Application of the graph-analytical method to optimize the operation of a forwarder during clear-cutting logging
https://doi.org/10.21266/2079-4304.2026.257.369-380
Abstract
In modern conditions, when the economic sector of the industry is in a difficult situation, increasing the efficiency of logging equipment and optimizing its operation is particularly important. High-quality preparation of territories, optimization of the technological process of logging and the correct selection of machine systems for work in logging areas make it possible to increase the efficiency of logging enterprises. This article discusses the issue of using the graphoanalytical method on continuous logging using Scandinavian technology using a harvester and forwarder. In the research, a real logging area in the Northwestern Federal District was processed, the forest area is represented as a weighted graph. To process the results, specialized applications were used to shorten and automate the process. The transformation of a cutting area into a graph with connected vertices is presented. Formulas are derived to determine the minimum distance traveled according to the “nearest neighbor” principle. An objective function is presented to determine the task, which boils down to solving the traveling salesman problem. Using the proposed method allows forwarder operators to recommend specific technical tasks with route optimization, reducing the likelihood of accidental relocation operations. Given the difficult economic situation in the forestry sector, the application of this approach to work design may allow loggers to optimize the operation of skidding equipment and increase the efficiency of logging production in general. The considered and derived provisions on finding the optimal path when working with a middle-class forwarder on a weighted graph in the form of a cutting area, allows us to develop this topic in the future with the processing of a large array of cutting areas. Expanding the database of multiple cutting areas and processing information in general will also make the model under consideration more adequate and sustainable for various types of cutting areas.
About the Authors
R. S. Bespalov
St.Petersburg State Forest Technical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Bespalov Rodion S. – PhD student, Department of Technologies of Logging Industries
194021. Institute per. 5. Let. U. St. Petersburg
S. A. Ugryumov
St.Petersburg State Forest Technical University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Ugryumov Sergey A. – DSc (Technical), Professor, Department of Technologies of Logging Industries
ResearcherID: F-6510-2016
194021. Institute per. 5. Let. U. St. Petersburg
References
1. Andronov A.V., Petrosyan S.S., Egorin A.A., Ilyushenko D.A., Khitrov E.G. Classification of forwarders using clusterization of data on their operational characteristics. Resources and Technology, 2021, vol. 18, iss. 4, pp. 1-16. DOI: 10.15393/j2.art.2021.5983. (In Russ.)
2. Chernykh R.A. Substantiation of the choice of an algorithm for finding the shortest path for constructing a network of logging roads. Conifers of the boreal zone, 2011, vol. 28, no. 1/2, pp. 130-133. (In Russ.)
3. Dvořák J., Malkovský Z., Macků J. Influence of human factor on the time of work stages of harvesters and crane-equipped forwarders. Journal of Forest Science, 2008, vol. 54, iss. 1, pp. 24-30. DOI: 10.17221/790-JFS.
4. Egorin A.A., Petrosyan S.S., Andronov A.V., Khitrov E.G., Stepanishcheva M.V. Analysis of the Performance Characteristics of Modern Harvesters. Systems. Methods. Technologies, 2021, no. 4(52), pp. 127-131. DOI: 10.18324/2077-5415-2021-4-127-131. (In Russ.)
5. Galaktionov O.N., Vasilyev A.S., Sukhanov Yu.V. Ways of developing the Russian timber industry in modern economic conditions. Arctic research: from extensive development to integrated development: proceedings of the IV Int. youth sci.-pract. conf. Arkhangelsk, 2024, pp. 16-23. (In Russ.)
6. Grigoryev I.V., Zhukova A.I., Grigoryeva O.I., Ivanov A.V. EnvironmentalFriendly Technologies for Developing Timber Areas in the North-Western Region of the Russian Federation: monograph. St. Petersburg: LTA, 2008. 178 p. (In Russ.)
7. Grigoryev I.V., Tikhonov I.I., Kunitskaya O.A. Technology and Machines of Logging Operations: textbook. St. Petersburg: SPbSFTU, 2013. 132 p. (In Russ.)
8. Kalyashov V.A. Substantiation of the rational technology of non-continuous felling in the preparation of assortment by multi-operation machines: author’s abstract. Diss. … Cand. Tech. Sci. St. Petersburg, 2004. 20 p. (In Russ.)
9. Klubnichkin V.E. Methods of development of unmanned wheeled and tracked skidder machines. Diss. … Dr. Tech. Sci. Moscow, 2025. 326 p. (In Russ.)
10. Korolko N.S., Svoikin F.V., Rego G.E., Korolko A.S., Rossikhin K.V., Kretinin V.I. Optimal scheme of logging area development by cable skidding unit. Izvestia SanktPeterburgskoj Lesotehniceskoj Akademii, 2025, iss. 252, pp. 317-334. DOI: 10.21266/2079-4304.2025.252.317-334. (In Russ.)
11. Menshikov V.N. Development of logging sites by machines during clear-cutting: lectures for students. Leningrad: LTA, 1983. 58 p. (In Russ.)
12. Rukomoynikov K.P. Graphoanalytical approach to substantiating the feasibility of placing a logging fence on the territory of a forest quarter. Modern problems of science and education, 2014, no. 6, pp.1-8. (In Russ.)
13. Rukomoynikov K.P. Substantiation of methods and parameters of rational technologies for quarterly development of forest plots: author’s abstract. Diss. … Dr. Tech. Sci. Yoshkar-Ola, 2015. 34 p. (In Russ.)
14. Timber industry complex. Results of 2024 and January-February 2025. Bulletin of the LESTECH Association, 2025, no. 2(20), p. 16. (In Russ.)
15. Tsatryan L.R. Analysis of problems and prospects for the development of the timber industry in the context of sanctions. Industrial development of Russia: problems, prospects: collection of articles based on the mat. of the XXI Int. sci.-pract. conf. of university teachers, scientists, specialists, PhD students, students. Nizhny Novgorod, 2023, pp. 71-75. (In Russ.)
16. Voronova A.M. Voronov R.V., Piskunov M.A. The task of placing haulage and loading points in the cutting area and the application of optimal schemes in practice. Scientific notes of Petrozavodsk State University, 2009, no. 9, pp. 58-62. (In Russ.)
17. Voronova A.M., Voronov R.V., Piskunov M.A., Shcheglova L.V. Algorithm of optimal placement of fibers from the condition of minimizing soil damage. Tractors and agricultural machinery, 2013, no. 9, pp. 33-35. (In Russ.)
18. Zhemulin S.B. Problems of Development of Enterprises in the Timber Industry and Key Directions for Their Solution. Russian Entrepreneurship, 2011, no. 10-1, pp. 119-124. (In Russ.)
Review
For citations:
Bespalov R.S., Ugryumov S.A. Application of the graph-analytical method to optimize the operation of a forwarder during clear-cutting logging. Izvestia Sankt-Peterburgskoj lesotehniceskoj akademii. 2026;1(257):369-380. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.21266/2079-4304.2026.257.369-380
Views:
154
JATS XML
Email this article 