Cutting in New Access Tracks on Slopes: Best Practices and Considerations

[MikePhua]

Building new access tracks or roads on sloped terrain can be a challenging yet essential task for many construction, forestry, and mining operations. Access tracks provide critical routes for moving equipment, supplies, and personnel to and from job sites, and their construction must be carried out with careful planning to ensure safety, durability, and environmental sustainability. This article explores the key factors involved in cutting in new access tracks on slopes, offering insights into the best practices, equipment, and strategies that can help ensure successful execution.
Understanding the Terrain and Challenges
Before beginning any work on a slope, it’s crucial to understand the specific terrain you’re dealing with. Sloped areas introduce several factors that can complicate access track construction, including:

• Soil Type: Different soil types react differently to excavation and compaction. Clay soils, for instance, can become slippery and prone to erosion when wet, while sandy soils can be unstable and prone to shifting.
  
• Slope Gradient: The steeper the slope, the more challenging it becomes to ensure stability and prevent erosion. A slope with a gradient of over 30 degrees may require additional stabilization measures like retaining walls, terracing, or reinforced materials.
  
• Vegetation and Root Systems: Dense vegetation and established root systems can complicate excavation and clearing efforts. It’s important to plan for the removal of trees, shrubs, and other obstacles without damaging the surrounding ecosystem.
  

Key Equipment and Tools for Track Construction
The type of equipment you use is essential for success. Various machines can help with cutting in access tracks, depending on the specific requirements of the terrain. Below are some of the most commonly used equipment:

• Bulldozers: Bulldozers are often the first choice for cutting access tracks on slopes. Their powerful engines, wide tracks, and ability to clear large areas make them ideal for pushing soil and debris, leveling the ground, and creating a stable base. Larger bulldozers, like the CAT D8 or John Deere 750J, are often used for heavier-duty slope work.
  
• Excavators: Excavators can be used for precision excavation and grading. Their ability to dig and move material in tight spaces makes them valuable for more detailed work or where bulldozers cannot reach. If the slope is particularly steep, tracked excavators are preferred, as they provide better stability than wheeled models.
  
• Graders: Graders are essential for fine grading once the rough work is done. They are used to level the surface of the track, creating a smooth and even surface for vehicles and equipment to travel across. The grader blade can be adjusted for different depths to ensure that the track surface remains consistent, even when cutting along a slope.
  
• Tracked Dump Trucks and Haulage Equipment: Once the track is cleared, you may need to transport materials such as gravel or soil to reinforce the surface. Tracked dump trucks or similar haulage equipment are often used to navigate the uneven, sloped terrain.
  

Step-by-Step Process for Cutting in the Access Track

1. Site Assessment: Begin by assessing the slope to determine the best path for the access track. Take into account the angle of the slope, existing terrain features like rocks or trees, and any obstacles such as streams or wetlands that may need to be avoided or crossed. This assessment will allow you to plan for any special considerations, such as the need for retaining walls or water diversion.
   
2. Clearing Vegetation and Obstacles: Once the route is chosen, clear the vegetation, trees, and other obstacles. Depending on the size of the trees, you may use a feller buncher, chainsaws, or mechanical clearing equipment. Be sure to dispose of vegetation properly to minimize environmental impact.
   
3. Excavation and Grading: Using bulldozers and excavators, begin excavating and grading the surface of the track. On steeper slopes, it’s important to cut back into the hillside to create a bench or flat surface, reducing the risk of the track becoming too steep and unstable. For gentler slopes, a simple excavation and leveling may suffice.
   
4. Stabilization Measures: If the slope is particularly steep or unstable, consider adding stabilization measures such as retaining walls, riprap (large stones used for erosion control), or geotextile fabrics that help to reinforce the soil. Terracing, or cutting the slope into steps, can also be used to make the access track more stable.
   
5. Compaction: After grading, compact the surface to ensure that it is stable enough to support the weight of equipment. This can be done using a roller or compacting machine. Proper compaction prevents erosion and maintains the integrity of the track over time.
   
6. Surface Reinforcement: Depending on the use of the access track, it may need to be reinforced with materials like gravel, crushed rock, or asphalt. Gravel is often used on less demanding slopes, while more durable materials may be needed for tracks that will see heavy equipment or frequent traffic.
   
7. Drainage: Ensure proper drainage along the access track to prevent water buildup, which could lead to erosion or instability. Install culverts, berms, or ditches to direct water away from the track, particularly at low points or areas with high rainfall.
   

Tips for Working on Steep Slopes

• Minimize Disturbance: Try to minimize disturbance to the surrounding environment by using techniques like contour trenching, which follows the natural contours of the land. This reduces erosion and the need for extensive re-grading after the track is complete.
  
• Use Water Buffers: In areas prone to erosion, using water buffers like sediment traps or silt fences can help prevent runoff and protect nearby water bodies.
  
• Monitor Soil Stability: Regularly monitor the stability of the soil, especially after rain. Steep slopes are more susceptible to sliding and washouts, so it's important to act quickly if any signs of instability appear.
  

Conclusion: Planning and Execution Are Key
Cutting in a new access track on a slope is no simple task, but with the right equipment, planning, and execution, it can be accomplished successfully. By considering the terrain, selecting the right machines, and taking necessary stabilization steps, you can ensure that the track remains functional and safe for use. Always remember that the success of the project lies in careful planning, ongoing monitoring, and proper maintenance to ensure the track stands the test of time and use.
When building tracks on sloped terrain, safety should be your number one priority. Whether you're operating large bulldozers or excavators, understanding how to best manage the slope’s challenges can lead to smoother operations and a safer working environment.