Nov 24, 2024 | Access Mats
Have you ever started a project and wondered how to protect the ground from damage or make it safe for heavy equipment to move around? Do you need a strong, reliable surface for your vehicles or machinery to travel over soft or muddy ground? If so, access mats are the perfect solution.
With so many types of these mats available, how can you determine which one is best suited for your project? Should you go with a lightweight option like 3-ply CLT mats, a medium-duty choice like 5-ply CLT mats, or the heavy-duty 7-ply CLT mats? Or maybe traditional bolted mats are the best fit for your needs?
In this blog, we will help you understand the different types of access mats and what they are best suited for. Keep reading to find the perfect mats for your project and learn why they’re such a smart investment.
What Are Access Mats?
An access mat is a heavy-duty mat used to provide stable ground conditions in areas with soft, uneven, or sensitive terrain. Standard size is 8’ x 14’ and commonly made of wood, rubber, or composite materials. They are designed to support the movement and operation of heavy equipment, vehicles, and personnel. Access mats are frequently used in construction, oil and gas, utility, and environmental projects to prevent ground disturbance, reduce equipment bogging, and protect ecosystems. They also help minimize erosion and ensure safe and efficient access to work sites.
3-Ply CLT Access Mats
Cross-laminated timber (CLT) mats offer a stronger alternative to traditional bolted mats. Unlike bolted mats, where weight is distributed through the bolts, CLT mats evenly distribute weight across the entire surface due to their fully adhered board to board manufacturing process. The 3-ply version is lightweight and easy to handle, making it an excellent choice for projects requiring durability and support for heavy loads.
5-Ply CLT Access Mats
The 5-ply CLT mats are a step up in terms of strength and durability. In fact, with more layers of wood, they can handle heavier loads compared to the 3-ply mats. These mats are so strong they are used to replace steel frame rig mats and crane mats up to 8” thick.
7-Ply CLT Access Mats
For heavy-industrial projects, 7-ply CLT mats are the ideal choice. Engineered for maximum strength, these mats are built to withstand the most demanding jobs, including supporting the heaviest machinery and accommodating high-traffic areas. 7-ply CLT access mats can serve as a robust alternative to steel frame rig mats and crane mats up to 12 inches thick.
Traditional Bolted Access Mats
Traditional bolted access mats in Alberta have been around for a long time. They are manufactured by fastening 2’x8’ wooden planks together perpendicular with heavy duty bolts. This design provides exceptional strength and durability, making them ideal for projects involving heavy equipment and demanding conditions.
Which Access Mat Is Right for You?
Choosing the right access mat for your project depends on what you need. Let’s break it down to help you decide which one is best for your job.
3-Ply CLT Access Mats: Lightweight and Affordable
If your project involves heavey equipment or vehicles, 3-ply CLT mats are a great choice. These mats are:
- Lightweight: They are easy to transport as well as move around, which saves you time and effort.
- Durable: Manufactured and engineered for very heavy loads, they can handle many everyday tasks like creating a stable road, platform or ROW suitable for heavy equipment.
5-Ply CLT Access Mats: Stronger for Medium-Duty Projects
When you need a bit more strength, 5-ply CLT mats are the next step up. They offer:
- Better Durability: With more layers of wood, these mats can support heavier loads than the 3-ply version.
- Easy Handling: Even though they are stronger, they are still a lighter option than crane mats or steel frame rig mats.
7-Ply CLT Access Mats: Built for Heavy-Duty Work
For large-scale and demanding projects, 7-ply CLT mats are the way to go. Here’s why:
- Maximum Strength: With seven layers of wood, these mats are designed to handle the heaviest machinery.
- Perfect for Heavy Machinery: Whether it is cranes, large excavators, or high-traffic areas, 7-ply CLT mats can take on the toughest jobs.
Traditional Bolted Access Mats: A Reliable Classic
If you prefer something tried and tested, traditional bolted mats are worth considering. These mats:
- Offer Solid Support: They have been used for years and are strong enough for heavy equipment.
- Are Widely Available: Many industries rely on bolted mats because they have proven to be effective.
Final Thoughts
Whether you need lightweight 3-ply mats, durable 5-ply mats, heavy-duty 7-ply mats, or traditional bolted mats, we at GFI Solutions LTD are here to help. We always offer a wide range of high-quality access mats to suit all types of jobs. Besides, our mats are reliable, durable as well as designed to meet the needs of your specific project. Plus, with our excellent customer service and competitive prices, we make it easy to get the right mats for the job without hassle.
Ready to find the perfect access mats in Alberta for your project? Reach out to us today and let us help you choose the best solution for your needs!
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.
Aug 15, 2023 | Access Mats, News
Oil and gas worksites in remote areas often encounter terrain problems such as mud, ditches, and streams. With access mats for sale, you can safely overcome these challenges without delaying your project. GFI Solutions experts will take care of delivery and installation on your behalf to ensure your mats are adequately installed without instilling damage before use. If you work in the oil and gas industry, access mats are what you need to keep a safe and effective worksite.
Environmentally Friendly Access Mats For Sale
We understand the environmental regulations that remote work has to adhere to; that is why our access mats for sale at GFI Solutions are created with sustainability in mind. All of our products are crafted with matured Longleaf Southern Yellow Pine and an environmentally friendly adhesive. In addition, they are created to be 3 to 5 times stronger than traditional bolted mats made with Douglas Fir, reducing the need to harvest more trees. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are held together by an environmentally friendly adhesive. When a project is done, any remaining debris from your access mats after removal is biodegradable.
Overcome Unpredictable Terrain
Protect your crew and equipment from safety hazards that can come alongside remote terrain, such as ditches and streams. Access mats for sale at GFI Solutions can help you avoid such potential dangers. Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are the best access mats for sale for remote worksites. Weather can change unpredictably, so it’s best practice always to have weather-resistant mats, such as any of our Site Safe CLT access mats. These mats are sealed with wax on all edges for durability and weatherproofing. The wax prevents weather damage from rain, snow, mud, and more that would otherwise ruin the mats more quickly. This way, you are gaining more use out of your mats.
Cost-Effective and Durable Access Mats
We manufacture quality mats with Longleaf Southern Yellow Pine Wood that is 33% stronger than Douglas Fir. Stronger wood will give you more use before the access mats for sale begin to show wear and tear, which means you’ll get more out of each mat than traditional bolted mats. These quality access mats for sale are also lighter so that you can save up to 60% in transportation costs. Plus, with the purchase of access mats as opposed to access mat rentals, you are investing in a product that can be used over and over.
Contact GFI Solutions For Safer Operations
GFI Solutions is the leading distributor of access mats in Canada. We are proud to offer both quality products to overcome terrain issues and access mat solutions to help you get the most out of your access mats for sale. For all of your access solution needs, contact GFI Solutions by calling our 24/7 customer service and support line: 1-833-GFI-MATS.
