Cost Calculation for 5 Scrapers - 2.1 | 10. Introduction to Scraper Economics | Construction Engineering & Management - Vol 2
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Understanding Scraper Productivity

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we will explore how the number of scrapers affects our productivity in operations. Can anyone tell me why five scrapers might be important versus, say, six?

Student 1
Student 1

I think it's because having fewer scrapers could mean we are more efficient on specific tasks?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Using fewer scrapers means they become the critical factor in production. If they are busy, the pusher has to wait! This idle time is crucial, and that's why we measure productivity by how effectively the scrapers work.

Student 2
Student 2

So, what happens if we have too many scrapers?

Teacher
Teacher

Good question! If we have too many scrapers, they may end up waiting for the pusher, which then limits their efficiency and overall productivity.

Student 3
Student 3

How do we calculate their productivity?

Teacher
Teacher

We use a formula and plug in our outputs like cycle time and the number of scrapers. Let’s review the formula for clarity.

Teacher
Teacher

**Recap**: Productivity is controlled by scrapers if fewer than the balance; if pusher cycle time dominates, they control production.

Cost Analysis of Scraper Production

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Teacher
Teacher

Now that we've discussed productivity, let's analyze the costs associated with using five versus six scrapers. What are some of the costs we consider?

Student 2
Student 2

We need to consider the hourly cost of each scraper and the pusher.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Each piece of equipment has an hourly cost. For instance, the pusher costs ₹5600 per hour, and each scraper costs ₹4500. What would the total cost be for five scrapers?

Student 3
Student 3

That would be ₹5600 plus ₹4500 times five.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! And to find the unit cost per bank meter cubic, you'd divide that total by the productivity. What was the productivity for five scrapers again?

Student 4
Student 4

I remember! It was 636.89 bank cubic meters per hour!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! So what is the unit production cost for five scrapers then?

Student 2
Student 2

It is roughly ₹44.12 per bank cubic meter!

Teacher
Teacher

**Recap**: Cost calculation involves summing equipment costs and dividing by production output to find per unit costs.

Productivity Comparison Between Five and Six Scrapers

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s summarize the productivity of both five and six scrapers. If five scrapers yielded 636.89 bank cubic meters per hour, what did six scrapers yield?

Student 1
Student 1

That would be 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour!

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Even though the productivity is higher for six scrapers, what does the cost analysis reveal?

Student 2
Student 2

The unit cost for six scrapers is higher at ₹45.07!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! So what does this tell us about choosing the right number of scrapers for cost efficiency?

Student 3
Student 3

It shows that using fewer scrapers can actually save money despite lower productivity!

Teacher
Teacher

**Recap**: Higher productivity doesn't always equate to lower costs; sometimes fewer, more effective scrapers win.

Introduction & Overview

Read a summary of the section's main ideas. Choose from Basic, Medium, or Detailed.

Quick Overview

This section discusses the cost and productivity implications of using five scrapers in a construction setting, assessing both productivity and unit costs.

Standard

The section delves into the economics of using five scrapers, explaining how the number of scrapers affects productivity and cost per bank cubic meter. It also contrasts the outcomes when using five scrapers versus six, providing valuable calculations and insights into operational efficiency.

Detailed

Cost Calculation for 5 Scrapers

This section analyzes the economic impact of deploying five scrapers in operations. When operating below the balanced number of scrapers, productivity becomes constrained by the scrapers themselves, leading to higher idle times for pushers. The primary focus is on calculating the production output based on the provided data, including:

  • Volume per Load: Set at 19.82 bank cubic meters.
  • Cycle Time: The cycle time for the scraper is noted as 7.78 minutes, while the job efficiency is cited as 50 minutes per hour.

The production formula provided is:

Production (Scraper controlling) = (Efficiency × Number of Scrapers × Volume per Load) / Cycle Time of Scraper

Substituting the given values results in a productivity estimate of 636.89 bank cubic meters per hour for five scrapers.

Comparison with Six Scrapers

The section also calculates the productivity for six scrapers:

Production (Pusher controlling) = (Volume per Load) / (Cycle Time of Pusher)

This calculation reveals a higher productivity of 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour.

Cost Analysis

Finally, the unit production costs were calculated for both scenarios:
- Cost for 5 Scrapers: ₹44.12 per bank cubic meter.
- Cost for 6 Scrapers: ₹45.07 per bank cubic meter.

Thus, using five scrapers is more cost-effective, contrary to the intuition that more scrapers yield lower costs. This highlights the critical balance in equipment utilization and operational cost management.

Audio Book

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Understanding the Role of Scrapers and Pushers

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Now let us consider the economics of going for 5 scrapers. So, 5 in the sense you are going to use lesser than what is needed, you are assuming 5 that means you are going to use the number of scrapers lesser than what is needed. So, when the number of scrapers are lesser than the balanced number so obviously scrapers are more critical, but a pusher will have the ideal time. Your pusher will wait for the scraper.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk introduces the scenario of using 5 scrapers for a project. It highlights that using fewer scrapers than necessary creates a condition where scrapers become critical to the workflow. If there are not enough scrapers, the pusher (a machine that pushes the scrapers) will often be idle, waiting for the scrapers to finish their tasks. This imbalance can lead to inefficiencies in production, as the pusher cannot perform its role without the scrapers.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a restaurant where you have only two chefs (scrapers) but many tables to serve (pushers). If the chefs can only prepare two dishes at a time, many diners will be waiting for their meals while the chefs work slowly. Meanwhile, a waiter (the pusher) is standing idle, unable to serve more diners without the chefs completing their dishes. This situation reflects the inefficiency created by having too few scrapers.

