1. Madawalabu
University
Construction Equipment and Plant Management
COTM 4202
Chapter One
Introduction
Lecture by: Andualem Endris (M.Sc)
andu0117@yahoo.com
School of Engineering,
Construction Technology & Management Dept.
2. Construction projects require heavy equipment to execute
many of the activities.
In the case of huge construction projects; proper use of the
appropriate equipment contributes to economy, quality,
safety, speed and timely completion of a project.
We use heavy equipments for construction of highway
projects, irrigation, buildings, power projects etc.
15-30% of total project cost is accounted towards
equipment and machinery.
2COTM 4202
• Evolution of Construction Equipment
Introduction
3. Introduction
• Role of Heavy Construction
Equipment
• As technology transferred construction
equipment is designed specifically to
perform certain operations
• Construction activities require different
types, sizes, and groupings of
equipment for:
earth moving,
excavating, and
lifting.
• The development of heavy construction
equipment occurred in the last two
centuries
3COTM 4202
4. • Level of Equipment use by Type of Construction
• Type of Construction –Level of Use
• Residential - Light
• Commercial - Moderate
• Industrial - Heavy
• Highway - Intense
• Specialty - Intense
4COTM 4202
Introduction
5. • From tools to Machines
• Hands and teeth were the first tools
• Simple tools were eventually created
• As tools improved the amount and speed of
construction work increased.
• Modern machines are the results of improvement.
• The development of machines is to reduce cost,
increase speed, and enhance safety.
• The availability of Cyrus McCormick’s reaper in 1831
opened a new era for the development of mechanized
equipment
5COTM 4202
Introduction
6. • From tools to Machines
• McCormick’s invention started the transition from tools to
machines
• The reaper was a mechanized land-operating unit pulled by
a horse
• The reason for development was 2 peoples could do the
job of 14 peoples with the reaper.
6
Introduction
Cyrus McCormick’s reaper
COTM 4202
7. • Development of Earthmoving, Excavating,
and Lifting Machines
• William S. Otis designed the first steam-powered
single-bucket land excavator in 1835
7COTM 4202
Introduction
Otis steam excavator
8. • The Holt Manufacturing Company manufactured the
first steam-crawler tractor in 1904
• The tractor loader was manufactured in the 1920s and
included a cable-operated bucket attached to the front.
• Dirt was loaded into the bucket by propelling the
tractor into a dirt pile
8COTM 4202
Introduction
Holt steam crawler Fordson tractor loader