Optimal planning of a forest road network: from methods to solutions

The article presents the methods of optimal planning of forest road networks, which allow automating the planning processes of road transport infrastructure development for logging enterprises by taking into account the characteristics of forest road construction under present day conditions. The methodology is described and the the optimal density of forest roads has been found for the natural and industrial conditions of the North-Western Federal District. The authors propose decision-making models for choosing the forest roadbed and road topping designs. They also propose a model for evaluating alternative sections of forest roads, a model for selecting key points of the forest resource base and a final optimization model for making decisions on logging roads network design. The developed computer system allows the user to display information in a user-friendly and layer-by-layer form on the required road construction volumes and to obtain a wide list of indicators characterizing both individual sections and all roads as a whole. This system application demonstrated a reasonably good compliance with actual conditions and the ability to adapt to the user's tasks. The proposed solutions make it possible to achieve a significant economic effect for a planning horizon of 5-10 years or more.