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!
Sep 12, 2022 | Access Mats, News
If your project requires heavy machinery, you should also make sure that you utilize a crane mat. Crane mats are engineered to keep your work site as safe and accessible as possible. Without crane matting, accessing your site and efficiently working on your project can be compromised, not to mention the potential for environmental damages can increase. At GFI Solutions, we offer both CLT and traditional bolted crane mat options. That way, you can finish your project on time and without other access-related issues; below, we’ll discuss CLT mats and the benefits of using crane mats on your project. Continue reading to learn more!
CLT Mats: Engineered for Success
TerraLam’s Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) crane mats are engineered to outperform traditional bolted mats. They offer customers increased durability and performance as they can flex under pressure without damage. CLT mats have a lifespan 3-5 times longer than bolted mats as they evenly distribute the weight of your equipment across the entire mat. In addition, the uniquely formulated adhesive in CLT mats also acts as a protective barrier against decay and rot while remaining environmentally friendly. At GFI Solutions, we’re proud to offer our customers CLT and traditional bolted matting options. The following will discuss the benefits of using both types of crane mats on your project.
Sturdy and Safe Surface
When working in our challenging Canadian environments, your equipment and workers will likely be forced to deal with uneven, soft, muddy terrain. If you try to use a crane without the adequate support it requires, your equipment is at risk of falling over, getting stuck, or being damaged. Nevertheless, crane mats from GFI Solutions can ensure your equipment is safe and secure.
Work More Efficiently
Attempting to use a crane on ground that’s soft or uneven can be a recipe for disaster. To navigate challenging environments, you’ll have to maneuver your equipment carefully. Even with the most careful driver behind the wheel, there are still many risks. Not to mention, working so cautiously can slow your project’s progress. Crane mats can assist your team in working more efficiently over challenging terrain by providing a durable foundation to work off of.
Prevent Your Equipment from Getting Stuck
In addition to providing a stable base, a crane mat prevents your equipment and workers from getting stuck in the mud. Depending on the terrain, your crane can quickly sink into the ground, especially after significant rainfalls or in swampy environments. Getting large and heavy equipment stuck in the mud can bring your project to a complete halt and potentially cause damage to expensive and vital components. A crane mat can provide a stable surface for heavy cranes and workers, and they’re easy to remove from a worksite once your project is completed.
Lightweight Crane Mats from GFI
At GFI Solutions, our team understands the challenges your project may face. Lightweight crane mats are an accessible, reliable, and cost-effective solution GFI proudly offers. In addition to access solutions, we also provide 24/7 service for rentals and sales, turnkey services, inventory management, and more! Are you interested in learning more about our crane mats? Contact GFI Solutions today!
May 26, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Is your project or worksite in need of high-quality, safe site access solutions? While traditional bolted mats may be your first choice, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are sure to be your new favourite option. At GFI Solutions, we are proud to be the leading distributor of Sterling Solutions’ CLT mats. These mats offer a range of advantages compared to traditional bolted mats. From affordability to durability and more CLT mats are the new industry leaders for safe site access solutions. Keep reading to learn how CLT mats outperform traditional bolted mats.
What Are CLT Mats?
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are a new contender in the safe site access market. These innovative crane mats do the same job as traditional bolted mats; however, the similarities end there. CLT mats are made using wood from plantation-grown Southern Yellow Pine and an adhesive that bonds the wood planks together; there’s no need for bolts. Through this unique manufacturing process, CLT mats have a longer life cycle with a range of other advantages, but more on that later. GFI Solution’s TerraLam CLT mats are available in two standard sizes, the 300-series and the 500-series.
Advantages of CLT Mats
Compared to traditional timber bolted mats, CLT mats offer a variety of advantages for your worksite. For starters, CLT access mats are 40% lighter than bolted mats, that weight reduction allows for the transportation of up to 25% more mats per load. That means you save money on delivery costs, but when it’s time for your project to kickoff, you won’t be left waiting for all of your access mats to arrive.
TerraLam mats are also able to withstand a range of temperatures, from as low as -55℃ (-70℉) to as high as 65℃ (150℉). This makes these ground protection mats perfect for our fluctuating Canadian climate. While wood tends to get slippery in wet, muddy, and icy weather, the sturdy top of TerraLam mats is rough, which helps to eliminate the risk of tripping hazards and ensure they can continue performing even in inclement weather.
Are you looking for crane mats that can be interconnected? Our TerraLam mats can be fitted with special “fingers” that work similarly to traditional bolted access mats. At GFI Solutions, we want to find the site access solutions that best fit your needs. So if you’re looking for a safer, more affordable, and longer-lasting site access mat, our TerraLam mats are sure to satisfy.
Site Access Solutions at GFI
GFI Solutions offers a range of matting services beyond sales and rentals; some of our other services include delivery and installation, inventory management, mat washing and more. In addition to a robust stock of highly in-demand mats, we offer 24/7 customer support; that way, our team at GFI can connect you to the site access solutions you need. For all of your temporary pathways, crane mats, and general access mat needs, GFI is here to help. Contact our team to learn more!
