Work packages

WP1 – Information systems for private gravel roads

WP leader: Skogforsk

The main objective of WP1 (Workpackage) is to develop a common framework for the classification of (static) forest gravel road characteristics. The data is of interest for tactical transportation planning and forms the base for continuous updating of road status and maintenance needs over time. WP1 will provide static trafficability estimates for selected test sites in each partner country within the pilot Aurora areas. These estimates will provide an overview of trafficability and highlight critical locations. 

The work in WP1 will be coordinated with WP2 for road network location, WP3 for their need for data to develop dynamic trafficability models and WP4 for demonstration of the on-line trafficability platform. 

The main beneficiaries of WP1 are forest operations planners, hauling companies, road maintenance contractors and IT companies. Results will be disseminated through

1. a project webinar,
2. workshops,
3. trade journals,
4. technical reports
5. peer-reviewed scientific journals.

For 1 and 2, Skogforsk and Luke will make use of their established stakeholder networks.

WP2 – Extension of road weather station network

WP leader: LTU

The main objective of WP2 is to extend the existing Finnish road weather station network to Northern Sweden and Northern Finland. This provides a trans-Aurora shared research infrastructure to integrate data flows for modelling trafficability (WP1, WP3) and prototyping the online trafficability platform (WP4). The network design will exploit the climatic gradient from the moister Scandinavian mountain range in the west to the drier areas of eastern Finland, ensuring robust prediction for the later modelling and prototyping. 

The WP consists of three tasks:

• 2.1 Common data standards
• 2.2 Road station establishment
• 2.3 Data flows and trafficability sampling. These ensure a seamless integration of data across the climatic gradient.   

The main beneficiaries of WP2 are WP1, WP3 and WP4 who use the data for static and dynamic trafficability modelling and NTL-prototyping. However, since establishment of the digital infrastructure itself represents a long-awaited step in trans-national cooperation it will be communicated in national and international journals as well as the joint project website

WP3 – Dynamic trafficability modelling

WP leader: Luke

The main objective is to develop dynamic trafficability models for gravel roads for near real-time predictions. Separate models will be developed to non-frozen time and freeze/thawing cycles, and the ultimate model will be a combination of the sub-models to cover a full year. The models will be achieved by combining the diverse expertise of the partners and by fusing various data sources. 

The predictions of the models can be converted to trafficability estimate of a heavy vehicle, i.e., a fully loaded timber truck. A tentative trafficability classification includes three classes:

1. Trafficable (the road segment is trafficable with a fully loaded log truck).
2. Risk for rutting (the road segment can be driven with a fully loaded log truck, but maintenance may be needed afterwards).
3. Not trafficable (driving with a fully loaded log truck may cause breaking of the road structure).

The classes will be illustrated in the online trafficability platform in WP4. 

The performance of the models will be evaluated both 1) objectively by comparing predicted values of bearing capacity to measured ones in WP3 and 2) subjectively by stakeholder validation in WP4. 

The main beneficiaries of the WP, i.e., trucking and forest companies, road maintenance companies and IT companies will be informed about the WP outputs via multiple channels: The results will be presented in a project webinar, in relevant national workshops, in relevant national professional magazines, on project websites, and in peer-reviewed scientific articles. The first four channels will provide contact with the stakeholders, whereas the fifth channel will guarantee the high quality of the results.

WP4 – On-line trafficability platform (Northern Traffic Lights)

WP leader: FMI

The main objective of WP4 is to develop a prototype online platform (Northern Traffic Lights) for effective communication of current and predicted gravel road trafficability to the relevant stakeholder groups.  The data and models to be used in the platform are collected and refined in WPs 1-3. The platform offers a web-based map interface where segment-specific road trafficability is presented according to typical traffic light visualization. The results for selected pilot areas and periods will be validated with decision-makers. The impact of such a solution will be evaluated for a larger Aurora test case from a wood supply perspective.  

Test user groups for the prototype validation will be chosen from the selected pilot areas. They will consist of personnel working in timber harvesting, transport and road maintenance operations. 

Stakeholder validation in pilot areas will provide feedback on both the prediction accuracy and usability, as well as the format and structure of map-presentations.  The selection of pilot areas and test periods will capture the variation in key road types and their conditions. The output of the work package, the developed prototype platform, will serve as the test bench for evaluation of dynamic trafficability modelling. 

The main target groups for WP4 include forest companies, operations managers, haulers and road maintenance companies. WP outputs will be communicated via multiple channels:

• project webinars,
• national/regional workshops,
• relevant national professional magazines,
• on project websites.

WP5 – Networking and dissemination

WP leader: Skogforsk 

WP5s objective is to facilitate internal and external networking for effective collaboration in development and dissemination of outputs. This includes both the current project as well as continuation to future collaborations.  

Skogforsk (Sweden) as WP5 leader will cooperate with Luke (Finland) to guide networking and dissemination.  

The networking objective is to secure collaboration towards seamless integration between WPs as well as synergies between specialist expertise and stakeholder experience.  The dissemination objective is to maximize Northern Traffic Lights impact among targeted external stakeholders in the Aurora area.  

WP5 ensures that project outputs achieve the ambitions for learning outcomes per stakeholder groups.