A COMPUTER MODEL FOR SELECTING EQUIPMENT FOR EARTHMOVING OPERATIONS USING QUEUING THEORY

This paper presents a computer model “FLSELECTOR” for equipment fleet selection for earthmoving operations. The methodology based on the queuing theory is incorporated in a computer module to account for the uncertainties in that are normally associated with the equipment selection process. FLSELECTOR is capable of assisting the users in making decisions required for earthmoving operations, such as determining the size and number of trucks and excavators, haul road lengths and surface conditions, etc…These decisions are based on the calculated output for all feasible fleets. An actual case study is presented in order to illustrate the effectiveness and performance of the FLSELECTOR in comparison with the simulation method