Analysis of Excavation Processes for the Purpose of Realizing Intelligent Excavation Machinery : 3rd Report, Physical Parameters Measured in Three-dimensional Excavation Using a Real-sized Bucket

In order to investigate problems related to soil and construction machinery, such as a hydraulic excavator, an understanding of the physical interactions between the soil and the machine is essential. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine actual excavation processes by measuring various physical parameters. In this article we present results from the outdoor excavation experiments in which two different soil types, sand and loam, were excavated by using a real-sized bucket equipped with many sensors. Several physical parameters were measured such as excavation load, lateral and longitudinal distributions of pressure and friction exerted on the bucket surface and fracture of soils. Also effects of artificially reduced friction of the bucket surface were tested in two different ways; use of a low friction polymer and use of mechanical vibration.