Jul 8, 2024 | Drilling Rig Mats
Heavy equipment and vehicles are frequently used in oil drilling, construction, and other industrial projects. You will notice soft ground in such project areas where heavy vehicles and machinery may get stuck and damaged. Rig mats in such scenarios may come to the rescue. Continue reading to learn more about rig mats and their uses.
Rig Mats Overview
Rig mats are artificial and portable platforms used in drilling, construction, military operations, disaster relief, and many other events. Sturdy materials like steel, wood, or composite stuff are used for rig mat production. It makes the platform robust and durable enough to take the load of heavy vehicles, equipment, and machines. Drilling rig mats create solid platforms for heavy rigs, while in construction, they are used to prevent equipment from getting stuck in the mud and create temporary roads for smooth operation. They are also used to build temporary landing zones for helicopters or create sturdy pathways for heavy tanks, keeping military operations running smoothly. In the below section, we will discuss the diverse uses of rig mats in detail.
Rig Mat Uses
Rig mats’ widespread utilities are as follows:
- Rig mats are used in construction to create stable work surfaces, make access roads, work areas, etc.
- Following disasters, rig mats can be used as service roads. They can also be used for helicopter landing zones.
- Rig mats are also used in military operations, such as developing temporary bases. They also make equipment transportation easier in challenging environments.
- In drilling, they are used to create robust platforms for heavy equipment, machinery, and vehicles. Drilling rig mats also play a critical role in protecting the ground from damage.
- Event organizers often use rig mats to create temporary structures like walkways, floors, etc. Their uses are common in concerts, public festivals, sporting events, etc.
- Landfills and recycling facilities use rig mats for access roads and work areas that handle heavy vehicles.
Rig mats, also known as drilling mats or access mats, are heavy-duty platforms used in construction, oil and gas, mining, and other industries to provide stable ground for heavy equipment and vehicles. They are typically made of materials like wood, composite, steel, or a combination of these. Here are some of the primary uses of rig mats:
- Stabilizing Soft or Uneven Ground: Rig mats create a stable surface over soft, muddy, or uneven terrain, allowing heavy machinery to operate safely and efficiently.
- Protecting the Environment: By providing a stable surface, rig mats help prevent soil erosion and minimize damage to vegetation and other natural features in sensitive areas.
- Access Roads and Work Platforms: They are often used to construct temporary access roads and work platforms in remote or difficult-to-reach locations, enabling the transportation and operation of heavy equipment.
- Supporting Heavy Loads: Rig mats distribute the weight of heavy machinery and equipment, reducing the risk of ground subsidence and improving safety.
- Temporary Flooring: In construction sites, rig mats can be used as temporary flooring to create safe walkways and work areas for personnel.
- Oil and Gas Industry: In drilling operations, rig mats provide a stable foundation for rigs and other equipment, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
- Event and Infrastructure Projects: They are also used in large-scale events and infrastructure projects to support stages, grandstands, and temporary structures.
Get the Right Rig Mat for Your Needs from GFI Solutions LTD
GFI Solutions LTD is a trusted supplier of matting solutions in Western Canada. We are also excited to bring our top-class rig mats
to the Eastern Canadian market! We understand the challenges of working on soft terrain, and our durable rig mats are the answer to keeping your equipment stable, your worksite protected, and your operations running smoothly. We offer a variety of products ranging from rig mats to access mats and rubber mats to swamp mats and crane mats. We also deliver temporary access bridges and cross-laminated timber mats.
In the rig mats category, our inventory is not just limited to traditional products. We also offer highly efficient SiteSafe™ CLT rig mats created to outclass traditional solutions. This top-performing rig mat is the product of pioneer engineering and is made of sustainable materials. Visit our product pages to learn more about our diverse product categories and their perks.
Jun 15, 2024 | CLT Mats
Nowadays, one of the major problems that large construction projects face is moving heavy equipment especially if it is uneven or rough terrain. This is where crane mats
are used. These mats are large and strong platforms that are designed to offer a steady foundation to move cranes and other massive machinery. They help in spreading the weight of heavy equipment evenly, eliminating it sinking into the ground and making operation more secure and effective.
Now, the choice to purchase or rent crane mats can have a big effect on your project’s finances, organization, and overall effectiveness. This guide will provide information about the crucial factors to consider so you can make an educated decision.
