Abstract
ABSTRACT Recent severe ice storms across the United States severely damaged trees resulting in extensive electrical power outages. Furthermore, trees and branches can fall on nearby roads, blocking traffic flow and reducing the safety of drivers. In this study, trees subjected to ice loads were analyzed using the finite element method and Monte Carlo simulation to develop analytical fragility curves. Two-dimensional, fractal trees were constructed with randomly generated geometric and mechanical parameters for four deciduous tree species: Acer saccharum, Tilia americana, Fagus grandifolia, and Quercus alba. Two load case scenarios were considered – with and without the effects of leaves – which were then subjected to varying ice accumulation thicknesses. The resulting fragility curves suggest that leaves have a substantial impact on tree branch damage under ice loads, which is significant because of the increase in unseasonably early ice storms due to climate change.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
