Discrete-event simulation of truck–excavator systems in surface mining using a finite-source closed-loop queuing model

Danang Setiawan; Haswika Haswika; Qurtubi Qurtubi; M. Zikra Zizo  Alfieta

doi:10.30656/jsmi.v9i2.11003

Authors

Danang Setiawan Universitas Islam Indonesia
Haswika Haswika Politeknik Tanah Laut https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6737-8263
Qurtubi Qurtubi Universitas Islam Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5579-4977
M. Zikra Zizo Alfieta Universitas Islam Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.30656/jsmi.v9i2.11003

Keywords:

Closed-loop queuing model, DES, Match factor, Mining simulation, Queuing theory, Truck–excavator system

Abstract

Truck-excavator interaction in surface mining is often modeled as finite-source, closed-loop queuing systems. An optimization-based approach is typically used, assuming deterministic and homogeneous fleet configurations. This paper aims to contribute to the current literature by implementing a simulation-based approach, discrete-event simulation (DES), to analyze a finite-source closed-loop queuing model in a surface mining operation. The case study used was coal overburden removal activities, which operate under a first-come, first-served discipline, and loop through four phases: loading, hauling, dumping, and returning. Under the current fleet configuration, the overburden removal activity is experiencing a 19,17% production shortfall and a match factor (MF) of 0.74. An MF below 1 indicates an under-truck system, where the excavator often idles while waiting for the trucks to arrive. Three scenarios were tested using the validated DES model: (1) the as-is scenario with four trucks and one excavator, (2) variations of truck quantity, and (3) a route improvement scenario to reduce travel time. Simulation results indicate that adding five trucks yields the highest productivity (533.86 BCM/hour), utilization (92.48%), and MF (0.91), while the route improvement scenario achieved nearly comparable performance (513.94 BCM/hour, 88.86% utilization, MF = 0.88) with lower resource. Although the current case study operates under a homogeneous fleet with a single excavator, this study also tests the DES model under heterogeneous fleet configurations and a multi-server setup involving two excavators. These findings highlight the DES capability in modeling and analyzing a queuing system under a finite-source closed-loop, both for homogeneous and heterogeneous fleet configurations.

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