Estimation of fuel consumpion and carbon dioxide (CO2) Emissions from backhoe loaders through equipment productivity levels

Abstract

Infastructure construction is one the important sectors in Indonesia’s economic development. However, this sector also contributes in the high rates of energy consumption and produces large amounts of pollutant emissions. The use of heavy equipment in consruction activities consumes a large amount of fuel, which is resulting in several pollutant gases emitted, including carbon dioxide (CO2). The emission of pollutant gases is directly generated by fuel consumption, and this fuel consumption depends on equipment productivity. Accordingly, the productivity levels can be used as the base for accurately assessing emissions resulting from equipment activity. This study aims to propose a methodology for estimating the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions in the environmental and energy impacts of construction activities. The proposed estimated method is develop by combining the productivity level models generated from the CAT Performance Handbook data and the calculation algorithm from EPA’s NONROAD. To develope a productivity model, earthwork activities involving the backhoe loader were selected. Based on the results obtained, the approach using multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis is proven to be a good alternative to estimate the productivity level of the backhoe loader. Based on the value of R=95,70%, the MLR equation can be explained by a group of existing independent variables. The model can be used a basis to estimate fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Based on this model, productivity rate of backhoe loader was calculated based on several soil conditions, namely loose material, blasted rock and others, and general purpose and multipurpose types of bucket. The results show several trends in fuel use and emissions from backhoe loaders. The productivity value of the backhoe loader decreases as the engine size increases, cycle time is longer and the bucket size is large. However, it is inversely proportional to fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. Fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions increase at bigger engine size, longer cycle time, and bigger bucket size.