EVALUATING THE LOSS OF PRODUCTIVITY of EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT and ITS FINANCIAL IMPACT on ROAD PROJECTS: A CASE of SANSUSI - TATEK-KELA ROAD PROJECT

Abstract

This research studies the impact of loss of productivity of earth moving equipment on road projects. The construction industry is known for its use of different kinds of machineries. Modern construction projects are characterized by the effective and efficient use of these machineries. Road construction projects in particular utilize a high no. of heavy machineries especially earth moving equipment such as dozer, grader, excavator, loader, roller and dump trucks. The loss of productivity of these equipment affects the projects in many ways. Namely, by causing delays to the project, adding extra equipment rental cost, by compromising the quality of the work and in several other ways. As the proper evaluation and knowledge of the productivity of earth moving equipment is important for the success of a road project, this research focuses on filling the gap - cost overrun of projects - created by the lack of proper productivity management of earth moving equipment used in road construction projects. This Study examines the major factors – such as Management efficiency, angle of loading and dozing distance - that affect the productivity of earthmoving equipment and tries to evaluate the extent of loss of productivity created by these factors. After the evaluation it Compares and contrasts the actual productivities of the earth moving equipment with company and international documents and numerates the financial loss incurred due to these productivity losses. In the end the paper includes a recommendation that would be helpful for future road projects in minimizing the loss of productivity and provides tips on how to increase the productivities of different earth moving equipment.