EWB-UK UK National Research & Education Conference 2011 Our Global Future 4th March 2011

Structures and natural sustainability influence Eve Walkden

Faculty of Engineering and the Environment, University of Southampton

Abstract Designs now have an emphasis on sustainability in order to reduce the negative impact on the world around us. How can we truly be sustainable and yet reduce costs, keep the strength required, and create aesthetically pleasing structures? It is possible that t the solution is through natures influence, which has had 3.8 billion years to perfect its design. Specifically, the tree has evolved and adapted to overcome many environmental constraints. The environmental benefit of the tree can help to solve the problems lems of climate change by reducing the heat heat-island island effect caused by urban areas across the globe. In addition, prevention of soil erosion and reduced agricultural quality can be achieved by natural tree processes. When looking at the internal structure o of f the tree, the rules on optimisation can be learnt with the future possibility of using these rules to adapt and improve our current methods of material design and structural components. With improved knowledge of tree, a worldwide building resource can b be e utilized to its maximum potential, reducing deforestation and the effects of climate change on the world. This paper will introduce the start of a research idea that uses naturally-made made tree joints to influence a sustainable built environment. This resea research rch will involve tests that assess the load response of the tree joint in order to create a base model for tree structural assessment and development of material design.

Keywords Tree Joints, Tree Design, Biomimicry, Composite Material, Timber, Building R Resources

Justification Scientists and Engineers saw the value of what nature provided, shelter created by trees, springs providing clean water, and heat provided from the sun. Impatience and growing demands of society meant a faster option was required, this meant cutting trees down, diverting freshwater supplies, and burning fossil fuels amongst other solutions. Consideration of how nature was creating the solutions could have formed sustainable resources from the start. Not only must engineering design be sustainable, but it must be cost effective, adaptable, eco eco-friendly and stable. Engineers and Scientists commonly encounter problems with designs which cover these requirements. Occasionally these problems can be solved through natures influence, which has had 3.8 billion years to perfect its design. One example of natural engineering is that struts and beams are found in lily pads and bamboo stems, created without mans aid. Such knowledge of natures solutions can be a key for adapting previous design designs s thereby improving the common problems encountered by Engineers and Scientists. Of the commonly encountered challenges, there is the need to balance the built environment with the natural one. This means the understanding of natural design, to create the median over which environment and lifestyle can combine effectively. In recent years, planting trees in urban areas has been used to create urban cooling, to reduce the damaging effects of our fuel driven society. In the developed world, problems of tree maintenance can lead to litigation and the disruption of day-to-day day lifestyles. Litigation is a lesser issue in the undeveloped world, though maintenance of the tree under extreme weather conditions will affect the benefits it can provide. When taking extr extreme eme weather variations into account the propagation of healthy, strong trees in their environment can be achieved. The tools for analysing the strength of trees are still required in order to improve the knowledge base by which assessors can provide effec effective tive maintenance. Trees provide timber which is a popular and common building resource across the globe, therefore effective maintenance can increase the potential strength and use of this material. For the survival of the worlds future, every country mus must t make some contribution to urban cooling and sustainable resources. The Kyoto agreement went someway to provide solutions in addressing the worldwide issue of climate change, but has proved to be a challenging task for the world to achieve. By planting tr trees, ees, reduction of the heat contribution to climate change can be effective. The sustainable planting and maintenance of trees can also go some way to retaining the worlds soil quality. With increased tree plantations, atmospheric quality and building reso resource urce management can also be more effective. This paper will follow a concept of using nature to influence more sustainable design by reducing building resource wastage, and show tree load tests that are to be conducted to learn from natures design and increase inc tree maintenance knowledge.

