  • 4.6 Calculate vector of force on the tree
  • 4.7 Determine the tree dynamic response in defined wind velocity and direction
  • 4.8 Document a report on structural integrity testing of tree from the dynamic load analysis
5. Document a structural integrity report
  • 5.1 Research level of contribution of material properties in tree dynamics
  • 5.2 Research dynamic effect of branches on frequency and damping
  • 5.3 Determine level of contribution of form and morphology in tree dynamics
  • 5.4 Review suitability of invasive and non-invasive methods of testing
  • 5.5 Evaluate and determine likelihood of structural failure
  • 5.6 Confirm level of anchoring potential of root system and stability of tree
  • 5.7 Document a structural integrity report and provide to client
No information
No information
Replaced By
State Code National Code Title Type
OBV41 AHCARB804 Analyse tree structure and biomechanics Unit of competency
State Code National Code Title Type
BDC3 AHC80116 Graduate Diploma of Arboriculture Qualification