EVALUATING METHODS OF PREDICTING DEFECTS IN FOREST HIGHWAYS

Unpaved forest roads play an important role in the socioeconomic development of a region, being responsible for the integration of forests and forestry companies. With that assumption, this paper presents the results of the analysis of two methods for classifying unpaved roads, in order to verify whether characterising Brazilian roads by these methods reflects reality in the field and can therefore be used as a basis for a system for road management. Objectively classifying unpaved roads by the Unpaved Road Condition Index (URCI) is compared to ratings obtained subjectively using the Gravel Paver Manual (GPM). Subjectively analysing the defects or problems of local roads, 32.50% of the units were classified as excellent for traffic, compared to the objective method where the percentage falls to 6.25%. From the data, it can be concluded that an objective method of analysis is more reliable. Defects on local roads need to be diagnosed and resolved as quickly as possible to prevent them from developing, generating more defects and compromising the whole highway.