Extending Hauling Operations on Thawing Roads by Using Road- Friendly Technologies

In the springs of 2000, the Forest Engineering Research Institute of Canada (FERIC) undertook a series of studies to investigate the potential of using a combination of technologies to extend log hauling operations during the traditional spring break-up period. During spring break-up, thin pavement roads are weakened, resulting in the application of government-imposed load restrictions to prevent road damage from heavy haul traffic. These load restrictions typically result in the suspension of log hauling operations for a period of six to ten weeks. The undertaken studies examined the use of Central Tire Inflation (CTI) systems in combination with a variety of axle arrangements on log trucks to minimize road damage while hauling full loads during the traditional load restriction period.