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.
May 2, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Are you in need of heavy-duty access solutions that can stand up to the toughest jobs, keep your equipment and crew safe, and stay strong job after job? CLT access mats are here to help. As one of Canada’s top suppliers of site safe access mats, including heavy-duty 5 and 700 level rig/crane mats, GFI Solutions is proud to offer clients across the country easy access to quality solutions you can count on when it matters most. Whether you’re in the oil & gas, petrochemical, utility, mining, or construction industry, rig mats are a staple for every job site and can save you time and money. Below, we’ll discuss the benefits of rig matting, as well as partnering with GFI for your site access needs. Read on to learn more!
What are Rig Mats?
Despite being incredibly versatile and able to stand up to the majority of the demands of your job site, there are limitations to even the strongest of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats. As the next level in support, cross-laminated rig mats maximize the potential of the unique design that gives CLT matting its leading edge. In addition to better performance, laminated mats weigh up to 40% less than traditional mats, allowing you to ship up to 60% more units per load, saving time and money. With a life cycle that lasts 3-5 times longer than oak mats, and unbeatable flexibility that reduces your risk of sudden failures on the job, CLT mats are your go to resource for heavy lifting.
New Design, Superior Performance
CLT rig mats have been created to improve the existing performance of oak mats while addressing the shortcomings that can often lead to frustration. Cross-laminated timber rig mats are made by glueing planks together in an alternating pattern using an environmentally safe adhesive that allows for increased flexibility that prevents excess strain on the mats and allows them to handle heavier loads without failing. Crafted from Southern Yellow Pine, CLT mats are ready to tackle the heaviest loads with minimal risk for sudden breakages and other headaches that may leave you stranded. Additional benefits to using CLT rig mats include:
- High impact resistance (great for heavy equipment transport)
- Suitable for use in extreme conditions; including heat and cold. (ideal for Canadian winters)
- Solid matting top reduces tripping hazards, as well as tire damage to vehicles
- Able to handle heavy-duty applications
- Cheaper to ship due to the lightweight nature of the mats (60% more CLT mats can be shipped per load compared to bolted products), and more.
CLT Rig Mats and More at GFI Solutions
GFI is proud to carry industry-leading CLT products within our inventory, including 300, 500 and even 700 model access mats, access bridges, and more. Designed with the utmost quality and performance in mind, CLT mats are built to take on the toughest of jobs without flinching. Our team of experts offer 24/7 support for all your site access needs. Contact us today to learn more!
Sep 28, 2021 | Access Mats, News
If you need a site access matting solution for your worksite, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) rig mats are your best bet. Lighter and more durable than traditional bolted mats, these access solutions save you money while guaranteeing you safe and efficient access. Our CLT rig mats provide the perfect foundation for your rigs. Keep reading to learn why you should make the switch to CLT site safe access mats today.
Built Better
GFI Solutions is proud to bring you Sterling Solutions CLT rig mats. These state-of-the-art access solutions were expertly engineered to support heavy loads on any job site. CLT mats are made with a 30% stronger material when compared to standard bolted mats. This durable and dense material is bonded with a powerful adhesive that avoids bolts that can protrude and cause injury or damage.
These unique features allow for CLT rig mats to hold heavy equipment without breaking. Instead, these rig mats can flex and accommodate the weight of their load so that they do not break and cause project delays or injury at the worksite. The 300 and 500 series CLT mats are built to sustain weight smartly, ensuring that the mats keep their high quality and strength for all future projects.
Saves You Money
CLT rig mats save you money on transportation, equipment and labour, as well as installation and removal. CLT mats are lighter at about two-thirds the weight of commonly used bolted mats. As a result, 72 mats fit per load, cutting transportation costs by up to 60%.
Lighter rig mats also allow for easier and faster installation and removal. This saves you up to 40% on labour during installation and removal. These lighter CLT rig mats make for a speedy and simple setup and takedown so that your project can stay on track and end and begin on time.
Since these mats also last longer than traditional bolted mats, they provide long-term ROI as they continue to maintain their integrity. These mats are five times stiffer than bolted mats and are also twice as strong with their impressive adhesive bonding. Investing in CLT rig mats ensures that you save money long-term by avoiding replacement costs and damage costs.
Backed by Quality Service
GFI Solutions offers products that make your work site safer and more efficient. We specialize in providing access solutions to various industries, focussing on the importance of excellent service every step of the way. We know our customers trust us to give them the best access solutions, which is why we offer 24/7 service. GFI Solutions also offers same-day delivery to make sure your project is always on schedule.
Contact us to learn more about our products and services today! We look forward to partnering with you on all your future projects.
