Mining Simulation

The primary purpose of 3d-DigPlus is to simulate mining processes. The functionality to perform the simulation is grouped under a number of Simulation Modes. When a particular Simulation Mode is selected functionality to perform the particular type of simulation becomes enabled.

The various Simulation modes are selected via Simulation Mode pulldown list on the main Toolbar:

In order for a particular Simulation Mode to be available this module must have been purchased and registered with the 3d-DigPlus Hasp key.

There are currently nine simulation modes and five simulation mode types. The simulation modes and types are grouped as follows:

•Free Mode. Free simulation mode is the most basic form of simulation. In this mode the user independently sets up Material Logs, Excavation Templates and Dump Templates. The Excavation Polygons are then established, the excavation is performed and excavated material reports to the active Material Log. The dump object is then drawn and the material from the contents of the active Material Log is dumped with the Active Dump Template. When this individual step is completed various excavation and dump objects a modified and the process repeated. Three Mode involves applying the Excavation, Dumping and Material Logging functionality described in the previous topics. The methodology is further described In the Generic and Topographic Simulation Tutorials.

•Single Step Simulations. The Linked and Dragline simulation modes are single step simulations. The Simulation automatically excavates and dumps material. These simulations apply to a single step of an operation. Complex operations are modelled by sequential applications of single steps. These simulations utilise a single piece of equipment or a single fleet.

•Automated Machine Simulations. The Automated Dragline and Dozer simulation modes are automated machine simulation types. These modes allow the user to set up a description of complete operation, normally a single pass, and this operation is subsequently simulated to completion.

•Schedule Based Simulations. Automated Excavation and Dump Sequencing and Truck and Shovel simulation modes are both schedule based simulations. Schedule based simulations allow the user to build up a tree structure known as a Supersequence. The Supersequence represents the mining schedule. Supersequences can include multiple branches and are capable of excavating multiple passes, strips and pits. Supersequences can span pits, include multiple equipment fleets and model multiple operations in parallel.

•Specialised Topographic Simulations. Pre-strip (dragline truck shovel integration) and Reshaping (environmental reshaping) are specialised topographic simulations. They do not simulate equipment directly but impliment complex topographic simulation processes.