Evaluation of Forest Road Standards for Long-Log Transportation: The Case of the Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Research Forest
12th Forest and Sustainable Development International Symposium 2026, Brasov, Romanya, 15 - 16 Ekim 2026, ss.29, (Özet Bildiri)
- Yayın Türü: Bildiri / Özet Bildiri
- Basıldığı Şehir: Brasov
- Basıldığı Ülke: Romanya
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.29
- İstanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Adresli: Evet
Özet
Forest roads are essential infrastructure for timber production, silvicultural operations, forest protection, and wildfire suppression. Planned forest road construction in Türkiye began in the 1930s and accelerated after the 1950s with the mechanization of timber production. Much of the existing forest road network was constructed according to the harvesting methods, transport vehicles, and timber dimensions of that period, generally with relatively low geometric standards, and remains in use today. These roads were shaped largely by the transport of short-length logs. However, long-log transportation by multi-axle logging trucks requires wider road platforms, larger horizontal curve radii, suitable turning and maneuvering areas, pavement structures with adequate bearing capacity, and functional drainage facilities. Therefore, forest roads originally designed for short-log transportation should be reassessed for long-log transport. This study aims to examine existing forest roads in the Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Research Forest and evaluate their suitability for long-log transportation using multi-axle vehicles. Based on a literature review and case-study assessment, the study will compare the forest road standards applied in Türkiye with road conditions in the research area. Road width, longitudinal gradient, horizontal curve radius, turning and maneuvering areas, pavement condition, and drainage structures will constitute the evaluation criteria. Forest structure, timber production volume, product dimensions, and vehicle requirements will be considered. Road sections will be classified as adequate, requiring limited improvement, or requiring geometric or structural upgrading. Recommendations will focus on widening roads, increasing curve radii, establishing maneuvering areas, strengthening pavement structures, and improving drainage systems