Sep 12, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Environmental sustainability and remediation are becoming critical focal points for project grants and construction governance. One of the forestry industry’s significant challenges is mitigating the damage caused by equipment moving through a remote job site. Without a makeshift roadway already in place, you’ll need to consider a safe site access solution. At GFI Solutions, we have a range of access solutions to fit every job site. Our TerraLam CLT access mats are quickly becoming the standard for the forestry industry as they feature several benefits aside from safe site access. With environmental stewardship in mind, CLT mats are your project’s economical and environmentally conscious choice. Continue reading to learn more about how CLT mats benefit the forestry industry.
The CLT Difference
If you’re only familiar with bolted mats but are looking for an alternative that provides your worksite with a range of advantages, consider Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats. CLT mats are manufactured by bonding layers of wood with a specially formulated adhesive. Compared to traditional bolted mats, CLT mats provide better weight distribution across the entire mat. This means that CLT mats won’t break even under the heaviest loads. The unique construction of CLT mats does more than stand up to heavy equipment; they’re also more flexible and lightweight.
We are Canada’s premier distributor of TerraLam® CLT access mats here at GFI. We offer a 500 level model that is steel reinforced to handle heavy machinery and a more standard 300 level for general applications. So regardless of your weight requirements, we are sure to have the access matting solutions you need.
Environmentally Conscious
The forestry industry is increasingly concerned with environmental consciousness, remediation, and sustainability. Heavy-duty hauling in remote areas can affect and damage local terrain, so implementing safeguards to protect the environment is crucial. Access mats serve as a protective barrier and a temporary roadway for trucks, equipment, and workers. By using site-safe access mats during your forestry operations, you significantly reduce the chance of causing damage and contamination problems to the native ecosystem in the area. The mats can easily be removed from the site when your project is completed. They leave minimal damage in their wake, allowing the landscape to return to normal quickly.
At GFI Solutions, our CLT mats are manufactured with sustainability in mind. The wood from our CLT mats is sourced from plantation-grown Southern Yellow Pine, which takes only 20 years to mature for harvest. The adhesive that binds the wood planks together is also environmentally friendly, so our CLT mats are sure to meet the stringent environmental standards of the forestry industry.
Partner with GFI Solutions
As Canada’s leading provider of site access solutions, GFI understands the importance of cost-effective matting services to your daily operations. We’re proud to offer 24/7 support for sales and rentals and advanced site management services, including inventory management, mat washing, expedited delivery installation, and more! If you’re looking to try out the durability of our TerraLam CLT mats, contact us today.
Aug 30, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Is your project in need of temporary access solutions? If so, then rig mat rentals from GFI Solutions are here to help! At GFI, our team is focused on providing safe, innovative and secure access matting solutions to ensure that your project gets done on time. Our range of TerraLam CLT rig mats will withstand the numerous challenges your project’s remote worksite throws at them. With exceptional customer service, GFI is sure to be able to meet all of your access needs. Below we’ll discuss more about our CLT rig mats and why you should rent with GFI Solutions. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are CLT Mats?
CLT mats or Cross Laminated Timber mats are manufactured from high-quality Southern Yellow Pine. Instead of bolts, these mats use an environmentally safe adhesive to secure wood planks together into three or five-ply configurations. Since CLT mats are made from Pine and adhesive rather than Oak or Douglas Fir and bolts, they have a lifecycle that’s 3-5 times longer than other mats. That means you’ll have to purchase or rent fewer rig mats in the long term as they are more durable than traditional bolted mats. The secret behind CLT mats’ ability to withstand wear and tear? Well, CLT mats evenly distribute weight throughout the entire surface of the mat and can flex under pressure. In addition, CLT mats have a unique adhesive that acts as a protective barrier against rot and decay. So if you’re looking for long-lasting, high-quality rig mats, TerraLam CLT mats from GFI Solutions are the best choice!
Rent with GFI Solutions
Remote job sites come with many challenges for your crew and equipment. Our Canadian wilderness can make completing your project on time complicated, from difficult weather conditions and muddy ground to environmentally protected terrain, creeks, and more. Having a reliable and stable foundation for your equipment and workers means you can better proceed with your project’s operations. CLT rig mats from GFI Solutions can assist you in making your worksite safe and accessible. Rig mats can provide your team with temporary roadways that supply a stable base for your heavy equipment. That means you can rest assured knowing that your vital equipment and crew won’t be delaying your project completion by getting stuck in the mud.
At GFI Solutions, you have the option to rent or purchase CLT rig mats. Renting rig mats can be an excellent opportunity to test out TerraLam’s CLT mats before buying them. We offer rental solutions throughout Canada, so we can get our CLT mats out to your site regardless of where your project is located!
