Modeling and Analysis of Aggregate Production Operations

Abstract

This paper presents a special purpose simulation tool developed for the aggregate processing industry called CRUISER. Special purpose tools offer an alternative to general purpose simulators, which are generally difficult to use by construction practitioners. CRUISER is based on a visual object-oriented environment that facilitates the process of creating simulation models and experimenting with them. The two main aggregate production processes modeled are (1) size reduction through crushing; and (2) size separation through screening. The underlying models are based on a combination of equipment manufacturing specifications, empirical data, flow analysis, and stochastic analysis. The system was tested on a number of plant configurations and is being implemented at a number of organizations.