Panel Presentation: Habitat Author: Eve Walkden Institution: University of Southampton

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EWB-UK UK National Research & Education Conference 2011 Our Global Future 4th March 2011

Introduction A Solution Of particular interest to this case is the orientation and arrangement of fibres in tree design. This could be the answer to creating more effective, economical and sustainable designs in structur structures. es. By looking at the load response of trees, one of natures biggest natural static structures, it may be possible to understand the mechanics of this natural material which could then influence the design of common materials used by Engineers. By understanding tanding the fibre arrangement and development of the tree, already a lot has been learnt by Biologists and Scientists, however, the structural capability of the tree is a relatively devoid and an unusually complex research area. Not only does a tree support t its own weight it, copes with live loading imposed by weather conditions. More recently Mattheck has been looking into the mechanical design of trees and finding ways to investigate the structural relationship of the tree. Further understanding of the me mechanical chanical response could create more feasible maintenance programs for urban and harvesting trees.

Previous works Previous research on trees and timber has been conducted, this work was used to develop British Standards, and government body reports. This instructs nstructs on ways of testing and grading timber, seasoning it to suitable standards for use, and provides codes of practice for preservation and management. Lonsdales report, for instance, looks into the prepre requisite symptoms of tree hazards and advises h how ow to undertake remedial action. Matthecks report on the natural design of trees is so far the only one found by the author to be a known guidance on the structural design of trees. In Matthecks work a finite element model has been created based on the p plausibility lausibility of self optimised biological structures which have the ability to reduce notch stresses and provide a lightweight fatigue resistant structure. Mattheck references the work of the biologist, Shigo who showed the branch development at a decisive angle to the primary growth (see Figure 1). A hole, notch, is created at the top edge due to the base development providing the link to the tree system. The hole is packed, stabilising the branch and forming a collar around the initial branch growth. The collar is annually supplemented to structurally secure the branch in place, consequently the notch creates an inherent weakness in the branch allowing it to shear off under heavy loading or to be removed under natural processes without inferring damage to the main structure. Internationally there is a disjointed collaborative effort to research this area of tree biomimicry, and therefore there is no n internationally recognised benchmark for testing. Due to the lack in developed research it is only recently that discrepancies have been argued. Slater, disputes some of Shigos findings using the clever clip theory of branch attachment. His findings were based on a series of winch tests, which agreed with Shigo that the zone of xylem formed under the branch bark ridge is of great importance for the branch junction. However, Slater allures to the awareness of the lack in research and literature on branch strength.

Figure 1: Shigos Branch Development

Panel Presentation: Habitat Author: Eve Walkden Institution: University of Southampton

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EWB-UK UK National Research & Education Conference 2011 Our Global Future 4th March 2011

To the authors knowledge there are only y four other published Scientists to have worked in this area. Cannell and Morgan studied the structural design of the tree branch, seeing the tree as a cantilever and incorporating engineers bending theory to its design. They found that branches with lots of short secondary branches reduced the need for support material, compared with a branch with fewer but longer secondary branches. Mller et al showed the homogeneity of strain distribution in branch joint is achieved by its natural optimisation. This co conversely nversely showed that the notch created by the branch, is not actually the defect it is considered as with the grading standards formed through the timber industry. Finch researched the winching of branches which were in danger of shedding in public areas. This involved the need to weaken the limb by cutting into the stem in order to get the winch pull off the branch to produce a natural looking fracture. The experiments gave a mix of results depending on the conditions of the tree, and also highlighted awareness awar for the health and safety implications of these tests.

Methodology Looking at the Joint A joint in a tree is a supporting component of a large cantilever that manages to respond to extreme loads to prevent failure. When considering the scales at which the branch reaches out with its limited fixed end span, the achievements of the tree structure can really be admired. The design of this area is of intrigue to this work, and must be of intrigue to the Engineer. In order to understand the ability o of f this natural phenomenon, the tree joint will be looked at in three different loading conditions; as cut internal components, as a whole joint cut from the tree, and as a living structure within its settings, where the moisture content variants may change the strength. In this way a base for further work can be created which will increase the possibility on better designs in structural materials.

