Search the courses, subjects, tracks, games and features, or jump straight to a page.
Learn it your way
A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
Sign up free to listen. Transcripts are free to read.
Welcome class! Today we are going to talk about the power requirements of machines in earthmoving operations. Can anyone tell me why power is critical for earthmoving machines?
I think it's because machines need enough power to do their job effectively, right?
Exactly! The power generated by machines must overcome various resisting forces to keep them moving. Those forces include rolling resistance and grade resistance. Let's break these down!
What’s the difference between rolling resistance and grade resistance, though?
Great question! Rolling resistance is the friction encountered by a wheel rolling on a surface, while grade resistance is the extra power needed to pull a machine uphill. Remember, the steeper the grade, the more power you'll need.
Let’s delve deeper into rolling resistance. Can anyone think of factors that might influence rolling resistance?
Maybe the surface type? Like concrete versus dirt?
Exactly! The type of surface can greatly influence resistance. Additionally, proper maintenance of these surfaces is crucial; well-maintained roads can reduce resistance and therefore power requirements.
So if we have a rough dirt road versus a smooth pavement, a machine would use more power on the dirt road, right?
Right! And it's also important to consider the machine's design—like whether it has tracks or wheels. Do you think that could affect the amount of power needed?
Yes, tracks can distribute weight better on soft surfaces, helping reduce sinking and resistance.
That's correct! The design of the machine impacts its interaction with the surface.
Now, let’s talk about grade resistance. Why do we need to be aware of this when selecting equipment?
Because if the equipment will work on a slope, we need to know how much power it needs to operate efficiently!
Exactly! When we compute the required power, we need to factor both the rolling resistance and the grade resistance. Let’s say a machine has a rolling resistance of 70 kg per ton; how would we calculate the total force needed if it weighs 20 tons?
We would multiply 70 kg by 20 tons, which gives us 1400 kg of tractive effort required to move it.
Great work! That’s how we derive the power requirements. Remember, accurately calculating these figures is crucial for efficiency.
To move up hills, we need more might, grade resistance adds power, that's right!
Once there was a bulldozer named Bobo who loved to roll on smooth roads but struggled on soft earth. He learned that the type of surface could make or break his day, adding more 'power pressure' on difficult paths.
R-G for Resistance-Grading: Remember that Rolling and Grade resistances power machines!
PAGE stands for Power, Acceleration, Grading, and Efficiency for better earthmoving machine results.
Term
What is rolling resistance?
Click to flip
Term
What factors influence rolling resistance?
Click to flip
Term
What does grade resistance refer to?
Click to flip
The amount of power needed by a machine to overcome resisting forces and operate effectively.
The resistance encountered by a wheel rolling over a surface, varying with the surface type and condition.
The additional power required for a machine to move uphill on a slope.
The force exerted by a machine at the ground interface to overcome resistance and move.
This section outlines the power requirements necessary for earthmoving machines, emphasizing the importance of selecting the appropriate equipment based on project conditions.
In this section, the fundamental power requirements for equipment used in earthmoving operations are discussed, highlighting how various factors like terrain and material type influence the required power. The section details how to calculate power based on resistances faced by machines during operation.
This section provides an in-depth look at the power requirements associated with earthmoving machinery in construction. The fundamental principle behind power requirements is that every machine must generate enough power to overcome the resisting forces that it encounters on the project site. These forces typically include rolling resistance and grade resistance.
Understanding how to calculate these resistances and their impact on overall power needs is vital in selecting the correct equipment for an earthmoving operation. Hence, accurate estimation of the required power is crucial for project planning and execution.