Machine Management in Road Construction

Introduction

Effective monitoring of machine attributes—availability, efficiency, usage, and productivity—is indispensable for the success of a construction project.

Managing machines in a road construction project takes center stage due to the industry's heavy reliance on these mechanical assets. Moreover, the unique nature of road construction, often spanning remote locations in a cross-country setting, amplifies the importance of efficient machine management. In such expansive projects, the performance of machinery becomes a linchpin for success.

Let's delve into how a manager can strategically approach this multifaceted challenge.

The major attributes of machine management in a construction project are:

1. Availability

Availability refers to the percentage of time a machine is operational and ready for use. It is an indicator of the effectiveness of resource planning and maintenance management.

?2. Efficiency

Efficiency measures how well a machine performs in terms of actual productivity v/s rated productivity.

Efficiency does not only depend upon the operational efficiency of the machine itself but also the efficiency and effective use of the supporting machine and manpower. For example a batching plant's efficiency will depend upon the availability of number of transit mixers, distance of pouring point from the plant, method of pouring which affects the rate of pouring…

3. Usage

Usage is the amount of time a machine is actively working on tasks related to the project. This is a measure of operational efficiency of overall construction system. It depends upon availability of the work front, work planning and coordination, effective communication and distance between work fronts.

4. Productivity

Productivity measures the machine's output in terms of work completed per unit time. Productivity for the same machine may differ in different conditions. For instance, if an excavator is tasked with cutting at a depth that results in the bucket being filled below its capacity, the overall productivity of the excavator will decrease.

5. Quality of the Output

It is to be ensured that the product made by the machine meets the specified requirements within the allowable tolerances. Regularly review the performance of each machine in terms of the product quality.

Regular reviews help identify any deviations and allow for timely adjustments or maintenance to uphold the desired output quality.

Tools

Major Management tools for effective machine management are:

Machine Schedule

Create a detailed machine availability schedule synchronised with the project schedule that outlines when and where each machine needs to be mobilised and demobilised.

Such a schedule helps in improving the availability of machinery, optimising the cost of mobilisation and hiring and in reducing demobilisation time.

Maintenance Schedule

This is a proactive measure. Plan regular maintenance and downtime for machines to minimize disruption to the project. Ensure maintenance is well-documented.

A planned and declared maintenance schedule not only keeps the machines efficient and improves its availability, productivity and life but also helps the users to plan for their construction activities without affecting the project schedule.

Monitoring & Analysis

Use sensors and data collection tools to monitor the machine's active hours, downtime, idling time, fuel consumption etc. This allows for immediate response to breakdowns and in maintaining records of machine availability over time to identify trends and areas for improvements.

Managers should analyze the data collected to identify trends and areas for improvement.

GPS based telematics and maintaining log sheet in real time and punching its data in the system are the methods adopted for collecting the data for monitoring and analysis.

Idle and Marching Time Analysis

Identify and reduce idle time, which can significantly impact project costs. Marching time shall also be identified and recorded.

Conclusion

In the context of road construction projects, the meticulous monitoring of machines is of paramount importance, constituting a critical element not only in the achievement of project milestones, cost containment, and the assurance of high-quality outcomes but also giving an insight into the actual productivity, useful for pricing in future projects.

As a road is made for everyone it has got time constraints and demanding quality standards which makes resource management highly challenging. Hence a technical and vigilant approach to machine management emerges as the foundational pillar for successful project?execution.