Revised June 2003

Page 1
Contents
Contents .........................................................................................................................2
Index of Figures .............................................................................................................3
1. Program Installation...................................................................................................4
1.1 Installation Requirements .............................................................................4
1.2 Software Versions.........................................................................................4
1.3 Regional Date Settings..................................................................................4
1.4 Installing the Program...................................................................................4
1.5 Updating ASA to Version 1.4.......................................................................8
1.6 Running ASA for the first time.....................................................................9
2. ASA Frequently Asked Questions ..............................................................10
2.1 What is Application Severity Analysis (ASA)?..........................................10
2.2 When should an ASA Report be carried out?.............................................10
2.3 What can ASA do for us? ...........................................................................11
2.4 How much does this cost?...........................................................................11
2.5 What are the benefits by using ASA? .........................................................11
3. Terminology................................................................................................11
3.1 Machine Conditions ....................................................................................11
3.2 Haul Road Conditions.................................................................................12
4. Generating ASA traces ............................................................................................14
4.1 Generating ASA traces from a VIMS Datalogger ......................................14
4.2 Generating ASA traces from a Real Time TPMS Download .....................14
4.3 Customising ASA traces for your site ........................................................15
5. Interpreting ASA traces ...........................................................................................15
5.1 ASA Traces.................................................................................................16
5.2 Load Area & Pit Floor ................................................................................18
5.3 Main Haul Road..........................................................................................20
5.4 Waste Dump ...............................................................................................20
5.5 Example Analysis .......................................................................................21

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Index of Figures
Figure 1.1 – Winzip window showing ASA files ..........................................................5
Figure 1.2 – Winzip Install dialog box ..........................................................................5
Figure 1.3 – ASA Setup Welcome Screen.....................................................................6
Figure 1.4 – Choose Destination Location screen .........................................................6
Figure 1.5 – Select Program Folder screen....................................................................7
Figure 1.6 – Start Copying Files screen.........................................................................7
Figure 1.7 – Setup Complete screen ..............................................................................8
Figure 1.8 – Windows Explorer window showing old and new ASA executable files.8
Figure 1.9 - ASA launch screen.....................................................................................9
Figure 1.10 – Default working directory .......................................................................9
Figure 1.11 – Suggested data directory structure.........................................................10
Figure 4.1 – Graph Control dialogue box – Limit Lines .............................................15
Figure 5.1 – Hard Rock Gold Mine pit floor conditions..............................................19
Figure 5.2 – Iron Ore Mine pit floor conditions ..........................................................19
Figure 5.3 – Curve Superelevation table......................................................................20

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1. Program Installation
1.1 Installation Requirements
1.1.1 A Personal Computer (PC) running Microsoft Windows 95 or later.
1.1.2 Note; this software has not been tested under Microsoft Windows XP,
however some reported problems have been corrected by running ASA in
Windows 2000 mode. To do this, right click the ASA executable file (details
below), select Properties, Capability, then select to run in Windows 2000.

1.2 Software Versions

1.2.1 ASA was originally released as version 1.1. This version MUST be installed
before installing version 1.4 as it installs supporting files to your computer.
1.2.2 Version 1.4 is simply an executable file update. If you do not install version
1.1 first, ASA will not work.

1.3 Regional Date Settings

It is important to note that the program may experience difficulties in importing data
from TPMS and VIMS if the date format specified in Windows Settings, Regional
Settings is not as follows:
Short date style must be: dd/MM/yyyy
Long date style must be: dddd, d MMMM yyyy
Access Start, Settings, Control Panel, Regional Settings, Date to check and/or change
these parameters before importing files into the ASA program.
This change has not been found to cause problems in other applications, even if this is
not the typical date format used in your region.

