Water Crossings Versus Transport Cost: A Network Analysis Case Study
Authors
Reino Pulkki
Faculty of Forestry, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario
Abstract
This study determines the impact of fewer water crossings on hauling and road construction costs in a case study situation, and demonstrates the ease and versatility of network analysis in the planning and analysis of forest roads. Using a fixed grid network and modification of a standard network analysis technique allows the solution of large networks in only a few seconds on a personal computer (486-33MHz). The removal of 15 out of a total of 38 culverts resulted in a haul cost increase of $20 068 (CAD) for 1.2 million m3 hauled. However, removal of the first 14 culverts only increased the haul cost by $5236. The road construction cost saving from not installing the culverts was estimated to be $75 000 if all 15 culverts were not installed or $70 000 if 14 culverts were not installed. The case study indicated that considerable savings are possible through better planning of forest roads, especially with the additional expenses required to mitigate environmental impacts.
