Solutions for Construction and Mining
Solutions for Construction and Mining enable equipment manufacturers to simulate rock, ore, sand and soil behaviour using advanced Discrete Element Method (DEM) technology. Powered by EDEM and delivered by Simutron, this solution allows engineering teams to predict material flow, loading forces, wear patterns and operational risk before physical prototypes are built.
With this solution, you can:
- Optimise dump truck loading and unloading efficiency
- Predict bucket and blade forces under varying material types
- Analyse crusher flow behaviour to prevent jamming
- Identify high-wear zones before field deployment
- Reduce fuel consumption and shorten design cycles through virtual testing
Request a Construction and Mining Simulation Demo
Solutions for Construction and Mining
Engineering Heavy Equipment Around Real Material Behaviour
Construction and mining equipment operates under extreme conditions and interacts with highly variable bulk materials. From large blasted rock to fine sand and cohesive ores, material behaviour directly impacts machine performance, durability and efficiency.
EDEM for Construction and Mining allows engineering teams to digitally model real-world material interaction with equipment. This enables repeatable virtual testing of loading cycles, force transfer, material flow and wear distribution – reducing risk while accelerating product development.
Solutions for Construction and Mining
Key Capabilities for Mining and Construction Equipment Simulation
1. Simulate Real Bulk Materials
EDEM accurately models the behaviour of:
Large rough rock fragments and blasted limestone
Fine granular materials such as sand and aggregates
Sticky, cohesive mined ores and clay materials
Mixed particle distributions and irregular geometries
Material properties calibrated for density, friction and cohesion
This ensures simulation reflects real operating conditions across mining and construction environments.
2. Predict Equipment Loading Forces
Understand how bulk materials affect machine loads and power requirements by:
Analysing forces acting on excavator buckets
Predicting dozer blade resistance and loading
Evaluating truck body stresses during loading and discharge
Comparing force distribution across material types
Coupling DEM with Multi-body Dynamics for system-level feedback
This enables accurate structural validation and improved machine reliability.
3. Optimise Loading and Discharge Performance
EDEM allows engineering teams to:
Study dump truck discharge efficiency
Analyse unloading time and material flow profiles
Identify spillage zones and material retention issues
Compare alternative bucket and body geometries
Improve filling efficiency and reduce load cycles
Virtual repetitive testing ensures performance improvements are validated under consistent, repeatable conditions.
4. Analyse Wear and Durability
Bulk materials generate abrasion, impact and fatigue across heavy equipment components. Using EDEM, engineers can:
Identify wear-prone areas on truck bodies and buckets
Assess pressure distribution on compactor drums
Evaluate blade durability under varying material beds
Investigate crusher jaw impact zones
Strengthen vulnerable surfaces before production
This reduces unexpected downtime and maintenance costs.
5. Prevent Blockages and Operational Failures
For crushers and loading systems, simulation enables teams to:
Visualise material flow inside crushing chambers
Compare performance under different feed sizes
Identify conditions likely to cause jamming
Analyse particle breakage mechanics
Design for worst-case operating scenarios
Predicting risk digitally improves uptime and operational reliability.
6. Integrate with Advanced CAE Workflows
EDEM integrates seamlessly with broader engineering workflows, including:
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural validation
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for coupled flow behaviour
Multi-body Dynamics (MBD) for system-level modelling
Compatibility with HyperMesh, MotionSolve and AcuSolve
This enables construction and mining manufacturers to embed bulk material simulation directly into full machine development processes.
Why choose simutron
Expert solutions with unmatched support
Simutron partners with Altair to offer powerful, flexible solutions tailored to meet the demands of modern engineering. With advanced technology, dedicated support, and flexible licensing, we equip your team with the tools needed to innovate, optimise processes, and stay competitive.
Expert Support Team
Receive guidance from engineering experts to maximise your tools.
Multi-Disciplinary Solutions
Benefit from solutions in structural, fluid, EM, and data analysis
Get in touch with us
Interested in learning more about how Simutron can support your engineering goals? Fill out our contact form, and one of our experts will reach out.
Get in touch with us
Interested in learning more about how Simutron can support your engineering goals? Fill out our contact form, and one of our experts will reach out.