Dynamic programming model for selection of optimum logging road surface

• Main Author: Jolliffe, Harold A
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: Forest roads
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/2429/19778

The selection of optimum road surfacing for logging roads is studied. A dynamic program model that simulates different road surfaces, over the length of the road, is developed to arrive at the optimum combination of road surfaces. The model simulates the travel, of up to three different vehicle types over the road. The physical characteristics of the road, the road surface and the vehicles are used to determine travel speeds. Travel speed and vehicle operating costs are used to find vehicle costs relative to the road surface. These costs are combined with surface construction and maintenance costs to find the optimum combination of surfaces. Testing of the model revealed that volume of wood was of less importance than road gradient in the determination of the optimum combination of road surfaces. === Forestry, Faculty of === Graduate