Jan 4, 2023 | Access Mats, News
Access mat is a generic term used to describe a large wooden mat designed to withstand heavy equipment’s weight and safely transport material across uneven surfaces. While this is true to a degree, different access mats are designed for various applications and manufactured using different methods. Below we’ll discuss the different types of access mats you might need in your next project.
What Type of Access Solution Do You Need?
Before calling your supplier, you must first carefully plan out the type of access mats you need. Below are the typical access solutions for remote job sites:
1. Worksite Access Mats
Worksite access mats are typically installed throughout a worksite to create temporary roads for machines and crew. While bolted mats are more commonly known as the traditional access matting solution for uneven terrain, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats have exceeded expectations. CLT mats offer superior performance compared to standard bolted mats and a life cycle generally 3-5 times longer than conventional bolted mats. Using an environmentally friendly adhesive to bond alternating perpendicular layers of wood creates a unique access mat that is 40% lighter and twice as durable as traditional bolted mats. If you’re looking for safe site access mats, you can depend on CLT worksite access mats to offer you the strength and durability you need.
2. Rig Mats
Not all rig mats are created alike. GFI Solutions’ rig mats are also designed using the unique process of Cross Laminated Timber that gives the rig mats unmatched strength. CLT rig mats are designed to equally distribute the weight across the platform rather than on singular pressure points. The use of the environmentally friendly adhesive not only protects the environment and offers a sustainable product, but it also protects the rig mat from any mould that can decrease its life cycle. At GFI Solutions, we are proud to offer a variety of rig mats manufactured in 13-ply, 11-ply, 9-ply and more! We have also worked with customers to customize rig mats and ensure that all their rig mat needs are met.
3. Crane Mats
Crane mats are designed to withstand heavier loads and equipment than other access mats, as they are manufactured using a steel frame to add support. GFI Solutions supplies crane mats that are reliable and safe for any crane operation and transportation, even on the most challenging terrain. We have worked with many partners in the oil & gas, civil, environmental and petrochemical industry to provide them with cost-effective and safe access crane mats.
Rent or Buy Safe Site Access Solutions
At GFI Solutions, we offer mat rental and purchase services to our clients to ensure that they find the safest site access solution at a cost-effective price. We understand the challenges of managing a remote worksite and keeping your project in scope while staying within your budget. We also provide clients with the following services to ensure that all their site access needs are met:
- Turn-key
- Delivery and installation
- Inventory management
- Planning and consultation
- Mat Washing
Partner with GFI Solutions for All Your Site Access Solutions
Contact our 24/7 sales and service support team to learn more about our site access products and services today!
Dec 28, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Managing an industrial project in Western Canada during our harsh winter season can be very challenging, especially when it comes to facilitating the transportation of goods and equipment. Finding reliable access mats to create solid and sturdy temporary roads can be difficult, especially with Canada’s challenging terrain.
At GFI Solutions, our mission is to help customers in all industries overcome the problems currently associated with available matting options. We are proud to introduce Cross Laminated Timber mats that are engineered to be more durable and stronger than current matting options while also being cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Learn more about our CLT products below!
What Are Cross-Laminated Timber Mats?
CLT mats are manufactured using the process of bonding layers of wood perpendicularly with an environmentally friendly adhesive instead of bolts. They are also manufactured using Southern Yellow Pine wood, which is stronger and more sustainable than traditional Douglas Fir. The unique manufacturing process creates reliable CLT mats that are:
Flexible and Strong
CLT mats are designed to offer exceptional strength and flexibility to be able to assist heavy machinery and provide the support needed. Using an adhesive to bond the mats together instead of bolts creates a mat with a smooth surface and without any gaps. This allows the CLT access mat to be more flexible and flex under pressure as heavy weight is equally distributed throughout the surface.
Durable in Tough Conditions
CLT mats also provide superior performance in cold weather as they have been tested in temperatures as low as -70ºF. The adhesive also protects the access mats from any damage that may occur due to moisture, extending their life cycle. When operating in muddy, wet or even icy conditions, GFI’s access mats solid top make transportation safe for your crew and equipment as the mud and snow can be quickly cleared off.
Environmentally Friendly
For those who are looking for a more sustainable choice, CLT access mats are the perfect choice for you. All GFI’s CLT access mats are built with sustainable forest practices, as we only use Southern Yellow Pine wood. Unlike Oak, Southern Yellow Pine is grown to harvestable maturity in 20 years, which minimizes the negative impacts on the environment.
