Forest wind damage modelling workshop

 

22^th to 24^th October 2008

What is the event?

This international workshop contributes to IUFRO unit 8.01.11 “Impact of wind on forests”. It is an opportunity to examine and discuss current methods for tree biomechanics measurement and modelling of forest wind risk.

Tree pulling, tree swaying (for dynamics measurements) and wind load monitoring will be demonstrated and discussed in the field.

There will be lab-based sessions on analysis of the data that is gathered and how to parameterise wind risk and tree mechanics models.

The workshop will be a combination of practical fieldwork and laboratory based data analysis and modelling. Please bring warm and waterproof outdoor clothes and appropriate footwear for fieldwork.

Provisional timetable

Session 1 - 22 October 2008: 

Tree pulling and tree instrumentation/calibration in forest plots at the Forest Research Northern Research Station (possibly split into two teams):

• Session 1A will include demonstrations of tree pulling equipment, setting-up instruments and monitoring, using a power winch to overturn a tree, and tree measurements after overturning.
• Session 1B will be a demonstration of how to set-up, calibrate and record data from strain gauges and inclinometers to monitor tree sway. 

Participants are welcome to run other tree biomechanics demonstrations during the day.

Session 2 - 23 October 2008 (am): 

Analysis of tree pulling and tree calibration data from Session 1.

Session 3 - 23 October (pm): 

Session on how to incorporate data from the Session 2 analysis into the ForestGALES and HWIND wind risk decision support systems.

In this session we also hope to run models for other parameters brought by participants for their own species and conditions.

Session 4 - 24 October 2008: 

Demonstrations and discussion of different tree biomechanics and wind risk modelling approaches.

Contributions are welcome from all participants in this session.

Who is the event suitable for?

• Tree biomechanics researchers
• Forest wind-risk modellers

Where does the event take place?

Forest Research
Northern Research Station
Roslin
Midlothian
Scotland
EH25 9SY

Maps and directions

Booking information

There is no charge for attendance at the workshop, but participants will pay for their own travel and accommodation.

Numbers are limited, so please contact the organisers as soon as possible if you would like to attend this event.

Accommodation can be arranged by Forest Research, so please also let us know your requirements.

Other information

There will be opportunities for participants to present their own tree biomechanics demonstrations and models. Please notify the organisers as soon as possible if you wish to give a field or lab-based presentation or if you have any suggestions for the programme.

Contact

For further information please contact:

Barry Gardiner
barry.gardiner@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel. +44 (0)131 445 6950

Bruce Nicoll
Bruce.nicoll@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel. +44 (0)131 445 6940

Evelyn Hall
Evelyn.hall@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Tel. +44 (0)131 445 6916

Forest Research
Northern Research Station
Roslin
Midlothian
Scotland
UK
EH25 9SY
Tel +44 (0)131 445 2176
Fax +44 (0)131 445 5124