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

Apr 10, 2024 | Access Mats

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.

#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

Feb 22, 2024 | Timber Mats

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.

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!

CLT Access Mats 101: What It Is, Benefits, and Much More

Feb 19, 2024 | Access Mats

Are you tackling a large civil construction project? If so, you’re likely familiar with the challenges posed by uneven terrain and environmentally sensitive work areas. Navigating heavy machinery across rocky landscapes or constructing temporary roadways can be daunting tasks.

If you’re grappling with these challenges and in need of a durable access solution, consider SiteSafe Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) mats. Unlike traditional options, SiteSafe CLT access mats offer superior strength, durability, and affordability. They provide reliable ground protection, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.

Curious about SiteSafe CLT mats and their applications? Look no further – today’s blog has all the answers you need.

What Are SiteSafe Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Access Mats, and How Are They Built?

CLT Timber access mats SiteSafe CLT Timber access mats are crafted from layers of wood bonded perpendicular to one another using a robust environmentally friendly adhesive. This process results in resilient solid access mats that outperform conventional bolted access mats. Once installed, these access mats create stable surfaces for temporary roads, right of ways, staging areas, and or work pads on sites with uneven or unstable terrain.

SiteSafe CLT construction mats unergo rigorous quality assurance tests to measure the durability and strength of the adhesive bond, ensuring that they are safe enough to be used on job sites for access and ground protection.

Benefits of SiteSafe CLT Access Mats at Construction Job Sites

Although GFI continues to provide traditional bolted access mats for temporary road access and heavy equipment navigation on construction sites, SiteSafe CLT heavy equipment mats and construction mats offer a compelling alternative. Not only are they sustainably built to align with forest practices, but they also boast superior durability, strength, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

Recent research indicates that SiteSafe CLT access mats can yield significant savings, reducing installation and removal expenses by up to 40% and transportation costs by 60% compared to conventional options. Additionally, CLT access mats provide enhanced ground protection where needed, surpassing the performance of traditional bolted mats on job sites.

All About CLT Access Mats

Is It Possible to Repair SiteSafe Cross-Laminated Timber Access Mats?

SiteSafe CLT access mats are deployed to stabilize unstable terrain on construction sites, such as rocky slopes, muskeg, soil, creeks, and swamps, ensuring safe and stable temporary road access or support for heavy equipment. Despite their resilience, there is a possibility of damage when tracked equipment is driven over them. However, any such damage can be easily repaired by skilled crews using appropriate tools, swiftly and securely.

Can SiteSafe CLT Access Mats be Reused at Different Construction Sites?

Indeed, SiteSafe Cross-Laminated Timber access mats, being a single solid piece of wood, offer a simpler cleaning process compared to traditional bolted access mats with gaps. Moreover, when a SiteSafe CLT mat reaches the end of its lifespan, it can be repurposed in versatile ways, such as serving as livestock bedding, contributing to biofuel production, or acting as a ground surface for mulch.

In Conclusion

Ready to adopt this durable access solution? If so, look no further! At GFI Solutions LTD, we specialize in providing SiteSafe CLT access matting solutions tailored to your needs. Whether your project involves construction, oil and gas, pipeline, mining, or any other industry, we’ve got you covered with custom sizing options. Whether you require 10 access mats for ground stabilization or 10,000 mats, with our large fleet of equipment, skilled crews, and quality products GFI Soltuions ensures a swift and safe execution.

As a matter of fact, GFI boasts the largest fleet of CLT and traditional bolted 8’ x 14’ access mats for sale in Canada. Don’t hesitate – reach out to our team today or request a quote to kickstart your project with confidence!

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