Sep 9, 2020 | Access Mats, News
With summer well underway, much of Canada is facing heavy rainfall and inconsistent weather patterns that can often lead to a topography shift on remote job sites that make it difficult for trucks and machinery to reach their intended destination. Temporary site access solutions like mats or bridges are a vital resource that allows you to overcome the challenges presented by changing foundations while also protecting the land from harm during your project.
While traditional bolts mats once were the preferred option of choice, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats have become the go-to solution by the biggest players in the construction, oil & gas, renewable energy, petrochemical, mining, power and related heavy industries. With a lighter profile that allows for double the load capacity on each shipment as well as a life cycle that’s 3-5 times the length of traditional mats, it’s no wonder that CLT mats have gained a reputation for unbeatable performance. Learn more about the benefits of using CLT mats for temporary site access solutions below!
What is Cross Laminated Timber?
Cross-Laminated Timber mats, better known as CLT mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood (southern yellow pine in the case of TerraLam® matting) with a special adhesive to create the finished product as opposed bolting planks together. This process allows the mat to flex under pressure and evenly distribute weight through the entire surface area to reduce the chance of breakages, even under heavy loads. CLT mats are favoured for their ability to:
Flex Under Pressure
Despite being 40% lighter than bolted mats, CLT mats offer superior strength, with certain models capable of assisting with heavy machinery like cranes, and more. Whether you need to handle several oversized loads on a daily basis or need to protect your equipment from getting stuck in the mud, CLT mats are sure to help.
Stand Up To Tough Conditions
Need mats that can take a beating? No problem! TerraLam® access mats have been tested successfully in temperatures as low as -70°F and as high as 150°F and the solid top of the mats makes it easy to clear mud, snow, or ice.
Environmentally Minded
If sustainability is a core value of your company, as well as a requirement for your worksite, CLT mats are a solid choice. TerraLam® mats, in particular, are made with an adhesive that becomes chemically inactive once it leaves Sterling’s facility, meaning that it presents no potential to harm the environment and the mat itself will help protect the ground from unnecessary disturbance.
Multiple Sizes
When it comes to temporary access needs, one size doesn’t fit all. TerraLam® Mats are available in 3 or 5-ply construction, with multiple sizes available.
Canada’s Exclusive Source For TerraLam®
As Canada’s leading source for access mat solutions, GFI is proud to be the sole Canadian distributor of Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® products, including their 300 and 500 model access mats, access bridges, and more. Designed with the utmost of quality in mind, TerraLam® solutions embody the many benefits of CLT mats, right down to the superior performance and longevity. Learn more by contacting our team today.
Aug 31, 2020 | Access Mats, News
Need temporary road and site access solutions you can count on to keep your project moving? Worried about costly delays because of changing terrain and shifting weather patterns? TerraLam® cross-laminated timber mats are your first choice when it comes to cost-friendly, durable access matting. Trusted by the biggest names in the construction, oil & gas, renewable energy, petrochemical, mining, power and other heavy industries, access mats play a vital role in ensuring project success and preventing costly delays. GFI Solutions is proud to be a leading supplier of TerraLam® CLT mats are lightweight, dependable, and built to last. Learn more about the benefits of using access mats as well as TerraLam®, below.
Conquer The Landscape With Access Mats
Project managers and site supervisors across Canada will already be aware, climate and topography are often two of the biggest challenges to factor in when tackling a major job. Between rugged terrain and shifting weather patterns, access to your site can be quickly become difficult, especially if you require heavy loads or machinery to routinely cross in and out of the site. Access mats make it easy to tackle the challenges presented by mud, ice, and other foundation issues by creating a level foundation for transport vehicles to cross.
At GFI, we are proud to be the exclusive Canadian distributor of TerraLam®’s line of Cross Laminated Timber matting solutions. Built to withstand the demand of heavy loads and constant use, TerraLam® provides exceptional quality and performance, no matter your application.
