Required Rimpull Calculation - 3.5 | 10. Introduction to Scraper Economics | Construction Engineering & Management - Vol 2
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Introduction to Scraper Efficiency

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Teacher
Teacher

Today, we’re going to discuss the efficiency of scrapers in relation to pushers and how various configurations affect our productivity. To start, who can define what we mean by productivity in this context?

Student 1
Student 1

Isn't it about how much material we can move in a certain period of time?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! And when we discuss scrapers and pushers, it's crucial to understand their operational dynamics. Can anyone tell me what factors might affect a scraper's productivity?

Student 2
Student 2

The number of scrapers we have compared to pushers?

Teacher
Teacher

Right! If scrapers outnumber pushers significantly, we often run into inefficiencies. For example, while one scraper might be limited, a pusher could be waiting idly.

Student 3
Student 3

So, if we have five scrapers, how do we know if that’s the right number?

Teacher
Teacher

Great question! We can estimate production using a specific formula. The efficiency of the scrapers at five leads to a production of 636.89 bank cubic meter per hour.

Student 4
Student 4

What about if we increase the number of scrapers to six?

Teacher
Teacher

Good observation! Increasing it provides a higher output—723.36 bank cubic meters per hour, which is what we aim for in tight deadlines!

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, the number of scrapers is essential for productivity. We will dive deeper into how to actually calculate the required rimpull next.

Calculating Rimpull

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Teacher
Teacher

Next, let’s explore how to calculate rimpull. Who remembers the formula for maximum usable rimpull?

Student 1
Student 1

Is it related to the weight on the powered running gear and the coefficient of traction?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The formula is: \[ \text{Maximum Usable Rimpull} = \text{Coefficient of Traction} \times \text{Weight on Powered Running Gear} \]. Can anyone tell me our example's weight on the powered running gear?

Student 2
Student 2

I think it was half of the gross weight.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Using a gross weight of 76,000 kg leads us to 38,000 kg on the drive wheels. If we apply the 0.7 coefficient of traction, what rimpull do we get?

Student 3
Student 3

That would be 26,600 kg.

Teacher
Teacher

Perfect! Now, let’s compare that with the power generated based on the engine. How do we estimate that?

Student 4
Student 4

We use the formula involving horsepower and the speed of the gear.

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely! If we calculate for first gear, we find a supplied rimpull of 18,240 kg. Since that's below our maximum usable rimpull, there won't be any slippage.

Teacher
Teacher

In summary, calculating rimpull helps us understand the machine’s potential and ensure that our operations run smoothly.

Effects of Altitude on Rimpull

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's factor in altitude, which influences our rimpull calculations. Who can remind me how altitude affects machine performance?

Student 1
Student 1

It decreases the power output due to reduced air density, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! For altitudes above 300 meters, we face a performance drop. What’s the reduction per 300 meters?

Student 2
Student 2

Three percent each time!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! In our case, at 600 meters, we adjust the supplied rimpull by reducing it by 3%. What does that give us from the first gear?

Student 3
Student 3

It brings the rimpull down to 17,692.8 kg.

Teacher
Teacher

Excellent! So now we determine the rimpull available for towing by subtracting the required rolling and grade resistance. What was the total required to overcome resistance?

Student 4
Student 4

It was 4,560 kg.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! So, this leaves us with what for the first gear?

Student 1
Student 1

We still have 13,132.8 kg for towing!

Teacher
Teacher

Great job! Summarizing, altitude can dramatically affect rimpull, and understanding this ensures operational efficiency.

Considerations for Operational Planning

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s wrap up by discussing how we use these calculations for operational planning. Why do you think these concepts are vital for project completion?

Student 2
Student 2

They help us know if we can actually use the machines efficiently, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Knowing the rimpull ensures we select the right gear and avoid slippage, particularly in challenging conditions. Can anyone recap how we determined when not to use the top gear?

Student 3
Student 3

We found it wouldn't provide enough rimpull to counter the rolling and grade resistance.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! Knowing when to switch gears can be crucial in maintaining productivity and avoiding stall-outs.

Student 4
Student 4

In summary, balancing scrapers and pushers according to these calculations helps us maximize productivity and control costs.

