Productivity Study on Extruded Concrete Curbing Operations

Abstract

Continuous extruded curbing operations are investigated to identify the major parameters that influence the productivity of placing curbing. The study is conducted by collecting data directly in the field by observing curb placing crews. The curbing operations are similar in that all operations occur in one geographic area, with one type of extruded concrete curb, and with the same work procedure. The results show that productivity is significantly influenced by the number of finish points encountered. Finish points include corners, radii and curb terminations. It is noted that productivity is significantly influenced by the extent of auger wear as measured by the amount of concrete that has been extruded by the auger. An economic analysis of productivity and auger wear is conducted. It is found that these augers should generally be replaced much sooner than actually occurs in practice. The results indicate that productivity can be predicted or estimated with reasonable accuracy when specific job parameters are known.