Wood in the construction of forest roads on poor-bearing road subgrades

Abstract

The use of wood for road construction in biologically valuable areas seems to be a good alternative to solutions based on less ecologically-friendly materials. The key issue is the durability of the wood in specific conditions of use, i.e., in the substrate of the actual road. Among other issues, this study analyzes the existing road surfaces constructed on timber log foundations and the selected properties of the wood taken from designated road sections-to measure the properties of durability, such as density, modulus of elasticity and compression strength parallel to the grain. Based on the analysis of the aforementioned properties, we confirmed the highest durability for oak heartwood as the most predisposed in building forest road substrates. Next in order were the resinous conifers of pine and spruce, and the least durable was alder. Maintaining the wood in a good condition is mainly influenced by the conditions of its use. Using wooden substrates for forest roads is best suited in marshy areas.