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Log Load Wrapper Security System

Operational Tests

General

The suitability of the SDTDC strapping system was determined under actual timber sale operational conditions. Observations were made at the sale site(s) and mill site(s) to determine its suitability. Data in the form of photographs, videos and notes were taken at all sites. User response to the strapping system was recorded in the notes. Any deficiencies and exceptional or extraordinary performance were noted. In particular, user response to ease of use, significant problems, and durability of the system was noted.

Testing commenced at the beginning of hauling operations in the summer of 2003 at the selected timber sales and continued until operations were completed or the work was stopped in December of 2003.

The strapping system evaluation was conducted in Region 4, on the Boise NF at pre-selected Timber Sales in Idaho. The logs were transported to the Boise Cascade mills located in LaGrande and Elgin, Oregon. SDTDC personnel provided system use training at the sale and mill sites. Data was collected by all Forest Service and Boise Cascade test cooperators. At the conclusion of the testing the seal-able buckles and webbing were collected by the Forest Service and returned to SDTDC for inspection. Observations of the their condition was then recorded by SDTDC.

Specific

All testing was preformed in accordance with this test plan. The seal-able buckles were pre-stamped by SDTDC with identifying numbers. This provided for tracking of the number of turns between sale and mill for each buckle. The strap webbing was also identified with numbers and replaced when needed because of wear.

The local Forest Service defined the number of SDTDC Security Wrappers to be used during the testing on each log load (1 or more). The local Forest Service also decided if the SDTDC wrappers were to be used in conjunction with the current method of sealing a binder, or in lieu of that method. If at anytime during the testing any one of, or all of the cooperators agreed that the testing was causing significant operational interference, significant additional costs, or marginal benefits could be obtained from continuing, the testing would have been terminated by SDTDC.

The testing was conducted in the following phases:

Training: During this phase of the testing SDTDC personnel trained each user of the Wrapper Security System how to properly install it and remove it. Training was conducted wherever it was needed. This included at the sale site, log mill and for individual truck drivers. The training continued until SDTDC was satisfied that all users could competently and safely use the system. During this phase SDTDC provided each user with the necessary tools and equipment needed to install and remove the security wrappers. SDTDC personnel noted user comments during the training and assessed user adaptation problems.
Data Collection: All individual wrapper components were identified by SDTDC with serial numbers. Log sheets were provided to Forest Service personnel at the sale site and the log mill to record the number times each component was used and its general condition. When a component was taken out of service the date was noted and the component set aside for return to SDTDC. At the commencement of the testing and periodically during the testing period, SDTDC personnel were on site to observe and aid in all phases of the testing process. SDTDC collected photographs, videos and interviewed users during these periods. SDTDC made every effort to minimize the impact on operations at the sale sites and mills. At the conclusion of the testing a meeting was held with all cooperators to discuss with SDTDC their experiences and concerns about the Security Wrapper System.
Data Evaluation: During the testing and at the conclusion SDTDC evaluated data. The evaluation included the inspection of components, review of log sheets, photographs, videos, and user interviews.

Final Physical Inspection at SDTDC: At the conclusion of the testing the following inspections were conducted at SDTDC:

Observation and documentation of the condition of each strap and buckle after it's return to SDTDC. These observations were correlated with the data collected for each strap and buckle during the testing.
Physical tests, were conducted on selected buckles when deemed necessary, during their post-test examination in the laboratory at SDTDC.
The results of post-test observations and testing was documented by SDTDC and included with the data collected during the field evaluation for each buckle.

Pre-Testing Meetings:

On February 11, 2003 an initial meeting was held with Region 4 and Boise Cascade at the Boise Cascade Mill in La Grande, Oregon to discuss the planned testing.. As discussed in Region 4 current practice is to identify log loads trucked from Region 4 to the La Grande Mill by having an identifying seal affixed to one of load wrapper binders on the log truck. The seal is used in conjunction with other identification on the logs by the Forest Service Scaler at the mill to define the origin of the load. After inspection of the seal by the Scaler it is removed and the logs are off-loaded from the truck at the mill. During transport to the mill the logs on a truck tend to settle causing the load wrappers to loosen. The truck driver inspects and re-tightens the wrappers, at a prearranged location that is just prior to leaving forest logging roads and entering a public highway, to assure the log load is securely bundled during transport to the mill. To accomplish this, the binder on each wrapper must be opened and reset by the driver. The Forest Service installs a binder seal to one of the wrappers during this initial re-tightening. Once the seal has been attached to a binder the binder cannot be reset again without breaking the seal. Should it become necessary to retighten the wrappers again during log transport the wrapper with the sealed binder must be left as is. This probably is not an issue if there are enough tight wrappers on the load to assure safe transport. However, if there is not, and the wrapper with the sealed binder is not properly tensioned, that wrapper becomes a safety issue. The Wrapper Security System developed by SDTDC would alleviate any concerns regarding the described practice as well as providing potential other uses that could be beneficial to both the Forest Service and the timber industry.

On July 29, 2003, a pre-testing meeting was held at the Mountain Home Ranger District, Boise National Forest, Region 4. The meeting was held in conjunction with the Forest Service/Purchaser Pre-work meeting to commence logging of the Lower Feather Timber sale. Representing the Forest Service was the Ranger District, District Ranger, Timber Manager Assistant, Timber Sale Administrator, Boise National Forest, Measurement Specialist, Scaler and Resource Assistant. SDTDC was represented by the testing project team. The contractor, Boise Building/Canaday Trucking, Incorporated was also present.

The Contractor stated they would begin their felling operations on or about August 15, 2003, and their yarding operation shortly after that, hauling would begin on or about August 21st. They expected to haul 10 loads per day between the hours of 0600 and 0800. They will sort in the woods, and would split the haul between two different mills, one in La Grande, OR and one in Elgin, OR. The mills are about 18 miles apart.

Those attending the meeting felt the SDTDC wrappers, if successful, could be very beneficial for the following reasons:

Forest Service – The seals used are an improvement from the current seals being used.
Forest Service – The wrappers improve the ability to maintain the integrity and accountability of the loads while in transit and after normal work hours.
Forest Service – The wrappers improve the ability to recognize Forest Service loads when viewed on the road with the yellow strap around the load.
Forest Service/Purchaser/Contractor – The wrappers and seal can be installed at the landing rather then the last stop before the load enters the highway. Also the ability to tighten the security wrapper at any time without removing the seal is a large advantage.
Contractor – The wrappers could allow more flexibility in haul period, dependent on Forest Service comfort level, could allow hauling after hours and on weekends.
Contractor – Oregon currently requires 4 cable wrappers, the security wrapper, if approved Oregon DOT, could replace one of these wrappers.

The local Forest Service and Contractor were open to try just about anything SDTDC felt was needed to make this testing a success. This included the installing of additional straps at the mill to facilitate off loading of an entire load with the use of a machine capable of off loading entire loads in one operation and placing it on the ground or in a bunk. This would simulate an after hours or a weekend scenario.