Teacher
Teacher

Well said! Always remember the dynamic relationship between machines aids in optimal project execution.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section discusses how to calculate the required rimpull for scrapers and their impact on productivity depending on their numbers relative to pusher equipment.

Standard

The section elaborates on the dynamics between the number of scrapers versus pushers in an earthmoving operation, specifically analyzing how varying numbers of scrapers affect overall productivity and how to calculate the required rimpull, taking into account specific conditions such as weight, traction, rolling resistance, and alteration due to altitude. It concludes that optimal combinations hinge on productivity and cost considerations.

Detailed

Required Rimpull Calculation

This section explores the economics and calculations involved in determining the required rimpull for a scraper operation, particularly considering the number of scrapers relative to pushers. The primary focus is on estimating production rates based on the configurations selected. With five scrapers, the load cycle efficiency results in a production rate of 636.89 bank cubic meters per hour. With six scrapers, the rate increases to 723.36 bank cubic meters per hour, showing that more scrapers lead to higher productivity.

The section dives deeper into the efficiency formula:

\[
\text{Production (Scraper Controlled)} = \frac{\text{Efficiency} \times \text{Number of Scrapers} \times \text{Volume per Load}}{\text{Cycle Time of Scraper}}
\]

Additionally, it delves into the scrapers and pushers relationships, outlining scenarios where scrapers might be limited by their numbers or where excess scrapers would stall production due to pushers' limitations.

A significant part of the section discusses the necessary calculations to determine the usable rimpull of the scraper based on factors like coefficient of traction, rolling resistance percentages, and altitude corrections. It includes formulas to ascertain if the implemented rimpull for various gears meets the project demands. The conclusion reflects that in this specific case, the first and third gears are efficient for operation while the second and top gears might pose challenges under given conditions, due to insufficient available rimpull. Overall, the assessment of rimpull's adequacy is crucial for effective scraper operation.

Audio Book

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Understanding Rimpull and Its Calculation

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Now let us check whether the rimpull generated is sufficient for doing the desired job. Rimpull is defined as the usable force that acts at the point of contact between the wheel and the ground.

Detailed Explanation

Rimpull is an essential concept in heavy machinery operation, particularly for scrapers. It refers to the effective pulling force that the vehicle can exert to perform a task, such as moving loads. Calculating rimpull is crucial as it helps engineers and operators determine if the machine can handle specific tasks effectively without experiencing slippage or power loss.

Examples & Analogies

Think of rimpull as the gripping power of a car's tires on a road. If the tires can't grip the road due to ice or mud, the car will struggle to move forward. Similarly, for scrapers, if the rimpull is insufficient, the machine may not be able to tow the load effectively.

Machine Specifications

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A wheel-type scraper is equipped with rubber tires, having a struck capacity of 16 cubic meters and a heaped capacity of 24 cubic meters. The machine operates on firm sand with a coefficient of traction of 0.7 and a rolling resistance of 2%.

Detailed Explanation

The specifications of the scraper highlight its capabilities. The struck capacity refers to the volume of material the scraper can handle without heaping it up, while the heaped capacity accounts for the extra material that can be piled on top. The coefficient of traction indicates how well the tires can grip the ground, and the rolling resistance represents the frictional force that opposes its movement, which is expressed as a percentage of the machine's gross weight.

Examples & Analogies

Think of the scraper as a truck carrying soil. The struck capacity is like the maximum weight allowed without overloading, while the heaped capacity is like how much extra you can stack on the truck if it's going down a hill. The coefficient of traction would be how good the truck’s tires are at gripping the road surface — if it rains and the road is slippery, less load is manageable.

Rimpull Calculation and Its Dependencies

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Maximum usable rimpull is calculated as: Max usable rimpull = Coefficient of traction × Weight on powered running gear.

Detailed Explanation

This formula shows the relationship between the equipment's traction capabilities and its weight on the powered wheels. By multiplying the coefficient of traction (0.7) with the weight on the powered wheels (50% of the total weight), we can determine the maximum rimpull that the scraper can generate. This value is crucial since it will dictate the machine's ability to perform tasks like towing.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine trying to pull a heavy sled across different surfaces. On sand (lower traction), you can only use a small part of your strength (rimpull); but on solid ground (higher traction), you can pull much harder. In this analogy, weight on the sled represents the load you're trying to pull.

