Analysis of Tree Damage Caused by Excavated Materials at Forest Road Construction in Karst Region

Ozturk T., Man M., Akay A. E.

CROATIAN JOURNAL OF FOREST ENGINEERING, vol.31, no.1, pp.57-64, 2010 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 31 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2010
  • Journal Name: CROATIAN JOURNAL OF FOREST ENGINEERING
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.57-64
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this study, forest road construction techniques, environmental damages, cross sections and productivity by using hydraulic excavator and bulldozer were investigated in forested lands in Antalya (Aykiricay region) and Eskisehir (Seyitgazi region) province in Turkey. Besides, cross sections built by using bulldozer and excavator were compared considering differences in fill-slope and cut-slope sections. Maximum length of fill slope for bulldozer and excavator were found to be 17 m on 80% slope gradient and 11 m on the same slope gradient, respectively. The unit costs of bulldozer and excavator were calculated as $21.8 per meter and $8.5 per meter, respectively. Productivity of bulldozer and excavator were found to be 105.8 m3/h and 66.2 m3/ h, respectively. The wounded rates of trees under the forest road in Aykiricay and Seyitgazi are found 23% and 40%.

Opening-up of forests enables the application of rational forestry, winch means more productivity and suitability for sustainable use Therefore, forest roads are one of the most important tools needed. This study investigates tree damage caused by excavated materials during forest road construction in a karst region. Bending, crushing and wounding were defined as tree damage because of excavated materials during forest road construction Besides, forest road construction techniques, and productivity by using hydraulic excavator were investigated in forested lands in Antalya region in Turkey. The number of damaged trees regarding various gradient classes was also determined in the study area. The results indicated that during the forest road construction 12% and 27% of trees were wounded upon 20-45% and 46-90% ground slopes respectively. A maximum length of the fill slope for excavator was found to be 17 m on 80% slope gradient The cost of excavator was calculated as 17.6 (sic)/m The productivity of the excavator was calculated as 105.8 m(3)/hr