State Based Modelling of Haul Truck Operation in Undeground Mines

Monitoring mining activities is an important aspect of predictive maintenance and is widely implemented by mining enterprises. Tire haulage is particularly susceptible to this practice, as the machines perform a repetitive series of tasks that are mostly in the same order (driving with an empty box, loading, driving with a full box, unloading). Such process characteristics allow not only for real-time assessment but also for modeling. The goal of this research is to create a haul truck model that would accurately replicate this process with the appropriate level of generalization and accuracy. To achieve this, the authors utilized finite-state machine modeling due to the significant similarities in the characteristics between states, state transitions, and tire haulage work cycles. As a result of this study, a complete model was developed, which, in the experts’ opinion, should not only accurately reflect real processes (on a lower management operational level) but also be helpful in decision-making (but only if filled with correct data).