Estimating Usable Rimpull Across Different Gears

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For different gears, the supplied rimpull can be calculated using: Rimpull = 273.6 × Horsepower × Efficiency / Speed.

Detailed Explanation

This calculation takes into account the engine's horsepower, transmission efficiency, and the speed at which the machine is moving. Different gears will affect the speed, thereby influencing the amount of rimpull available. It's essential to analyze this for all operational speeds to ensure the machine performs optimally under various conditions.

Examples & Analogies

Compare this to riding a bicycle. When you are in a lower gear, you can pedal more easily uphill, though you go slower. In contrast, a higher gear helps you go faster on flat surfaces but makes climbing difficult. The right gear choice maximizes your efficiency in moving.

Altitude Corrections and Performance Adjustments

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When operating at high altitudes, performance may decline. For instance, at 600 meters, a 3% reduction in rimpull is accounted for every 300 meters above 300 meters.

Detailed Explanation

High altitudes can negatively affect machine performance due to thinner air, which impacts engine efficiency. Manufacturers often provide guidelines on how to adjust for altitude when determining rimpull. It's important to take these adjustments into account to ensure machines operate within the requirements of a job.

Examples & Analogies

Think of high-altitude hiking. As you climb, you may find it harder to breathe and perform physical tasks due to thinner air, just like how machines need to be recalibrated to perform effectively at higher elevations.

Determining Rimpull Availability for Load Towing

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The actual rimpull available for towing a load is the usable rimpull after accounting for rolling and grade resistance.

Detailed Explanation

This segment emphasizes understanding how much rimpull is left after the machine has to overcome resistances like rolling resistance and grade (slope). The rimpull availability is calculated by subtracting these resistances from the previously calculated rimpull. This step is crucial to ensure the machine can effectively tow its load across the job site.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine you're carrying a backpack while walking uphill. You originally start with a lot of strength (rimpull) to walk, but as you climb and the backpack pulls you back, your usable energy for continuing your journey gets diminished. In machinery, this principle is similar.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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

Key Concepts

  • Rimpull: The effective force at the wheels that enables the scraper to move efficiently.

  • Coefficient of Traction: Key metric for understanding how traction varies with surface conditions.

  • Production Rates: The expected output of scrapers depending on their configuration.

  • Rimpull Calculation: Essential calculations that dictate operational efficiency in earthmoving projects.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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

Examples

  • When using five scrapers with a volume of 19.82 bcm per load, the production rate was calculated at 636.89 bcm/hr.

  • Applying a coefficient of traction of 0.7 for a scraper with a gross weight of 76,000 kg yields a maximum usable rimpull of 26,600 kg.

Memory Aids

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

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • Rimpull to pull, don't be late, traction and weight decide your fate.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a construction site where scrapers with their powerful rimpull glide smoothly over clay, freed from the weight of asphalt and empowered by perfect traction beneath their wheels.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • R-T-C-G: Rimpull, Traction, Cycle, Grade - remember this to ensure smooth operations.

🎯 Super Acronyms

P.E.R.F.E.C.T for productivity

  • Pusher
  • Efficiency
  • Rimpull
  • Frequency
  • Effective load
  • Calculate time.

Flash Cards

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Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Rimpull

    Definition:

    The tractive effort available at the wheel contact, essential for pulling loads.

  • Term: Coefficient of Traction

    Definition:

    A measure of the friction between the wheels and the ground surface.

  • Term: Gross Weight

    Definition:

    The total weight of a machine including its payload.

  • Term: Scraper Cycle Time

    Definition:

    The total time taken for a scraper to complete one loading cycle.

  • Term: Pusher

    Definition:

    A machine used to assist scrapers in earthmoving operations.

  • Term: Altitude Correction

    Definition:

    Adjustments made to engine power outputs due to elevation changes.

  • Term: Rolling Resistance

    Definition:

    The frictional force that opposes the motion of a vehicle on land.

  • Term: Grade Resistance

    Definition:

    The resistance incurred while moving on an incline.