| Abstract:
This research investigated the potential of acoustical Tomography and Imaging technology in the determination of the static strength of the urban standing trees to resist the forces exerted by heavy winds and tornados. First, locally made sensors and, micro-second timers and tomography images were compared with those of a certified European device in radial to tangential and longitudinal directions which showed good performance of Iranian made device. Having this technology available, the selected trees with the collar defect symptoms were initially inspected visually, then the visual accuracy was monitored by sonic tomography. While inspecting 103 trees, some were extremely defected internally, while the visual inspection showed their intactness (9 from 23). Afterward, some trees which showed having visually defect signs were proved to be intact after carrying the tomography images (up to 10 from 53). Therefore, it can be concluded that the visual tree defect inspection is not satisfactory for saving or eleminating the individual and these kinds of decision makings must be supported by the methods showing the hidden discontinuities or defects.
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