Modelling as a Tool for the Planning of the Transport System Performance in the Conditions of a Raw Material Mining

Abstract

This article is devoted to modelling of the extracted raw material removal from a mining area to the entry point for the next technological process. Two approaches were chosen for the process modelling. The first approach is regarded to traffic modelling by using available mathematical equations, based on capacity conversion and calculation of loading equipment efficiency. The second approach of modelling is computer simulation within the simulation system ExtendSim8. The modelling of the transport system and the determination of its efficiency were performed at the same conditions. The examined transport system was consisted of two lorries and one loader. The article presents the results of calculations and the results of simulation experiments, which also verified the results obtained by calculations. Calculations of the transport system performance and simulation experiments were performed for two time periods, for a time of 1 h and 6 h during a shift from three different loading places, which were 500, 1100 and 1450 m away from a place of unloading. The results obtained by both approaches are comparable. The main contribution, novelty, of this article is the modelling of the process in a quarry operation (loading and removal of mineral resources) not only on the basis of available mathematical formulas but also the application of simulation in the simulation tool EXTENDSim8, performing simulation experiments for specified conditions and their comparison with calculated values. Simulation is a suitable tool for determining and subsequently planning of the performance of both existing and projected transport systems.