what is fibre buckling?

[timberman]

Hi guys, im need of a little help

 

can anyone tell me, what is fibre buckling in trees?

 

cheers

[Xerxses]

On the last few pics in this thread http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/fungi-pictures/21371-body-language-decay-delights-d-20.html you will se fine examples of fibrebuckling.

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

best one is here http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/picture-forum/12522-v-t-images.html

[Xerxses]

best one is here http://arbtalk.co.uk/forum/picture-forum/12522-v-t-images.html

 

Yes, forgot about that one! Some really good examples of various fibre disorders and cracks...

[Tony Croft aka hamadryad]

Fibre buckling is usually a sign that the internal wood of the tree has decayed and is collapsing. Imagine a hosepipe. When it's in use and the water is gushing through it under pressure the hosepipe stays firm and strong. When the water is turned off the hosepipe is more flexible and can collapse. Similarly, a tree will shift, buckle and collapse when the inside softens due to decay and the remaining structural load-bearing sapwood can no longer support the weight.

 

Fibre buck;ling occurs with or without decay....

 

This is due to wood being stronger in tension than in compression. When a wind force is strong enough it can cause a tree to be stretched to its limits, a buckle can form, and perfectly normal.

 

It also does not cause a weak point in the stem, it actually becomes stronger due to the twisted fibre lay and higher lignin and pectin (super adhesive) content.

[timberman]

cheers for all the advice, thats helped me loads