Multiple Options
As GFI Solutions manufactures, supplies, delivers and installs CLT mats, we have an extensive inventory of access mats for all your needs. Our CLT mats are available in 3-ply, 5-ply, 9-ply, and more! We are also able to provide customers with customized CLT mats that adhere to their unique needs.
Rent or Buy
All of GFI’s access mats are available for purchase or rent. We understand that some projects require a certain number of access mats for a short period of time, with no place to store them after completion. Our access mat rental service is designed to give customers peace of mind when it comes to storing and transporting mats wherever they go.
Find CLT Mats at GFI Solutions
At GFI Solutions, you can find a range of site-access products and services for your every need. We offer access mats, rig mats, crane mats, access bridges and more! Contact our team today to learn more!
Dec 28, 2022 | News, TerraCross Bridges
Unreliable weather can cause great challenges for any worksite, especially with the rapidly changing weather conditions. Canadian terrain is known to be unpredictable as the temperature fluctuates, causing uneven terrain in most remote locations. If you’re facing transportation challenges to and from worksites due to rough terrain, then you’ll probably benefit significantly from GFI’s TerrCross temporary access bridge. Read on to learn more about the benefits of temporary access bridges below!
Do You Need an Access Bridge?
Remote projects usually need all types of site access solutions, including access, rig and crane mats, and temporary access bridges. For instance, those in the petrochemical, oil & gas, construction, mining and forestry industries are constantly faced with logistical problems due to unpredictable terrain. While rig and crane mats can help create temporary roads over rugged terrain, access bridges are essential when it comes to navigating through creeks, major gaps and rivers. Access bridges can either be temporary or permanent, depending on the worksite and the following factors:
- Ground type
- Area-specific environmental factors
- Duration of use
- Weight capacity needed
Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on building a bridge that only requires access to a specific area for a short period of time, you can easily buy or rent portable and temporary bridge solutions. Access bridges can withstand the weight of a wide range of applications and are efficiently delivered and installed. If you’re facing major gaps, rivers or creeks at your worksite, you should consider installing TerraCross™ Access Bridges.
Why TerraCross™ Access Bridges
Unlike conventional bolted access bridges, the TerraCross™ access bridge is easy to install and lightweight. The unique design of the TerraCross™ bridge facilitates lifting and construction with the heaviest of equipment, including a 200-class excavator and similar applications. The lightweight and portable design of the TerraCross™ access bridge is engineered to lift heavy machines and transport material and can be quickly delivered to the worksite. For your optimal convenience, the TerraCross access bridge can be shipped to your worksite on a single truck to help you stay in scope and increase savings. At GFI Solutions, we offer our customers the following TerraCross™ access bridges:
TERRACROSS 40:
- Weight Limit: 100 tons
- Maximum Spanning Distance: 35′
- Total Length: 40′
- Matting: TerraLam® 500 bearing mats and TerraLam® 700 decking
TERRACROSS 56:
- Weight Limit: 65 tons
- Maximum Spanning Distance: 50′
- Total Length: 56′
- Matting: TerraLam® 500 bearing mats and TerraLam® 700 decking
Find The Right TerraCross™ Access Bridge For You At GFI Solutions
Working in a remote job site has many challenges, which is why at GFI solutions, we are available for all your access needs 24/7. Our team is always available to provide you with a variety of access products and services throughout Western Canada. Contact us today, and let us support your next project with the perfect site access solutions.
Nov 10, 2022 | News, TerraCross Bridges
Looking for an affordable and robust bridge to ease access for your workers and machinery? GFI Solutions’ TerraCross Bridge is a reliable temporary bridging system that is lightweight, strong, and within your budget. One might wonder whether temporary bridges perform as well as permanent bridges and if they are worth the purchase. Read on to find out!
Quick Installation
Portable bridges are an excellent option for short-term projects as they can be quickly shipped and installed. As the exclusive supplier of Sterling Solutions matting products, GFI Solutions supplies customers with temporary TerraCross bridges that can be installed in as little as two hours to less than a day, depending on the site access, soil conditions, geography etc. The temporary bridges can also be easily installed with standard equipment used to build temporary access roads; however, to properly install the TerraCross bridging system, we recommend that our team of experts carry out the installation. In order to ensure optimum safety, sites are reviewed and/or inspected by trained GFI personnel before installing the TerraCross bridging system.
