Analysis of the wood-transport roads’ network in the Republic of Karelia

The condition of roads and transport accessibility of the forest resources are one of the key factors that ensure sustainable development of the timber industry enterprises. The infrastructure’s state and quality varies in different regions of the Russian Federation. The road network density - general and wood transport roads - in the Republic of Karelia are being examined. The data from the forest plan on the planned construction volume, reconstruction and maintenance of the forest roads had been analyzed. A comparative analysis of forest harvesting volume dependence on the density of road network in the Republic of Karelia and Finland had been presented. Furthermore, important role of the availability and condition of these roads for the proper functioning and development of the timber industry enterprises was presented as well. The results and analysis of the experimental research of the comb, or a washboard road type, as the most common defect on the road pavement soil and gravel roads are presented.