1.4 Installing the Program

1.4.1 Start Windows, and shut down any other applications that are running
1.4.2 Locate the zip file containing the ASA version 1.1 executable files. It will be
named “ASAProgram.zip”.
1.4.3 Either double-click the file, or right-click and select Open with Winzip which
will display the window shown in Figure 1.1:

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 Figure 1.1 – Winzip window showing ASA files
1.4.4 Double-click the Setup.exe file. The dialog box shown in Figure 1.2 should
display:

Figure 1.2 – Winzip Install dialog box

1.4.5 Click Ok to commence ASA setup.
1.4.6 Read the “Welcome” screen and click Next when ready. Refer to Figure 1.3.

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 Figure 1.3 – ASA Setup Welcome Screen
1.4.7 Read the “Choose Destination Location” screen. To install the software in the
default destination folders, click Next, otherwise click Browse to choose
another location. Refer to Figure 1.4.

Figure 1.4 – Choose Destination Location screen

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1.4.8 Review the “Select Program Folder” screen. Type a new folder name or select
an existing one from the list. Then click Next. Refer Figure 1.5.

Figure 1.5 – Select Program Folder screen

1.4.9 Review the “Start Copying Files” screen. If you are satisfied with the settings,
click Next to start copying files. Refer Figure 1.6.

Figure 1.6 – Start Copying Files screen

1.4.10 Setup will copy files to your computer. When it is complete the dialogue box
shown in Figure 1.7 will display. Click Finish to complete the installation.

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 Figure 1.7 – Setup Complete screen

1.5 Updating ASA to Version 1.4

1.5.1 Find the ASA executable file (“ASA.exe”). It is located in the directory
selected in step 1.2.7. If the program was installed in the default directory, the
location will be as follows:
C:\Program Files\Caterpillar\ASA
1.5.2 Right mouse click the existing “ASA.exe” file and select Rename. Type
“OldASA.exe” as the new file name and hit Enter.
1.5.3 Right mouse click the existing “ASA.exe” file and select Rename. Type
“OldASA.exe” as the new file name and hit Enter.
1.5.4 Locate the version 1.4 update ZIP file named “asa2001exe.zip”. Double click
the ZIP file and extract the “asa2001.exe” file to the location of the original
ASA.exe file selected in step 1.2.7. Refer to Figure 1.8. Update to version 1.4
is now complete.

Figure 1.8 – Windows Explorer window showing old and new ASA executable files

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1.6 Running ASA for the first time
Run the ASA executable file and click the “Accept” button if you agree to the terms
and conditions related to use of the software. Refer Figure 1.9 below.

Figure 1.9 - ASA launch screen

The first time you run ASA, the following box will appear, asking where you want to
keep your ASA data. This location can be nested. Refer to Figure 1.10 below.

Figure 1.10 – Default working directory

It is strongly recommended you devise a file structure that allows you to find site
information quickly, for example, refer to Figure 1.11 below.

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 Figure 1.11 – Suggested data directory structure

2. ASA Frequently Asked Questions

2.1 What is Application Severity Analysis (ASA)?
ASA is a software program designed to display haul road conditions graphically. It
uses information from the On Board VIMS data logger. When the data logger is run,
all On Board sensors and switches collect data every second describing the status of
each of these sensors and switches. VIMS stores this in a manner that can be viewed
over the period of time the data logger has run (max. 30 minutes) and for individual
sensors. ASA converts this data into a graphical report format based on various set
parameters. 12 graphs will be produced per cycle per load status (loaded or empty).
Each graph tells a story of that section of haul road and current operator practice.

2.2 When should an ASA Report be carried out?

This can be done at anytime on any haul road. Most of the time the customer knows
the condition of the haul roads but becomes accustomed to what they have unless it
can be shown graphically.
When a section of haul road is suspected as being a problem and justification to
change is required, ASA is ideal tool for the job. Presenting a “before” and “after”
report will show the improvements to haul roads and changes of severity on truck
components. Monthly reports are recommended to keep the high standards of both
haul roads and operator practices.

