Earthmoving work is often performed based on simple calculation and experience. This practice may work on a
small project. However, for a big project in which a large excavation volume must be accomplished, managing
the work become more complex. Some different equipment in various types and sizes need to be assigned. Project
managers should determine the best combination of equipment with the correct amount to achieve a satisfactory
result. This research was conducted to optimize the productivity-cost index in earthmoving works using a discrete
event simulation (DES) analysis in four different schemes. An underpass project in Yogyakarta was used as the
case study. The optimal combination of equipment was determined by the highest value of the productivity-cost
index. The result shows that the highest productivity-cost index of 18.22 was achieved by the combination of four
big excavators and 90 small trucks (2E4 90D1). It offered a better productivity-cost index compare to the
contractor’s existing equipment combination which could only reach a productivity-cost index of 5.3.
Keywords: Discrete event simulation, earthmoving, productivity-cost index, optimization in construction
