CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENTS

INTRODUCTION
There has been a steady increase in land values in and around cities and towns due to never
ending urbanisation. Within the metropolitan boundaries and in the outskirts of bigger cities,
buildable land is scarce and expensive. In some cases cost of land component exceeded that of
building component. In this background, both owners and developers did not find it viable to
plan low rise buildings. As a measure to reduce the value of land component, developers
preferred high rise buildings and tower blocks in lieu of low rise buildings. It was inevitable to
use construction equipment in lieu of manual labour to construct high rise buildings. It is in this
background that utility of construction equipment is brought to focus. Besides, use of
construction equipment became unavoidable for execution of large and complex projects with
stringent schedules and critical performance standards. construction equipment is used in several
types of construction works like bridges, tunnels, power plants, dams, buildings, high rise
buildings and large building complexes, viz., factories, housing, and shopping complexes, etc.
NECESSITY TO MECHANIZE
Some of the factors in favour of mechanization are listed below:
The size and complexity of projects is on the increase,
There is shortage of skilled and trained manpower,
Quality of work is improved with mechanization,
It is possible to achieve stringent schedules if construction equipment is used in lieu of

manual operations,
It is economical if the quantity of work involved is more,
Effect of climate and topography is not significant when mechanization is adopted as

compared to manual labour,

In respect of revenue yielding projects, faster completion and commissioning of project

will result in economy,

Supervision and control is easy since managing men is limited to equipment operators only

in lieu of several skilled, semiskilled and unskilled labour.

OPTIONS TO PROCURE EQUIPMENT

Purchase of new equipment
Purchase of old (used) equipment
Hiring of equipment

Purchase of new equipment involves huge initial investment. Besides, depreciation,

obsolescence, and major repairs are other factors adding to cost of owning new machinery;
apart from finding spares. Major drawback in this option is uncertainty in utility of
equipment after completion of the project if, another project is not taken up immediately
thereafter. Owning is more expensive as compared to hiring in most of the cases where the
equipment is not used continuously during its full economic life. Further, storing,
maintaining, and moving them to other sites costs money. Storage calls for space which
will not fetch money unless, otherwise it is hired or used in the firm's own projects.
Purchase of old equipment involves lesser initial investment. However, residual life,

operating costs, and availability of spares are relevant factors to be considered while
deciding to buy old equipment.
Hiring of equipment is a better option if the usage of equipment is for a shorter period and

there is no certainty of its usage on completion of project work. In this option,

employment of operators on a long term basis is avoided. It adds to further economy if hire
charges are limited to days of actual utilisation though the equipment is not demobilised
during idle periods.
Another variant in hiring is to retain an option to buy the equipment after deducting a
percentage of costs already paid.
Another option is to buy new equipment and sell it after use immediately on completion of
project or after a length of use to minimise depreciation and obsolescence. It is suitable for
specialised types of projects and small projects.
Since capital investment on construction equipment is a burden on the project authorities,
suitable option is to be selected based on:

 Prospects of continued use during its life.

Feasibility of deploying operators on other equipment during idle periods.
Scope for hiring to others during idle periods.
New technology and innovation in construction machinery leading to higher productivity.

SELECTION OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

While selecting construction equipment, the following factors merit consideration:
Suitability for the job with specific reference to climate and other operating conditions.
The equipment must be of suitable size. Larger size of equipment may be idle or handle

part loads. Smaller size may not work with matching attachments.
Standardization and variety reduction will result in economy. Spare parts management

will be simple. Mechanics will get expertise in maintenance and repair works if same type
of equipment is procured through familiarity of process.
Spare parts should be available easily.
If equipment can serve more than one function, it is to be preferred.
Technical considerations such as strength, rigidity, reliability, and maintainability are also

important for selection of equipment,

Service after sales is the major criterion,
Past performance, reputation of manufacturer, versatility, user friendliness of equipment

are other factors for consideration.

India produces the entire range of construction equipment for different applications.
The industry can be broadly classified under the following categories:

Earthmoving equipments:
The prime driver for earthmoving equipment is mining activities and construction industry.
Within these industries, the key demand drivers going forward are likely to be road construction,
urban infrastructure, irrigation, real estate.
construction and mining.
Construction Equipment & Vehicles
Equipment in this category typically find multi purpose application for various construction
activities. Some of the construction equipment used are road rollers,

concrete equipment, mixers, hot plant mixers, stone crushers, compactors, pavers, pneumatic tyre
rollers (PTR), dumpers, tippers, trailers, and others. Compactors account for majority of the
market share of road construction equipment. There are

two main types of compactors Tandem Vibratory Rollers (TVR) and soil compactors. These are used for compaction of asphalt
and soil respectively, primarily in road construction.
Tunneling & Drilling equipment are primarily used for mining, irrigation, construction (road,
ports, airports, railways, power, etc.), urban infrastructure, and pipeline infrastructure. The
product range in this category includes Rotary / DTH drilling, hammer track drill, boring
equipment, and demolition equipment. Bharat Earthmovers Limited (BEML) & Caterpillar lead
the market of construction vehicles, consisting primarily of dumpers & dozers.
The competitive advantage of construction equipment lies on technological superiority and a
wide product portfolio. Its also important to maintain strong relationships with the large,
organized buyers.

