1.1. Introduction to Back-Track Loading

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is back-track loading?

   Hint

   Think about the process of picking up the next scraper.

2. 2.

   Why is back-track loading considered slow?

   Hint

   Consider the travel time of the pusher.

3. 3.

   What is the main characteristic of back-track loading?

   • Fastest method
   • Requires pusher to return
   • Uses dual fill areas

   Hint

   Think about the process involved.

4. 4.

   True or False: Shuttle loading is a method that requires constant backtracking.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Contrast this with back-track loading.

5. 5.

   A construction site planning team needs to decide between using back-track loading and chain loading. Back-track loading takes 20 minutes per cycle, while chain loading takes 15 minutes. If the project manager wants to optimize productivity, how many more cycles can they perform using chain loading in a 4-hour work period compared to back-track loading?

   Hint

   Calculate the number of cycles for each method using the total time available.

6. 6.

   If a pusher has a cycle time of 25 minutes and it is found that increasing the number of scrapers from 3 to 5 reduces the cycle time by 5 minutes due to efficiency improvements, how many scrapers can the pusher effectively serve?

   Hint

   Examine how increasing the number of scrapers affects overall efficiency.