Cost Calculation for 6 Scrapers - 2.2 | 10. Introduction to Scraper Economics | Construction Engineering & Management - Vol 2
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Understanding Scraper Dynamics

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Today, we’re going to kick off by discussing the use of 5 scrapers. Who can tell me what happens when we have fewer scrapers than needed?

Student 1
Student 1

I think the scrapers would be busy and might control the production pace.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! That's a key point. With 5 scrapers, they end up controlling the production since there are fewer than ideal. This results in the scrapers becoming the critical component.

Student 2
Student 2

But what about the pusher?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! The pusher will have idle time while waiting for the scrapers to load. So, as you see, productivity suffers with this arrangement. If we now did some calculations, we can estimate the productivity.

Student 3
Student 3

How do we actually calculate that productivity?

Teacher
Teacher

"We use the formula:

Exploring the Situation with 6 Scrapers

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, what changes when we consider using 6 scrapers instead of 5?

Student 2
Student 2

The situation flips, and the pusher becomes critical, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! With more scrapers than needed, the scrapers might not be utilized fully, leading to the pusher controlling production. Let’s see how we calculate the productivity in this case too.

Student 3
Student 3

Is the formula different?

Teacher
Teacher

The formula remains the same, but we change the values. Now reuse the cycle time that the pusher utilizes, to find the new productivity. Can anyone remind us of that cycle time for the pusher?

Student 4
Student 4

It’s 1.37 minutes, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Let’s run the numbers. We multiply efficiency by volume and number of scrapers, then divide by the pusher’s cycle time.

Student 1
Student 1

So, that’s 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour?

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! So, we can see that using 6 scrapers increases productivity. However, let’s think about cost.

Cost Discussion and Comparison

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Teacher
Teacher

Now let's compare the costs associated with both setups. What should we keep track of?

Student 2
Student 2

We need to consider the cost per bank cubic meter for both 5 and 6 scrapers.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Each scenario has its own hourly operation costs. Can anyone summarize what the costs per hourly use were?

Student 3
Student 3

The pusher cost is ₹5600 per hour, and the scraper costs ₹4500 per hour.

Teacher
Teacher

Perfect! Now, how do we calculate the unit production cost when using 5 scrapers?

Student 4
Student 4

It’s the total hourly cost divided by the productivity, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! So, plugging in the values gives us the cost for 5 scrapers at ₹44.12 per bank cubic meter, compared to ₹45.07 if we use 6.

Student 1
Student 1

So, even though 6 scrapers are more productive, they actually cost more.

Teacher
Teacher

That’s the crux! It emphasizes the importance of balancing cost versus productivity for decision-making in operations.

Introduction & Overview

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

Quick Overview

This section explores the cost calculations associated with using 5 and 6 scrapers, emphasizing productivity and production cost dynamics.

Standard

The section discusses the implications of using 5 versus 6 scrapers in terms of production efficiency and cost per bank cubic meter. It highlights key calculations for estimating productivity and unit costs associated with both scenarios, concluding that using 6 scrapers yields higher productivity but comes at a higher cost.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

This section focuses on the cost implications and productivity analysis when utilizing scrapers in construction operations. Initially, the scenario of using 5 scrapers is explored, which leads to an imbalance where scrapers are more critical than the pusher. The production is calculated using a specific formula involving the number of scrapers, the volume per load, and cycle time, resulting in a productivity of 636.89 bank cubic meters per hour.

The text then shifts to analyzing the case with 6 scrapers, where the balance shifts, and the pusher becomes the critical element controlling production. A different formula for estimating production is employed that involves the cycle time of the pusher, yielding a higher productivity of 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour. Comparisons between the unit production costs for both scenarios are made, indicating that while 6 scrapers provide better productivity, cost considerations favor the deployment of 5 scrapers due to a lower cost per bank meter cube (₹44.12 vs ₹45.07).

Ultimately, the section stresses the importance of balancing productivity and cost in decision-making regarding equipment deployment in construction operations.

Audio Book

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Introduction to Scraper Economics

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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.

Detailed Explanation

In this chunk, we compare two scenarios: using fewer scrapers (5) than needed and how this affects productivity. Here, if fewer scrapers are available, they become the limiting factor in production. The pusher, responsible for moving materials, will be ready but unable to work efficiently until the scrapers catch up. This situation illustrates that the scrapers' availability dictates how quickly work can be completed.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a team of workers where only a few have tools. The workers with tools can only complete tasks as quickly as their equipment allows. If more workers are ready to assist, but lack tools, they can’t help until more tools are available. This is similar to how the scrapers control the production rate.

Calculating Productivity with 5 Scrapers

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So, now, let us see the productivity in this case of n equal to 5 scrapers. How to estimate the production of this scraper? The volume of your bowl volume per load, you know the value of 19.82 bank cubic meter. The production (Scraper controlling) = Efficiency × no. of scrapers × vol. per load / Cycle time of scraper.

Detailed Explanation

Here, we calculate the productivity of using 5 scrapers based on their efficiency, number, and volume capability. Specifically, with a bowl volume of 19.82 bank cubic meters and cycle time in minutes, the efficiency of the scrapers plays a critical role in determining how fast they can move material. The total production rate is derived from how many scrapers are in use and their respective efficiencies.

Examples & Analogies

Think of a carpool where each car represents a scraper. If each car can carry 5 passengers (volume), and only 2 cars are available (number of scrapers), the total number of passengers that can be transported per hour is limited by the number of cars and their efficiency (how fast they can make the trip).

