Optimisation - Mass Haul Diagrams

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Optimisation - Mass Haul Diagrams

Document No: 67-08-62H1 Revision: 2 Date amended: 04-May-2005

The information below is intended to reflect the preferred practice of Main Roads Western Australia ("Main Roads"). Main Roads reserves the right to update this information at any time without notice. If you have any questions or comments please contact Stephen Curgenven by e-mail or on (08) 9323 4415. To the extent permitted by law, Main Roads, its employees, agents, authors and contributors are not liable for any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on the information herein displayed.

Revision Register
Ed/ Version Number ISSUE 1 ISSUE 2 Clause Number ALL ALL Description of Revision GUIDELINE DEVELOPED GUIDELINE REVISED AND APPROVED Date

14/03/02 04/05/05

Table Of Content:
8. CHAPTER 8 OF 10. OPTIMISATION - MASS HAUL DIAGRAMS 8.1. GENERAL 8.2. CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS HAUL DIAGRAM 8.3. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MASS HAUL DIAGRAM

8.Chapter 8 of 10. OPTIMISATION - MASS HAUL DIAGRAMS 8.1.General

The balancing of earthworks volumes is of significant importance because of its effect on the overall cost of a project. It is a simple matter with the aid of computers to calculate the total earthwork volume and produce a mass haul diagram for any particular profile. The information generated can then be used to adjust the profile until a satisfactory earthworks volume and balance is achieved. Due to specific project characteristics (e.g. suitability of cut material for use as fill) the balancing of earthworks may not always be the most efficient solution.

8.2.Construction of the Mass Haul Diagram

The mass haul diagram is a curve plotted on a distance base, the ordinate at any point of which represents the algebraic sum up to that point of the volumes of cuttings and embankments from the start of the project or from any arbitrary point. In obtaining the algebraic sum, cuttings are considered positive and embankments negative. This is shown diagrammatically in Figure 8.1. The designer, in calculating earthwork quantities, should allow for bulking and compaction factors. In situ material when excavated increases in volume i.e. it bulks up. When this material is placed and compacted it decreases in volume. Factors are specific to the material being handled and designers should seek advice from geotechnical engineers. The construction and properties of the diagram can be followed from the following example:

Distance (Metres) 0

Volume (Cubic Metres) CUT + + 490 FILL -

Total Volume (Cubic Metres) 0 + 490

100 + 927 200 + 982 300 + 279 380 - 31 400 - 226

+ 1 417 + 2 399 + 2 678 + 2 647

http://www2.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Internet/Standards/RTems/geometric_design/roadways/optimisation.asp

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Optimisation - Mass Haul Diagrams

500 - 654 600 - 1 160 700 - 933 800 - 92 831 + 220 900 + 428 1 000 + 230 - 198 - 418 - 326 + 607 + 1 767 + 2 421

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Table 8.1 Example of Volumes Table

Figure 8.1 Mass Haul Diagram

8.3.Characteristics Of The Mass Haul Diagram

Characteristics of the mass haul diagram are: Upward slope of the curve in the direction of the algebraic summation (1) indicates excavation. Downward slope (2) indicates filling. A maximum earthworks point (3) occurs at the end of an excavation and a minimum point (4) at the end of an embankment. The vertical distance between a maximum point and the next forward minimum point represents the whole volume of an embankment. Similarly, between a minimum and the next forward maximum point, the whole volume of an excavation. Between any two points where the curve cuts the base line the volume of excavation equals that of embankment, since the algebraic sum of the quantities between such points is zero. The points (a) and (c), for example, show, on being projected to A and C, that the earthwork is balanced between A and C, that is the material excavated from AB would form the embankment up the point C. There is also balance from C to D. Any horizontal line intersecting the mass curve, similarly shows lengths over which cutting and filling are equalised. Thus xy is a balancing line, the cut from X to B just filling from B to Y, the volume moved being represented by bz. When the mass curve lies above the balancing line, the excavated material must be hauled forward. When below, the direction of haul is backward. The length of balancing line intercepted by the lmass curve represents the maximum haul distance in that section. Thus, taking the base line as the balancing line, the greatest haul distance involved in disposing of excavation AB is ac = AC, so that no material should be hauled past C. The designer and construction engineer can, with the aid of a mass haul diagram, minimise construction costs by planning the amount, movement and placement of material.

http://www2.mainroads.wa.gov.au/Internet/Standards/RTems/geometric_design/roadways/optimisation.asp

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Optimisation - Mass Haul Diagrams

The diagram graphically illustrates : Amounts of earth excavation and embankment involved in balanced sections. Location of balance points. Distribution of material. Haulage distances - which together with quantities involved enable selection of economical construction plant and scheduling of operations. Direction of haul and limit of profitable haul distance.

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Positions where material can be wasted or borrowed to prevent overhaul.

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3/9/2009 7:08:19 PM