Let’s talk crane mats. If you’re in the heavy industry or construction sectors, you’re no doubt familiar with how useful these mats can be when it comes to keeping your worksite safe and your progress on track, but you may not know the benefits of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats, which offer you heavy-duty results alongside a lighter frame that allows you to save significantly on shipping.
As one of Canada’s leading suppliers of site safe access mat solutions, GFI Solutions is proud to carry some of the highest quality crane and rig mats available on the market. Below, we’ll talk about the many applications of crane mats. Read on to learn more.
Rig Mats vs Access Mats
If you’ve been around the industry long enough, you’ve no doubt heard “rig” and “access” mats used interchangeably. While crane/rig mats are a kind of access mat, it’s important to know that there is a distinct difference between the two. While access mats are the more generalized solution, rig mats are a much heavier option specifically designed to deal with intense loads, such as equipment and heavy transport. While access mats may be able to handle some aspect of this, it’s best to go up to a rig mat for rougher jobs.
Applications
Crane mats have a wide range of applications and are incredibly versatile on the worksite, making them a worthwhile investment for those in the construction, oil & gas, and related industries. Common uses for crane mats include:
Cranes
As the name suggests, one of the most common applications for crane mats are for use with cranes and other heavy machinery. Thanks to their tough makeup, crane mats are able to stay in place and act as a steady platform while you operated your rig. Having an extra layer between the ground and your equipment prevents you from sinking into the earth, and helps protect the surrounding environment as well.
Temporary Roadways
Need temporary access roads that can handle heavy loads? Rig mats have you covered! Designed to handle the toughest jobs, your fleet can cross safely, all while minimizing your environmental disruption and avoiding costly mishaps.
Excavation Assistance
As we mentioned above, crane mats are particularly useful for stabilizing heavy equipment like cranes, but they also play a vital role in excavation by keeping your machinery stable and allowing your crew to work safely and efficiently.
Pipelines
Finally, crane mats are essential to pipeline construction as they allow pipe trucks and operators to work without disrupting laying or damaging materials. Crane mats can also be used as an air bridge over exiting lines to prevent traffic from coming into contact with the pipe itself.
Need Access Matting Solutions You Can Trust?
GFI is here to help. With 24/7, 365 service, our team is here to ensure you have the support you need Canada-wide. Contact us today to learn more!