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2.3 What can ASA do for us?
ASA produces a graphical report of both haul road conditions and operating practices.
With this information, problem areas can be measured and managed. When severity
limits exceed Caterpillar’s operating range, premature failures could occur. This
damage does not typically affect the machine at the time but becomes evident many
hours later. By carrying out ASA reports and implementing haul road changes to
improve conditions or practices, machine downtime and cost can be reduced.

2.4 How much does this cost?

Caterpillar of Australia developed the software called Application Severity Analysis
to work with the data produced from Caterpillar VIMS On Board Software. The ASA
software is no-charge to Caterpillar and Dealer employees. VIMS Off Board
Software, to read the On Board Software, is licensed by Caterpillar Inc.

2.5 What are the benefits by using ASA?

Ease of determining current haul road conditions and operating practices.
Produces reports to help justify change.
Shows exact areas of concern.
Aims to reduce operating costs if improvements to conditions and practices
are carried out.
Aims to extend current chassis life when improvements to conditions and
practices are carried out.
Improves availability of truck fleet when improvements to conditions and
practices are carried out.
Improves operator comfort when haul road conditions are improved (i.e. rough
pit floor, rough tip end, off camber corners)
Helps indicate areas of training, for instance, Loading practices, truck
positioning, tip end cornering and speed limits.

3. Terminology
3.1 Machine Conditions
Brake Severity This is formulated on the data of ground speed, time
and retarder on. With this data the program measures
velocity of de-acceleration eg km/hr – km/hr over time.
This is shown in the graph as severity of de-
acceleration. The severity is determined on the time
taken to decrease to the desired speed.
Effects on Components – Increased brake wear,
increase wheel bearing stress, increase stress to rims,
extra loading on front suspension cylinders, increased
stresses on steering components and tyre wear.
Machine Bias The calculation is based on data from all suspension
cylinders.

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 (Left Front + Left Rear) – (Right Front + Right Rear)
This indicates the angle or level the machine is
positioned and to which side the load is positioned. It
can also be used to indicate high dynamic loading due
to “off-camber” corners.
Effects on Components – Increased stress on A frame
bearing, dog bone assembly, front and rear suspension
cylinders, wheel bearing, final drives and tyre wear.
Machine Pitch The calculation is based on data from all suspension
cylinders.
(Left Front + Right Front) - (Right Rear + Left Rear)
This indicates if the machine is weighted forward or to
the rear. Since the calculation is “front” minus “rear”,
and the rear carries 66% while loaded, the calculated
pitch value is ALWAYS a negative number when the
truck is loaded. The primary characteristic of interest is
pitch spikes and the location they occur on the haul
road.
The load position can affect weight distribution. Ramp
angles will also show increases of weight distribution
while travelling loaded up hill or down hill.
Effects on Components – Increases loads and stresses
on wheel bearings, suspension cylinders and tyre wear.
Machine Rack The calculation is based on data from all suspension
cylinders.
(Left Front + Right Rear) - (Right Front + Left Rear)
This indicates that the chassis is twisting when the
diagonal suspension cylinders are travelling in opposite
directions.
Effects on Components – Increased stresses on the
chassis, suspension cylinders and mounting bearings,
tray chassis, tray pivot points, and A-frame bearing.

3.2 Haul Road Conditions

Rolling Resistance This is described as the measure of force that must be
overcome to roll or pull a wheel over the ground.
Rolling resistance is effected by ground conditions and
vehicle load. The deeper the wheel sinks into the ground
the higher the resistance to roll.
Effects on Components – Increase in fuel burn with
high rolling resistance which inturn reduces engine life.
Increased loads on final drives, wheel bearings, tyres
and drive train to drive through high rolling resistances.

