Calculating the correction factor of skidding distance based on forest road network

Abstract

Average skidding distance for forest stands is an important parameter for the determination of the optimum road density and spacing. In this research the real mean skidding distance and theoretical mean skidding distance were measured to calculate the correction factor of skidding distance for Chafrood forest in Hyrcanian zone. The length and azimuth of skid trails from road and depot junction to forest interior were measured. Moreover, the position of skid trail was recorded by GPS. These skid trails with a buffer of 140 m were designed on a topographical map using Arc GIS software. Results indicated that the road spacing of 500 m in the study area resulted in a theoretical mean skidding distance of 125 m. For a real mean skidding distance of 525.9 m and for the mean slope of 40%, the correction factor was estimated to be 4.2.

Determination of correction coefficient of average skidding distance according to the existing road network in Alikia Soltan forest of Iran

“…Average skidding distance for forest stands is an important parameter for determination of the optimum road density (Lotfalian et al 2011). In conclusion, the road spacing of 971 m in Alikia Soltan forest resulted in a theoretical mean skidding distance of 243 m. As the real mean skidding distance in our study area is 528.67 and the mean slope is 27%, the correction factor was estimated to be 2.1.…”

“…One major decision in road network planning is to determine under what terrain conditions a groundbased extraction system should be applied (Lotfalian et al 2011). Slope and topography which affect the forest road network were considered as correction factor (terrain factor) by Segebaden (1964).…”

Assessment of Forest Road Network Alternatives for Pine Resin Extraction

“…This indicates that GWEF region has a heavy terrain (a mountainous region). Lotfalian et al (2011) reports that it has an average slope of 40% and forest road network with a road spacing of 500 m, and its actual skidding distance in the field was 525.9 m. Roads used for carrying pine resin in GWEF were constructed as paths with an average width of 1.98 m. From the four alternatives for forest road networks for the pine resin extraction in the study area, it can be seen that the forest road network with a small road spacing has a high CF, and a large road spacing has a low CF. Kanzaki et al (1990) states that a correction factor of the transport system will be close to 1, if the density of the road is increasing.…”

Solution of the Forest Road Network Optimization in the Transformation to a Selective Silviculture Method

“…The calculations of the road network parameters and related engineering tasks can be very time consuming, hence the geographical information systems are often used (Lotfalian, Zadeh and Hosseini, 2011). In recent years, LiDAR technology has also undergone great advances and shows applicability to forest management, becoming the source of high precision geometric data (Novo et al, 2019).…”