Your Rig Mat Experts
As Western Canada’s leading supplier of access solutions, GFI is proud to offer high-quality rig mats, TerraCross Bridges, bolted access mats and more! Our team understands the unique challenges your project can face in our Canadian wilderness; that’s why we offer 24/7 support. Rig mat rentals can be a great access solution to complete your current project without dealing with additional issues like storage or transportation of the mats. Contact our team at GFI Solutions today to learn more about our rental options or to learn more about our range of TerraLam access solutions!
Aug 30, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Looking for portable access mats that are used to support heavy machinery during construction or oil drilling operations? Look no further! GFI Solutions’ drilling mats are manufactured to provide you with matting solutions that are safe, durable and affordable. Whether you need to build a portable road over unstable terrain or create a passage to a pipeline, GFI’s access solutions will help you pave the way. Read on to learn more about our matting solutions!
Protect The Land, The Machinery and The Crew
Operations on biochemical and petrochemical worksites can cause severe damage to the environment as chemical spillage can destroy habitats, kill wildlife or even contaminate vital resources in the food chain. Using drilling mats on the worksite protects the land from any toxic materials.
Drilling mats also help protect your machinery and workers, no matter the circumstances. Whether the terrain is wet, muddy or simply unstable, on-land drilling mats will help protect your equipment and support heavy machinery. Companies in the mining industry also prefer the use of drilling mats as they provide a safe and solid terrain for easier storage of equipment and materials.
Canadian weather can also negatively affect your crew. Wetlands or ice surfaces create an unsafe work environment where your workers are prone to accidents due to uneven and dangerous grounds. Drilling mats ensure your workers’ safety, regardless of the weather conditions.
Durable And Robust
Unlike regular access mats, drilling mats have a steel frame that increases their strength, enabling them to withstand heavy machinery like:
- Drilling Rigs
- Oil Rigs
- Pumps
- Compressors
- Storage Tanks
- And more!
Cost-Effective
At GFI Solutions, we understand that projects can require a large number of mats to cover the area of a worksite, which is why we offer our partners our cost-effective Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats. Our CLT mats are built using Southern Yellow Pine wood, which is 30% harder than most common wood fibre and is two-thirds the weight of traditional bolted mats. Shipping CLT access mats can save you up to 60% in transportation costs and up to 40% on installation and removal costs. With our CLT mats, you will no longer have to worry about cutting down on the number of access mats needed to fully cover the worksite.
Partner With GFI Solutions Today
Our matting solutions are designed to offer our partners top-notch quality at an affordable price. Partner with GFI Solutions and request a quote for your upcoming project.
Aug 17, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Are you in the market for new access matting solutions, but you’re tired of plowing through your budget on costly mats that barely last through your project? TerraLam Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are here to take the pressure off your shoulders and budget. As the latest innovation in site access, TerraLam CLT mats have quickly made themselves an industry favourite due to their heavy-duty performance and lengthy lifespan. TerraLam mats provide more than affordability and endurance; they’re also leading the way in environmental consciousness. At GFI Solutions, we are proud to provide our clients with a range of sustainable access solutions for their pocketbooks and the environment. Learn more about some of the environmental benefits of TerraLam access mats below!
Mats Provide Environmental Protection
TerraLam Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are manufactured in such a way that makes them significantly more environmentally friendly than traditional bolted mats. Some of the benefits of CLT mats are as follows:
- CLT mats are made from sustainably sourced Southern Yellow Pine.
- Hugh impact resistance and durability make CLT mats have a 3-5 times longer lifespan than bolted mats.
- The adhesive that’s used to bond the mats together is eco-friendly.
- They’re fast and simple to install or remove.
- Due to the lightweight nature of CLT mats, shipping costs are significantly reduced
- Weather-resistant, and more.
Alongside being manufactured environmentally sustainable, CLT mats can also help prevent organic and chemical cross-contamination. Oils, fluids, and other chemicals that are a part of your operation can have permanent and damaging effects on the land around your project site. Access mats act as a barrier between your equipment and the ground below, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination. As long as your mats are thoroughly cleaned regularly and before moving to a new site, they’ll protect your crew, equipment, and the ecosystem.
CLT mats are significantly easier and more affordable to clean as they don’t use bolts that can carry significant amounts of buildup. At GFI, we are proud to offer a range of site access services, including mat washing. We have four mat washers that operate simultaneously to ensure over 2,000 mats a day are fully bleached and sanitized before moving on to their next job.
Recycling CLT Mats
With the extended lifespan of TerraLam CLT access mats, you won’t have to worry about recycling your broken-down mats for some time. However, even the most robust mat will need to be replaced or safely disposed of over time. Luckily CLT mats are more accessible and more environmentally friendly to dispose of than traditional bolted mats. Since CLT mats don’t have any bolts once they’re removed from service, they can be recycled in various ways. Some popular options include livestock bedding, mulching, or becoming a biofuel component.