Pick & Carr y Cranes

Pick and Carry cranes provide wide range of applications and high cost economies in material
handling requirements.
Some of the typical uses include loading, unloading, moving, shifting and erecting material.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT
Standardization of equipment is necessary for:
Effective management of equipment,
Economical maintenance,
Easy procurement of spare parts,
Realisation of high resale value.

Standardization results in less down time, greater productivity and better maintenance. The
selected equipment should be capable of performing more than one function. Basic unit

comprising of prime mover and hydraulic system are available with facilities for a wide variety
of attachments to perform a variety of different functions.
Standard equipment is commonly manufactured and is easily available for purchase, and
moderately priced. Spare parts are easily available and less expensive. It can be disposed of
easily on completion of work.
CONCEPT OF TIME FOR EQUIPMENT USE
Useful life: It is the period in years during which the equipment can be economically used

based on previous experience. The useful life is influenced by wear and tear, degree of care
and maintenance, climatic conditions, density of utilisation, technological obsolescence.
The cost of maintenance and repairs generally increases in geometric proportion with
increase in age of equipment,
Operating life: The period of time between manufacturing and scrapping of equipment,

Actual working life: This is usually shorter than useful life. It represents useful life minus:
(i) Transportation, erection and dismantling time,
(ii) Time for maintenance and repairs,
(iii) Down time due to force majeure conditions,
(iv) Time taken for changing attachments.

PRODUCTIVITY OF EQUIPMENT
Manufacturer's productivity ratings may be optimum figures under ideal conditions. The field
conditions are different and it is necessary to multiply those figures by utilization factor which
may be in the range of 60% to 80%. Generally, new and sparingly used equipment will be more
productive than old and used ones. Further, new technology through better designed innovation
will be more productive.
MAINTENANCE AND SPARE PARTS
Spare parts maintenance is an important issue in any organisation owning or operating different
types of construction equipment. For want of spares, if equipment is idle, it will not only
obstruct progress of work, but also results in loss of valuable equipment hours. Huge stock of
spares not frequently used will add to avoidable inventory costs. Lead time for procurement of

spares should be considered and based on the past experience, adequate quality/number of spare
parts should be procured and kept in stock to prevent down time of equipment. Variety reduction
will make spare parts management simpler.
Types of maintenance:
Repair maintenance,
Breakdown maintenance,
Preventive maintenance.

Out of these preventive maintenance is preferred. It prevents sudden breakdowns. It is preplanned and increases life expectancy of equipment. Reliability is increased, and there will be
less down time if preventive maintenance is done in a planned way.
ECONOMIC LIFE OF EQUIPMENT
DUMP TRUCK

2.5 TO 3 LAKH KM

TRACTOR

1.5 LAKH KM

MOBILE CRANE

12,000 HOURS

DG SET

12,000 HOURS

CONCRETE VIBRATOR

5,000 HOURS

LIGHT MOTAR VEHICLE

1.0 LAKH KM

300 HP DOZER

12,000 HOURS

TOWER CRANE

30,000 HOURS

DEPRECIATION
Depreciation means decline in value or becoming less in worth. Equipment depreciates during
its economic life due to the following factors.
(i) Wear and tear due to constant use,
(ii) Physical deterioration due to age and exposure to elements,
(iii) Obsolescence which is loss of usefulness due to availability of more efficient type of

product or equipment serving the same purpose. If a new equipment could reduce the

operational cost and offer better profit potent, the old equipment becomes obsolete.
Economic obsolescence is forced on it due to external factors and not due to its inherent
properties,
(iv) Accidental deterioration due to wrong operation,
(v) Neglect of maintenance,
(vi) Reduction in efficiency due to lapse of time.

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT DEPLOYED IN LARGESCALE BUILDINGS

WORKS
1. Tractor: Tractor is a multipurpose machine commonly used at construction sites. Light
duty tractors are wheel type and are used to carry loads over short distances. Heavy duty
tractors are track type and are employed mostly for earth moving operations. Tractor is a
basic equipment and different attachments can be mounted to do variety of operations.
Bulldozer blade, pipe layer, trenchers are some of the common attachments mounted at
building sites.

2. Bulldozer: It is a multipurpose equipment generally used to scrape soft soil and to pull it
to the front. Different types of dozers are available. It is a frame mounted unit with a
curved blade at the front of the tractor. Basically it is a pushing unit and it is used for
short hauls upto 100 metres. Bulldozers of various capacities are available for specific
usage at construction sites

3. Trenching equipment: This equipment is used for digging trenches of desired depth and
width at a faster rate. It consists of tractor, excavating device and a means to convey
excavated material to either side of the trench.

4. Dragline: This equipment is suitable for underwater escavation. The bucket capacity
ranges from 1 to 15 cu.m. Dragline consists of a boom, bucket, hoist and cables. Heavy
type boom is used for handling rock material. Medium type is used for handling clays
and compacted soils or natural ground. Light type is suitable for loose and dry soils.
Boom with perforated bucket is used for underwater works to drain out water.

