Jan 11, 2023 | Access Mats, News
Many project managers have a common misconception that traditional bolted timber mats are much more durable than CLT mats, as traditional bolted mats have been used on worksites for decades. While bolted mats have been the “go-to” access matting solutions for years, it is slowly losing popularity to CLT mats. Nowadays, CLT mats have become more in demand than ever before and are used in all access solutions, including access mats, crane and rig mats and access bridges!
GFI Solutions is proud to be Western Canada’s leading access mat solutions supplier, including a range of CLT access mats and access bridges. Being based in Whitecourt and having several offices across Alberta, including Calgary, Grand Prairie and Edmonton, we understand the challenges of finding the best rig mat solutions for Alberta’s extreme weather conditions. With the fluctuation of the temperature as we head into winter, heavy industries are on the lookout for durable, long-lasting rig mats that can withstand extreme weather changes while offering superior performance. If you’re looking for dependable rig mat options in Calgary, GFI Solutions has the product for you. Read on to learn more about our CLT rig mats and their benefits in industrial projects.
Heavy-Duty Rig Mats
GFI Solutions is proud to supply reliable matting solutions to many industries, including drilling, refinery, power sector, construction, oil & gas and more! Our team of engineers and experts have decades of combined industry experience that allows us to understand the importance of having safe transport and platform solutions at the worksite. When managing industrial projects, there is absolutely no room for error, especially concerning cranes and rig mats. No matter the application, you can depend on GFI’s CLT rig mats to support their weight. We take pride in offering customers safe site rig mats that can provide the safety and support heavy machinery requires at the worksite.
Outstanding Performance
CLT mats are manufactured using an innovative process called Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) that provides all matting solutions with the reliability and strength needed to support the heavy machinery and transportation of material in all industrial projects. CLT mats are engineered using an environmentally safe adhesive to bond the mats instead of bolting them together, allowing the weight of heavy equipment or materials to be dispersed evenly throughout the entire mat. The adhesive also creates a moisture barrier to protect the mat from rot and decay, as it provides an extra layer of protection.
Additionally, the CLT mats are manufactured from Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fibre which is around 30% harder than Douglas Fir used in most traditional bolted mats. With our CLT rig mats, you can save up to 50% on transportation costs and 40% on equipment and labour costs with faster installation! When purchasing or renting CLT rig mats, you are increasing the overall safety on the job site, avoiding costly accidents while maintaining outstanding performance.
Keep Your Project On Scope with GFI Solutions
At GFI Solutions, we not only offer customers innovative matting solutions, but we also provide them with professional matting services to help keep the project on schedule. Our services include:
- Inventory Management
- Delivery
- Installation
- Turn-key Services
- Mat Washing
- Planning and Consultation
- And more!
Our 24/7 support line will give you access to any of our services throughout the day across Western Canada, including Calgary, Red Deer, Edmonton and more! Contact us today to learn more about our matting services and solutions.
Jan 11, 2023 | Access Mats, News, TerraCross Bridges
Contractors and project managers looking for access mats often refer to them as swamp mats. While swamp mats and access mats share similarities, they are quite different. Ordering the wrong mats for your project can result in frustration and delays, so before putting in your next order of site access mats, read the following blog to learn more about the different types of matting solutions you might need.
Access Mats
Starting with the most common type of matting option available, access mats. If you’re looking for a matting solution that can be used as temporary roads that help equipment move in and out of a job site, then you should be looking for access mats. They are manufactured in many sizes and can handle various weights. Generally, access mats come in either Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) design or the traditional bolted format.
Swamp Mats
While access mats are often referred to as “swamp mats,” they do serve different purposes. Swamp mats are usually installed to support heavy equipment operating on soft ground. In warmer climates where rain and moisture are very common, the ground starts to become very soft and requires swamp mats to stabilize the ground.
Rig Mats
For those looking for site mats to support oil rigs and large-scale equipment such as construction equipment, then you should be looking for rig mats. Projects that require camps, drilling rigs, tanks and helipads would often opt for rig mats as they are engineered to withstand the weight of heavy machinery and provide the support needed.
Crane Mats
Crane mats are similar to rig mats but are designed with a steel frame that can withstand more weight and provide more support to heavy equipment than rig mats. GFI Solutions proudly offers the TerraLam®’s 500 series mats that feature the TerraLam 504 and TerraLam 508. Both crane mats are lighter and stronger than comparative mats and increase your saving!
Access Bridges
Access bridges are very common in the oil & gas, construction, petrochemical and forestry industries. Remote job sites can make it very difficult for heavy machinery to cross the terrain or even to transport material safely. Access bridges become very beneficial in remote work sites where access mats cannot provide the reliability needed. If your worksite is in an area where there are rivers, creeks or any major gaps in the terrain, access bridges can help you bridge the gap.
Get your Durable Site Access Solutions from GFI
Whether you’re looking to rent or purchase your next order of site access solutions, GFI is available 24/7 to help you with all your access matting needs. We also offer mat washing, installation, delivery, planning and consulting services to ensure that all your access matting needs are met. Contact us today!
Jan 4, 2023 | Access Mats, News
Like any asset in your project, you must protect your access mats. Regular maintenance is necessary to extend the life cycle of access mats and maximize your investment. Mat washing is an essential service to ensure that your access mats are clean, uncontaminated and safe for your crew and the site. At GFI Solutions, we understand the risk of cross-contamination and the safety hazards of using unwashed access mats, which is why we provide a dedicated washing and cleaning service for all access mats. Read on to learn more about the importance of mat washing!
Keeping Access Mats Clean
Access mats are installed to create a smooth temporary road for machines and crew to access the site easily. They are built to withstand that weight and provide the necessary support for equipment and workers, and since they’re designed to be used on uneven terrain, they are bound to be covered in mud, dirt and grime. If left uncleaned, your access mats are at a very high risk of premature failure. The longer dirt and mud stay on access mats, the higher the risk of moisture seeping into the wood. This often results in mould and could cause your mats to snap and break under pressure. By maintaining your access mats and ensuring that you are constantly washing and bleaching them after each project, you increase the longevity of your access mats and keep your equipment and crew safe.
Don’t Risk Contamination
As you probably already know, work sites that involve the transportation or the use of chemicals, fuel or other biohazard materials could very well cause harm to the surrounding environment. When using access mats in different locations, you must ensure that you are not carrying over any materials that could cause contamination or damage to the new terrain. With GFI Solutions’ mat washing services, we ensure that all access mats are thoroughly washed and bleached to remove the risk of cross-contamination. Our mat washing service adheres to both Provincial and Federal safety standards to provide our customers with safe site access mats to be used in their upcoming projects.
Gain The Highest Return Of Investment
By maintaining your access mats and ensuring that they are regularly washed and cleaned, you extend their life cycle and therefore maximize your investment. As a contractor or project manager, your aim is to stay within the budget and keep the project in scope. Taking advantage of GFI Solutions’ mat washing service allows you to rely confidently on your access mats and ensure that they are fit for your next project.
Comprehensive Site Access Solutions at GFI Solutions
Our team of experts is happy to offer you mat washing, turnkey, installation, delivery, rental and sales service 24/7. We have proudly partnered with many clients across Western Canada to ensure that all their site access needs are met. Contact our team today for more information about our products and services.
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!
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!
