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作者

Brian Kane

来源

URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING,Vol.72,Issue1,Article 127593

语言

英文

关键字

Tree climbing;Primary support point;Tie-in point;Powered ascending device

作者单位

Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA;Department of Environmental Conservation, University of Massachusetts, Amherst 01003, USA

摘要

Climbing arborists often use a throwline and weight to set a climbing line in a primary support point (PSP) from the ground, which improves efficiency but can increase risk because the climbing arborist cannot carefully inspect the PSP. Efficiency may be further improved if the climbing arborist ascends using a powered device, but few studies have investigated their performance. The author measured loads at and inclination of fifteen PSPs as he ascended by hand or by a battery-powered device. We also measured the climbing arborist’s heartrate and ascent duration. When the climbing arborist ascended by hand, loads were similar to when he used the powered device, even though the device increased the weight of the climbing system. Normalized by load, inclination at and below the PSP was also similar between the two ascent techniques; it was also related to both the distance of PSP from the main stem and PSP diameter, as expected from beam theory. The powered device reduced ascent duration by 56% and the climbing arborist’s heartrate was also less than when he ascended by hand. The powered device conferred advantages in efficiency without increasing the likelihood of PSP failure. Climbing arborists should be careful to inspect the PSP and the stem below it for load-bearing capacity.