Site Access Solutions at GFI
GFI Solutions is Western Canada’s leading provider of access mats, and we are proud to be a distributor of Sterling Solutions’ range of TerraLam products. TerraLam access products are designed with quality in mind, so contact our team today if you’re interested in renting or purchasing reliable swamp mats or access bridges.
Aug 17, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Access mats are essential in heavy industries such as drilling, power, construction, refinery, renewable energy and oil and gas industries. Worksites in such industries require robust matting solutions that can withstand the weight of heavy equipment and eliminate work hazards such as tire punctures and tripping. GFI Solutions is proud to introduce Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats that solve the most common problems found in traditional access mats. If you’re looking for access mats or oilfield rig mats for your worksite that are durable, cost-effective and safe, CLT mats are the perfect solution for you. Read on to learn more about the benefits of our CLT mats.
What are access mats/ what are rig mats
Contrary to popular belief, oilfield mats and access mats are quite different. Access mats are used to create makeshift roads and portable paths within a worksite for workers to quickly move around on uneven terrain and provide a smooth ground for cars or trucks to drive on. Oilfield mats are also a form of access mats; however, they are manufactured with a steel frame to provide support for heavy machinery. If your worksite consists of heavy equipment and extremely heavy loads, then oilfield rig mats are more beneficial for your needs. Project managers typically think of traditional bolted mats when starting a project, but we advise Cross Laminated Timber Mats (CLT) and here’s why:
1. CLT Mats are More Sturdy
CLT mats are designed to provide you with more strength than regular traditional bolted mats as they are manufactured using Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fibre instead of Douglas Fir. Since Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fibre is 30% harder than Douglas Fir, CLT mats are ideal for heavy-duty jobs.
2. CLT Mats are Cost-Effective
Engineered to provide you with the best quality at an affordable price, CLT mats weigh around 40% less than traditional bolted mats, which allows us to transport 72 mats per load. When purchasing or renting CLT mats, you can save up to 60% in transportation costs!
3. CLT Mats Time-Efficient
Because CLT mats are lighter than traditional bolted mats, more mats can fit per loader or shuttle truck, not only saving you time but also saving you up to 40% on installation and removal costs.
4. CLT Mats Eco-Friendly
All CLT mats are manufactured with sustainable forest practices as we only use Southern Yellow Pine wood that is grown to maturity in 20 years, unlike Oak, which is grown to maturity in 100. CLT mats are also manufactured using eco-friendly adhesive to bond the planks together.
Which Mats Do I Need For My Site?
Managing a project on a large worksite may require different mats for specific areas. If you’re unsure as to which mats your worksite requires, our experts are ready to help. With GFI Solutions’ planning and consulting services and inventory management, you’ll always be prepared. Our services also include:
- Turn-Key Services
- Manufacturing
- Delivery and Installation
- Mat Washing
Ready to Get Started?
Contact our experts today to learn more about our CLT mats and different matting solutions!
Aug 11, 2022 | Access Mats, News
GFI Solutions is proud to present you Calgary’s best choice for rig mats; Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats. Our TerraLam mats are a comprehensive solution for all your matting needs. The access mats are engineered to be lightweight, robust and cost-effective and come in different sizes to fit your matting needs.
At GFI Solutions, we cater to our customers’ needs beyond simply supplying you with rig mats. Our matting expertise and excellent customer support will help you keep your project in scope. Learn more about our matting services below:
Inventory Management
In heavy industries such as the oil & gas industry, the use of access mats is necessary to support heavy equipment like cranes and rigs during the production process. The possibility of our CLT/bolted mats undergoing damage is slim, but possible, which is why we offer you the inventory management service to ensure the availability of access mats anytime you need them. We will work with you to ensure that an abundance of mats is available for any foreseeable problem.
Mat Washing
Spillage in the oil & gas industry happens more often than not, causing decay and damage to your mats from harmful substances. In order to increase the longevity of your access mats, we provide mat washing services to thoroughly clean your mats. Mat washing removes the risk of contamination and erosion to the hardwood, lengthening the lifespan mats and protecting your job sites.
Planning and Consultation
Whether you choose CLT or bolted mats, GFI Solutions offers you planning and consultation services to help you design the layout of your upcoming project. To ensure smooth production, our team of experts will work closely with you to plan and provide consultation on the number of mats needed, the placement of the temporary road and the emergency stock required. Our goal is to make sure the production process goes as smoothly as possible.
Manufacturing and Support
All our mats are manufactured in-house, allowing us to provide you with customized matting solutions if needed. We also offer the following standard options:
- TerraLam® 300 – 8” x 14 long
- TerraLam® 500 – 8” x 16” long
- TerraCross® 700 – Spans Gap of 35′, Total system is 40′
At GFI Solutions, our team of experts is available for service and support 24/7, making sure all your matting needs are met instantly.
Ready to learn more?
Contact our team of experts today and request a quote for available rig mats in Calgary.