5. Cranes: Derrick cranes, mobile cranes and tower cranes are commonly used cranes at
construction sites. Derrick cranes are supported by guys and boom passing under the
guys can rotate 360. Bull wheel is attached to the mast. It is powered by electric motor
or by a diesel engine. Travelling bridge crane and electric overhead crane are used at
some sites.
Mobile cranes are crawler or wheel mounted. Besides hoisting, derricking and sleewing, mobile
cranes have an extra feature of mobility. Tower cranes can be installed and dismantled after the
work is over at the construction site. This crane has a tower, foundation, boom with counter
weight and trolley. Ladder is provided within the tower.
Different types of cranes are shown in Fig.

6. Concrete mixers: Concrete mixer is an essential construction equipment at almost all

construction sites. It is well known that quality of concrete improves considerably by the
use of concrete mixer as compared to that of hand mixing. Concrete mixers are available
in various sizes. Mixer may be tilting type or non tilting type. It is designated by volume
of concrete mixed. 14/10 eft concrete mixer denotes that volume of unmixed material is
14 eft and volume of mixed concrete is 10 eft. It is also a practice to denote mixer
capacity in litres or bags of cement. Mixer is powered by motor diesel engine or by
electric motor. For use at construction sites mixers are mounted on wheeled trolleys.
Draw bar is provided for towing.

7. Concrete vibrators: Concrete vibrators are used for compacting the concrete. By using
vibrators air voids are reduced and density is improved. Vibrators are of two types: (i)
Needle vibrators, (ii) surface vibrators. Needle vibrators consist of needle, hose pipe, a
stand for mounting petrol/diesel engine.
Surface vibrator consists of a rectangular pan, a driving unit. They are used to compact
pavements, and precast elements and in situations where there is no space to insert needle
vibrators.

8. Belt conveyers: Belt conveyer is commonly used for material handling. It consists of
belts made up of rubber which runs over drums or pulleys provided at the ends. They are
supported at intervals by rollers. They are powered by motors. Bucket conveyors are also
available and used as per our requirements.
9. Static three wheeled roller: This roller has split streering roll in the front and two large
drive rolls mounted on rear axle at both the ends. They are widely used for rolling sub
grade, pavements and filled up areas, etc. (Fig. 9.17)
10. Dewatering equipment: Pumps are used as water handling devices at construction sites
to supply water for construction and/or to lower ground water table. Use of this
equipment is essential at site with high ground water table. Ground water control is
possible by pumping from well points, open sumps and bored wells.

Types of pumps:
A. Positive displacement pumps,
B. Rotodynamic pumps which includes centrifugal pumps.

11. Dumpers: Dumpers are of various capacities (tonnages) (Fig. 9.20).

Other construction equipment normally used at construction sites are as under:
Plate vibrator.
Block making machine

 Block and tackle, winch, telescopic span and prop to support scaffolding
Earth compactors

Tower hoist lift

Mini batching plant with reliable hydraulic loader and

Aggregate weigh batchers.

Marble cutter and concrete cutter

Pneumatic equipment for drilling and excavating rock

Pile driving equipment: Sheet pile To create a barrier.

Load bearing pile as structural support.

Hydraulic pipe layers.

Wheel barrow

Wheel loader and wheel dozer

12. Trucks: A basic need to move and haul raw materials and finished products to the site
and away for selected purposes. Available in different tonnages (1 to 10 tones). Dump
trucks can have hydraulic tilting facility for each operation. Regular trucks have a fixed
carriage. Additionally they can be open or closed type of trucks. In case of very large
projects large caterpillar trucks (16 wheeled) may be used to move equipment
Additionally trailers can be attached to haul extra load. These can be hooked to the main
vehicles. Wagons are also used additionally for hauling materials.

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT AND THEIR OPERATIONAL USE

Mechanical operation

Construction equipment used

Earthmoving operations Digging & placement

of earth excavation
Carriage of earth

Bull dozer and scraper Power shovel

Dump truck, tractor and trailor

Compaction of earth (for compacting fills,

embankments and sub grades)

Earth compactors Road rollers Vibratory road

rollers

Pile driving Sheet piles

(to create a barrier for earth or water)
Structural piles (for structural support)

Pile driving equipment

Hauling equipment (Carriage of materials by

road with mobile units)

Dump trucks, wagons, tractor and trailors

Conveying equipment
(for movement of materials) Mechanical
Operation

Belt conveyors, bucket conveyors Construction

Equipment Used

Hoisting equipment
(to lift loads against gravity)

Stationary and mobile cranes Gantry cranes

Pneumatic equipment (for drills to excavate

rock)

Pneumatic equipment using compressed

air

Pumping equipment (lowering water table

and excavation by jetting)

Pumps and well point system

Aggregate and concrete preparation

Crushers, belt conveyors sizing screens, weigh

batchers, mixers
Mini batching plants
Concrete mixers

Compaction of concrete

Needle vibrator

o manufacture concrete block at site of work

To manufacture soil cement blocks at site of
work (especially in selected housing projects)

Block making machine