Calculating Production for 5 Scrapers

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So, now, let us see the productivity in this case of n equal to 5 scrapers...𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (𝑆𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑖𝑛𝑔)

×
𝑛𝑜. 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑠 ×𝑣𝑜𝑙. 𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝐶𝑦𝑐𝑙𝑒 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟, 𝑚𝑖𝑛
50 𝑚𝑖𝑛/ℎ𝑟
=
×5 ×19.82 𝑏𝑐𝑚 = 636.89 𝑏𝑐𝑚/ℎ𝑟

Detailed Explanation

In this portion, the calculation of production efficiency is shown. Given that there are 5 scrapers, the formula used estimates the hourly production capacity in bank cubic meters (bcm). The formula considers the number of scrapers, the volume per load of each scraper (19.82 bcm), and the cycle time of the scrapers. The cycle time is given as 7.78 minutes, and the operational efficiency allows for 50 minutes of work in an hour. The calculations lead to a production output of approximately 636.89 bcm/hour.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a factory assembly line where each worker (scraper) can assemble 10 toys (bcm) in a 20-minute time frame. If only 5 workers are available, you calculate how many toys can be produced in an hour. Similar to the scrapers, the total productivity depends on how efficient each worker is, how many workers are present, and how long each can work before needing a break.

Unit Production Costs: Comparison between 5 and 6 Scrapers

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Now let us compare unit production costs associated with both cases and then let us make the decision...Let us estimate the unit production cost...Cost per bank meter cube...

Detailed Explanation

This section discusses estimating the unit production costs for both 5 and 6 scrapers. The formula shown accounts for the total costs of the pusher and scrapers, divided by the productivity rates obtained earlier. For 5 scrapers with a total hourly cost of rupees 16,300 and a productivity of 636.89 bcm/hour, the cost per bcm is calculated to be ₹44.12. Comparatively, if 6 scrapers are used, the cost per bcm is slightly higher at ₹45.07, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiency and cost management when determining the optimal number of scrapers.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you run a small bakery. If you have a small oven that bakes 20 loaves of bread per hour, and it costs you $40 per hour to operate it, then each loaf costs you about $2. Now, if you buy a bigger oven that can bake 50 loaves per hour but costs $70 per hour to run, the individual loaf cost decreases with higher output as long as you sell enough bread to cover the increased cost. Thus, you must analyze productive output against operational costs, just like with scrapers.

Decision on Using Scrapers

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So, if you are more concerned about the productivity, if you have a very tight deadline...the combination of 5 scrapers and 1 pusher gives you the minimum unit production costs.

Detailed Explanation

The discussion wraps up by emphasizing that when deciding between task urgency and cost, using 5 scrapers leads to minimal costs compared to using 6 scrapers, despite the latter providing greater productivity. It suggests that while productivity is crucial, minimizing production costs is often a priority for projects with tight budgets.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a road construction project where you can either hire more workers for increased speed (higher productivity) but at a higher cost, or opt for fewer workers who can only finish the job more slowly, saving money. The decision depends on whether the immediate completion time outweighs the extra expenses, much like choosing between different numbers of scrapers.

Definitions & Key Concepts

Learn essential terms and foundational ideas that form the basis of the topic.

Key Concepts

  • Scraper productivity is influenced by the number of machines available.

  • The balance between scrapers and pushers is crucial for minimizing idle times.

  • Higher productivity does not guarantee lower costs in operational decisions.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.

Examples

  • Using five scrapers leads to specific productivity outputs essential for comparing efficiency.

  • Cost calculations based on operational parameters inform project budgeting and equipment selection.

Memory Aids

Use mnemonics, acronyms, or visual cues to help remember key information more easily.

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Five scrapers work with zest, producing output that's the best!

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Picture a construction site buzzing with activity; five scrapers pull their weight, while the pusher waits patiently, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness—this scene reinforces the idea that balance is key.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember the acronym 'CPS': Cost, Productivity, Scrapers. Focus on these to assess your operational needs!

🎯 Super Acronyms

CUP

  • Cost (per unit)
  • Utilization (of scrapers)
  • Production (efficiency) to steer your project towards success.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Scraper

    Definition:

    A construction machine used for moving and handling materials, especially in earth moving.

  • Term: Pusher

    Definition:

    A machine that pushes scrapers, optimizing material handling and movement efficiency.

  • Term: Productivity

    Definition:

    The rate of output of scrapers, often measured in bank cubic meters per hour.

  • Term: Cost per Bank Meter Cubic

    Definition:

    The total cost involved in producing one bank cubic meter of material.