Analysis of Tree Damage Caused by Excavated Materials at Forest Road Construction in Karst Region

Opening-up of forests enables the application of rational forestry, which means more productivity and suitability for sustainable use. Therefore, forest roads are one of the most important tools needed. This study investigates tree damage caused by excavated materials during forest road construction in a karst region. Bending, crushing and wounding were defined as tree damage because of excavated materials during forest road construction. Besides, forest road construction techniques, and productivity by using hydraulic excavator were investigated in forested lands in Antalya region in Turkey. The number of damaged trees regarding various gradient classes was also determined in the study area. The results indicated that during the forest road construction 12% and 27% of trees were wounded upon 20–45% and 46–90% ground slopes respectively. A maximum length of the fill slope for excavator was found to be 17 m on 80% slope gradient. The cost of excavator was calculated as 17.6 €/m. The productivity of the excavator was calculated as 105.8 m3/hr