Key Factors to Check When Renting a Crane Mat
There are certain things you need to keep in mind when deciding whether buying or renting crane mats will be the best for your project. These elements will assist you in figuring out what is economically feasible and convenient for your task, making certain that your daily business operations are carried out uninterruptedly.
- Duration of Your Project
The project’s duration is very important in deciding if renting or buying crane mats is more economical. For short-term projects, renting them usually makes it more affordable than investing in new ones. Furthermore, rental contracts are flexible and let you change the quantity and kind of mats as per project requirements. Alternatively, if you are involved in a project that requires the use of crane mats for an extended period, it might make more financial sense to buy them. This way, you remove the need for continuous rental payments and can use these mats as part of your company’s equipment assets.
- Consider Future Requirements
Look ahead and contemplate your future requirements, especially if your business frequently takes on projects that demand crane mats. In this case, buying a crane mat could be a smart move for a more extended period. When you own a supply of crane mats, it guarantees availability when required and also saves time as well as money by preventing repeat rentals. Moreover, if you buy mats it can provide tax benefits and advantages of being a depreciable asset. But, if you do not need crane mats for frequent use, then renting will be a more flexible and cost-effective option for you.
Considerations When Renting Crane Mats
Since crane mats are essential components in large construction and industrial worksites, it is important to keep the following points in mind when renting a crane mat:
Renting could be difficult for availability, particularly in the high season of construction. To solve this problem, you must plan and make reservations in advance so that you have mats when required.
In the case of projects that last a long time, rental costs could increase and exceed the cost of buying new ones. So, it’s important to calculate all these crucial points before making a final decision.
The mats you rent can be in different states of wear and tear. It is very important to check that the rented mats are in good condition, for keeping safety and efficiency at your workplace.
The Bottom Line
In the field of construction, it is very important to have balance and safety of your equipment. Deciding whether to rent or buy these mats can be a major choice in ensuring stability and protection for your project.
GFI Solutions LTD is your superior choice for purchasing or renting high-grade crane mats. We have a broad selection of crane mats available, each designed to suit different project requirements. Our high-quality crane mats are designed to handle the heavy weights of the cranes, construction equipment and safely transport heavy loads even in challenging terrains.
In addition to our crane mats, we also offer round-the-clock service for access mat rentals and sales, inventory management, and mat washing.
Get in touch with us to get more information about crane mats and turnkey services.
Jun 8, 2024 | CLT Access Mats
CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber) access mats are manufactured by stacking wooden boards in perpendicular layers. The orientation of the individual layers produces an access mat with significant tensile and compressive strength and superb structural rigidity.
Whether you use new or used, CLT access mats offer a superior solution for your construction sites. CLT access mats are a perfect solution, especially in challenging areas like swamps, bogs, and marshes.
Let’s discover 3 benefits of purchasing new and/or used CLT access mats.
Cost Savings
One of the primary advantages of choosing used or rented CLT access mats is the significant cost savings option. As you may know, used mats are generally priced much lower than new ones. This allows you to allocate your construction budget more efficiently. Although previously used in other terrains, Superior CLT mats retain their structural integrity and functionality. That’s why they provide a cost-effective solution and there is no need to worry about compromised structural integrity. For construction projects that require a large number of access mats, used CLT mats allow substantial savings. However, renting CLT mats can also be an option. Renting CLT access mats is typically fully tax-deductible as an operational expense but purchasing them requires depreciating the cost over an extended period.
Environmental Benefits
Choosing used CLT access mats is also an environmentally conscious decision that promotes sustainability. When you reuse existing mats, you reduce the demand for newly manufactured products. This, in turn, helps to conserve forest resources and mitigate carbon emissions. Going with used CLT mats actively contributes to sustainable practices and promotes the reuse of materials. And, this helps to minimize waste and supports the broader goal of reducing the environmental impact of construction activities. Remember, making environmentally friendly choices can also enhance your company’s reputation and demonstrate a commitment to sustainable practices.
Immediate Availability
When it comes to CLT access mats, one of the major benefits is their ready availability. These mats can often be obtained quickly, and there’s no denying that this is a huge advantage for construction projects that operate on tight schedules. If you don’t want to spend a hefty amount of money on brand-new mats to be manufactured and delivered, then you can acquire the used mats or rent them out quickly. This immediate availability ensures that your project stays on track and avoids costly delays.
