Important Parameters for Backhoe Selection - 3 | 14. Productivity of Shovel | Construction Engineering & Management - Vol 2
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Truck Placement and Swing Angle

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0:00
Teacher
Teacher

Let's start by discussing the importance of truck placement. Why do we position the truck at a 90-degree angle to the excavator?

Student 1
Student 1

To ensure optimal swing angle and reduce cycle time?

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! The swing angle affects the time it takes for the backhoe to load the truck. Can you remember what happens to the productivity if the swing angle increases?

Student 2
Student 2

Productivity decreases as the swing angle increases!

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! This is crucial for planning. So, maintaining the angle at 90 degrees is ideal. What other factors affect the cycle time?

Student 3
Student 3

The height of cut is a factor too, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes! The actual height of cut should ideally match the optimum height for maximum efficiency. Let’s summarize: optimal truck placement and maintaining a 90-degree angle help maximize productivity. Always aim for the lowest cancellation of swinging costs.

Height of Cut and Correction Factors

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Teacher
Teacher

Now, let's delve into the actual height of cut. Why is it important to compare this with the optimum height of cut?

Student 4
Student 4

If the actual height is lower, we may need to apply a correction factor, which will decrease productivity.

Teacher
Teacher

Precisely! Can anyone explain how we calculate this percentage, comparing actual to optimum heights?

Student 1
Student 1

By dividing the actual height by the optimum height and multiplying by 100.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Therefore, if our project height is less than optimum, productivity will be reduced. What about when the swing angle is above 90 degrees?

Student 2
Student 2

The correction factor reduces, indicating further reduction in productivity.

Teacher
Teacher

Great recall! Adjustments are vital to productivity estimates. Remember, always keep your machines operating at optimal conditions.

Truck Spotting Clearance and Haul Unit Exchange Time

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Teacher
Teacher

Let’s examine truck spotting clearance. Why should we leave space between the truck and backhoe?

Student 3
Student 3

So the backhoe can swing without hitting the truck!

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Space for tail swing is crucial for safety and efficiency. Can anyone explain haul unit exchange time?

Student 4
Student 4

It’s the time taken for a loaded truck to leave and an empty truck to arrive.

Teacher
Teacher

Correct! This time must be minimized to improve productivity. Why is balancing truck and shovel numbers important for this?

Student 1
Student 1

To ensure that one isn’t waiting for the other, reducing idle time.

Teacher
Teacher

Exactly! Key concepts are ensuring tail clearance and minimizing haul time with accurate machine balance.

Estimating Productivity

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Teacher
Teacher

Lastly, let’s look at estimating productivity. What factors do we consider?

Student 2
Student 2

The heaped volume of the bucket and cycle time.

Teacher
Teacher

Right! Also, we adjust for height and swing depth factors. Can you recall the formula to estimate productivity?

Student 3
Student 3

It’s heaped volume divided by cycle time, right?

Teacher
Teacher

Yes, and we multiply it by job efficiency time. If our truck and shovel are in sync, we maximize our output.

Student 4
Student 4

And we must always check if our operating conditions reflect our ideal assumptions.

Teacher
Teacher

Absolutely, keep optimizing conditions for best results. Let’s sum up: we’ve discussed the importance of volumes, cycle times, and adjustments to maintain productivity.

Introduction & Overview

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Quick Overview

This section outlines key parameters for selecting backhoes, emphasizing the importance of optimal truck placement, ideal height of cut, swing angle, and adjustment factors for productivity estimation.

Standard

The section discusses critical parameters influencing backhoe selection, including optimal placement of trucks relative to the excavator to minimize cycle time, the significance of maintaining the ideal height of cut, and how adjustment factors impact productivity estimates. Key concepts like swing angle, truck spotting clearance, and haul unit exchange time are also outlined.

Detailed

Detailed Summary

This section elaborates on essential parameters to consider when selecting backhoes for excavation projects. The primary focus is on truck placement near the excavator, optimized at a 90-degree angle, ensuring minimal swing angle and maximized productivity. The angle of swing is defined as the horizontal angle between the digging and dumping positions, which affects cycle time significantly; as the angle increases, productivity decreases.

The ideal conditions for shovel operation are also discussed, highlighting the relationship between actual height of cut and optimal height. The section stresses that for maximum efficiency, these heights should match, and introduces adjustment factors for various conditions. Additionally, the concepts of truck spotting clearance and haul unit exchange time are introduced, emphasizing their role in reducing downtime and improving productivity. The section concludes by outlining methods for estimating shovel productivity while integrating correction factors for varying project conditions.

Audio Book

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Angle of Swing and Productivity

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They have poor mobility. So, that is why it is preferable to place a truck very close to the excavator. So, very commonly you can see that the truck is placed at 90 degrees. As the truck moves further away, your angle of swing would increase. As the angle of swing increases, your cycle time will increase, and productivity will decrease.

Detailed Explanation

The angle of swing is significant because it defines how easily the backhoe can move material from the digging site to the dumping location. A 90-degree angle between the truck and backhoe is ideal because it minimizes the swing required for loading and unloading, thereby reducing the cycle time. As the truck moves further away, the swing angle increases, leading to longer cycle times and decreased productivity due to more time spent maneuvering rather than excavating.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine trying to throw a basketball into a hoop that’s directly in front of you compared to one that is at the side. The direct shot (like a truck placed at a 90-degree angle) is easier and quicker than trying to aim from the side where you have to adjust and take longer to get the ball in the hoop.