May 26, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Cranes and rig work is one of the most challenging applications for rig mats. The immense weight of this machinery can cause traditional rig mats to crack under pressure. Luckily there’s a solution for this problem! At GFI Solutions, we have the access mats you need to ensure that your project operates smoothly and safely. As Alberta’s premier supplier of CLT crane mats, GFI Solutions is proud to offer high-quality access mats. We know our team of experts can assist you in determining which Terrlam mats would be best suited for your application. Read more to learn more about our line of crane mats.
How CLT Mats Work
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are made by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive. Mat strength lies in its ability to transfer weight to the surface below through the mat. Adhered CLT mats distribute the load weight more evenly than bolted mats, even when confronted with heavy loads. This, in turn, allows CLT mats to be more durable than the competition.
Since GFI’s CLT mats are engineered with quality in mind, they’re guaranteed to last and withstand the wear and tear of your project’s job site. At GFI, we have confidence in our TerraLam mats; that’s why we won’t charge you for any damage or replacement costs. But if damage does occur, repairs are no sweat! Our TerraLam mats are easy and inexpensive to repair. Compared to traditional access mats, which often require removing rusted or bent bolts, our mats are solid wood and don’t contain any bolts that could need replacing.
Benefits of CLT Mats
Switching from bolted mats to GFI’s CLT crane mats comes with many perks. CLT mats are lighter and safer than traditional bolted mats. Our TerraLam mats have a textured solid top surface which helps to eliminate tripping hazards. Since they’re made using adhesive rather than bolts, our mats also are free from puncture injuries or vehicle damage as there are no bolts to protrude from damaged mats. Our CLT mats are also environmentally conscious as all the wood used in manufacturing them is made from plantation-grown southern yellow pine. GFI’s CLT mats are lighter, long-lasting, safer, and sustainable.
At GFI, our commitment to you extends further than simply offering a great product. We also are happy to provide 24/7 rental and sales support, inventory management, expedited delivery, mat washing and more!
Access Mats at GFI
At GFI, we pride ourselves on making long-term relationships with you, our customer. That’s why a GFI expert will work with you to find the best solution for your project—interested in making the switch from traditional mats to GFI Solution’s CLT crane mats? Contact us today, and one of our knowledgeable team members will be happy to assist you.
Apr 18, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Installing access mats that can withstand heavy weights as well as extreme weather conditions is every contractor’s dream. Finding the right balance between quality and affordability is another challenge contractors face, especially if the only option is to ship heavy bolted mats that blow up your budget.
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mat is the solution for every contractor’s problem. Not only are the access mats significantly more robust than standard bolted mats, but CLT mats are also shipped up to 50% more in a single load due to their lightweight structure. Read on to learn all you need to know about CLT access mats and the multiple benefits you can expect.
What is CLT?
The process of bonding wooden layers together using a unique adhesive to create an access mat is Cross Laminated Timber. Standard access mats bolt wooden planks together instead of adhesive, resulting in splints, damage and quick wear and tear. The adhesion used in CLT access mats allows for an even distribution of weight throughout the entire mat, resulting in less chance of damage and longer longevity. USDA Forest Products Laboratory, San Diego State University and Henkel Adhesives have all tested the strength of our CLT access mats and validated their durability. The durability of the CLT access mats allows GFI solutions to sell and rent out as many mats as you need, as you can easily reuse them for several projects.
Why Should You Switch To CLT Access Mats?
CLT access mats are an asset to any worksite, especially under the heaviest of loads such as cranes and rigs. Switching to CLT access mats enhances your worksite as they offer the following benefits:
- Withstand extreme conditions, including heat and cold
- Repel moisture and rot as all four edges are laminated using glue and wax
- Gap-less, solid matting top reduces tripping accidents
- Longer lifespan than bolted mats
- Safe for the environment
- Lightweight mats reduce shipping costs since more CLT mats can be shipped than bolted products and more!
Where can I Buy/Rent CLT Access Mats?
GFI Solutions is proud to be a distributor for Sterling Solutions, offering a wide range of TerraLam® products, including TerraLam® 300 CLT and TerraLam® 500 CLT access mats, access bridges and more. We guarantee the strength and durability of our mats; you will never be required to pay for damaged or replaced mats. GFI is ready to provide you with CLT crane access mats engineered to suit your project’s specifications whether you are looking to rent or purchase them.
When Will I Need to Switch to CLT Access Mats?
The sooner you switch to CLT access mats, the quicker you can guarantee a safe job site. GFI Solutions looks for long-term partnerships with our customers, helping you maintain all the safety measures necessary for your access mating needs. Once you request a quote, an expert from GFI Solutions will review your project and suggest the best access matting solution for your business. We also provide you with support 24/7 through our qualified team members.
