On a recent Friday, approximately 50 forest industry representatives from across the North Island of New Zealand gathered in Mohaka Forest to witness firsthand the innovative shred wood road trial conducted by Pan Pac and FGR. This trial aims to explore the viability of shredded wood roads as a sustainable alternative to traditional metal roads.

Shredded wood roads offer significant environmental advantages over metal roads. By repurposing waste wood, these roads reduce the need for traditional roading materials and decrease the carbon footprint associated with transporting these materials. This aligns with growing global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable forestry practices.

Hamish Scown, Pan Pac Forests operations technical co-ordinator, has been instrumental in running the trial. He notes that the results so far are promising. “The results so far indicate that shred wood roads could be a viable alternative to metal roads, where the grade is not too steep in wet conditions,” Scown said.

In dry conditions, loaded stem units and 50-ton conventional trucks have successfully navigated the site uphill at an 11.5% grade with no run-up. This suggests that shred wood roads could be a practical solution in various terrains and weather conditions. Scown also mentioned that a light spread of traction metal could help in wet conditions, a common practice in wet weather roading operations, and something they plan to test next.

The trial is currently in its first phase, comparing different-sized shredded wood (200mm, 150mm, and 200mm with 80mm “top dressing”). The roads are 50-meter-long trial sections originating at the landing loadout bays. The best-performing particle size mix from phase one will be used in phase two, where roads of different depths, preparation, and application methods will be tested.

When the trial is complete, Pan Pac and FGR aim to produce a technical note detailing the specifications, application methods, and rough costings of shred wood roads. This information will be made available to the wider industry, potentially revolutionizing forestry road construction practices.

Potential Applications and Benefits

The concept of shred wood roads is not new but has gained renewed interest due to the increasing demand for sustainable practices. In the United States, similar trials have been conducted in various states, particularly in regions with abundant forestry resources. For instance, the Pacific Northwest, known for its dense forests, has explored the use of shredded wood in road construction to mitigate environmental impacts.

One notable example is the use of shredded wood in the construction of temporary roads in national parks. These roads are designed to minimize environmental disruption and are often used during logging operations. The success of these trials has encouraged further research and implementation of shred wood roads in other areas.

Challenges and Considerations

While shred wood roads offer numerous benefits, there are also challenges to consider. One of the primary concerns is the durability of these roads in wet conditions. As noted by Scown, a light spread of traction metal may be necessary to enhance stability. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of shred wood roads compared to traditional metal roads is a critical factor.

Another consideration is the long-term maintenance requirements. Traditional metal roads often require periodic resurfacing and repairs, which can be costly and environmentally taxing. Shred wood roads, on the other hand, may require different maintenance practices, such as regular top dressing with additional shredded wood.

Future Prospects

The potential for shred wood roads to revolutionize forestry road construction is significant. As the trial progresses, the findings will provide valuable insights into the feasibility and practicality of these roads. If successful, shred wood roads could become a standard practice in sustainable forestry, reducing the environmental footprint of logging operations and promoting more eco-friendly practices.

In the United States, the adoption of shred wood roads could have a profound impact on the forestry industry. With vast forests in states like Oregon, Washington, and California, the implementation of shred wood roads could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of logging operations. This would align with broader environmental goals and promote sustainable forest management practices.

Conclusion

The shred wood road trial in Mohaka Forest represents a significant step forward in sustainable forestry practices. By repurposing waste wood and reducing the need for traditional roading materials, these roads offer a viable and eco-friendly alternative to metal roads. As the trial progresses, the findings will provide valuable insights into the future of forestry road construction, potentially revolutionizing the industry and promoting more sustainable practices.