MICROSIMULATION OF TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP IN QUARRIES

The production of aggregates in quarries consists of connected processes; drilling, blasting, transport and crushing/screening. This research relates to the quarry transports performed by wheel loaders and articulated haulers. To evaluate transport efficiency the total cost per transported tonne is used. This measure enables comparisons between different set ups and scenarios. A simulation system has been designed to calculate fleet performance. The system uses detailed dynamic machine models. Simulations have been carried out to evaluate CO2 emissions per transported tonne for different combinations of machines and fleet sizes. The system also provides the possibility to optimize transportation in terms of total cost of ownership (TCO).