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A short class with Sarah and her students. The other ways are under More.
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Today, we're diving into how we select the right hauling equipment at a job site. Can anyone tell me what options are available for hauling earth?
I think trucks are a common choice.
That's right! Trucks are versatile, but for shorter distances, we could use a front-end loader or a scraper as well. Remember, scrapers are economical for distances up to 1000 meters. What about distances less than 100 meters?
We can use a conveyor belt or a front-end loader?
Exactly! The key takeaway is to evaluate the economics and select the least costly option for the production requirement. Let's remember this with the acronym 'HEE' for 'Hauling Efficiency Evaluation.'
Now, let’s talk about concrete placement. Once we mix our concrete, how do we get it to the formwork?
I think we could use a chute or maybe a power-driven buggy?
Absolutely! And for larger heights, what might we choose?
A crane with concrete buckets!
Correct! Additionally, if the site is inaccessible, helicopters can be utilized. A good way to remember these options is the mnemonic 'C.C.P.H.' for 'Chute, Convey, Pump, Helicopter' for placement methods.
Let’s shift gears and talk about the importance of site conditions. What aspects do we consider when selecting machinery based on terrain?
I guess the type of surface? Like if it's rocky or sandy.
Exactly! Poor underfoot conditions often mean we need crawler-mounted equipment for better stability. Can anyone explain what rolling resistance is?
It's the resistance a vehicle faces while moving on a surface, right?
Correct! And in poor conditions, we might need machines with higher horsepower to combat this. Remember the acronym 'STR' for 'Stability, Traction, Rolling Resistance.'
Finally, let’s consider environmental factors like weather and altitude. How can altitude affect machinery performance?
I think higher altitudes have less air density, which can affect engine performance.
Exactly! At higher altitudes, efficiency diminishes because of decreased oxygen for combustion. What can we use to mitigate this issue?
Turbochargers are used to maintain the fuel to air ratio in engines.
Correct! Always keep in mind how altitude and weather play a role in our machinery choices. A great way to remember this relationship is with the mnemonic 'AWEM' for 'Altitude, Weather, Effect on Machines.'
For hauling dirt and moving it quick, think of trucks or loaders that do the trick.
Imagine a construction manager named Sam who needed to transport materials. He learned that trucks work best over long distances, but scrapers are the heroes for shorter hauls.
Use the mnemonic 'CCP' to remember 'Chute, Conveyor, Pump' for concrete placement methods.
‘SEET’ stands for 'Site, Equipment, Environment, Timing'—key factors in determining equipment choice.
Term
Hauling Equipment
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Term
Concrete Pumping
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Term
Site Conditions
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Machinery used to transport materials, such as trucks, scrapers, and conveyor belts.
The resistance encountered by a machine when moving over a surface.
The capacity of a material to withstand axially directed pushing forces.
A device that forces more air into an internal combustion engine to improve efficiency.
This section delves into how job site conditions influence the selection of machinery and methods used in construction, particularly focusing on economics, specifications, and environmental factors.
The section comprehensively reviews how environmental conditions, the specifications laid out in contracts, and the nature of the terrain affect the choice of construction machinery. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining haul roads and understanding site conditions to ensure efficient operations and cost effectiveness in construction projects.
The chapter discusses critical factors impacting machinery selection at construction job sites. These include:
Hauling Equipment: Various options for hauling earth such as trucks, scrapers, front-end loaders, or conveyor belts are evaluated based on distance and economics. The right choice maximizes productivity by choosing the option with the lowest production cost.
Concrete Placement: Different methods for concrete transportation to formwork are explored, including chutes, power-driven buggies, pumping methods, and cranes. For inaccessible areas, helicopters may be required. The choice is influenced by cost-effectiveness and placement rate requirements.
Contract Specifications: Adherence to contract documents is crucial, as they define project timeliness, budgets, and sometimes the required methods and equipment. Vague specifications can leave equipment choices to the contractor's discretion.
Job Site Conditions: Conditions like terrain and rolling resistance dictate machinery selection, promoting the use of crawler-mounted machines over wheeled ones in adverse conditions. Maintenance of haul roads is also essential for efficient machine operation and productivity.
Steepness of the Grade: Machines must possess adequate horsepower to traverse steep terrains, with tandem power machines recommended for challenging conditions due to their enhanced traction and productivity.
Environmental Influence: Factors like altitude, temperature variations, and climatic conditions impact machinery efficiency, necessitating adaptations such as turbocharging at high altitudes or heating systems in cold climates. Consideration for weather effects on material properties (e.g., concrete and asphalt) is crucial.
The section emphasizes how these diverse factors synergistically govern machinery selection, project efficiency, and ultimately cost management in construction.