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作者

Brian Kane

来源

URBAN FORESTRY & URBAN GREENING,Vol.49,Issue1,Article 126625

语言

英文

关键字

Climbing;Tie-in point;Loads;Descents;Falls

作者单位

Department of Environmental Conservation, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA, 01375 USA;Department of Environmental Conservation, 160 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA, 01375 USA

摘要

Failure of a tie-in point (TIP) in tree climbing can have severe consequences, yet few studies have quantified the loads borne by and load-bearing capacity of TIPs. In two separate experiments, loads borne by the TIP during (i) abrupt stops while a climber descended and (ii) simulated climber falls were quantified for a variety of TIPs, rope types, and rope lengths (distance between the TIP and the application of the load). Peak load ratios (measured load divided by the weight of a simulated or actual climber) up to 10.6 were recorded, a potentially dangerous value with respect to both TIP failure and personal injury. Peak load ratios decreased as the length of rope between the TIP and the location of the simulated fall increased, and when trees were in leaf. Minimizing the potential fall distance during ascents is the surest way to reduce the likelihood of TIP failure and personal injury.