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 Effects on Production – High rolling resistance
decreases haulage cycle times and increases operating
costs with poor fuel burn rates and reduced production
outputs.
Super Elevation The purpose of superelevation is to maintain even
weight distribution over the machine suspension and
safely maximise the speed of the truck through the
radius of the corner. The recommendation of
superelevation for a corner depends on the radius and
the desired speed to negotiate. Superelevation is
incorporated to minimise lateral tyre forces.
Effects on Components – Not enough superelevation
increase loads to wheel bearings, steering components,
chassis and suspension cylinders. Tyre wear will also
increase with poor superelevation.
Effects on Production – With negative or little
superelevation production costs increase due to
increased tyre wear, reduced operating speeds and cycle
times, increase road maintenance due to spillage and
gouging from tyres, increase risk of roll over. With
correct superelevation operator comfort in improved
due to the reduce G-forces and reduced effort of
negotiating the corner.
Gradient The suggested maximum gradient on open cut haul
roads is 10%. 10% is based on for every 100m the ramp
has a 10m rise.
Effects on Components – Increase gradients increase
fuel burn and brake wear, reduces transmission and
drive train life due to higher energy shifts up ramps and
higher energy braking when travelling down ramp
loaded.
Effects on Production – Increased fuel costs, decreased
cycle times, increased spillage requiring more clean
ups, tyre damage to trailing trucks from spillage and
possible bunching of haul trucks if split fleets working
the same ramp.
Cross Fall Cross fall is to drain water from the haul road. The
recommended cross fall is 3% to allow water drainage.
Effects on Components – To much cross fall increases
tyre wear, wheel bearing and final drive loads.
Effects on Production – To much cross fall increased
tyre costs and pending of road base could cause scoring
or erosion.
Vertical Curves Vertical curves are the curves from the point of flat
gradients to either descending or ascending ramps. For
instance the top of the ramp and the bottom of the ramp.

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 A general rule is at least radius = 100m of Sag and
Crest Vertical Curve.
Effects on Components – With sharp Vertical curves
on the ascend to the ramp can cause harsh down shifts
and heavy drive train loads.
Horizontal Alignment This relates to switch backs, corners and intersections.
The minimum radius of a horizontal curve for a given
vehicle speed can be determined on the type of
gradients and land available.

Effects on Components – Tight sharp switch backs and

corners cause severe loads on final drives and wheel
bearing componentry. Tyre wear increase as well.
Heavier brake is required to negotiate sharp corners
causing increased brake temperatures and reduced
component life.

Effects on Production – Increases in spillage can occur

when both corners and superelevation is incorrect. This
also adds loads and erosion to the road surface as well
as decreases cycle times negotiating sharp corners.

4. Generating ASA traces

The development of ASA traces can be done following the process below, but MUST
be read in conjunction with the latest version of the document titled:
“ASA Application Guide…or Assessing Haul Road Condition using Application
SeverityAnalysis (ASA)”
For a copy of this document, contact your Caterpillar Global Mining Regional Site
Consultant, or review the Caterpillar Knowledge Network “Mining Project Manager’s
Toolkit” Guides/Tools section.

4.1 Generating ASA traces from a VIMS Datalogger

Refer to the attached slideshow in Appendix 1 that demonstrates how to create ASA
traces from a VIMS datalogger.

4.2 Generating ASA traces from a Real Time TPMS

Download
Generating ASA traces from Real Time TPMS downloads is similar except for the
following points:
4.2.1 When taking real-time TPMS data, be sure to set the Real Time Log Delay to
one (1) second intervals. The ASA software will NOT accept data if taken at
other time intervals
4.2.2 To include load data in the analysis of TPMS data, an “L***.prn” file will
need to be imported for each “R***.prn” file selected.

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4.3 Customising ASA traces for your site
Remember to set the correct management or “limit” lines for the trucks on your
customer’s site. The management limits are found in the ASA application guide.
Alternations to the limits is done via the “Show Properties” button at the top right
hand corner of each ASA trace. Refer Figure 4.1 below

Figure 4.1 – Graph Control dialogue box – Limit Lines

Depending on truck model, you can adjust

Management Limits here

Adjust Management Limit line and fill

properties (thickness, colour, style) with
these drop-down boxes

Add a label to the lines if desired

5. Interpreting ASA traces

Interpreting ASA traces to make meaningful recommendations to customers is not
difficult, but takes some practice.

