Wood transportation in Cut-to-Length system by forwarders in mountain forests: fuel efficiency according to road standard

My thesis work aims to evaluate the wood transportation process in the Cut-to-Length system using forwarders in the mountainous region of Gallio, Italy. The study area, situated between the Dolomite Mountains and Venice, at elevations ranging from 1500 to 200 meters above sea level (a.s.l.), presents unique challenges and opportunities for efficient wood transportation. The primary objective is to assess fuel efficiency based on road standards, considering the complex environment and geographical factors specific to the study area. The research methodology encompasses a comprehensive analysis that integrates traditional time study methods, categorization of forwarder activities, and the use of consumer-grade GPS data. The activities of the forwarders are classified into different stages, including driving unloaded, loading, moving while loading, driving loading, unloading, moving while unloading, delay, and other relevant tasks. Time study techniques are employed to measure the duration of each stage, while low-accuracy GPS data provides spatial context, patterns, and speed variations. The mountainous terrain of the study area poses significant challenges to wood transportation operations. The topography, slopes, and elevation changes affect the efficiency and productivity of forwarders. Additionally, the characteristics of the forest, such as tree species, density, and distribution, influence accessibility to harvesting sites and the overall transportation process. Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing wood transportation in mountain forestry. Road infrastructure plays a vital role in determining the efficiency and fuel consumption of forwarders. The study evaluates road standards, including road width, surface conditions, gradients, and curvature, to assess their impact on fuel efficiency and transportation effectiveness. By analysing GPS data, the research identifies forwarder patterns, work cycles, and speed variations based on road standards. This analysis provides valuable insights into the relationships between road conditions, fuel efficiency, and overall operational performance. The low accuracy of consumer-grade GPS devices, ranging from 5 to 15 meters, is acknowledged as a limitation. Mitigation strategies such as data smoothing, filtering techniques, and cross-validation with traditional time study data are employed to minimize potential inaccuracies and ensure the reliability of the findings. The outcomes of this research will contribute to optimizing wood transportation operations in mountainous regions. The findings will inform recommendations for improving fuel efficiency, route planning, and overall operational effectiveness in the Cut-to-Length system. By understanding forwarder patterns, work cycles, and the impact of road standards on fuel efficiency, practical solutions can be implemented to enhance productivity and sustainability in mountain forestry. In short, this thesis work addresses the challenges of wood transportation in the Cut-to-Length system using forwarders in the mountainous region of Gallio, Italy. By integrating traditional time study methods and low-accuracy GPS data analysis, the research provides insights into forwarder patterns, work cycles, speed variations, and the impact of road standards on fuel efficiency. The study area's unique geographical characteristics, including mountainous terrain, forest characteristics, and road infrastructure, shape the wood transportation process. The outcomes of this research will contribute to the knowledge base of wood transportation and fuel efficiency in mountain forestry, with practical implications for optimizing operations in complex environments.