Construction companies face a number of challenges when working on projects with rough terrain. Upholding efficiency and safety standards while ensuring the longevity of expensive equipment can be difficult.
One way to avoid costly repairs and reduce machine downtime is by using crane mats. These large, sturdy platforms provide a stable road for heavy machinery while protecting the ground underneath.
Cost
Crane mats can be expensive to purchase, and if you don’t use them frequently, renting may be a more cost-effective option. Some companies specialize in providing crane mats, and they can help you determine what size crane mats you need based on a calculation that takes into account the load, pressure, and ground bearing capacity of each mat. Some companies also offer turnkey services, including delivery, positioning, and removal. This can save you a lot of money and time.
Whether you’re working on an excavation project or pipe construction, Crane Mats can help you stabilize your equipment and protect the environment. These mats are designed to support excavators and digging machines and prevent them from slipping or tipping over, which could endanger the lives of workers and disrupt the work schedule. They can also be used to create access trestles that help equipment get to difficult locations.
Many different types of crane mats are available, and each one is designed to suit a specific terrain. For example, some are designed for muddy or swampy terrain, while others are more suitable for rocky or hilly areas. Some are even made from a combination of materials, such as wood and composite.
While most crane mats are made from timber, some companies are developing new methods of distributing ground pressure and protecting sensitive environments. Some of these are even made from plastic, though this type of mat may not be as durable as a wooden crane mat.
In addition to their ability to distribute ground pressure, crane mats can also help protect your schedule and budget. They prevent equipment from getting stuck in mud or other difficult-to-drive surfaces, which can cause significant delays and unnecessary expenses. They also allow you to work faster and more efficiently.
When considering a timber mat, make sure to ask the supplier what grade and material they’re using. You want to ensure that the mats will be able to spread the loads imposed on them by mobile cranes and powered access equipment. You’ll also want to ensure that the mats are handleable and interlocking, so you can move them easily from site to site. One option is ALIMATS(r), a patented outrigger mat system that’s lightweight and easy to handle with just two people. It’s also interlocking, interlockable, and fully load tested to ensure it can withstand the stresses of mobile machinery.
Durability
When deciding to rent or buy crane mats, consider how frequently you will use them and the ground conditions where you will be working. If you plan on using them over a long period of time, purchasing is the best option for you. It will save you money on repeated rental charges and allows you to make tax deductions. In addition, buying allows you to have a supply that is always available. This will reduce downtime caused by waiting for rental mats to become available.
Crane mats are made from a variety of materials, including wood, aluminium, and HDPE. Most commonly, they are made from timber because it is an easily accessible and sustainable resource. These mats are designed to distribute ground pressure and prevent damage to the surrounding environment. They are also effective at keeping trucks and other machinery moving on the job site, as they help to create a firm foundation for equipment.
In recent years, a number of companies have begun to manufacture composite crane mats. These are designed to replace heavy timber mats and offer greater durability. They are also more cost-effective and do not require regular maintenance. Some companies, such as Axion Structural Innovations, even offer a hybrid design that uses steel plate inserted between or sandwiched between the composite boards to provide the stiffness needed for load distribution. However, Becht Engineering has not yet analyzed this product and cannot vouch for its performance.
Regardless of the material, the quality of crane mats is important for ensuring that your work is efficient and safe. They will protect your equipment from damages like soil erosion and disruption of vegetation. They will also help to preserve the natural drainage of the area. Without the proper crane mats, you may face environmental challenges and regulatory issues.
When choosing a crane mat, it is important to find one that is durable and can withstand the weight of your machinery. It should also be easy to clean and resistant to rot, rust, and chemical damage. It is also helpful if it has anti-static properties.
Flexibility
Crane mats are a versatile solution for many types of construction projects. They provide a stable base for heavy machinery and help prevent damage to the ground. This allows construction to proceed without delays and ensures that the project stays on schedule. They also reduce the time required for equipment maintenance and repairs. Additionally, crane mats are easy to install and remove. This flexibility makes them a cost-effective option for rental customers.
Cranes and other heavy equipment can cause significant damage to job site floors if not properly secured. The unstable surface can lead to costly repairs and increased downtime for the construction process. Crane mats distribute the weight of the load evenly, preventing sinkage or shifting of the ground and ensuring a safe working environment for crew members.
Another advantage of crane mats is their ability to create secure access routes for trucks and equipment. In difficult terrains like wetlands or swamps, these mats can provide a temporary path for vehicles to navigate. This can help avoid potential accidents and road closures, which can impact the timeline of a construction project. In addition, crane mats can be customized to fit the size and shape of a truck.
They also protect the environment by minimizing the amount of disruption caused by construction. This is important in ecologically sensitive areas where the constant movement of heavy equipment can lead to soil erosion, habitat destruction, and polluted water. By creating a platform for machinery to operate on, crane mats allow construction activities to take place in ecologically sensitive areas while protecting the natural terrain.
Crane mats can be used on many different types of terrain, including wetlands and swamps. This versatility makes them a great choice for jobs in environmentally sensitive areas. Moreover, they can be used in a variety of applications, from facilitating access to power lines and pipelines to ground cover for wind farms. They are also used in oil rig operations to provide a stable base for equipment. The durable design of these mats means that they can be reused over and over again. They can even be painted in corporate colors to increase brand visibility.
Safety
Using crane mats on construction sites helps to protect the environment and reduce the need for new raw materials. They also allow contractors to meet health and safety requirements, such as the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015. This helps protect workers from accidents caused by equipment falling over or moving around. In addition, the use of crane mats prevents soil erosion during construction and transportation. This is a key benefit for environmentally sensitive areas, where heavy machinery can cause irreversible damage to the natural landscape.
Another advantage of crane mats is that they help to stabilise and support the weight of heavy equipment, which can prevent sinkage and shifting of the ground. This is especially important in soft or unstable terrain, such as wetlands or marshlands. The use of temporary or permanent mated roads makes it easier for equipment to move on the site and reduces the time needed for accessing and positioning machines. It also increases the efficiency of the machinery by allowing it to operate on a stable platform.
In addition to providing stability for heavy machinery, crane mats can be used to create a temporary pathway. This reduces soil disturbance, which is a major factor in environmental degradation, and can be particularly damaging to the soil structure in fragile ecosystems. Moreover, crane mats protect the underlying roots of trees and plants, preventing them from being damaged or destroyed by vibrations from heavy machinery.
The right crane mats can help prevent environmental damage during the construction of pipelines, power lines, and other infrastructure. They provide a safe and stable base for heavy machinery, and are designed to spread the load of the machine evenly. This prevents the ground from sinking or shifting during operations, and it allows crews to work more efficiently on uneven or delicate terrain.
When considering whether to rent or buy crane mats, it is important to consider the project’s duration and the type of ground conditions. For short-term projects, renting crane mats is often more affordable than buying them. Rental contracts also offer flexibility, allowing you to change the size and quantity of the mats as your needs change.