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The most important factor is being familiar with the site’s haul roads. In particular,
you must be aware of the site conditions during the data logger run that was used in
order to generate a verbal or written description of the features on the haul road that
are generating spikes on the ASA traces.
Let’s consider the traces that ASA generates and a typical haul pattern and features
that generate ASA spikes.

5.1 ASA Traces

The ASA software generates a number of traces for a variety of purposes. You will
probably find only a small number suit the needs of your site.
Let’s review the traces and their potential use. These example traces are taken from
an open pit hard rock mine, with a typical haul from the shovel across the pit floor,
hard right turn onto the ramp, then a constant uphill grade to an intersection that
flattens, then a further uphill section to a level waste dump.
All ASA traces (except Ton per pass & Cycle time) have distance along the horizontal
axis. This is to help find the exact location of a road defect that is identified by the
traces.
Finally, consider that it is very difficult to damage a truck while it is travelling empty.
Impact loading on trucks due to road conditions is the result of vehicle weight and
ground speed. Many of the ASA traces that display condition while travelling empty
are of no practical use. For that reason, they have been omitted from the following
analysis.

Cumulative Fuel Rate vs Speed: Loaded

Shows cumulative fuel rate (green) and
ground speed (black)
May be of interest if cumulative fuel rate for
the loaded haul is desired

Instantaneous Fuel Rate vs Speed: Loaded

Shows instantaneous fuel rate (green) and
ground speed (black)
Gives an indication of operator throttle
application – note in this example across the
pit floor (left side of chart), constant throttle
up the grade (centre section), and fluctuating
throttle across waste dump (right side)

Gear vs Speed: Loaded

Shows gear (black), ground speed (green) and
retarder application (yellow)
Gives an indication of road or grade changes
that force the transmission to shift
unnecessarily (shown by red arrow).
Remember, “constant” grades should not
induce gear changes!

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 Effects of Brake Application vs Gear: Loaded
Shows gear (black), retarder (yellow) and
brake temperatures (dk/light blue, red, green).
If brake overheat warnings are an issue, you
can determine if trucks are being operated in
a gear that is too high for the conditions.
Brake overheats (to the red Max Temp Limit
line) are more common on downhill hauls

Effects of Brake Application vs RPM: Loaded

Shows engine speed (black), retarder
(yellow) and brake temperatures (dk/light
blue, red, green).
May be useful when used in conjunction with
previous charts to location of engine
overspeeds and brake overheats

Effects of Brake Application vs Speed: Loaded

Shows ground speed (black), retarder
(yellow) and brake temperatures (dk/light
blue, red, green).
May be useful when used in conjunction with
previous charts to location of engine
overspeeds and brake overheats

Tons & Cycle Time vs Loader Pass

Displays VIMS Payload per pass (blue bars)
and cycle time per pass (green bars)
Gives a quick indication of Loading Tool
performance

Composite Strut Pressures vs Time: Loading

Displays composite strut pressures during the
loading phase
Ideally, rack and bias lines should be constant
if load is centred and truck is on level floor.
Deviation indicates bias loading or poor
underfoot conditions.
Pitch will decrease as rear of truck takes 2/3
of load. Pitch calculation is Front (-) Rear so
result will be a negative number.
Strut Pressures vs Time: Loading
Displays individual strut pressures during the
loading phase
Ideally, front pressures should rise together,
and rear pressures should rise together if
truck is on level floor and load is centred.

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 Composite Strut Pressures vs Dist: Loaded
Shows composite strut pressures (blues,
green) and ground speed (black).
The most useful trace as it pinpoints events
that exceed the management lines, and gives
distance on the horizontal axis and ground
speed when it occurred.

Strut Pressures vs Distance: Loaded

Shows individual strut pressures and ground
speed (black)
These are the individual pressure traces the
composite traces are calculated from.