Height of Cut Adjustment Factors

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The ideal production of a shovel is based on a 90-degree swing. The actual height of cut on your project site should be the same as the optimum height of cut. If the actual height of cut is the same as the optimum height of cut, the percentage will be 100%. In this case, you need not apply any correction factor.

Detailed Explanation

The height of cut refers to the depth at which material is being excavated. When the actual height matches the ideal or optimum height specified for the machine, the efficiency remains maximal (100%). If the height of cut varies, productivity adjustments are essential. For example, if you’re digging at a depth shallower than optimal, a correction factor must be applied to account for reduced productivity, thus ensuring accurate productivity estimates.

Examples & Analogies

Think of it like a baker trying to make cookies at the right oven temperature. If the oven is set correctly (optimum height of cut), the cookies will bake perfectly every time. But if the temperature is too low (actual height of cut is less), they’ll take longer and may not cook evenly. In both cases, adjustments ensure optimal results.

Correction Factors and Their Implications

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When the height of cut is less, the correction factor is also less; this means productivity is going to be reduced. Similarly, when considering the angle of swing, if it is more than 90 degrees, the correction factor will reduce, reflecting decreased productivity.

Detailed Explanation

Correction factors are numerical representations of how much productivity is impacted by the actual conditions. If the height of cut is below the optimum, then the correction factor reduces productivity. Conversely, if you can reduce the angle of swing (to below 90 degrees), the productivity correction factor increases, meaning more efficient excavating. Understanding these factors helps operators configure their tools for highest effectiveness.

Examples & Analogies

It's like using a pencil to draw on an easel. If the pencil is too short (height of cut too low), you won’t reach the desired paper, and your drawings won’t be accurate. But if you tilt the easel to make it easier for the drawing (reducing swing), it helps you draw more effortlessly and effectively.

Truck Spotting Clearance

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There should be some space left for the tail swing of the shovel. This is important to avoid collision with the truck, especially during rotating actions.

Detailed Explanation

While placing the truck near the backhoe for efficiency, operators must ensure a clearance for the backhoe's tail swing to prevent any collision during operations. Insufficient clearance can lead to accidents and operational delays. Proper clearance facilitates smooth rotation of the backhoe without hindrance.

Examples & Analogies

Imagine swinging a baseball bat in a tight room. If you try to swing without enough space (like not allowing enough clearance), you'll likely hit walls or furniture. Keeping a clear area ensures the swing of the bat (or the backhoe tail) is unrestricted, leading to a successful hit or efficient operation.

Haul Unit Exchange Time

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The time needed for the loaded truck to leave its position and for a new empty truck to take the position is called haul unit exchange time. This is going to affect the productivity.

Detailed Explanation

The haul unit exchange time reflects how effectively trucks can cycle in and out of loading positions. Delays in this exchange can slow down operations as the backhoe has to wait for an empty truck to arrive, thus increasing overall cycle time. Efficient management of truck availability can minimize this time, maximizing the backhoe's productivity.

Examples & Analogies

Think about a bus dropping off passengers at a stop. If it takes too long for the passengers to get off and the next bus to pull in (haul unit exchange), the waiting line gets longer, slowing down the entire route. Quick exchanges keep everything moving smoothly.

Definitions & Key Concepts

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Key Concepts

  • Optimum Height of Cut: Ideally, should match actual height for maximum productivity.

  • Angle of Swing: Should be minimized to enhance efficiency in loading operations.

  • Correction Factors: Necessary adjustments based on actual project conditions to accurately estimate productivity.

  • Truck Spotting Clearance: Ensures safe operation of machinery and prevents accidents.

  • Haul Unit Exchange Time: Time management is crucial to maintain operational efficiency.

Examples & Real-Life Applications

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

Examples

  • When the actual height of cut is 4 meters, but the optimum height is 5 meters, a correction factor must be applied to estimate productivity.

  • A truck positioned close to the excavator, ensuring a 90-degree swing angle, can minimize loading cycle time.

Memory Aids

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

🎵 Rhymes Time

  • To load the truck without a fuss, keep the swing at 90, that's a must.

📖 Fascinating Stories

  • Imagine a busy construction site where trucks park neatly, ensuring the excavator swings freely, avoiding chaos and maintaining flow.

🧠 Other Memory Gems

  • HAP: Height, Angle, Productivity. Remember these three factors for estimating efficiency.

🎯 Super Acronyms

CLEAR

  • Clearance
  • Load
  • Efficiency
  • Angle
  • Reach - key aspects of backhoe operation.

Flash Cards

Review key concepts with flashcards.

Glossary of Terms

Review the Definitions for terms.

  • Term: Angle of Swing

    Definition:

    The horizontal angle between the loading and dumping positions of the bucket.

  • Term: Height of Cut

    Definition:

    The vertical distance from the finished ground level to the actual depth of excavation.

  • Term: Truck Spotting Clearance

    Definition:

    The necessary space left between the truck and the excavator for the tail swing of the shovel.

  • Term: Haul Unit Exchange Time

    Definition:

    The time taken for a loaded truck to leave its position and for a new empty truck to arrive.

  • Term: Correction Factor

    Definition:

    A numerical adjustment applied to productivity estimates based on varying conditions.