Component By looking at the internal area of the tree joint, it will be possible to access the interaction of reaction wood within green untreated wood, and also the interaction of ring spacing as the branch attaches to the primary growth. Using standard engineering tests for timber material it will be possible to evaluate the components by known and practiced procedures pro and find an effective comparison between green and structural green wood. In addition with the samples being taken from the circular cross-section section of the branch and stem, an idea of the interaction of reaction wood and seasonal ring variants and failure ilure can be found, on which a model can be formed. Thus the model will show an idea of the internal working of a cut green section of joint, based on experimental evidence which follows standard experimental practises.

Global A base for the optimisation workings in the whole joint section can be gained by loading up a sample in laboratory conditions to see how the failure mode occurs. In addition the load capacity of the joint can start to be evaluated. The internal optimisation n and interaction of the joint can only really be understood in a whole section sample of joint. This progression from the component tests will mean that the joint will be tested in laboratory controlled conditions, from which the component model can be tested sted against further experimental evidence. The component model and the model created from this global test can then be compared to see how interactions differ and remain similar. Thus a refined model can be created, which starts to include the strength ch characteristics.

Live Test As the cut tree dries out its strength changes, this means that the natural inbuilt properties of the living tree are changed. changed The trees viscoelastic and optimisation properties will mean it will react to loading as a whole organism org and structure allowing for conductance of material and load distribution. In order to assess the reaction to short term loading, and thereby its mode of failure in extreme weather conditions, live tests will be conducted. These tests will be in the form f of onsite winch tests conducted in order to access the living strength of the joint, with a forensic analysis of the internal structure and failure mode being conducted after testing. This test will be compared with the component and global tests, to assess ssess the success of the models so far created.

Results and Discussion The testing stages allow for development of an experimentally proved model that can be adapted and changed to suit new findings. In this development each stage will generate its own mo model del that will form a basis of understanding how the tree changes its load response at each test. Having found test models that emulate the principles of tree design, the findings will be used to find better methods of international material design and sustainability ainability initiatives. The limitations on these tests will mean these works will be early in development and be a base for future international test works. However, the works will provide possibilities for many areas of sustainable building resources and urban cooling.

Panel Presentation: Habitat Author: Eve Walkden Institution: University of Southampton

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EWB-UK UK National Research & Education Conference 2011 Our Global Future 4th March 2011

Addition to green timber knowledge The component testing will allow for further data in green timber. With further knowledge on how ring adaptation and imperfection affects the grading strength. The impact of loading can also be assessed and give an idea on how loading affects the properties of sections of untreated green timber in aerated conditions.

Using joints in structural application Through this testing, an idea of strength could lead to finding a use for joints and branches, which whic is currently seen as a waste zone in the felled tree. This would add to the sustainable credentials of the tree and further influence the argument to use as much of the natural resource and reduce wastage. Possibly even using the joints in timber builds as connection points.

Tree Houses In evaluating the strength of a tree joint it would be possible to start assessing the types of structure that could be created in the tree that would allow for both recreation and aesthetics, and safe and stable areas to retreat to in wild environments. Trees used to be the habitat of our ancient human ancestor, they provided shelter and safety from the wild environment, in some under-developed developed parts of the world this is still true.

Urban planning and maintenance The development velopment of the models created can aid in the urban cooling requirement by adding load response information to the maintenance toolkit for healthy growth and where necessary preventative litigation. Urban cooling is an issue for many towns and cities in any ny part of the world. The heat and emission of the buildings and people in such a confined space add to the lack of sustainability and the cost to the worlds climate. A popular solution to this issue is to plant trees tre in parks and along roadsides of urban areas, using the trees transpiration process to reduce heat accumulation. However, the culture of urban society means that if the tree is to fail in an urban area there could be a possible economical loss. Consequently, this means that investment in main maintenance tenance programs to ensure public and property safety has to be made. It is common that the branch will fail in preference to the whole tree, so having an idea of the loading that a tree branch could take will help in assessing whether remedial action will be required.