Adjusting for 6 Scrapers

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If n is greater than the balanced number that means you are going to use more number of scrapers, then what is indicated by the balance number. In this case, scrapers will have the ideal time. Scrapers are not critical. So, the scraper will be waiting for the pusher. Pusher is critical here.

Detailed Explanation

When we increase the number of scrapers from 5 to 6, the initial roles reverse. Now, the scrapers are in excess, leading to the pusher being the limiting factor. While more scrapers can operate, their productivity is contingent on the pusher completing its tasks to keep pace, highlighting the balance needed in operations.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine a restaurant kitchen where too many chefs (scrapers) are present, but only one server (pusher) is there to deliver food to tables. The extra chefs could prepare dishes faster; however, if the server can’t keep up, those dishes will pile up and the kitchen will not run efficiently.

Calculating Productivity with 6 Scrapers

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So, in this case, how to estimate the production? Efficiency (min/hr) = volume per load / Cycle time of pusher. Therefore, the production will be the volume per load divided by the cycle time of the pusher multiplied by job efficiency.

Detailed Explanation

The productivity calculation for 6 scrapers revolves around a similar formula used for 5 scrapers, with adjustments for the pusher's cycle time. Here, we see how changes to the equipment configurations affect overall productivity. Recognizing efficiency is key to optimizing outputs with available machinery.

Examples & Analogies

Similar to a relay race, where each runner (scrapers) must pass the baton (load) to the next. If one runner slows down (pusher's cycle), it affects the entire team's speed. Increasing the number of runners can speed up the race, but only if they pass the baton efficiently.

Cost Comparison Between 5 and 6 Scrapers

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Based on productivity if I select obviously I have to go for 6 number of scrapers per pusher, because 5 scrapers is giving you 636.89, 6 scrapers is giving you 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour.

Detailed Explanation

Having compared the productivity rates, we find that using 6 scrapers offers a higher output. The text highlights that while price considerations are critical, productivity levels can dictate the decision-making. Businesses often need to choose between spending less or maximizing output within defined time constraints.

Examples & Analogies

Consider a vending machine that can dispense drinks (scrapers) at a high rate. If it has more dispensers, demand can be met quicker even if it costs more to set up. Ultimately it’s about balancing costs with need for service speed.

Estimating Unit Production Costs

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Let us now estimate the cost. How to calculate the unit production cost? Total unit cost of production for combination = Cost of Pusher tractor with operator + Cost of scraper with operator × no. of scrapers / Job production.

Detailed Explanation

This chunk focuses on defining how to compute the unit production cost by factoring in the costs associated with both scrapers and the pusher. It emphasizes the thorough consideration of operational expenses against anticipated productivity, a key aspect in determining the most cost-effective operational model.

Examples & Analogies

Think of budgeting for a project. If you know your total expenses to complete a project (machinery costs), you can calculate how much each hour of work costs. Knowing the per-hour rate helps you decide whether to hire additional workers or invest in faster machinery to stay under budget.

Final Decision on Scraper Configuration

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So, if you are concerned more about your production cost only. In that case, most of the cases people are concerned only about minimizing the production cost. So, the combination of 5 scrapers and 1 pusher gives you the minimum unit production costs.

Detailed Explanation

The conclusion drawn is that the organization must prioritize cost-efficiency when choosing the scraper configuration. The analysis shows that while 6 scrapers yield higher productivity, 5 scrapers offer a better cost-efficiency ratio, indicating the need to balance productivity with cost.

Examples & Analogies

In grocery shopping, buying in bulk may seem appealing (like using more scrapers for production), but if per item prices are higher than those of single items, you lose out on savings. Carefully weighing pricing vs. quantity is essential in many purchasing decisions.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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

Key Concepts

  • Scraper Dynamics: Scrapers control production when fewer than needed.

  • Cost Analysis: Comparing productivity and unit costs for decision-making.

  • Production Calculation: Key formulas for determining output rates.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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

Examples

  • Using 5 scrapers results in a production rate of 636.89 bank cubic meters per hour, while 6 scrapers increase this to 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour.

  • The unit cost calculation shows ₹44.12 for 5 scrapers and ₹45.07 for 6 scrapers, showing the impact of productivity versus cost.

Memory Aids

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

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Five scrapers wait in queue, production slows right down, / But with six in the game, the pusher runs the town.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a busy construction site where scrapers are racing. With only five, the work slows down. But adding a sixth scraper transforms the speed—better productivity but consider the cost!

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • Remember S.C.C. for Scraper Cost Calculation: S for Scraper count, C for Costs, C for Cycle time relation.

🎯 Super Acronyms

P.U.C. — 'Productivity, Unit Cost' helps recall priorities when balancing machine deployment.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Scraper

    Definition:

    A piece of heavy machinery used for excavation, loading, and transporting material.

  • Term: Pusher

    Definition:

    A machine that supports scrapers by pushing them to load materials efficiently.

  • Term: Production Rate

    Definition:

    The quantity of material produced or moved by the scrapers per unit of time, often measured in bank cubic meters per hour.

  • Term: Cycle Time

    Definition:

    The total time taken to complete one operation cycle, including loading, transporting, and unloading.

  • Term: Unit Cost

    Definition:

    The cost associated with producing one unit of output, measured in currency per bank cubic meter.