This study quantitatively investigates the effects of internal cavity geometry on the structural safety of high-value aged trees using the finite element method (FEM). Virtual cavities were incorporated into the tree model, and stress responses were analyzed under an extreme wind load condition. The results show that internal cavities significantly increase stress concentration by reducing the effective load-bearing cross-section, with cavity location having a greater influence on structural stability than cavity size. Small cavities located near the outer region of the trunk caused a sharp increase in stress, whereas larger cavities positioned near the center had a limited effect. Structural vulnerability was concentrated in the lower trunk on the leeward side, where wind-induced bending moments are maximized. These findings highlight cavity location as a critical indicator for the safety assessment and management of high-value aged trees.

Abstract
Introduction
Materials and Methods
    1. 3D Geometry modeling of the tree
    2. Assignment of material properties
    3. Cavity configuration and scenario setting
    4. Calculation and assignment of external loads
    5. Structural analysis and evaluation of results
Results and Discussion
    1. Effects of internal cavity location
    2. Effects of internal cavity size (Height)
    3. Effects of cavities on tree safety assessment
    4. From detection to quantification: FEM for treestability assessment
Acknowledgements
References

• Je Gwan Joung(Graduate Student, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Wood Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea.)
• Ho Jeong Cho(Graduate Student, Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Wood Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea.)
• Ji Won Son(Researcher, Biodiversity Heritage Division, Korea Heritage Service, Daejeon, Korea)
• Sung Jun Pang(Associate Professor, Department of Wood Science and Engineering, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61186, Korea.) Corresponding author