TerraLam® Matting Solutions
Coming in at 40% lighter and longer-lasting than conventional bolted access mats, TerraLam® CLT access mats are a fantastic choice for those looking to outfit their worksite with solutions that offer superior durability while saving on shipping. The lighter designs make it possible to haul twice as many per load, and the incredible strength of each mat means you never have to worry about sudden breakages, damage or premature replacement.
What Makes CLT Mats Different
The secret to the strength and durability of CLT access mats come lies in the unique construction method compared to traditional mats. TerraLam® mats are created using an innovative process called Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT), which uses an environmentally safe, structural adhesive to bond alternating southern yellow pine planks together instead of bolts. Where traditional bolted mats are only able to transfer the burden of a load at the location of the mechanical fasteners, adhered TerraLam® access mats distribute the weight evenly throughout the entire mat, giving it increased durability and flexibility to prevent cracks or breaks. This means TerraLam® mats are able to offer increased performance and longevity, giving you optimal returns on your investment.
Want More Info On CLT Site Access Solutions?
Contact GFI Solutions to learn more about TerraLam® Products today.
Aug 31, 2020 | Access Mats
Tired of traditional bolted timber crane mats not quite meeting your expectations on the job site? Hoping to save time and money on shipping without sacrificing quality or performance? CLT crane mats are the ideal solutions for heavy-duty projects found in the oil & gas, petroleum, construction, energy and related sectors. GFI Solutions is Canada’s leading source for site access solutions, including CLT crane and rig mats. Learn more about the benefits of CLT mats, as well as the TerraLam® 500 model below.
It’s Time For A Change
It’s no secret that the power and pipeline industries have long relied on bolted matting as their source for site access solutions. While these kinds of mats do play a role in helping to make remote locations more accessible, the common assumption that they are the strongest option available is incorrect. In actuality, bolted mats are created from a mixture of hard and softwoods with no specific standards in place to help moderate quality. In addition, due to their heavier and larger size, they often take more trucks to transport and stress fractures are common at the bolted points with exposure to pressure. Add in a complicated installation process that can take a considerable amount of time, and it becomes clear that bolted mats are cumbersome and costly to deal with over time.
A Better Way Forward
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats take the benefits of timber mats and expand upon them for superior performance and durability. Unlike bolted mats, CLT mats are created by using an environmentally safe adhesive to bond together alternating perpendicular layers of wood for unmatched strength and safety. Engineered to flex under the strain of the weight of heavy loads, CLT mats are 40% lighter than traditional oak mats and allow you to ship up to 25% more mats with every load, saving you time and money. With multiple models available, each designed to have a life cycle that’s 3-5 times longer than traditional matting, CLT mats are a worthwhile investment for any job.
Meet The TerraLam® 508
Weighing the same as a 4-foot timber mat, but offering superior strength and durability, TerraLam 508® matting is suited for use as both a crane or rig mat. Easy installation will save you time and money, and the lighter weight of the mat means you can save up to 50% on freight. Built to embody all of the benefits of CLT mats, TerraLam® mats are among the best in the industry and are trusted by professionals in a wide range of heavy-duty sectors.
GFI: Your Partner in Site Access Solutions
At GFI Solutions, our first priority is supporting our customers. We offer 24/7 service for rentals and sales to keep you moving. In addition to mat sales and rentals, our solutions include:
- Turnkey services
- Inventory management
- Manufacturing
- Delivery& Installation
- Mat washing
- Planning & consultation, and more.
For more information on leading access mat products throughout Canada, contact GFI today.
Aug 25, 2020 | Access Mats, News
It’s time for a better, more dependable source of site access solutions. It’s time to explore the benefits of TerraLam® CLT access mats at GFI.
In need of transport and access solutions that allow your fleet and machinery to freely navigate your worksite with minimal difficulty and disruption? Do you need a way to help keep your project in line with environmental remediation standards? GFI Solutions is here to help. As Canada’s go-to source for all things access matting and site-related, our team is proud to service clients spanning the oil & gas, construction, energy, mining, and related sectors Canada-wide. With 24/7 sales and rental support and round the clock service, you can on our team, as well as our superior products to keep your worksite safe and efficient. Learn more about the benefits of TerraLam® mats and partnering with GFI below!
