Equipment Crew Composition for Residential Project
Project Summary
Construction planning is an essential and challenging activity in the management and execution of building projects. The process involves the choice of equipment, technology, description of work tasks, and estimation of the required resources as well as the duration of individual tasks. More importantly, equipment crew composition is essential for site preparation, excavation, and concrete works for the foundation of a construction project. The residential project that requires selecting equipment in of land 300 yards long and 200 yards wide. The site is reasonably a level terrain with less than 25% hardwood and firm ground. The specifications of the project require excavating 4 ft. of the entire site and putting steel-reinforced concrete with a compressive strength higher than 6,000 psi. The identified disposal site is 3 miles away from the construction site.
Assumptions
The project client/owner preferences will be in line with the construction company’s preferred policies concerning the procurement of equipment.
The job conditions, such as availability of dumping and loading area, accessibility of the site, traffic flows, and weather conditions in the area, will remain favorable for the project period.
All the equipment will be available locally, rental costs remain favorable, and the availability of temporary haul loads. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Equipment will lose a similar amount of value every year until it reaches the salvage value.
Site Preparation, Excavating, Grading, and Hauling
Preparation of the site will incorporate wrecking or demolition of buildings and other structures and clearing of the construction site. The process also includes test drilling, blasting, landfilling, earthmoving, leveling, excavating, and land drainage. The clearance of the site is the initial task for site preparation. The condition of the site should be clear and graded. The process will involve demolishing buildings and removal of any underground infrastructure along with other obstacles that might affect the operation of construction.
Equipment for Demolition, Excavating, and Hauling
Wheel Excavator
The demolition of the site would require a wheel excavator that would be best for asphalt or concrete. Given that the soil if reasonably level and firm, the wheel excavator will be faster for clearing the surface and make the work easier to maneuver.
A standard HW75 Wheel Excavator with an operating weight of 7500 kg, bucket capacity of 0.28 cbm, and rated power of 48Kw would be suitable for clearing the ground for construction. The electrical system of the excavator is equipped with color liquid crystal display, with monitoring, self-test, emergency fault, and good human-computer interaction. The HW75 Wheel Excavator has an advanced turbocharge exhaust engine with adequate power reserves to optimize the engine function and attain perfect matching and limit power loss. The traveling system has a heavy-duty front and rear drive axels as well as gearboxes to offer a higher capacity of carrying. Even though the cost of purchasing the equipment is high, it would be the best option due to the shortage of workforce on the job site. Besides, the availability of trained human resources in Miami would make it easy to buy the equipment. Similarly, owning the equipment would offer long-term tax benefits, predominantly from interest deduction and depreciation.
Backhoe
An Alban CAT of 415F2 IL Industrial Loader with a Net Power – SAE J1349 of 68 HP and 3.90-inch will be versatile equipment for the residential construction. The chosen backhoe loader will function as a three-piece of material blended into one. The maximum operating weight is 17637 lb, the front counterweight is 255 lb, and MP bucket (1.00 m3/1.31 yd3) has a weight of 255lb. The equipment has a standard loader bucket with a dig depth of 3 inches.
The power transmission of the first standard forward is 3.4 mph. These include tractors, loaders, and backhoes in one package. The 415F2 IL Industrial Loader is the right option for the project to ensure the highest quality standards. In addition, the equipment has an improved breakout force, better dump height, wider reach, and maximum pushing power, but with a small structure. Thus, it will deliver a precise, handling, and practical operation to provide the most outstanding results.
The primary reason for renting is that it may not be essential in the later stages of the project; thus, it is necessary to avoid the risk of purchasing a high cost. The backhoe relates to its design that tackles landscaping jobs of every type and size, including moving ground rocks and ravel and doing minor excavating jobs and trenches for irrigation lines to ensure that the landscape remains healthy and watered. The CAT of 415F2 IL Industrial Loader also can do different jobs at once, making it best for getting value money. Naturally, the machine can do various tasks, which helps save hassle and money. The proposed ground site is also level, which makes the engine highly applicable. Further, the rocky soil in the site will suit the equipment due to its ability to maximize work on flat surfaces.