5.2 Load Area & Pit Floor

Depending on environmental conditions, loading tool and support equipment
available, loading conditions on the floor can vary dramatically.
Compare the extremes in conditions on the following page. The first one is a hard
rock gold mine in Australia with very little rainfall. The second one is an iron ore
mine in southern Australia with poor material for building roads, higher rainfall, and
environmental regulations that stipulate rainwater must be drained into the pit, not the
local river.
Look at the floor conditions. What are the differences?
Wet floors mean increased chance of tyre cuts
Rough floor conditions are uncomfortable for the operator and production is
slowed
Cramped conditions mean truck exchange time is slowed along with production
What are some possible solutions?
Can we change drainage or slope the pit floor to keep water away from the
loading zone?
Can we sheet the floor with rock? Or even high-grade ore if the customer is
concerned about ore dilution?
Is the support equipment being utilised effectively if nothing else is possible?
Can the operator lock the truck in 1st gear to reduce the impact loading on the
truck? (Remember loading is a function of vehicle AND ground speed)

Page 18
Figure 5.1 – Hard Rock Gold Mine pit floor conditions

Figure 5.2 – Iron Ore Mine pit floor conditions

Page 19
5.3 Main Haul Road
In some ASA traces, you may find the main haul road does not generate any
composite strut pressure spikes outside the management or “limit” lines.
However, consider the two primary road features that generate ASA spikes outside
the management limits:
Off camber corners cause weight transfer to the outside tyres and a bias spike.
Use the Caterpillar Performance Handbook (Chapter 26) or the table in Figure 5.3
to determine the correct superelevation for a given corner radius and desired travel
speed.

Figure 5.3 – Curve Superelevation table

Potholes and other road defects can generate rack spikes if struck by a single
wheel. Potholes should be ripped, filled, watered and compacted to repair them,
and the road crown or crossfall should be checked and repaired if necessary to
reduce standing water on the road.

5.4 Waste Dump

Similar to the load area, the waste dump is often a neglected section of the haul. In
addition, since dumps are generally flat, loaded trucks can accelerate to higher ground
speeds and increase the magnitude of impacts to major components.
What can be done on waste dumps to reduce application severity?
Can we build a good quality single lane road most of the way across the dump so
loaded trucks can travel quickly to the tip head?
Can we sheet the floor with rock? Or even high-grade ore if the customer is
concerned about ore dilution?
Are operators braking parallel to the tip head, THEN turning to reverse back, or
are they generating bias spikes by conducting high speed turns?
Is the support equipment being utilised effectively if nothing else is possible?
Can the operator lock the truck in 1st gear to reduce the impact loading on the
truck?

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5.5 Example Analysis
The follow pages show how Application Severity can be reported to your customer.

Page 21
 Australian Iron Mine
Application Severity Analysis

November, 1999
 Summary

• Haul Road Severity Index = 9

• Payload Severity Index = A
• Mine Severity Index (MSI) = 9A
 SEVERITY RATING TABLE
J

P
H
A UNACCEPTABLE
Y
L G RANGE
O
A F
D
E
I
N D
D
E
C
X

B ACCEPTABLE
RANGE
A
8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

HAUL ROAD CONDITION INDEX

 LOAD AREA

Poor pit floor

conditions

Right Rear tyre sitting on toe

(i.e. increased strut pressure &
therefore decreased TPMS
accuracy)
 Truck: 49 Cycle: 1
Strut Pressures vs Time: Loading Phase
18000
16000 Left Rear
14000 on toe of
Strut Pressures (kPa)

12000 face
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
00:00

00:05

00:10

00:15

00:20

00:25

00:30

00:35

00:40

00:45

00:50

00:55

01:00

01:05

01:10
LF RF LR RR
 Combination of left
rear on toe of face and
bias loading

Truck: 49 Cycle: 1
Composite
16000
Strut Pressures vs Time: Loading Phase
14000
12000
10000
8000
Strut Pressures (kPa)

6000
4000
2000
0
-2000
-4000
-6000
-8000
-10000
-12000
-14000
-16000

Machine Rack Machine Pitch Machine Bias

 HAUL ROAD

Minimum 5%
Superelevation
Required

Negative
Superelevation
 HAUL ROAD

Centre crown on road.

