Utilizing simulation derived quantitative formulas for accurate excavator hauler fleet selection

Discrete event simulation (DES) produces models of greater granularity and higher accuracy in analysis of heavy construction operations than classic quantitative techniques; specifically utilizing average production rates for determining the fleet required for and duration of earthmoving operations. Nonetheless, the application of DES is not readily applied beyond academic work for high level analysis in the heavy construction industry. Field level planners default to the use of average production rates, which can be easily applied with simple spreadsheet tools and allows quick recalculations to be performed when existing input data is changed or more data becomes available. To aid in fleet selection and determination of the duration of site grading earthworks operations where one fleet is applied, this research presents a new approach by developing quantitative formulas from DES analysis. The approach simplifies DES application and reduces the barrier to access simulation-generalized and field-applicable knowledge, while providing greater accuracy than simply relying on average production rates.