Track Loaders
For this equipment, the purchase of a 953K Track Loader will be valuable in doing versatile jobs and fit the tight spaces and harsh ground characteristics of the site. The equipment has a flywheel power of 115 kW and an operating weight of 15355 Kg. The capacity of the bucket is 1.8 M3, which makes it suitable for general residential construction purposes. 953K has an optimal performance series bucket that will assist in moving up to 10% more material per hour. The machine has versatile configurations that suit residential construction requirements, including carrying, digging, lading, and pushing. Adding the Cat Track Loader in the equipment crew would be like adding a valuable member to a team.
Therefore, the purchase of 953K Track Loader will save money and transport time working alone for clearing the soil, digging, truck loading, grading, and slope work. The importance of this machine also relates to its ability to exert low pressure on the ground and offer better traction so that the work can start earlier and last longer. Furthermore, this equipment will help save up to 25% of fuel because it has eco modes and efficient engines that will take a variety of tasks while using less fuel.
Waste Removal Dumper
The process of removing ravel and other materials from the site will require the purchasing of a 777G Off-Highway Truck dumper. Particularly, an updated Cat C32 engine with a powerful torque converter and electronic clutch pressure control transmission would provide a superior work performance. The 77G has an engine power of 749 kW ISO 14396 and a top speed of 65.9 km/h. The maximum load class for the equipment is 98.2 ton representing 110% of the highest load required on roads. The capacity of the truck is 42.1 m3, and when heaped, it has 60.1m3 that maximizes on waste disposal.
The 777E has high fuel-saving strategies that would reduce costs and fuel burn. The machine has an Economy Mode modifies engine maps to make use of steady grades as well as level ground, limiting fuel burn and power. The equipment has an automatic speed limit that selects the most efficient speed and gear for the terrain. Also, the engine idle shutdown feature identifies when the truck is packed and initiates the engine shutdown to save fuel. The suspension and steering of the truck are designed for maneuverability, considering that the construction dump site is 3 miles away. The machine also has an operator comfort feature to offer improved visibility. Functionality such as advisor display, new dash, and center console makes the control of the machine comfortable, safe, and productive. Consequently, the truck minimizes fatigue of operator and increases work productivity.
Dozer
Purchasing a bulldozer would be a significant step towards achieving effectiveness in shifting a considerable amount of dirt piles and other demolition tasks within the construction site. The dozer will be essential for clearing, grubbing, and hauling of the ground. And so, renting a D6N LGP Dozer w/ GPS from Cat would provide versatility, productivity, and low cost compared to purchasing a new machine. The D6N LGP Dozer excels at scraper work and finishes grading, making it a top choice for residential construction. The essential features of the machine include a weight of 40,500 lbs and a horsepower of 166. D6N has a width over tracks of 8.2 ft and ground clearance of 1.77 ft. The engine has six cylinders with a net power of 150 hp and an operating weight of 39222 lb. Therefore, this equipment will provide high efficiency and performance in construction. The articulated hydraulic steering system makes it flexible and easy to work in the construction site. The decision to buy the equipment relates to its high resale value, low fuel, and operating costs. Besides, the salvage value of the equipment remains high, making it economical to buy compared to hiring.
Motor Grader
For this equipment, the Caterpillar 140 GC Motor Grader will provide the optimum operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The high resale value and low maintenance cost mean that buying the equipment would be a better option. The grader has 196-horsepower and cat C7.1 Tier 4 engine as well as an all-wheel drive. A more significant feature for residential construction is the operating weight of 19,105 pounds and 12-foot moldboard. Additionally, the 6F/3R automatic power-shift transmission that eliminates the inching medial coupled with the redesigned hydraulic system would offer balanced performance in the construction operating situations. The machine has an ECO operating mode, and fans reduce consumption of fuel as well as extended intervals of maintenance that focus on reducing operating costs.
The equipment has a conventional steering wheel and lever controls that the operator can adjust at preference. The standard no-spin differential of the machine activates without the input of an operator to augment traction during weak ground and underfoot conditions. Overall, the machine will enhance performance, reduce maintenance costs, and increase versatility.