Reduced contact area of
outside RR tyre.

High Speed Corner with negative

superelevation. Possibilty of loss of
traction on LR.
HAUL ROAD

Severe road rutting. Caused Rear

axle to lose contact with road.

Poor road base stability (i.e. high rolling

resistance). Result of excess water
retention.
 HAUL ROAD

No sheeting material used

on haul road.

Poor haul road drainage.

No crossfalls or drains
installed

Non-continuous grade. May

result in high inertia gear shift
point.
 HAUL ROAD

Correctly placed load

Left bias loaded

 DUMP AREA

High rolling resistance, reduced

rimpull, reduced acceleration
therefore……….. LOWER
PRODUCTIVITY

Poor ground
conditions. Area
not maintained
 Truck: 49 Cycle: 1
Strut Pressures vs Distance: Travel Loaded
18000 60
16000
50
14000
Strut Pressures (kPa)

12000 40

Speed (km/hr)
10000
30
8000
6000 20
4000
10
2000
0 0
1
23
48
72
94
118
164
216
259
305
345
395
449
522
583
631
682
734
787
840
887
940
991
1045
1085
1110
1128
LF RF LR RR Speed (km/hr)
 Bias:
Rack:
13 hits > 6,000 kPa
14 hits > 6,000 kPa
4 hits > 12,000 kPa
3 hits > 12,000 kPa
1 hits > 16,000 kPa
Truck: 49 Cycle: 1
Composite
18000
Strut Pressures vs Distance: Travel Loaded
60
16000
14000
12000 50
10000
Composite Strut Pressures

8000
6000 40
4000
2000
0 30
(kPa)

-2000
-4000
-6000 20
-8000
-10000
-12000 10
-14000
-16000
-18000 0

Machine Rack Machine Pitch Machine Bias Speed (Km/h)

Appendix 1 – Creating ASA charts using VIMSpc

Page 22
 Creating ASA Charts using VIMSpc

This procedure demonstrates how to:

i. Collect Haulroad data using the VIMS Data Logger
ii. Download Data Logger data from the truck into VIMSpc
iii. Export the data from VIMSpc
iv. Import data into ASA
v. Display ASA Reports
vi. Create a PowerPoint presentation from ASA reports
Section I. Tips to ensure you collect a good quality
VIMS Datalogger sample...
Ensure the truck you chose to collect the sample data has correct
suspension cylinder oil and nitrogen charge, and is considered to be
performing normally (i.e.. power, ride, shift points, etc.)
Be sure the cycle you are recording is truly representative of a typical haul.
To ensure this, observe several load cycles before collecting data, and ride
with the operator a time or two.
When satisfied you have a ‘feel’ for the cycle, set the VIMS Datalogger
running (type DLRES and then DLOG on the keypad) as the truck waits in
the loading queue, then, once loaded, follow along behind in a light vehicle
to observe that the truck:
has a typical payload, both in tonnage and load position
is not obstructed by a grader, or another machine stopped on the road
is operated normally and not ‘babied’ just because you are watching
 Tips on ensuring you get a good sample continued...
Drive the complete haul cycle in a light vehicle and record ‘features’ that
may influence the cycle, and their distance from the loading zero point;
features such as:
the beginning and end of the Loading and Dump zones
the location of all significant corners
the beginning and end of haul road grade changes
any speed restriction zones or Stop / Give Way signs
any road sections with one-way traffic restrictions
any significant humps, gutters, wash-aways, or rough road sections.