Building Resources Education in tree maintenance and management will be a useful investment for the global future. This will reduce the need for artificial building resources. Sustainability comes at a price between the balance of economic demand and exhaustive resources. Balance is only found through the social view of viability and economic impact. Through better tree management, forests and sustainable cities can start to become a viable concept across the globe.

Using the knowledge of material aterial design to adapt design By using the model of the fibre and structural arrangement of the tree it would be possible to improve structural and material design. The alignment and arrangement of the tree could influence a more economical and sustainable sustainabl design in new materials. By creating materials that have optimum properties a sustainable and structural enhancement can be achieved. Having assessed the shape and arrangement of the tree fibres and adaptation, structural forms can be enhanced to improve the economic and sustainability of the built environment. Thus by creating new structural connections and components which apply natures design, implementation of a lasting and sustainable design can be initiated.

Summary This blue sky idea, although a small drop in the vast ocean of possibilities for naturally obtained sustainable builds does in itself, if adequately funded and researched, have the possibility of solving many of the worlds urban and resource issues. In learning from the natural form of the trees structure it is conceivable to enhance the design of infrastructure, in order to create a more sustainable and stable solution to built environment design. Thus creating models from the three progressive experimental tests on tree joints, a deeper understanding of the load response can be developed. Further, the fibre arrangement and the adaptation of the tree can be used to develop more economical, sustainable and stable designs for structural builds. Hence, the blue sky idea derived by looking at what nature has already provided, becomes a true sustainable possibility for the future of the planet.

Panel Presentation: Habitat Author: Eve Walkden Institution: University of Southampton

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EWB-UK UK National Research & Education Conference 2011 Our Global Future 4th March 2011

Acknowledgements Thanks to my supervisors Dr Alan Bloodworth and Prof Trevor Tanton. Also to the New Forest - Forestry Commission, and Giles les Cox who have provided me with guidance in this area. Also to the EPSRC, who have provided maintenance funding.

References British Standards Institute 2002. BS 5268: Structural use of timber. BS 5268:2002, London: BSI publications. Cannell, M. G. R. & Morgan, J. 1987. Youngs Modulus of Sections of Living Branches and Tree Trunks. Tree Physiology, 3, 355-364. Cannell, M. G. R. & Morgan, J. 1989. Branch Breakage under Snow and Ice Loads. Tree Physiology, 5, 307-317. Finch, R. 1993. An Alternative Method of Crown Reduction for Ancient Pollards & Dead Trees. In: Read, H. (ed.) Pollard and Veteran Tree Management. Corporation of London. Finch, R. 1997. Winching Ancient Trees. ENACT - Peterborough, 5, 16-17. Lonsdale, D. 1999. Principles of Tree Hazard Assess Assessment and Management, London, TSO. Mattheck, C. 1990. Engineering Components Grow Like Trees. Materialwissenschaft und Werkstofftech, 21, 143-168. Mattheck, C. 1994. The Body Language of Trees, London, HMSO Publications Centre. Morgan, J. & Cannell, M. G. R. . 1987. Structural analysis of tree trunks and branches: tapered cantilever beams subject to large deflections under complex loading. Tree Physiology, 3. Muller, U., Gindl, W. & Jeronimidis, G. 2006. Biomechanics of a branch branch-stem stem junction in softwood. Trees-Structure and Function, 20, 643-648. Shigo, A. L. 1985. How Tree Branches Are Attached to Trunks. Canadian Journal of Botany-Revue Botany Canadienne De Botanique, 63, 1391-1401. Slater, D. & Harbinson, C. 2010. Towards a New Model of Branch Attachment. Arboricultural ltural Journal, 33, 95-105. Unknown 2006. London's Urban Heat Island: A Summary for Decision Makers. London: Greater London Authority.

Panel Presentation: Habitat Author: Eve Walkden Institution: University of Southampton

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