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Today, we are going to learn about haul unit exchange time. Can anyone tell me why the positioning of trucks matters in excavation work?
I think it's to make loading easier and faster?
Exactly! The closer the truck is to the excavator, the more efficient the loading process. This reduces the haul unit exchange time, which is a key factor in productivity. Can anyone define what haul unit exchange time is?
It's the time it takes for a loaded truck to leave and for a new truck to arrive for loading?
Yes! This time directly impacts how quickly materials can be moved on-site. Remember, a reduced haul unit exchange time means less waiting and more productivity. Let's consider how a 90-degree angle between the truck and excavator can help.
Now that we understand haul unit exchange time, let’s talk about the angle of swing. What do you all think is the ideal angle for efficiency?
Is it 90 degrees?
Correct! The ideal angle of swing is 90 degrees. As the angle increases beyond this, the cycle time also increases leading to reduced productivity. Can anyone explain why that happens?
I think it's because the excavator has to move more, which takes more time.
That’s a good insight! The greater the angle of swing, the more time the excavator spends moving instead of loading. We must strive for that optimal setup! Let’s summarize these concepts—why is the 90-degree angle significant?
It provides the best productivity and reduces cycle times!
Now let's focus on the height of cut. Can someone describe how we can adjust for actual and optimal height?
We compare the actual height to the optimum height and calculate a percentage.
Exactly! If the actual height is lower than the optimum height, we must apply a correction factor. Can you recall how we determine what correction to apply?
By finding the percentage of actual height over optimum height?
Correct! This is crucial for accurately estimating productivity. Remember, less than 100% means we need to adjust downwards, impacting total output. Let's review how this contributes to overall project efficiency.
To estimate productivity effectively, we consider various factors, including heaped volume and the cycle time. What’s the formula for this?
We divide volume by cycle time, right?
You're on track! We multiply by cycles per hour too. Let’s not forget about incorporating the job efficiency coefficient when applying these figures. Why do you think this factor is important?
Because it reflects actual working time versus idle time!
Exactly! Applying these adjustments will ensure we get a realistic estimate of productivity. Remember, always apply the correction factors for height and angle when calculating!
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The section elaborates on the positioning of trucks relative to excavators to minimize haul unit exchange time, explaining how optimal positioning affects productivity. It also details how to estimate productivity, considering factors like height of cut and angle of swing.
In construction and excavation activities, the efficiency of operations largely hinges upon the haul unit exchange time, which is defined as the duration for a loaded truck to clear its loading position and for a new truck to take its place. The positioning of trucks close to excavators is preferred for better mobility and reduced cycle times. An optimal angle of swing of 90 degrees between the excavator and truck promotes ideal production rates. If parameters such as the actual height of cut and angle of swing deviate from ideal conditions, productivity must be adjusted through correction factors. This section also covers the importance of estimating productivity based on various operational parameters and concludes with a problem that applies these principles for practical understanding.
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Another important factor is haul unit exchange time. That means the time needed for the loaded truck to leave its position. And for a new truck that is an empty truck to take the position. That is called as a haul unit exchange time. So, this is also going to affect the productivity.
Haul unit exchange time refers to the duration it takes for a truck that is loaded with materials to clear its position and for a new, empty truck to come into position to be loaded. This exchange time is crucial because if the empty truck isn't available promptly, the loader (such as an excavator) has to wait, which results in increased overall cycle time and reduced productivity.
Imagine a pizza restaurant where customers are waiting for their pizzas to be delivered. If a delivery car takes too long to return after delivering a pizza, the next order cannot leave. This delay causes idle time for the kitchen staff, just as a longer haul unit exchange time delays the loading operations for construction equipment.
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If your truck is not readily available for the loader to load the material or to dump the material into the truck, if you do not have a truck readily available, then the loader has to wait for the truck. So, that will increase the cycle time. So, it is nothing but a total time required for the loaded truck to clear its loading position and for the next empty truck to the position for loading.
The accessibility of trucks at the loading site significantly influences productivity. If the loader has to wait for an empty truck to arrive, it cannot continue working efficiently. The delay caused by waiting for trucks extends the cycle time, making operations less productive. In construction, every second counts, and minimizing truck wait times can lead to improved output.
