Apr 25, 2022 | Access Mats, News
Winter is on the way out, and with the snow finally starting to melt, it’s time to make sure that you have everything you need for the upcoming construction and development season. Whether you’re in the construction, oil & gas, mining, forestry, petrochemical, or related heavy industrial sectors, you already know just how important it is to have the right tools for the job in place before breaking ground. At GFI Solutions, we’re proud to be one of Canada’s top choices for site access solutions, including a wide range of heavy-duty site-safe CLT access mats. Designed to tackle the toughest jobs on-site while saving you time, money, and avoiding plenty of headaches along the way, CLT rig and crane mats offer plenty of benefits to every job site, and GFI is here to ensure you have the products you need when it matters most. Learn more about the benefits of CLT crane mats and partnering with GFI below!
Leave the Past Behind
There’s been a large pain point in the safe access industry for decades, but until fairly recently, there hadn’t been a vetted solution for the frustration caused by traditional bolted matting. Despite being the go-to solution in the past, bolted mats have a reputation for sudden failures and heavy shipping fees, neither of which are ideal for procurement managers. Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) access mats have stepped up to fill the void and performance demands left by bolted mats and give you plenty of benefits to enjoy on the job site including weighing 40% less than oak mats, a life cycle that lasts 3-5 times longer, and 500 and 700 series that can easily outperform traditional crane and rig matting. Best of all, the lower weight of CLT mats means you’ll save significantly when shipping your mats, with each load being capable of carrying up to 60% more than standard bolted mats.
How it Works
CLT crane and access mats are set apart from competitors thanks to their unique manufacturing process. While bolted mats are created by bolting materials together (hence the name), Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood with an environmentally safe adhesive. Bonding the planks together allows them to flex and focus weight on ALL aspects of the mat, rather than straining on bolt points and risking sudden failures. The flexibility of the mats allows for superior durability and performance, even under heavy loads, project after project. Our 500 series is a 5 ply CLT mat, available in multiple sizes, and for extra heavy lifting, we’re pleased to offer a 700 series for the toughest jobs you face.
Crane Mats at GFI
With decades of industry experience on our side, the team at GFI knows how important it is to have the right solutions available with minimal wait times or ordering hassle. Our commitment to you extends well beyond offering superior products to exceptional round-the-clock service. From 24/7 rental and sales support to inventory management, mat washing, expedited delivery installation, and more, GFI Solutions is here to ensure that your project has everything you need to continue on schedule. Contact our team today to learn more.
Nov 5, 2021 | Access Mats, News
Stronger than standard bolted mats and safer, Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats are the new addition you need for your worksite. GFI Solutions is proud to bring customers like you a product that improves your worksite’s efficiency and takes the pressure off your shoulders. Our 300 and 500 level CLT mats can withstand heavy cranes and give your crew the reliability they need to finish the job safely. Here are some reasons why you should have smart access solutions like CLT mats on your worksites.
Why CLT?
The benefits of the CLT design lies in its ability to be more efficient than the standard mats without using bolts. CLT is made with southern yellow pine wood fibre, which is 30% tougher than the more commonly used Douglas fir. Since our matting is tougher, it can handle heavier machinery like cranes and can do it without sustaining the same amount of damage.
Our CLT mats are also bound with an environmentally friendly adhesive that keeps the layers of wood sturdy. The binding also saves the wood from dangerous splintering that can help potentially harm the crew or cause a break in your worksite’s productivity.
The standard bolted mats can only transfer weight to the position of the mechanical fastener. CLT mats are great because they distribute the weight of equipment evenly, allowing for better impact. With less damage to your mats, you get to enjoy your product longer. CLT mats give you the peace of mind you need to move from worksite to worksite without having to take a costly break due to damaged mats or unreliable, unsafe access.
In addition to the environmentally friendly adhesive, the bonding agent use in site safe access mats is also great for rot or decay prevention. The bond creates a built-in moisture barrier that keeps your mats looking great and keeping sturdy. Why pay for repairs or replacements when you can invest in mats that keep their high quality longer than the alternative?
CLT mats are not just a purchase; they are an investment that will keep their durability for future projects. You can trust these durable and efficient mats to help you get your work done without any snags.
Contact us to see how our CLT mats can meet your needs today!
Oct 22, 2020 | Access Mats, News
Are you in need of heavy-duty site access solutions that can handle the rugged Canadian landscape, changing weather patterns, and the demand for heavy equipment travelling over the top of your makeshift road day in and day out? Frustrated with the shipping costs and challenges presented by traditional bolted mats? It’s time to join some of the biggest players in the Oil & Gas, Petroleum, and Construction sectors and make the switch to CLT rig mats.
GFI Solutions is Canada’s leading provider of site access products and services and is your exclusive source for TerraLam® CLT access mats, including their 500 series rig and crane mats. We’re proud to offer customers across the nation access to our turnkey services including mat rental and sales, delivery and installation, and more. Learn more about TerraLam® crane mats, as well as GFI’s rental solutions, below.
CLT Access Mats: Lighter, Tougher, Stronger
It’s no secret that oak bolted mats were once the industry staple where rig and crane matting needs were concerned. While these steel-framed mats can offer decent performance, many customers are now growing frustrated with the heavy costs associated with hauling, as well as the mats’ tendency to breakdown rapidly past a certain age point.
To address these concerns and provide a more viable option, Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) were created and have since taken over as the leading choice by many engineers and project managers. In addition to weighing up to 40% less than standard bolted mats and offering a life cycle that is 3-5 times the length, CLT mats are extremely flexible, which makes them ideal for heavy applications as required by rig and crane operations. Best of all, you can expect to garner huge savings where shipping is concerned as the lighter weight of each mat means you can haul up to 25% more mats per load.
How It Works
The secret to the success of CLT matting comes down to their unique design and construction process. Unlike traditional mats, which are crafted from various woods like oak or other mixtures and then bolted together, CLT mats are created by bonding alternating perpendicular layers of wood (Southern Yellow Pine) together with an environmentally safe adhesive. This method makes CLT flexible and able to disperse heavy loads without sudden failures, which in turn helps to mitigate the risk of costly replacements mid-way through your project.
Meet GFI Solutions, Your Source For Site Access and More
GFI is proud to be one of Canada’s most trusted sources for site access solutions. Our team knows how important it is to have solutions available round the clock, and offers 24/7 rental and sales support as well as Canada-wide delivery and installation for your convenience. Whether you’re looking to test out the durability of CLT mats before buying or need to replace failing mats in the interim, GFI is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more.
