Unleashing the Power of Crane Mats in Large Civil Construction Projects

Unleashing the Power of Crane Mats in Large Civil Construction Projects

Nowadays, large civil construction projects mostly involve heavy equipment. But, it becomes challenging to navigate those machines on uneven terrain and rocky landscapes, especially at environmentally sensitive job sites. In this case, you need access to solutions designed to grapple with this challenge and ensure a safe and efficient job, this is where solid and durable crane mats come into play. They provide a strong work foundation to withstanding the heaviest loads from robust machines.

Interested in crane mats? Discover what they are, how they function, and their advantages!

What Is a Crane Mat, and How Do They Benefit Large Civil Projects?

Crane mats are heavy equipment mats made of large timbers that have a common thickness and are green in moisture content. The most common sizes of crane mats are 16′ to 40′ in length, 8” to 12” thick, and 4′ wide. Compared to traditional wooden access mats, these strong and durable access mats provide reliable ground protection against the loads and pressure of large machinery. Also, these timber mats for cranes offer the maximum stabilization to tackle construction projects involving crane operations. Hence, you can easily transport heavy construction equipment across environmentally sensitive work areas without damaging the landscape. 

However, the benefits of crane mat installation is not limited to just supporting the heavy loads of cranes and other large machinery, like loaders, bulldozers, excavators, and more. These durable access solutions go beyond that. For instance:

#1: Crane mats to keep equipment safe-

Uneven terrain can damage the construction machinery or make them mired in mud when navigating across rocky landscapes or temporary roadways. Crane mats work as a barrier between the terrain and construction machinery to keep the equipment and workers safe. Moreover, they are used for ground protection. Its versatility allows it to use these durable mats on any kind of landscape, such as swamps, wetland areas, marshes, and even rocky grounds.

#2: Crane mats are useful in a wide range of projects-

Any large civil construction projects that involve the use of heavy machinery like cranes, excavators, or loaders for heavy lifting may require crane mats as the preferred access solution. Crane mats are used in various applications such as renewable projects, like wind turbine installation, bridge construction, excavation projects, mining, pipelines, or those needing crane access trestles. Given the need for additional stability support, crane mats emerge as the optimal choice for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of heavy machinery in such projects.

#3: Use of crane mats in oil and gas sectors-

Oil and gas projects require the construction of temporary roadways and bridges to access remote areas and allow heavy equipment, vehicles, and workers to arrive there. Installing crane mats will help you navigate robust machines across those temporary roadways, especially on rocky and uneven terrain, during gas and oil projects. 

#4: Crane mats come with custom sizing options-

The typical size of crane mats is 8” to 12” thick, 4′ wide, and 16′ to 40′ in length, allowing ground protection against the heavy loads of cranes and other large machines. Its exceptional and tailored sizing options make it suitable for various civil construction projects to withstand the pressure of heavy machinery. 

Benefits of Crane Mat

GFI Solutions LTD, offers all sizes of crane mats. We stock the most common size crane mats 4′ wide by 20′ long by 12″ thick designed to withstand the robust pressure of cranes and other machinery, while offering tailored access matting solutions to your project needs. If you are looking for a crane mat rental, count on us.

Crane mat rentals ensure your equipment and crew are working safely at remote work sites. With our access solutions, expert crews, and extensive equipment fleet, you can be confident in achieving safe and efficient results. Whether your project requires 10 crane mats or a larger order of 5,000 crane mats, we’ve got you covered.

Feel free to get in touch with us now or get a quote today to start your project confidently!

 

3 Types of Access Mat Grades You Must Know About to Choose the Right One for Your Project

3 Types of Access Mat Grades You Must Know About to Choose the Right One for Your Project

When faced with the reality of navigating through rugged landscapes such as mud, swamps, or uneven terrain, access mats emerge as the unsung heroes of construction. But with various access mat grades available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This post will break down the different access mat grades, explaining their basic details to ensure you select the proper access mat for your project.

#1 Grade A Mats

Grade A mats look like new but are used. They typically have minimal field use and negligible wear and tear, Grade A mats retain their original shape and structural integrity. All boards, nuts and bolts  are fully in tact.  Apart from investing in new access mats, Grade A mats are the next best option. They offer unmatched durability and reliability, making them the superior choice among other used options.

#2 Grade B Mats

Grade A and Grade B mats are pretty similar in appearance but not equally matched. Grade B mats are still structurally sound but will have moire wear and tear than a A grade access mat. While these mats may have slight cosmetic variations, their strength and functionality remain unaffected. So, don’t let the visual inadequacies of Grade B mats fool you. Despite showing some wear & tear, Grade B mats retain their fundamental qualities – stability and load capacity – making them a reliable option for most projects. Opting for Grade B mats can prove to be a savvy cost-saving strategy, particularly if you intend to utilize tracked equipment.

