Evaluation of deterministic models for the excavator’s theoretical productivity estimation in the digging and trenching operations

Abstract: This paper investigates the automatic theoretical productivity estimation of an excavator in digging and trenching operations. The actual productivity cannot solely reveal the machine’s performance since there are various operating conditions that can significantly influence the excavator’s actual productivity. The theoretical productivity estimation is certainly required because it is the highest feasible productivity level and provides a reference to evaluate the actual productivity. In this paper, two of the most pertinent deterministic models to calculate the excavator’s theoretical productivity are introduced. Then, the impacts of operating conditions are investigated. Finally, estimated theoretical cycle times are evaluated by comparison with the actual cycle times.