Haul Distance

Aggregate segmented haul-route lengths from horizontal runs and rise magnitudes with loaded-travel signs; not straight-line map distance or routing.

Description

A haul route consists of segments whose traveled length depends on horizontal run and elevation change.

A haul route consists of segments whose traveled length depends on horizontal run and elevation change. Elevation signs identify whether loaded travel climbs or descends each segment.^[1]

The tool returns segmentSlopeDistancesM, oneWayDistanceM, totalSignedElevationChangeM. The computation uses supplied observations and parameters rather than acquiring measurements.

When to use Haul Distance

Use this for the following task: Aggregate segmented haul-route lengths from horizontal runs and rise magnitudes with loaded-travel signs; not straight-line map distance or routing. Prepare observations and calibration parameters on the same unit and reporting basis.

How to use Haul Distance and understand its results

Prepare the measured quantities and supplied model parameters. Match the units and align paired lists before calculating.
Enter segmentHorizontalRunsM, segmentRisesM, loadedDirectionSigns according to the field table, then run the tool.
Read segmentSlopeDistancesM, oneWayDistanceM, totalSignedElevationChangeM. Use the calculation below to interpret the selected mean or the model’s signs, units and comparison flags.
Review the supplied assumptions and calibration before comparing or reporting the result.

Input field	Meaning	Value type and bounds	Requirement
segmentHorizontalRunsM	Segment horizontal runs m	list of number	Required
segmentRisesM	Segment rises m	list of number	Required
loadedDirectionSigns	Loaded direction signs	list of number	Required

Use aligned nonempty lists with positive horizontal runs, nonnegative rise magnitudes and signs exactly +1 or −1. Sum slope lengths for one-way distance.

segment length = hypot(horizontal run,rise); signed elevation = Σrise×directionSign

The symbols and boundary conditions refer to the supplied fields and the implementation described above.

Output field	Meaning	Value type
segmentSlopeDistancesM	Segment slope distances m	list of number
oneWayDistanceM	One way distance m	number
totalSignedElevationChangeM	Total signed elevation change m	number

json

{
  "input": {
    "segmentHorizontalRunsM": [
      300,
      400
    ],
    "segmentRisesM": [
      0,
      300
    ],
    "loadedDirectionSigns": [
      1,
      -1
    ]
  },
  "output": {
    "segmentSlopeDistancesM": [
      300,
      500
    ],
    "oneWayDistanceM": 800,
    "totalSignedElevationChangeM": -300
  }
}

Limitations and assumptions

The result follows the supplied segments and does not plan a route, compute round-trip distance, or estimate vehicle speed and fuel use.

Numerical inputs must be finite. Input-shape and calculation checks do not establish measurement quality or the validity of a supplied calibration.

Alternative or Complementary methods

Choose Ramp Gradient when you need its operation: Calculate signed ramp grade, angle and slope distance; descending grades are preserved and no road acceptance criterion is embedded. Choose Truck Cycle Time for the complementary operation: Sum loaded/empty segment travel and service/queue times; speed profiles are inputs, not traction predictions.

Background reference: Design of Surface Mine Haulage Roads: A Manual.

References

Design of Surface Mine Haulage Roads: A Manual — U.S. Bureau of Mines, Information Circular 8758

Similar or alternative tools

Ramp Gradient
Calculate signed ramp grade, angle and slope distance; descending grades are preserved and no road acceptance criterion is embedded.
Truck Cycle Time
Sum loaded/empty segment travel and service/queue times; speed profiles are inputs, not traction predictions.