RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Brace Rods for Codominant Stems: Installation Location and Breaking Strength
JF Arboriculture & Urban Forestry (AUF)
JO JOA
FD International Society of Arboriculture
SP 170
OP 176
DO 10.48044/jauf.2000.020
VO 26
IS 3
A1 Smiley, E. Thomas
A1 Greco, Craig M.
A1 Williams, James G.
YR 2000
UL http://auf.isa-arbor.com/content/26/3/170.abstract
AB The location at which brace rods should be installed to reduce the risk of breakage in codominant stems traditionally has been below the crotch. In this study, codominant stems were pulled apart with measured force to determine if crotch strength was increased by installing a rod above the crotch rather than in the traditional rod location below the junction. With both red oak (Quercus rubra) and red maple (Acer rubrum), the strength of the codominant stem was increased significantly by installing the rod above the crotch a distance equal to the diameter of one of the stems. Brass rods tended to fail more than steel rods in oak but may be useful in small, weaker-wooded trees.