If these parameters are followed, the data you record and analyse will be
truly representative of the site conditions the machines are experiencing,
and importantly, customer credibility will be established, and maintained.
Section II. Downloading the truck into VIMSpc

Start VIMSpc, connect laptop to the truck using

download cable (127-9797) and be sure truck’s
key switch is ON.
Choose Data then Download
 Downloading
the truck into
VIMSpc

Choose Data Logger

then Download
then File and
Merge Download Files
Section III. Exporting data from VIMSpc

Select Maintenance
then Data Logger
 Exporting data
from VIMSpc

Select the machine

then select the
Data Logger file
you wish to export
to ASA.
Exporting data from VIMSpc
Select Export Data , then File .
Now select the location you intend
to export the data to, and give it a
file name that describes file details.
Then hit Save .
 Exporting data from VIMSpc
Select the 16 parameters ASA needs,
holding the CTRL button betweens
elections. Select:
Actual Gear Eng Fuel Rate
Eng Speed Ground Speed
Lt F Brk Temp Lt F Susp Cyl*
Lt R Brk Temp Lt R Susp Cyl*
Payload Payload Status Retarder
Rt F Brk Temp Rt F Susp Cyl*
Rt R Brk Temp Rt R Susp Cyl*

* For 797 select:

Susp Cyl LTF Susp Cyl LTR
Susp Cyl RTF Susp Cyl RTR
Now hit Generate to convert the Data Logger data to an ASCII file.
 Exporting data
from VIMSpc
It is possible to save
the list of export
parameters for future
use.
Select Save As, then
enter the name of
the group to be saved;
ASAgroup is a
logical suggestion.
Hit Save and the
group is stored.
Section IV. Importing data from VIMSpc into ASA
Open ASA , then select the
Work Directory into which
you want to import the data.
Note that it is possible to
create multiple work
directories that best describe
your sites or machines.

Now select Create New File

and create a file name that
allows you to identify the
data file. Hit OK
Importing data
from VIMSpc
into ASA
Choose the
VIMS 99 box,
the name of the
file and then
double click
on it. The file
will move to the
Files Chosen
for Import box.
Importing data
from VIMSpc
into ASA

Click on the
file to import,
then on the
Import Files
button.
 Importing data
from VIMSpc
into ASA
Data from later versions
of VIMSpc don’t carry
Model details so you
will need to enter:
Model Number,
Serial Number and
Machine ID.
Then hit OK.
Importing data
from VIMSpc
into ASA

The progress
bar moves
across until
the file has
been
successfully
imported.
Section V. Displaying ASA reports
Select the file you
wish to analyse,
the select the
Graphs tab.
 Displaying
ASA reports

Select the truck

and be sure there
is a Yes in the
Select box.
If No, double
click on the.
 Display ASA
Reports
Now choose the charts
you wish to review. You
can choose to review one,
or several cycles, specify
Empty, Loaded, or all
segments, review loading
details, and chose various
parameters if
your data contains
this information.
After choosing the type of
graphs you wish to view,
click View Graphs.
 Displaying
ASA Reports

The program now

produces the graphs
you chose.

You can select

Show Properties
to modify /add:
- management limits
- cross hatch areas
- line colours
- line thickness
Displaying
ASA Reports

Graphs can be
tiled using the
Tile Graphs
button when
multiple graphs
are selected
for review.
Section VI. Creating a PowerPoint presentation

To create a
PowerPoint
Presentation,
hit Show
Properties,
then hit the
System tab.
 Creating a
PowerPoint
presentation

Then choose
the Target as
Clipboard,
click Copy,
then OK.
Creating a
PowerPoint
presentation

Open
PowerPoint
then choose
Edit, and Paste
your chosen
ASA report
into a new
presentation.
 Truck: HT28 Cycle: 2
Composite Strut Pressures vs Distance: Travel Loaded Creating a
PowerPoint
18000 60

16000

14000

12000 50
presentation
10000

And the
8000

6000 40

graph should
4000
Composite Strut Pressures (kPa)

2000

paste across.
0 30

-2000

-4000

-6000 20

-8000

-10000

-12000 10

-14000

-16000

-18000 0
1

26

62

101

176

278

394

519

645

749

817

892

986

1074

1145

1213

1270

1310

1344

1378

1418

1458

1494

1541

1560
Machine Rack Machine Pitch Machine Bias Speed (Km/h)