In surface mining operations, ultra-heavy-haul trucks apply axle loads in excess of 200 t, but the daily load repetitions are low. Road networks for these vehicles have historically been designed empirically, relying heavily on local experience. Increasing vehicle sizes have resulted in unwarranted deformations and excessive maintenance requirements. There was thus a need to consider the transportation problem holistically, taking into account construction and maintenance costs as well as vehicle operating costs. Most opencast mines in South Africa are private endeavors, and all savings will benefit the company. A research project was undertaken in South Africa to develop a management system that takes into account different design factors. The various components of the management system are presented, and the value of its application is demonstrated through case studies. The structural design system, the pavement deterioration system, and the maintenance effectiveness are discussed. The components are then combined to provide total transportation costs and the appropriate maintenance regime to minimize total transportation cost. The system has been applied on several mines, and distinct benefits have been derived. The improved structural design of a new road resulted in a 29 percent savings in construction costs, compared with the tendered price of the empirically designed structure. In addition, improved wet weather trafficabililty was noted. Mines have also used the system as a motivation for improved maintenance equipment and strategies because significant benefits were apparent from the adoption of the maintenance management system.


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    Title :

    Management of Unpaved Road Networks on Opencast Mines


    Additional title:

    Transportation Research Record: Journal of the Transportation Research Board


    Contributors:


    Publication date :

    1999-01-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




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