What factors affect cycle travel time for trucks during excavation projects?

The focus on distance, road resistance, grade resistance, and rimpull as factors that affect cycle travel time for trucks during excavation projects is clear because these elements directly influence the efficiency and speed at which trucks can transport materials.

Distance traveled is obviously a fundamental factor; the greater the distance, the longer the cycle time will be. However, road resistance, which includes surface conditions and roughness, affects how easily the truck can move. If the road is in poor condition, it requires more effort and time to traverse.

Grade resistance also plays a crucial role as it pertains to the incline of the roadway. Trucks require significantly more power and time to ascend a slope compared to traveling on level ground. This aspect can greatly increase the overall cycle time, especially in areas where excavation projects alter the terrain.

Rimpull refers to the pulling force exerted by the truck’s tires on the ground, which is vital when considering loads and terrain. A truck may struggle to maintain speed or effectively transport an excavation load if rimpull is compromised due to slippery surfaces or insufficient traction.

While truck size and load capacity, as well as weather conditions and traffic, can influence overall efficiency, the combination of distance, road resistance, grade resistance, and rimpull is