| This thesis discusses a methodology involving the merging of a reliability assessment model based on genetic algorithms with discrete-event simulation. Discrete-event simulation is a modeling technique of real-life systems based on variables and events which occur or change at distinct points in time. The purpose of the simulation study in this thesis is to assess the impact of equipment failures to mine's production throughput. In more detail, using Time Between Failures (TBF) data of Load-Haul-Dump (LHD) vehicles derived from a reliability assessment model based on genetic algorithms, LHD failures are incorporated into the simulation model. These failures cause production interruptions to the mine's development cycle and consequently, loss of hauling capacity.; Two simulation models are developed using different simulation tools. The models were built using AutoMod and Simul8 and are representative of a two level, multi-drift sublevel stoping section of a typical underground mining environment found in the Sudbury, Ontario, Canada region. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
