Date of Award
12-2009
Degree Name
Master of Science in Engineering
Department
Civil and Construction Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Ahmad Jrade
Second Advisor
Haluk Aktan
Third Advisor
Upul Attanayake
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Campus Only
Abstract
Heavy equipment selection is a critical key in the success of any construction project. Due to the complexity and variety of factors that involve the selection of right equipment, construction managers refer to different resources to obtain the optimum fleet. This study developed a computer model to help users in this complex task. Operation analysis was conducted for a number of equipment taking into consideration: (1) Soil type; (2) Site conditions; (3) Equipment characteristics; (4) Type of earthwork; (5) Time constraints; (6) Volume of earth involved in earthwork.
In this research, Caterpillar® Performance Handbook was the main resource regarding the specifications of selected equipment in this research. To evaluate the model a case project was selected. The implementation of the model gave optimum selection of equipment to perform the earthwork portion to construct a dam. The optimum fleet was not only based on cost effectiveness but also in terms of versatility. The study consists of a literature review on the related topics. It also quantifies the degree of accuracy of the model by conducting a case study.
Recommended Citation
Albelwi, Naif, "Optimization Computer Model for Heavy Equipment Selection" (2009). Masters Theses. 267.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/267