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Machinery for construction and works
The world of construction is very broad, and knowing what to do at all times is difficult. A colleague was telling us about his adventures in the search for construction machinery to build a large avenue.
We are perplexed by the complexity of the subject and the different options, characteristics, classifications or types of machines that are used in the works, a subject in which not only excavators can be used. There is a world behind that many of us technicians should remember as professionals in the architecture sector.
As it never hurts to review the field of construction machinery, we have wanted to simplify the information so that at least we have a perspective of what we are going to find and the possible options available in the market as well as their characteristics or thetypes of construction machinery.
Classification of construction machinery
To determine a coherent classification, although there are many variants (By applicable regulations, by the DGT … etc), we are going to proceed to a division according to the weight - volume relationship, that is, according to their capacity, and we can organize them accordingly. the following way to be able to have an overview:
Heavy machinery
Here come those that have large geometric proportions, equating them with reference to traditional street vehicles, they have considerable volume and weight.
They need a trained operator who needs a special license for heavy machinery, given the complexity of the controls and their functionality.
Its use is mainly intended for large earthworks (be it open pit or in tunnels), movement of heavy elements, civil engineering or mining works. Some examples would be; the famous tunnel boring machines, large cranes or the Tipper - Dump Truck… etc.
Types of heavy machinery
In the classification of heavy machinery for construction, from the perspective of the works and their activities, a great variety of equipment is used and they affect a wide range of public (mainly civil engineering) or private works.
Earthworks, roads, clearings, dams, dredging, drilling of tunnels and trenches, excavations or deep foundations. So the construction equipment used is various as well as its dimensions, but the main ones - if we talk about large equipment - we can divide them:
- Excavator
- Backhoe
- Dredgers
- The dragline
- The scraper
- Escrepa
- The paver
- Compactor
- Motor grader
- The water cisterns
- The dump trucks
- Tractors
- The loader
Semi-heavy machinery
We would classify them as of medium proportions and dimensions. The perfect example is the typical construction dump truck, small excavators, small cranes, smaller backhoes … etc (It may seem that they are similar to the previous ones, but you have to think in terms of dimensions). An example of a light heavy team:
Light equipment
In this section we would include specialized construction equipment or small-sized construction machinery; a water pump, compressors, vibrators, steel cutters, pavement breakers…. etc.
We can also distinguish them based on the energy consumed for their proper functioning, we would have two different typologies:
- Pneumatic, work on the basis of compressed air generated by a motor compressor.
- Electrical, they work with common electrical energy directly from the electrical supply or, failing that, from generator sets installed on site.
Heavy vehicles
The point of reference would be the stake truck or truck with a body that we find in every construction site for the transport of material.
Medium heavy vehicles
They refer to those intended for public use, although they do not fall within the architecture sector, they must be differentiated and we could say as an example a micro bus.
Light vehicles
This is where the typical street car or the van that every self-respecting work has available would enter.
Note: For Spain, the DGT (General Directorate of Traffic) provides an extensive classification on the types of vehicles that we believe we understand is not in accordance with the purpose of the article.
According to the power source
The type of motor of the machine is taken as a reference, defining the concept of motor as: A system that converts a certain kind of energy (hydraulic, electrical, chemical … etc) into mechanical energy that generates movement.
According to the method of transport
This is where translation from one place to another comes into play. That we could classify you as:
Taking into account the operations carried out
Depending on what they are intended for, we should clarify them according to:
According to the equipment and work to be carried out
This classification is more protected in the function and use that it is going to carry out. It is a nomenclature and names of construction machines protected by the companies in the sector. The list and examples could be:
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The above names are assigned with images to the following different examples of construction machinery equipment:
Once I review the names of construction machinery common and always taking into account that technological advances provide us with new tools, and especially from the perspective of the field of robotics in which really modern engineering devices are appearing on the market that in many cases are derived to replace the worker or operator in their functions.
See article along the same lines of how a robot detects errors in the works. Very interesting to see how the devices and systems are changing in the works.
Due to a more common use and "typical construction" needs, we want to delve a little further into the field of construction machinery and excavators on site.
Excavators
Machine designed for earthmoving and excavation. Self-propelled on wheels or chains. Depending on the work you do, there are different applications:
Front push. Where you normally use to excavate high benches.
Retro push. It is applied in excavations below ground level zero. (It's the backhoe)
Clamshell equipment. Although not very common, it refers to that spoon that is dropped open on the material to be excavated that literally "sinks the teeth" and when it rises the buckets are closed collecting the excavated material.
We can also see the different types of excavators according to:
- Taking into account its conditioning: Cable or mechanical excavators and hydraulic ones.
- Taking care of the translation system: Excavators mounted on chains (caterpillars), on wheels or Tires. On rails and on ships.
- Depending on the type of operation: normal or standard excavators, jaws, tamber and Rosario.
Remember that the topic of foundations is complicated and to understand it better, we have an article on foundations and types of pathologies with 9 essential guides that are very useful for the construction technician.
Currently there is a wide variety of utensils, tools and accessories for excavators that provide different functions thanks to current technology and palpable benefits in the architecture we practice. An example from the JCB brand …
We can also find a little more information related to the examples and types of scaffolding in works that also delve into the assembly process, its advantages and disadvantages or weaknesses, and the correct use of them.
In the following video we can see the parts of an excavator well explained and some tips …
Construction machinery regulations
In order to be a little clear about the applicable legislation in Spain, although it is a bit complex given that the European Regulation also intervenes, we will be able to elucidate more data on the classification of construction machinery.
We have wanted to provide a scheme for the Spanish territory that may be of interest to get an idea of the applicable regulations, although we mainly have to base ourselves on theRoyal Decree 1644/2008 and in modifying this with theRoyal Decree 494/2012.
How construction machines are amortized
Although it seems like a topic that does not enter the article on types of heavy machines in the works, it must be recognized that here it plays an important role given the economic value and price of this type of machinery for sale.
Although we should highlight the differences and particular characteristics between civil, public or private construction. In general, the goal pursued by amortization can be explained in different ways:
- Create a fund for the renewal of the machine.
- Accounting for the reduction in the equity value of the company.
- Spread the cost of machinery over production.
- Recover the money paid for multiple years in the acquisition of the machine.
From the following video we can easily delve into this important concept from the construction perspective with an excellent video by Víctor Yepes at Polimedia (Polytechnic University of Valencia).
Although the subject is very broad and in reality we should explain many concepts and points; From the organization through security, it has introduced us more in the typologies. We wanted to make a short introduction to remind us of some ideas that surely many of our users have forgotten.
Buying, maintenance and technical specifications guides
The world of machinery is complicated and more, when we speak in the construction and construction sector. Many technical specifications and characteristics depending on the model.
The following diagram simplifies what we should look at when buying construction and construction machinery with some tips:
In this situation, one of the best information portals is from the Construction Labor Foundation that you can consult HERE, which also has very good documentation such as:
The documentation and technical specifications of the above information are very good, recommended!
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