A Combination Model of Earthwork equipment using System Dynamics

The earth work has been improved with the utilization of capital intensive equipments. However, work performance is not satisfactory yet due to its experience-oriented characteristics in selecting the combination of earth work equipments. Therefore, it is required to study on appropriate and systematic methods in selecting a set of equipments for earth work in order to optimize the cost and time as well as to improve the productivity. The objectives of this paper are as followed : (1) developing an optimum combination model of earth work equipments by using a system dynamics technique. (2) testing and evaluating the model by the sample application to a case study. The research is limited to the work of excavating, loading and hauling. The suggested model is proved in practice, so it will assist engineers to make the proper decision for equipment planning of earth work.