Forecasting rock trencher performance using fuzzy logic

To study the performance of rock cutting trenchers, data on the excavation and tool consumption rate of one type of trencher. the Vermeer T-850, were gathered on 16 sites. The data assembled were compared with the rock charac teristics by studying the trench geology and performing rock engineering te sts on samples. This study aims at more reliable predictions, by developing better methods to handle the data. which are commonly of an imprecise natu re. To reach this goal. fuzzy set theory has been selected and successfully implemented. A Fuzzy Expert System model has been developed to predict the bit consumption and the excavation rate of the T-850 trencher. The results obtained so far are promising and the model is in the verification stage. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.