OPTIMIZING ROAD MAINTENANCE INTERVALS

The elements that affect the performance of a forest road are discussed. Poor drainage of the rolling surface, the use of materials that do not conform with standards, or poor grading technique (or all three) can accelerate degradation of the road and require premature rehabilitation of its surface. The costs of road maintenance are compared on the basis of surfacing materials used. Different methods of managing grading are evaluated using a model developed within the framework of this project for predicting the performance of roads. One alternative of scheduling grading at fixed times, the method generally used in the industry, is proposed: localized grading with a flexible schedule. Examples demonstrate that this management method ensures good road quality and can result in savings of more than 30% on grading costs.