Simulation analysis of productivity variation by global positioning system (GPS) implementation in earthmoving operations

Abstract

The global positioning system (GPS) is being applied in the construction industry as a practical tool for higher productivity. The aim of this study is to estimate the productivity improvement from GPS implementation in earthmoving operations using construction simulation. The results show that the GPS-based system can increase productivity by 21.74% and cost savings by 12.92% over the conventional system in a project with a short haul distance and can increase productivity by 5.67% and cost savings by 4.79% in a project with a long haul distance. It was noted that the bulldozer and truck are critical resources for productivity in each project and that the greater the number of work activities in a project, the lower the improvement in productivity as a result of using a specific technology applied to a limited number of pieces of equipment, due to the existence of many varied factors. This study is intended to help construction planners set up optimized GPS-based earthmoving operations.Key words: earthmoving, global positioning system, simulation, productivity.