Concrete Mixer Truck
In this residential construction project, an HWJB200 Concrete Mixer Truck with a mixing capacity of 2.0m3, the weight of 4880 Kg, and 55 kW of power will provide a simple and convenient operation. The machine has a high-efficiency output, saves cost as well as time and labor, which makes the equipment suitable for buying as opposed to hiring. Further, it would provide a perfect combination of mixing trucks and loading cars with two-way unlading features. Purchasing two HWJB200 would allow transportation of concrete for building. The truck is equipped with cylindrical agitators with the ability to carry 2.0m3 of mixed concrete. The machine rotates the mixing cylinder during transportation to ensure that the concrete does not solidify.
Tower Crane
The construction of the residential area would require hiring a top crane. In particular, the Potain MDT 569 would be suitable because of its optimized weights and component sizes that facilitate easy transport and assembly of materials. The design of MDT 569 helps to lift large loads at the same time and has options for optimum hoisting capabilities, including 22, 27.7, and 35.3 tons. The maximum jib of the train is 262 feet with a maximum speed of 640 ft/min.
Equally, the crane can be fitted with a new 26 foot, cross-base that eases the assembly of material and ensuring cost-effectiveness. Despite this, it would be suitable to hire the equipment because of the low duration of use and high maintenance value. The specific design based on the topless idea means that it requires little space to adapt to the construction job site. The lofty working heights and compact size ensure optimized and economical transportation and assembly of materials.
Hauling Truck
Purchasing a Volvo VHD hauling truck would help supplement the 777G Off-Highway Truck dumper in construction operations. According to Volvo Trucks North America, the VHD model has a 2,676 lb dry weight and represents the most significant evolution with technological advances. The new VHD will be capable of maneuvering the 6% slope in the construction site and transport marvel and other construction materials to the required destination. The axe forward and back operations make the machine suitable for straight truck applications, including dumping, pumping, and bridge-law complaint wheelbase use. The equipment can carry heavyweight in rugged terrain and crowded area, and the truck delivers effectively and efficiently. Volvo VHD’s D13 engine is optimized to provide the torque and horsepower necessary for tough vocational use.
Compactor
The process of soil stabilization in the construction site will also demand the use of a compator. As such, the Dynapac-CA1400-soil-compactor would be essential in the residential building site. Dynapac has a compaction width of 66 inches and 122 pounds per linear inch, offering the capacity to compact gravel and sand down to 20 inches. The CA1400 is fitted with Kubota Tier 4-Final engine with 75 horsepower equipped with ECO mode. The traverse mounting of the engine would provide ready access to checkpoints and service at ground level. According to Dynapac, the machine works has a moving mass of 6500 Kg and 155 kW Kubota diesel engine with a torque curve that makes it perform in all conditions.
The Dynapac works well with a steep slope, hence highly valuable for the job site. The machine has a vibratory roller fitted with compact dimensions and designed for compacting every type of reinforcement and supporting courses in building sites. The Padfoot (PD) version, equipped with drum and pads, is particularly apposite for compacting silt and clay soils.
Concrete Pump
The purchase of a Liebherr Crawler Concrete Pump 110 D-K will also provide substantial support in foundation construction. The machine has a 6-cylinder engine that meets Tier 4-F standards that enables it to produce concrete of 133 cubic yards per hour. The 110 D-K has an engine power of 145 kW and a weight of 7,450 Kg and provides a maximum concrete pressure of 75 bar. The machine is essential for pumping applications that require relocation around the building site. The design of the pump, according to Liebherr, allows speedy and efficient replacement of wear parts as well as general maintenance.
The ease in cleaning and its proper shape devoid of projections and edges reduces the accumulation of soiling and concrete residue.
Concrete Vibrator
After the placement of concrete, a vibrator is used to replace the volume and give high density to limit air voids. For this purpose, internal vibrators will be acquired to assist in the tremendous work for flat slap and external vibrators for thin wall sections.
Conclusion
The selection of appropriate equipment crew for residential construction depends on operating, maintenance, and job-site productivity. To that end, the chosen machines for the proposed project in Miami downtown remain applicable and beneficial to the site characteristics, including slope, soil type, and dumping area.