Think of a delivery service where a driver needs to drop off packages. If the next package to be picked up is delayed because the previous delivery took too long, the driver is left waiting. This not only affects their schedule but also means less delivery done for the day, highlighting the need for an efficient routing and exchange system, just as in construction.
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So, we have to minimize this haul unit exchange time. So, we have to balance the number of machines, balance the number of trucks and the shovels in such a way that the waiting time is minimized.
To enhance productivity, it is essential to balance the availability and utilization of machinery and trucks. Efficient planning and scheduling ensure that the right amount of trucks and loading machines are available at the same time. This prevents situations where the loading machine is idle due to a lack of trucks, enabling continuous operation and improving overall project efficiency.
Consider a school where students are dropped off by different parents. If only a few parents show up at peak drop-off time, students will wait longer to get in. If the school organizes a better carpooling schedule ensuring that the right number of parents arrive at the same time, students will get in more quickly, just like effectively balancing haul units can keep construction operations moving smoothly.
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Now let us see how to estimate the productivity of the shovel. So, for all these machines, the principle is going to be the same, you can see the formula everything is going to be similar only.
Estimating productivity involves calculating the heaped volume of the bucket, applying the fill factor based on material type, and assessing the cycle time. The cycle time can be derived either by dividing the volume by the cycle time or by considering the number of cycles that can be achieved in an hour. Understanding these calculations is fundamental for project planning and efficiency evaluations.
It's similar to calculating the time needed to fill a swimming pool with a hose. You first assess how much water the hose can deliver (filling capacity) and how long it takes to fill one section of the pool (cycle time). By knowing these factors, you can determine how long it will take to completely fill the pool, helping you plan scheduling for a pool party or maintenance.
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And another important thing we are supposed to do is we have to adjust the productivity based upon the swing depth factor, swing depth factor nothing but depending upon the actual height of cut of the material in your project site. And depending upon the angle of swing between the truck and the excavator, you have to apply the correction factor.
The swing depth factor takes into account the actual height of cut necessary for the material being excavated and the angle at which the machinery operates. Adjustments are made to ensure that productivity estimates are realistic and reflective of the conditions on site. If the angle or height differs from ideal conditions, corrective measures must be implemented to provide accurate productivity forecasts.
Consider driving a car on a hilly versus flat road. On a hill, the engine must work harder to maintain speed, reducing efficiency. Similarly, if the machinery has to work harder due to less than ideal height or angle, productivity suffers. Just as a driver needs to adjust speed based on road conditions, operators must adjust their expectations for machine productivity based on site conditions.
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Key Concepts
Haul Unit Exchange Time: Indicates the efficiency of material transfer and impacts productivity.
Angle of Swing: 90-degree is the ideal swing angle for minimal cycle time.
Height of Cut: Actual height compared to optimal height affects productivity and requires adjustment.
Correction Factors: Used to refine productivity estimates when operational conditions differ from ideal scenarios.
Cycle Time: The duration of one loading operation affects the overall production rate.
See how the concepts apply in real-world scenarios to understand their practical implications.
Placing the truck at a 90-degree angle to the excavator reduces the swing time and thus cycle time.
Calculating the actual height of cut at less than optimum may adjust productivity down by applying a correction factor.
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For haul time that's really prime, keep them trucks close, it's the right time!
Imagine a busy construction site where the trucks are all lined up. The excavator swings at 90 degrees, smoothly loading the trucks that are truly close. It’s quick, it’s slick, maximizing every tick!
H.A.P.P.Y.: Haul times are perfect at position yawning (90 degrees)!
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Review the Definitions for terms.
Term: Haul Unit Exchange Time
Definition:
The time required for a loaded truck to leave its position and for a new empty truck to arrive.
Term: Angle of Swing
Definition:
The horizontal angle between the loading position and the dumping position of the bucket.
Term: Height of Cut
Definition:
The vertical distance of the cut being made from the surface.
Term: Correction Factor
Definition:
A multiplier used to adjust productivity estimates based on deviation from ideal conditions.
Term: Cycle Time
Definition:
The total time taken for one complete operation involving loading, swinging, and dumping.
Term: Job Efficiency
Definition:
The ratio of working time to total available time, expressed as a percentage.