Intermediate Equipment Handbook
Intech Associates
INTRODUCTION
This handbook has been developed to provide guidance on two specific areas of
the ownership and use of intermediate equipment, namely costing and
selection/procurement.
Experience in economically emerging and developing countries (EDCs) with both
local contracting and road authority organisations and the investigations of a
number of programme initiatives have demonstrated particular weaknesses in
these key areas.
The consequences of this unsatisfactory situation are that both contractors and
road authorities are often not aware of the true costs and implications of
operation of the various types of (intermediate or heavy) equipment. Many
managers are also not aware of available technology choices and lack the
knowledge to make informed investment decisions. This often leads to
considerable inefficiencies in the selection and operation of equipment, and poor
profitability or performance of the enterprises/organisations. This is particularly
alarming considering the current situation of scarce capital resources in these
countries.
A further consequence is that the general public, and particularly rural
communities, do not receive serviceable roads at a reasonable cost and in a
sustainable way.
Using the Intermediate Equipment in this Handbook a contractor or road
authority should be able to construct a wide range of road features, surfacing
and paving options1 and structures2, and carry out efficient road maintenance
operations.
After an Introduction to the concept and rationale of Intermediate Equipment,
Part 1 of this Handbook provides guidance on the costing of equipment, to
include all aspects of ownership and operation. A simple cost model is
introduced to assist owners and operators to realistically cost a piece of
equipment.
Examples of the cost model application are provided in Part 2. Cost model
examples for a motorgrader are also included for comparison purposes.
Part 3 of this Handbook provides guidance on the selection, specification and
procurement of Intermediate Equipment.
Part 4 of this Handbook provides example procurement specifications for various
items of Intermediate Equipment suitable for road works and other applications.
1 Petts, Rationale for the Compilation of International Guidelines for Low-Cost Sustainable Road
Surfacing (LCS) Working Paper No1, 2001.
2 Larcher, Petts & Spence, Small Structures for Rural Roads, 2010.
October 2012
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