Moreover, the quick access to used mats means you can respond promptly to any unforeseen circumstances or changes that may arise during the course of the project. If you suddenly require additional mats or need to modify your existing setup, then you can go with used CLT access mats.
Bottom Line
GFI Solutions LTD is the top supplier of CLT access mats in Canada. These mats are designed to be better than traditional bolted mats in several ways –
Made using sustainable forest practices.
Lighter in weight but stronger.
Safer to use.
Faster to install and remove.
Last longer.
More cost-effective than traditional mats.
Our SiteSafe™ CLT access mats are 3-5 times stronger than regular mats. They can save you up to 60% on transportation costs and up to 40% on installation and removal costs.
We offer a wide range of access mat solutions for rent or purchase. These mats can be customized to fit your needs. Our Additional services include delivery, installation, mat washing, 24/7 customer support, and more
Visit our official website to discover more about our products. Or, get a quote now!
May 20, 2024 | rig mats
Tired of damaged bolted wooden access mats? Broken or damaged traditional access mats are common in heavy-duty sites, especially in the oil and gas sectors. Bolted wooden access mats fail to withstand heavy loads and machinery due to their lack of durability. As a result, your machinery and crew may be at risk when navigating the worksite.
Seeking a solution? Look no further than SiteSafe™ drilling rig mats. In this blog, we will explore why rig matting is the best access solution for the oil and gas industry.
Importance of Using SiteSafe™ Drilling Rig Matting in Oil and Gas Sectors
Compared to traditional bolted wooden access mats, SiteSafe™ drilling rig mats better withstand heavy loads. Leveraging their durability and strength, you can create strong temporary bridges over crossings, and challenging uneven terrain to transfer and set machinery and crew when navigating the area.
Moreover, the chances of damaged access mats at the end of the project are reduced. SiteSafe™ CLT rig mats, include SiteSafe™ traditional steel frame rig mats and SiteSafe™ Cross Laminated 500 and 700 Timber (CLT) rig mats. They are the best choice, ensuring lifelong longevity and lasting performance. Hence, you can conveniently access your job sites without worrying about damage.
Traditional SiteSafe™ rig mats are comprised of 3 to 4-rail steel frames with wooden inserts and cross beams, making it best for heavy-duty applications. This unique design allows for easy transfer of machinery and heavy loads that traditional 3-ply bolted wooden access mats can’t offer due to their lack of durability and strength.
Benefits:
- Creating strong structural roadways to transfer heavy loads
- Better and safer access to the job sites for your crew, such as oil and gas fields
- 8′ Wide x 20′ or 40′ long (custom size available)
- Interlocking options available
SiteSafe™ Cross Laminated 500 Timber (CLT) rig mats
Our SiteSafe™ Cross Laminated 500 Timber (CLT) rig mats are the leading choice in the oil and gas industry for durable and strong onsite access solutions. Compared to traditional wooden bolted mats, these SiteSafe™ CLT rig mats are designed innovatively to ensure maximum strength and durability to navigate worksites with heavy machinery.
SiteSafe™ Cross Laminated 500 Timber (CLT) rig mats are created from five layers of cross-laminated timber and structurally safe and eco-friendly adhesive instead of bolts, allowing them to withstand even the heaviest loads. Moreover, there is a wax seal on the four edges of these SiteSafe™ CLT rig mats to prevent moisture penetration.
Benefits:
- Maximum durability and strength to withstand heavy machinery and equipment
- 5-ply access mat (5 layers of cross-laminated timber) to handle the heaviest loads
- Eco-friendly and structurally safe adhesive used instead of bolts, guaranteeing lasting performance and lifelong longevity
- Wax seal on the four edges to keep it safe from moisture penetration
- Dimensions: 8’ wide X 14′ length & 8’wide x 16’ length X 7” thick
- Sustainably manufactured
SiteSafe™ Cross Laminated 700 Timber (CLT) rig mats
These SiteSafe™ CLT rig mats are no different from SiteSafe™ Cross Laminated 500 Timber (CLT) rig mats, except that they are a 7-ply access mat. It means these SiteSafe™ rig mats are made of 7 layers of cross-laminated timber, making them the best option for heavy machinery.