TerraLam® Mats: The New Standard Of Excellence
Access mats play a vital role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of your job site, making quality just as important as availability. GFI is proud to supply the most dependable solutions on the market to our customers across the country, and is Canada’s exclusive dealer of Sterling Solutions’ line of TerraLam® CLT Worksite access mats and TerraCross® bridges.
TerraLam® mats are made from high quality southern yellow pine and engineered to be tougher, more durable, as well as lighter weight than traditional bolted mats. This all translates to superior performance, as well as large savings for project managers in any industry.
What Sets CLT Apart?
TerraLam® mats use a unique manufacturing approach adopted by Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) mats. Distinct from the manner in which traditional mats are created, the CLT method binds planks together using structural adhesive instead of bolts. As a result, the worksite mats are lightweight and able to flex in order to distribute loads throughout the entire surface, allowing for them to tackle heavy jobs with ease. In addition to superior durability, the adhesive also protects the mat from rot, decay, and environmental damage.
GFI: Your Partner in Site Access Solutions
At GFI Solutions, our first priority is, and always will be, supporting our customers. We offer round the clock service, rentals and sales to keep you moving. In addition to mat sales and rentals, our solutions include:
- Turnkey services
- Inventory management
- Manufacturing
- Delivery& Installation
- Mat washing
- Planning & consultation, and more.
For more information on leading access mat products throughout Alberta and Western Canada, contact GFI today.
Aug 25, 2020 | Access Mats, News
Need site access solutions that perform under heavy-duty applications without breaking the bank or falling apart? At GFI Solutions, we know that access mats are a vital part of staying on track and overcoming the many challenges presented by Canada’s terrain and shifting weather. Rig matting makes it possible to transport and support heavy machinery such as cranes, oversized loads, and more with ease. GFI Solutions is Canada’s leading supplier of CLT access matting solutions and is the nation’s exclusive source for Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam® products. Made with high-quality Southern Yellow Pine fibres, TerraLam® mats offer exceptional durability and strength, as well as unbeatable ROI that helps protect your bottom line. Learn more about the benefits of CLT rig mats below.
A Newer, Better Way
As a recent addition to the site access industry, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) mats have become a preferred solution for those in the oil & gas, construction, chemical, infrastructure, and related sectors. With an end product that weighs up to 40% less than traditional mats, CLT mats give you the ability to transport up to 25% more units per load, saving you valuable time and money with each shipment. In addition, CLT mats have a life cycle that is 3-5 times longer than bolted mats and a superior strength profile due to their inherent flexibility (more on that below), all of which makes them ideal for heavy-duty applications.
The CLT Difference
A large part of what helps set CLT mats apart can be contributed to the unique design and creation process. CLT mats are made by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive, resulting in a lighter and more flexible profile that is able to bend with each load to prevent sudden breakages.
Made with Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fibre, which is 30% harder than Douglas Fir, TerraLam® CLT Access Mats are among the best available on the market and backed by the reputation for excellence held by its manufacturer, Sterling Solutions. The 500 series models are capable of standing up to a wide range of heavy applications, including acting as a foundation for cranes, and more.
Unparalleled Results
In addition to their unique structure, CLT mats offer a wide range of benefits to owners and renters, including:
- High impact resistance
- Glue lamination and wax sealed on all 4 edges makes it easier to repel moisture and rot.
- Suitable for use in extreme conditions, including heat and cold.
- Solid matting top reduces tripping hazards, as well as the tire damage to vehicles
- Cheaper to ship due to the lightweight nature of the mats (more CLT mats can be shipped compared to bolted products), and more.
CLT Rig Mats and More at GFI Solutions
GFI Solutions is proud to be Canada’s only source for TerraLam® products, and carries 300 and 500 series access mats, access bridges, and more. Designed with the utmost of quality in mind, TerraLam® solutions embody the many benefits of CLT mats, right down to the superior performance and longevity. Our team of experts offer 24/7 support for all your site access needs. Contact us today to learn more!