Access Mat Grade

#3 Grade C Mats

This type of mat may be missing top boards, nuts, bolts and typically does not have all four corners in tact. Grade C mats are often used as a budget-friendly solution for projects requiring less capacity. Many projects need various layers of matting. Grade C mats can also be used in such scenarios as base layers. 

Now that you better understand access mat grades, you’re well-equipped to choose the perfect solution for your project’s specific needs. Whether you require the top-tier performance of Grade A mats or the cost-effective functionality of Grade C, GFI Solutions LTD offers a comprehensive selection of access mats for sale. From traditional bolted access mats to specialized options like CLT access mats, our team of experts is here to guide you toward the optimal choice for your project’s success.  

We have decades of experience helping clients overcome challenging terrain using our access mats. Our experts work hand in hand with clients to assist them in finding the optimum solution for their project. Contact us today to discuss your access matting requirements and experience the difference our products and expertise can make.

 

Embrace the Green: Popularity of Cross-Laminated Timber Mats in the Market

Embrace the Green: Popularity of Cross-Laminated Timber Mats in the Market

Forget clunky metal and flimsy plywood, there’s something new in the town: cross-laminated timber mats. These unique and innovative mats are shaking up the construction industry with their surprising versatility, sustainability and strength. So, buckle up because we are going to dive into the world of cross-laminated mats and the reasons surrounding the future of temporary access and ground protection. 

What Is Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)?

Cross-laminated timber, the latest eco-friendly superhero is on the way. Unlike their outdated counterparts, these sustainable mats skip the clunky bolts and depend on a strong and environmentally friendly adhesive. This magic glue holds the layers of lumber together at right angles, creating a solid panel of wood which appears to be sturdy as well as significantly lightweight.

Consider these mats as the multitaskers that are ready to tackle temporary access roads, and work platforms, and even protect delicate grounds. Built with a minimum of 3 layers of lumber, each laid perpendicularly and bonded together to provide maximum strength. Made from fast-growing renewable timber, these mats are the champions of sustainability. 

Hey, don’t underestimate this innovative wonder! 

Cross-laminated timber mats are engineered wood panels that act as the prime face of the construction industry.  Let’s unleash the many good reasons why it is championing the trending construction domain.

Eco-Warrior:

Bid farewell to the traditional steel and concrete. Presenting the very high-quality CLT mats that are made from fast-growing, renewable timber that is the champion for the environment. Every mat you see and choose is a step towards a greener and sustainable future, leaving lighter footprints on our planet.

Offers Strength Like No Other:

Are you quite skeptical about its strength and quality? Do not let the “wood” fool you. Our CLT mats are surprisingly strong and special thanks to their innovative construction. Pay attention to the layers of lumber that are glued together at the right angle to create a solid panel that withstands heavy loads from trucks and cranes, making them ideal for temporary work platforms and roadways.

Featherweight Champ:

In comparison to their steel counterparts, CLT mats are incredibly light. This makes the product easier and faster to install, saving you time, money, and maybe ensure peace of mind too. Imagine the efficiency boost you can actually experience with this lightweight mat material. 

Cost-Effective Hero:

You may find the initial investment to be a bit higher but these CLT mats offer a longer lifespan and require less maintenance than imagined. In the long run, these installations will not only save you money but also reduce waste, making them a smart financial decision.

Versatility Is the Key:

Think of CLT mats as the ultimate multitaskers of the construction world. They are not just for temporary roads; they can also be used for right of ways, work pads, staging areas, and even protecting delicate ground. They adapt to various needs, making them incredibly versatile.

Easy Does It:

Installing and removing CLT mats is a breeze, even with smaller equipment. Their lighter weight makes them easier to handle, reducing labour costs and speeding up the process.

clt mats in trending construction

Ready to join the cross-laminated timber mat revolution? Consider these mats for your next project and experience the difference. Remember, it’s not just about building stronger structures, it’s about building a more sustainable future, one mat at a time.

Conquer Any Terrain with GFI Solutions LTD.: Your Cross-Laminated Matting Matchmaker

Forget the struggle of sourcing the right matting for your project. GFI Solutions steps in as your true partner, providing customizable solutions for any size or challenge. Whether you need a handful of mats for a quick fix or a massive rollout for environmental protection, we’ve got you covered.

Think you’re stuck with swamps, mud, or treacherous streams? Think again! With over a decade of experience under our belts, we’ve tackled it all. We don’t just offer mats – we offer expertise. We’ll work side-by-side with you to understand your project’s unique needs and recommend the perfect matting solution, regardless of location, terrain, or scale. Want to talk to our team? Dial 1-833-GFI-MATS or visit our website to have a glance at our exclusive timber mats that are on sale. Contact us today!