MODULE 5

CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

AMRUTHA K
4SN16AT006
SEM VIII SEC A
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.
FACTORS AFFECTING SELECTION OF CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
• Use of equipment available with the organization. If the equipment to be selected is not
used for the entire life of the project i.e. the project duration is less than life of the
equipment and also if the same type of work is not seen in the future for utilization, it is
desirable to use the available equipment, even though, its operation may be somewhat
expensive.
• Suitability for job condition with special reference to climatic and operating conditions.
The equipment selected must suit the majority of the requirements of the job. If
possible, the equipment: selected should be capable of doing more than one function.
The equipment selected should be capable of being used in the future contracts and also
disposed off easily.
• Uniformity of type. Uniformity in equipment facilitates easier operation and
maintenance. It allows easy exchange of spare parts and operating personnel.
• Size of equipment. It is always desirable to use smaller equipment due to low working
cost, as they have fewer moving parts. As far as choice between medium and large sized
equipment, the quantity of work and initial investment for the machine will be the main
criteria.
• Use of standard equipment. Standard equipment is usually manufactured by several
companies and it is easily, available as far as purchase and delivery. Repairs and spare
parts are easy and they can be disposed off easily. Unit cost of production is also less in
the case of standard equipment
• Country of origin. The equipment should be imported from countries where foreign
exchange facilities are easily available.
• Unit cost of production. The cost of running the equipment on the whole should be
minimum.
• Availability of spare parts and selection of manufacturers. The equipment purchased
should be of repute and there should be a long-standing goodwill amongthe various
customers and also care should be taken to see that the after sales service and spare
parts are easily available at reasonable cost.
• Suitability of local labour for operation. As far as possible, local labour should be
preferred for operating the equipment by organising suitable training to them.
STANDARD AND SPECIAL EQUIPMENT
There is no clear cut demarcation between standard equipment and special equipment. It
depends on extent of its use, availability and cost. Equipment which is standard for one
may be special equipment for other. However, standard equipment has the following
properties in general;
a) The initial investment of standard equipment is usually much less than that of special
equipment.
b) Standard equipments are easily available in the market and can be procured with short
notice period.
c) In case of breakage, the shutdown period of the equipment is comparatively very short
because replacement parts are readily available.
d) It may be used economically on more than one project.
e) It has greater adaptability such as power shovels convertible into draglines.
f) Trained operators and mechanics for standard equipments are easily available.
g) It is disposed off more easily.
h) Its resale value is very high.
Because of above reasons, Contractors/Engineers/Project managers are advised to purchase standard
equipments unless a project definitely and economically justifies the purchase of special equipments. Special
equipment is defined as equipment which is manufactured for use on a single project or for a special type of
operation. Such equipment may not be suitable or economical for use on another project. The examples of
special equipments are:
a) A 30 cubic meter power shovel.
b) A canal trimmer used for final trimming of the bottom and sides of an earthen canal.
c) A belt conveyer used for transporting materials for several kilometres.
The special equipments should be purchased when the total cost with reasonable amount of profits is
recoverable during its useful life in a project. The examples of standard equipments are 2/4 wheel tractors,
diesel- powered power shovel, crawler mounted power shovel, concrete mixers, etc
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE
Proper maintenance is responsible for the smooth and efficient working of an equipment
and helps in improving its productivity. The maintenance department is generally kept
under the control of the project manager, who is responsible for the production.
Maintenance can be done in the following two ways.
• Breakdown maintenance: In breakdown maintenance, defects are rectified only when
the machine cannot perform its functions any longer and the production department
has to call the maintenance department for the repairs. Breakdown maintenance is
costly due to increase in depreciation cost, payment to idle operators, overtime to
maintenance staff for doing emergency repairs.
• Preventive maintenance: It is also referred to as "scheduled maintenance". This type of
maintenance aims to locate the sources of trouble and to remove them before the
breakdown occurs and thus based on the principle:"Prevention is better than cure". The
best safeguard against costly breakdowns is to inspect, lubricate and check up the
equipment as frequently as possible. The frequency of inspection should be decided
properly- too less inspection may lead to breakdowns and too much inspection means
wastage of machine time and productivity.
EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT CHECKLIST
1. Mechanise selectively for economy of production, quality andspeed of construction
2. Choose between buying, hiring and leasing
3. Choose size and number of equipment including standby
4. Select the prime mover - Petrol/Diesel/Electric
5. Check suitability for local conditions.
6. Decide on mobile or stationary equipment
7. Arrange finance for purchase.
8. Examine the warranties while purchasing the equipment.
9. Commission the equipment within the warranty period
10. Inform the manufacturer of any deficiencies
11. Insist on methods statement for equipment used
12. Freeze productivity norms and ensure the same
13. Use only trained personnel for operation
14. Insist on regular preventive maintenance
15. Provide suitable access roads and foundation for equipment.
16. Ensure that standby power is available
17. Calibrate the various measurement gauges
18. Constantly refer the operation and maintenance manuals
19. Insist on safety measures
FACTORS AFFECTING THE COST OF OWNING AND OPERATING THE CONSTRUCTION
EQUIPMENT
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