Potencial de falha em árvores utilizando tomógrafo de impulso na Praça da Madalena em Recife/PE

Abstract

In the city of Recife - PE, the falling of trees mainly results from factors such as the absence of well-structured vegetation, due to the occurrence of pests, pathogens, and mechanical failures. Therefore, the structural evaluation of urban trees has become a priority, as the good condition of trees distributed throughout the city is crucial. To perform this evaluation, non-destructive methods, such as impulse tomography, are essential as they do not compromise the mechanical properties of the trees. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the structural condition of the trees in Madalena Square in the municipality of Recife - PE through non-destructive tests. The research was conducted in Madalena Square, where six trees that make up the vegetation of the green area were examined. To evaluate the presence and level of internal deterioration of the tree trunks, the non-destructive analysis method using the impulse tomograph ARBOTOM was used. Furthermore, based on the interpretation of degradation indicative graphs generated by the equipment, it was possible to classify the degree of trunk deterioration, categorizing them with low, medium, high, or severe potential for failure. Of the evaluated individuals, three trees showed a better structural conservation state of their stems. On the other hand, the fourth evaluated tree demonstrated the highest mechanical compromise, as it has termites, boring insects, decaying fungi, as well as poorly executed pruning in its trunk. There is a possibility of the presence of xylophagous agents and decaying fungi, even to a lesser extent, in the core of tree two, since it showed a mechanical failure in its central region, without any external indication of degradation. The third tree, on the other hand, has structural fragility related to the action of mechanical forces, such as traction and compression of fibers, due to its inclination. All trees showed structural fragility caused mainly by the action of xylophagous agents and decaying fungi, in addition to the inclination of the evaluated trunks. Therefore, it is necessary to take actions to replace some tree specimens, considering that the worsening of trunk degradation poses a direct risk to the users of Madalena Square.