Optimizing Large Excavators for Breakwater Construction to Improve Efficiency, Save Energy, and Reduce Emissions
Type:
Presented during:
WODCON XXII - Enhance the Harmony between Dredging and Ecology
Authors:
J KIRKTON, B EVANS
Abstract
"Equipment used in construction projects for coastal protection often require a combination of larger reach and lift capacity than standard equipment and works in surface conditions that are not ideal. Creating a solution to satisfy these demands requires a holistic review of the application and an understanding of the productivity gains that can be generated by modifying a standard machine. Breakwater construction isn’t a new task and there are many examples of emerging technologies on the market today that can be employed to increase productivity. However, by combining several of these technologies with a modified machine on a grander scale, an optimized solution can be achieved that improves efficiency, saves energy and reduces emissions. To fully integrate hardware, software and technology, this type of customized solution requires cross-organizational collaboration among industry partners. To illustrate the effectiveness of this type of cross-organizational collaboration, this paper contrasts two large excavator solutions that were optimized for breakwater construction; one at the Port of Roenne in Demark and the other at the Port City Colombo in Sri Lanka. Although the coastal protection projects were similar in nature, the unique technical requirements of each were best served by an optimized solution. To improve efficiency, both projects utilized a single machine to satisfy multiple functional and technical requirements to complete the critical tasks. The productivity gains and resulting energy savings represent a new achievement for excavating equipment of this size. "
Keywords: breakwater, long reach, coastal protection, versatility, marine construction