Optimum Location of Construction Haul Roads

The unique function of roads that are designed and constructed for temporary use to facilitate the construction of larger projects requires an emphasis not ordinarily encountered in permanent road design. The first part of the paper develops three simple models for locating haul roads that minimize distance, time, and cost of transporting materials and temporary construction. These models are derived from elementary mathematical principles. The second part of the paper brings together several geometrical and mechanical solutions of related location problems. The mechanical solutions are static and dynamic and include the use of weights and strings, and soap films. Examples illustrate each of the models described. One example compares the rigorous solution with an intuitive solution that is not uncommon among construction engineers. The difference in cost between the two for a typical construction problem is in excess of $1,000,000. The bibliography includes some light reading that is both instructive and entertaining.