Feb 23, 2021 | Access Mats, News
If you’re in the oil and gas, petrochemical, utility or construction industry, you no doubt know the importance of finding site access solutions that allow your fleet and crew to stay on top of operations safely and overcome the challenges posed by various terrains. High-quality access and rig mats stand up to the pressure of heavy loads, helping you keep your job site safe, efficient, and on track. As Canada’s leading supplier of TerraLam® CLT access matting solutions, GFI is proud to offer our heavy industry clients access to the best products available, including exclusive distribution of Sterling Solutions’ extensive range of TerraLam® products. Crafted from high-quality Southern Yellow Pine fibres, TerraLam® mats offer exceptional durability and strength, as well as unbeatable return on investment. Learn more about the benefits of CLT rig mats below.
Meet the New Kid on the Block
Despite being one of the newest site access solution innovation, TerraLam® Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats have quickly made a name for themselves as an indispensable resource that improves upon the foundation set by bolted mats. Weighing up to 40% less than traditional bolted mats, TerraLam® CLT mats allow you to ship up to 60% more units per load and offer a life cycle that is triple the length of bolted competitors. GFI solutions now offers a true CLT rig mat without a steel frame. These are now replacing traditional steel frame rig mats and traditional crane mats. These 5 ply heavy-duty models are able to stand up to the demands of crane and rig applications, there’s no doubt that CLT rig mats should be your top choice.
Unpacking the CLT Difference
CLT rig mats are manufactured using a very different process than bolted mats. Rather than bolting planks, cross-laminated timber mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive. This method of bonding together leads to mats that are both stronger and more flexible, ensuring superior performance no matter the application.
TerraLam® CLT Access Mats are among the most durable on the market and are made with Southern Yellow Pine Wood Fibre, which is 30% harder than Douglas Fir. This makes TerraLam® mats ideal for heavy-duty applications, including acting as a foundation for cranes, and more.
Unparalleled Performance
In addition to their unique structure, TerraLam® CLT mats offer a wide variety of benefits such as:
- High impact resistance
- Suitable for use in extreme conditions; including the heat and cold. (Perfect for Canadian winters)
- Solid matting top reduces tripping hazards, as well as tire damage to vehicles (great for heavy machinery)
- Able to handle heavy-duty applications
- Cheaper to ship due to the lightweight nature of the mats (60% more CLT mats can be shipped per load compared to bolted products), and more.
TerraLam® CLT Rig Mats and More at GFI Solutions
GFI is proud to carry TerraLam® products within our inventory, including their 300 and 500 model access mats, access bridges, and more. Designed with the utmost of quality in mind, TerraLam® solutions embody the many benefits of TerraLam® CLT mats, right down to the superior performance and longevity. Our team of experts offer 24/7 support for all your site access needs. Contact us today to learn more!
Jul 14, 2020 | Access Mats, News
Safety on the job site is one of the most prevalent concerns on any major project, but it becomes especially vital in heavy industries like the power and pipeline sectors where the use of machinery like cranes and the constant transport of significant loads are necessary. Without the proper resources in place, productivity can suffer and your crew, as well as equipment, can be put at risk. CLT Rig mats are a valuable asset that helps protect your worksite and equipment, as well as the environment surrounding your site. Learn more about the benefits of using TerraLam® CLT rig mats below.
Cross Laminated Timber: A Newer, Better Way
While traditional timber and bolted mats were once viewed as the standard for heavy-duty applications, more recent developments have been able to address many of the common issues found in bolted crane mats. One of the main factors that can lead to a short life cycle and less predictable performance, is the fact that timber mats are often made out of a mixture of both hard and softwood, with no specific standard in place to moderate the outcome. Cross Laminated Timber access mats, on the other hand are made of high-grade southern yellow pine fibres that is up to 30% harder than the Douglas Fir wood used for bolted mats. This makes CLT mats well suited for heavy-duty jobs and tough conditions.
Taking a Look Behind The Scenes
The source for the incredible strength and durability of CLT mats is the innovative process that goes into manufacturing. Cross Laminated Timber mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive to create each unit. This process allows the mat to evenly distribute weight throughout the entire surface of the unit as opposed to only the bolted points. This means that heavy loads are less likely to result in sudden breakages, and the mats can be repaired with ease should the need ever arise.
TerraLam® 500 Series Access Mats
As one of the most versatile and dependable solutions on today’s market, TerraLam® mats outperform competitors with ease. Manufactured by Sterling Solutions and distributed by GFI throughout Canada, TerraLam’s 5-layer 500 mats use CLT technology to tackle heavy loads from hauling, rigs, cranes, and more. Able to withstand tough climates and worksite conditions, these matting workhorses just don’t quit. From providing you with a reliable path for transporting good to and from your location to acting as a dependable foundation for vital equipment, CLT crane mats help keep every aspect of your project moving smoothly.
CLT Crane Mats At GFI
GFI is your leading source for access site solutions across Canada. Our inventory features the top products from both the TerraLam® matting line, as well as TerraCross bridges and more. With 24/7 service available for sales, rental, delivery, installation, mat washing and more, we’re proud to be your one-stop provider for all things access related. Contact our team today to learn more!
