Bearing capacity forecasts for ground and roads

Important results from the project

The aim of the project is to reduce costs, streamline production and reduce ground damage by adapting working equipment, transports, and structural measures to the seasonal variations in ground bearing capacity by developing a web-based forecasting service. A bearing capacity model has been refined and implemented on two different platforms. Different service models have been evaluated in collaboration with potential customers. The service will be offered from the autumn of 2021 onwards.

Expected long term effects

With the use of the service, ground damages in forests and land can be reduced, production losses in the forestry industry can be reduced. For infrastructure projects such as wind farms and power transmission construction, production can be controlled according to seasonal variations in ground bearing capacity, which provides a financial saving in infrastructure and as risk management support during planning. The service is expected to be exported to other countries with Sub-Arctic conditions.

Approach and implementation

The project has been implemented in two parts; internally through the development of model and map service and externally through a reference group to guide the development of the service and the need for services in this field. The internal work has gone according to plan and all objectives have been achieved except the final choice of platform for the service. This is due to an adjustment of the service according to market needs (another type of analysis). The external work has been crucial for understanding the customer´s needs and the service´s opportunities and limitations.