Research Article
Dec 1975
Optimum Size of Equipment
Authors: Marvin Gates and Amerigo Scarpa, F.ASCEAuthor Affiliations
Publication: Journal of the Construction Division
Volume 101, Issue 4
Abstract
Generally speaking, equipment of greater capacity yields lower unit costs than does equipment of lesser capacity. However, this is not true when the equipment is employed in an operation consisting of at least one activity that is independent of and at least one other activity that is dependent on the size or capacity of the equipment relative to combined output. In this case there exists an optimum size or capacity of the equipment that yields the minimum total unit cost for the combined independent and dependent activities. These relationships are explored herein and the equation for finding the optimum size or capacity of the equipment is derived. An example gives the economical size of the backhoe used both to excavate the trench and lay the pipe for a storm sewer pipe culvert.
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Published In
Journal of the Construction Division
Volume 101 • Issue 4 • December 1975
Pages: 861 - 867
Copyright
© 1975 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published in print: Dec 1975
Published online: Feb 11, 2021
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Authors
Affiliations
Marvin Gates
Pres., Construction Estimating, Inc., West Hartford, Conn.
Amerigo Scarpa, F.ASCE
Pres., Oates-Scarpa and Assocs., Inc., West Hartford, Connecticut
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ASCE Library Cards let you download journal articles, proceedings papers, and available book chapters across the entire ASCE Library platform. ASCE Library Cards remain active for 24 months or until all downloads are used. Note: This content will be debited as one download at time of checkout.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.
Terms of Use: ASCE Library Cards are for individual, personal use only. Reselling, republishing, or forwarding the materials to libraries or reading rooms is prohibited.