We contrast a new continuous approach(CA)for estimating plot-level above-ground biomass(AGB)in forest inventories with the current approach of estimating AGB exclusively from the tree-level AGB predicted for each tree...We contrast a new continuous approach(CA)for estimating plot-level above-ground biomass(AGB)in forest inventories with the current approach of estimating AGB exclusively from the tree-level AGB predicted for each tree in a plot,henceforth called DA(discrete approach).With the CA,the AGB in a forest is modelled as a continuous surface and the AGB estimate for a fixed-area plot is computed as the integral of the AGB surface taken over the plot area.Hence with the CA,the portion of the biomass of in-plot trees that extends across the plot perimeter is ignored while the biomass from trees outside of the plot reaching inside the plot is added.We use a sampling simulation with data from a fully mapped two hectare area to illustrate that important differences in plot-level AGB estimates can emerge.Ideally CA-based estimates of mean AGB should be less variable than those derived from the DA.If realized,this difference translates to a higher precision from field sampling,or a lower required sample size.In our case study with a target precision of 5%(i.e.relative standard error of the estimated mean AGB),the CA required a 27.1%lower sample size for small plots of 100 m2 and a 10.4%lower sample size for larger plots of 1700 m2.We examined sampling induced errors only and did not yet consider model errors.We discuss practical issues in implementing the CA in field inventories and the potential in applications that model biomass with remote sensing data.The CA is a variation on a plot design for above-ground forest biomass;as such it can be applied in combination with any forest inventory sampling design.展开更多
It is now recognized that many geomaterials have nonlinear failure envelopes. This non-linearity is most marked at lower stress levels, the failure envelope being of quasi-parabolic shape. It is not easy to calibrate ...It is now recognized that many geomaterials have nonlinear failure envelopes. This non-linearity is most marked at lower stress levels, the failure envelope being of quasi-parabolic shape. It is not easy to calibrate these nonlinear failure envelopes from triaxial test data. Currently only the power-type failure envelope has been studied with an established formal procedure for its determination from triaxial test data. In this paper, a simplified procedure is evolved for the development of four different types of nonlinear envelopes. These are of invaluable assistance in the evaluation of true factors of safety in problems of slope stability and correct computation of lateral earth pressure and bearing capacity. The use of the Mohr-Coulomb failure envelopes leads to an overestimation of the factors of safety and other geotechnical quantities.展开更多
文摘We contrast a new continuous approach(CA)for estimating plot-level above-ground biomass(AGB)in forest inventories with the current approach of estimating AGB exclusively from the tree-level AGB predicted for each tree in a plot,henceforth called DA(discrete approach).With the CA,the AGB in a forest is modelled as a continuous surface and the AGB estimate for a fixed-area plot is computed as the integral of the AGB surface taken over the plot area.Hence with the CA,the portion of the biomass of in-plot trees that extends across the plot perimeter is ignored while the biomass from trees outside of the plot reaching inside the plot is added.We use a sampling simulation with data from a fully mapped two hectare area to illustrate that important differences in plot-level AGB estimates can emerge.Ideally CA-based estimates of mean AGB should be less variable than those derived from the DA.If realized,this difference translates to a higher precision from field sampling,or a lower required sample size.In our case study with a target precision of 5%(i.e.relative standard error of the estimated mean AGB),the CA required a 27.1%lower sample size for small plots of 100 m2 and a 10.4%lower sample size for larger plots of 1700 m2.We examined sampling induced errors only and did not yet consider model errors.We discuss practical issues in implementing the CA in field inventories and the potential in applications that model biomass with remote sensing data.The CA is a variation on a plot design for above-ground forest biomass;as such it can be applied in combination with any forest inventory sampling design.
文摘It is now recognized that many geomaterials have nonlinear failure envelopes. This non-linearity is most marked at lower stress levels, the failure envelope being of quasi-parabolic shape. It is not easy to calibrate these nonlinear failure envelopes from triaxial test data. Currently only the power-type failure envelope has been studied with an established formal procedure for its determination from triaxial test data. In this paper, a simplified procedure is evolved for the development of four different types of nonlinear envelopes. These are of invaluable assistance in the evaluation of true factors of safety in problems of slope stability and correct computation of lateral earth pressure and bearing capacity. The use of the Mohr-Coulomb failure envelopes leads to an overestimation of the factors of safety and other geotechnical quantities.
