Figure 5. Power shovel loading trucks at Catalina 

 Quarry . 



materials in a loosened state. This requires heavy blasting or extensive 

 reworking with a dozer. In all cases, the type of equipment, the capacity, 

 the general handling procedures, and rates of excavations should be docu- 

 mented and the effect of the overall operation on the material gradation 

 evaluated. This is generally done by observing the operation, then sampling 

 and determining the gradation of the material from the muck pile before 

 excavation and after handling by the equipment. 



The basic methods of transporting the stone materials are by scrapers, 

 trucks, and belt conveyors. The type of truck generally has little in- 

 fluence on the properties or processing of the embankment 'material. In 

 recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of conveyor 

 belts, due partly to improvements in belting materials and designs which 

 permit the conveyors to be moved more rapidly. Clearly, lack of mobility 

 is a serious limitation. It is also important to consider carefully the 

 size and gradation of the stone products and the elevation changes required 

 for transport. Most conveyors are easily damaged by large stones, and 

 special designs are required in steep topography. 



It is not common on construction projects to require cutting and 

 splitting of dimension stone. When such products are required (usually for 

 facing of completed structures), it is customary to purchase these products, 

 as would be done for any other manufactured product. Only a very limited 

 number of sites are suitable for producing dimension stone, and their 

 production requires equipment and skills that are not ordinarily readily 

 available. 



39 