Robust
Worksites with heavy-duty equipment can install the TerraCross 40 as it withstands up to 100 tons of weight. The TerraCross 50 would be a better option for lighter projects as it can handle up to 65 tons of weight.
Engineered with a structural steel design, TerraCross portable bridges are built to provide you with the necessary safety and support you need to maintain a safe and secure worksite. All TerraCross bridges are built using TerraLam 700 CLT mats made from Southern Yellow Pine wood, unlike traditional bolted mats made from Douglas Fir. Even though CLT mats are 40% lighter than conventional mats, they are 30% stronger.
OSHA – Compliant
GFI’s TerraCross bridges are not only safe for machinery and transportation, but they are also safe for your workers as they are OSHA compliant. To allow for safer crossing, solid handrails are pinned to the bridge giving your crew the safety they need to pass over uneven terrain, eliminating worksite injuries and risks.
Geotextile Compliant
Minimizing the risk of contamination is a crucial factor that project owners look for when installing a movable bridge. The TerraCross bridge is often used to create a safe path for vehicles and workers to cross waterways, which is why a geotextile surface is installed with GFI’s temporary bridge to help keep debris from leaving the bridge and accidentally contaminating waterways.
GFI Solutions for All Your Matting Problems
GFI Solutions is proud to offer our clients leading products from Sterling Solutions across Western Canada. Contact our team today to learn more about our CLT mats, temporary bridges and other matting solutions.
Oct 11, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Rig mats should be your trusted access solution when it comes to crane and rig work in remote or challenging environments. The considerable weight of cranes and rigs can cause traditional bolted mats to buckle under pressure. Fortunately, GFI Solutions has the access solutions your Edmonton project needs to keep your rig operation moving smoothly. Our range of TerraLam Cross Laminated Timber rig mats can provide a safe and secure foundation for your heavy equipment and crew. While at the same time protecting the environment your project is working within. Continue reading to learn more about the differences between access mats and rig mats and some services GFI Solutions is proud to offer. Keep reading to learn more!
What’s the Difference Between Access Mats and Rig Mats?
Within the matting industry, it’s common for access mats and rig mats to be confused with one another. Often consumers will mix these terms interchangeably, thinking they’re the same product. However, in reality, access mats and rig mats are similar but ultimately different. Below we’ll discuss the differences between access and rig mats.
Access Mats
Access mats are a form of temporary access equipment that are often used to access work sites in environmentally sensitive areas, challenging terrains, or remote areas. Access mats are typically made from wood and steel. At GFI Solutions, our CLT mats are manufactured from cross-laminated timber from Southern Yellow Pine. Access mats are an overarching term for all temporary access matting solutions. In contrast, rig mats are a more specified type of mats.
Rig Mats
Access mats that are primarily used to withstand significant loads or heavy machinery are called “rig mats.” Rig mats are steel-framed to handle a range of weights up to about 2667 lbs. This steel frame enables the mat to withstand cranes, rigs, and other heavy equipment commonly used on worksites. At GFI Solutions, we are proud to offer a range of TerraLam CLT rig mats. These rig mats are manufactured from Southern Yellow Pine and have a 3-5 times longer lifespan than traditional bolted mats. That means that your project can save time and money by using CLT mats instead of bolted mats in the long term.
Quality Service All Year Round
GFI Solutions is proud to offer our customers 24/7 service all year round. Our team of access solutions specialists is available to support your project’s operation. Our matting expertise and exceptional customer service can help you keep your project within time and budget, with turn-key services to inventory management, mat washing, and more. GFI can provide you with the tools to get the job done. Our rig mats abide by construction and environmental guidelines. They are tested thoroughly to ensure excellent performance no matter the challenging conditions your project may face. GFI Solutions can ship however many mats you need anywhere in Canada.
Trust the Experts on Access Solutions
At GFI Solutions, our team understands that your project comes with its own unique challenges. We are confident in our range of access solutions. We can answer any questions you may have regarding our products and services. GFI Solutions’ head office is located in Whitecourt, Alberta, with additional offices in Calgary, Grande Prairie, and Edmonton. So if you’re looking for reliable access solutions, contact our team at GFI Solutions today!
