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T&D > Programs Areas > Forest Management > Log Load Wrapper Security System > Application Issues
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Log Load Wrapper Security System
Application Issues
The SDTDC system can be used for load security during transport. If the system is used for load security only it would apply to only those sales allowing for payment after the logs leave the sale area. The system can provide security in route as well as after the load arrives at the mill. Loads selected for sampling can be unloaded in tact and set aside for later release by a Forest Service Official. Those loads that are not selected for sample would have the straps removed prior to unloading the load from the truck, before removing the cable wrappers, to assure the safety of ground personnel. These straps could possibly be used again. Testing of this concept was done in conjunction with the testing described herein.
SDTDC believes there may be other commercial uses for the seal-able tensioning buckle. For instance, they may eventually be allowed to replace the cable wrappers used on log trucks to secure their loads. Also, wherever load security is needed in other commercial hauling applications the buckles provide an alternative to currently used methods. The more demand for the buckles the lower their future price will be. The testing described herein does not, nor was it intended to, address this issue. The strapping system is rated at 10,000 pounds breaking strength and is not allowed for independent use by current State and DOT regulations. If it is determined after the testing, that it would be a major benefit to the Government to obtain approval for the use of SDTDC system in lieu of the currently used and approved load tie down methods, a T&D Project Proposal needs to be submitted requesting approval to work with the DOT and the individual States to achieve this objective.
Because of the current costs associated with the strap buckles it could possibly reduce their cost if they could be approved for general use and as a replacement for the currently used cable/chain wrappers required at this time. To achieve this approval requires that a number of steps be taken:
- SDTDC does not know at this time what testing is required and by whom to certify the design for general use. The testing accomplished by SDTDC showed that the buckles met SDTDC project needs. However, SDTDC did not test enough to determine their useful life. Testing them under actual conditions at the landing and log mill gave us some insight into that question. DOT accepts the specifications of the Web Sling and Tiedown Association, Inc. 710 East Ogden Avenue, Suite 113, Naperville, Illinois 60563. Approval from this group would be essential before acceptance by DOT or any other state or federal agency. SDTDC started down this path in 2000. The problem at that time was we had no design to discuss with the Association. SDTDC still does not know what testing would be required to include the current design in their specifications.
- The configuration of the SDTDC design does not allow the strapping to be tied or attached to the hauling vehicle or trailer. DOT requires strapping to secure the load to the vehicle/trailer. The SDTDC concept was to only use the webbing once and dispose of it, if it is to be used in lieu of steel wrappers. The cost of providing pre-sized webbing with attachment hooks to meet DOT requirements (which is feasible) raises the cost of webbing. For uses other than logging the webbing could be reused if applied correctly. However, for logging, if used exclusively the webbing specified by SDTDC could not be reliably or safely used more than once.
- Currently, a number of Western States (including Idaho and Washington) do not allow the use of webbing in place of steel cable/chain wrappers on log loads. Washington allows webbing to be used on Hay Rack Trailers as long as its breaking strength is equal to 15,000 lbs. or greater. The SDTDC specified webbing is rated at 10,000 lbs. Currently steel wrapper breaking strength in Idaho must be 13,000 lbs. To meet this breaking strength requirement is feasible but it would require wider and heavier webbing and larger buckle assemblies then are currently being used. The costs associated with these changes are not fully known at this time. It is believed they would be prohibitive for the success the SDTDC project objectives. The basis for these state requirements and their difference from state to state is not completely understood yet. The state requirements are codified in each state by law. To obtain a waiver to use only the SDTDC specified webbing and buckles, as-is, in the future would require coordination with DOT, each state and the Web Sling and Tie Down Association.
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