1. Somos WSP
  2. Que hacemos
  3. Proyectos
  4. Optimizing haulage operations with discrete event simulation

 

The mining industry faces fierce competition and markets that peak and dip. Understanding an operation and its influencing factors can mean the difference between profit and loss. However, mining operations are complex networks of equipment and activities, each affecting the overall performance of the facility. Predicting the short and long-term behaviour of the overall system can be difficult without the use of advanced tools. Discrete event simulation is a method of simulating the behaviour and performance of a real-life process, facility, or system. As the speed and memory of computers rapidly develop and expand, so too has the use of this tool in mining and other industries. WSP has successfully utilized discrete event simulation models for large-scale projects. 

Ubicación

  • Worldwide

Certifications

  • BREEM/LEED

Simulating Haulage Logistics for Large-Scale Earthworks

On a large-scale construction project, our client required the excavation and movement of over one million cubic metres of overburden and topsoil. The locations of the project site and material laydown areas meant that large volumes of bulk material would be moved by haul trucks on public roads. Traffic control measures would likely be required to allow the trucks to move the required volumes safely, but the magnitude of the potential impacts was not well-defined.

 WSP developed a discrete event construction haulage simulation model that included:

  • The various phases of the construction plan, from site clearing to construction.
  • Haul truck operations to move various construction materials between the work sites to meet the construction schedule.
  • Three working laydown areas.
  • The road network connecting the work sites with the ability to model alternate routes.
  • Configurable inputs for the truck fleet size, truck payload, travel speeds, loading times, miscellaneous delays, etc.
  • Operating schedules for the haul trucks (operating hours, shift changes, lunch and coffee breaks, etc.).
  • Dispatching logic for the trucks to handle the daily requirements for the various materials and to react to changes in the state of the system resulting from external factors.
  • Rules for truck movements on the road network, including priority at congestion points, queues for loading and dumping, traffic control rules when interacting with traffic on public roads, etc.
  • The impact of public vehicle traffic on construction traffic (rush hour speed reductions, wait times at intersections).

Predicting optimal outcomes using discrete event simulations

Our model was used to estimate the material handling capacity of various haul truck fleets to test different operating scenarios, to evaluate the performance of the haulage operation over all phases of the construction period, and to inform design decisions being made by the project team. We were able to predict the performance of each construction phase, traffic density on the haul roads and public roads, operating cost estimates for the mass excavation phases, the number of working days required to complete a construction phase, and equipment utilization metrics. We also tested a series of scenarios to mitigate the peak traffic on public roads, such as performing some operations at different times of day, reducing haulage to remote sites, and the use of alternate haul routes to remote sites.
By using discrete event simulation, our team was able to provide the client with information to make informed decisions that helped maximize the chance of achieving the project haulage targets for the minimum cost, while minimizing the risks to traffic on public roads.

What makes this project stand out

Red_Crossroad

Examining alternatives

Our discrete event simulation identified alternate haul routes that would reduce traffic on public roads and improve safety.

Optimizing operations

Modifications were recommended to the construction schedule to further reduce peak traffic volumes for haulage operations.

Reducing costs

The lowest cost haul route was estimated based on reduced truck cycle times and traffic congestion.

Experience in discrete event simulation models

Understanding that our clients need access to all available tools to help better forecast and prepare for projects, WSP’s operations analysis experts began developing discrete event simulation models in 1997 for the mining, mineral processing, transportation, and supply chain industries. We have performed simulation studies for surface and underground mines, process plants, and multi-modal transportation systems including developing a complete “mine-to-market” models, which are used to optimize system design from production at the ore body through to delivery of final product to the customer.

Proyectos relacionados