Benefits:
- Dimensions: 8′ wide x 14′ or 16′
- Sustainably manufactured
- 7-ply access mat
- Ability to withstand the heaviest loads, equipment, and machinery
- Wax sealer to avoid moisture penetration
- Eco-friendly adhesive instead of bolts to ensure longevity
Best Place to Find SiteSafe™ Drilling Rig Mats
At GFI Solutions, we have the best products for you for SiteSafe™ CLT rig mats. We use sustainably sourced materials, such as plantation grown Long Leaf Southern Yellow Pine, to create our SiteSafe™ drilling rig mats, including SiteSafe™ traditional rig mats and SiteSafe™ Cross Laminated 500 and 700 Timber (CLT) rig mats. We also offer custom-sized SiteSafe™ rig mats.
So, whether to purchase or rent SiteSafe™ CLT drilling rig mats, count on us. Get a quote today!
May 3, 2024 | Access Mats
Construction sites often present challenging conditions, with rough terrain and unpredictable weather. And, ensuring the safety of workers and equipment is a top priority here. Access mats, also known as ground matting, play a vital role in construction areas. Why? Because these sturdy mats provide a temporary pathway to and from the construction site. Plus, they offer many other benefits that enhance the overall efficiency and safety of the project.
Today, we will explore 3 big reasons why construction sites need access mats
Temporary Roadways
One of the most common uses of access mats on construction sites is for building temporary roadways. Many times, construction projects take place in areas with rough or unstable terrain and simply getting to this job site can be a huge challenge. The challenge can be double when it is about transporting heavy materials and equipment. This is when access mats come to the rescue.
These sturdy mats can act as a stable foundation – allowing you to create temporary roadways, staging yards, drilling pads, and more. Using these superb-quality mats, you can safely drive to the work site, even in the most remote or rugged locations. And, there’s more! They also provide a safe, stable surface for workers to walk and operate to enhance job site safety.
Anti-Slip Walkway Matting Ensures Safety
On construction sites, safety should always be the top priority. There are numerous potential hazards and risks and it’s very crucial to take every precaution to protect workers from accidents. Anti-slip access matting is really beneficial in this context. They provide a secure and stable walking surface, even in wet or slippery conditions.
Using these heavy-duty access mats, workers can move around the job site with confidence. They know that the matting beneath their feet has a high-traction surface designed to prevent slips and falls. This extra grip can be a lifesaver, especially in areas where spills or moisture are common.
Protecting the Environment
Construction sites can have a significant impact on the surrounding environment, especially when heavy machinery is involved. The constant movement of vehicles and equipment – all of these can lead to soil erosion and disrupt the delicate microbial balance of the area. But, access mats provide a layer of protection that can help mitigate these environmental concerns.
Access mats create a temporary foundation over rugged terrain. They act as a barrier between your crew, equipment and the ground. This simple yet effective solution helps prevent accidental cross-contamination and potential damage to the environment you’re working in.
Top-quality access mats are eco-friendly, both in their manufacturing process and their ability to facilitate site recovery after project completion. This minimizes long-term environmental impact.
Since this matting solution protects the environment during construction, they can significantly cut down on costly remediation needed after the project. The good news is – it saves time and money in the long run.
Bottom Line
At GFI Solutions LTD, we understand the challenges of running construction projects on unstable or difficult terrain. That’s why we offer a wide range of access mat solutions to help you safely transport heavy loads across even the toughest grounds.
Our access mats come in various sizes, but the typical dimensions are 8 feet by 14 feet, with a thickness of 5 inches. However, we can custom-build mats to suit the specific requirements of your project.
We take pride in offering our customers a diverse selection of access mats for rent or purchase. Our inventory includes:
3-ply SiteSafe™ CLT Access Mats
5-ply SiteSafe™ CLT Access Mats
7-ply SiteSafe™ CLT Access Mats
Traditional Bolted Access Mats
We use innovative Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) technology to manufacture access mats that are 3 to 5 times stronger than traditional bolted mats. Plus, our CLT access mats are made with an environmentally safe adhesive.
CLT access mats are the industry standard for exceptional safe site access solutions, and they boast a lifespan that’s three to five times longer than traditional bolted mats.
Explore our products now! We also offer delivery, installation, mat washing, 24/7 customer service, and more! Call us to discuss your needs!
