Issue №3, Vol. 22
Mokhirev A., Islamova M., Burmistrova O., Kruchinin I., Otev K. Assessment of the Bearing Capacity of Winter Logging Road Subgrade with Different Freezing Depths // Resources and Technology. 2025. №3, Vol. 22. P. 203‒218.
DOI: 10.15393/j2.art.2025.8723
Assessment of the Bearing Capacity of Winter Logging Road Subgrade with Different Freezing Depths
| Mokhirev Aleksander Petrovich | Siberian Federal University, ale-mokhirev@yandex.ru |
| Islamova Mary Temurovna | Siberian Federal University, ipmem@mail.ru |
| Burmistrova Olga Nikolaevna | Ukhta State Technical University, olga.burm@mail.ru |
| Kruchinin Igor Nikolaevich | Ural State Forest Engineering University, kinaa.k@yandex.ru |
| Otev Kirill Sergeevich | Volga State University of Technology, otev.kirill@mail.ru |
|
Key words: winter logging road; soil bearing capacity; elastic modulus; dynamic compaction meter; soil freezing |
Summary: Winter logging roads constitute a vital component of timber harvesting infrastructure. Approximately 80 % of all logging roads are seasonal winter roads. The bearing capacity of these roads subgrade soils is highly dependent on climatic conditions: when frozen, the soil gains considerable stiffness and can sustain heavy loads, whereas during thaw periods the foundation strength deteriorates sharply. The study aims to assess the bearing capacity of winter logging road subgrade soils based on field and laboratory tests and provide recommendations on permissible loads and operational regimes for such roads. This paper presents the results of engineering and geotechnical studies on the bearing capacity of soils in a winter logging road located in the Bolshemurinsky District of the Krasnoyarsk Territory. Field measurements of the dynamic modulus of soil elasticity were conducted using the PDU-MG4 «Udar», and samples were collected for laboratory determination of moisture content, density, granulometric and consistency composition, as well as strength characteristics (angle of internal friction φ and cohesion c). The bearing capacity of the subgrade was assessed using two methods — based on the ultimate soil resistance R₀ and deformations (elastic modulus E). It was found that the subgrade soils of the winter logging road had a calculated resistance of about 200—250 kPa and dynamic elastic moduli of 15—25 MPa, which is sufficient for medium-tonnage vehicles. For the studied winter logging road, it is proposed to set permissible loads depending on the depth of soil freezing. When freezing depth exceeds 30—50 cm (stable frost conditions), the movement of vehicles with an axle load of up to 10 tf is allowed. With shallow freezing (< 30 cm) or thaws, the load should be limited to 5—6 tf per axle (up to a complete closure of the road to freight traffic during intense melting). If the passage of heavier equipment is necessary, the subgrade of the winter logging road can be reinforced using technological methods. Recommendations have been developed for load restrictions during thaws and for improving road stability. |
Displays: 36; Downloads: 13;
© 2011 - 2025
Petrozavodsk State University
technical support - RCNIT.
Photo - I. Georgievsky.
Chief editor - Dr. Sergey Vasilyev, rt@petrsu.ru