Cost/Benefit Analysis For The Resistograph Instrument
Costs
The cost of the Resistograph as part of our hazard tree program is very minimal when you compare the costs of loss of public life and property. This unit is a one time cost and will be a valuable asset to the citizens of Missoula by ensuring accurate hazard tree assessments.
Benefits
Hazard trees are constantly being located throughout the city. This tool will help give us theability to assess the amount of internal decay and solid wood within trees by measuring the relative density and distribution of wood which is extremely important information for public safety and will allow for timely removal of hazardous trees. As we have seen in Greenough Park, hazardous trees can and will fail over public property and people utilizing city property.
The protection of the public in one incident will more than pay for the cost of this unit. The Resistograph can also be used to assess the utility poles used on the high element ropes course and playground equipment located in city parks. This will detect decay in different stages, as well as cracks and voids within the wood structures. The specialized drill bit is able to detect decay in not only above ground but also the underground regions of trees, utility poles and playground equipment in which 90% of decay is found!
