Utilization of forest industry waste in the development of transportation infrastructure

Waste from the forestry industry, particularly from logging and wood processing operations, constitutes a significant portion of the harvested timber. The issue of road surface stability on weak bearing soils is one of the most pressing challenges in modern road construction. Weak soils, such as peatlands, loams, and clay soils, have low bearing capacity and are prone to substantial deformations under load. The aim of this article is to assess the feasibility of using wood processing waste to reinforce soils on logging roads. Winter logging roads are a crucial element of transport infrastructure, ensuring efficient delivery of timber and other forest resources. However, under positive temperatures and heavy loads, such roads are susceptible to destruction and deformation. Moreover, this type of road is temporary and deteriorates during the spring season. One promising direction in strengthening road surfaces is the use of loose forest materials such as wood chips and sawdust. This article examines the mechanisms of action of these materials, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as examples of successful applications.