Crane mats create safe access routes for construction equipment. They distribute ground pressure so machinery doesn’t sink in soft or wet soil.
Many work sites require cranes to access difficult terrain. Using smart crane mats protects the soil from damage and reduces site delays. They also help preserve natural habitats and maintain ecological balance.
The Basics
Whether your project is an excavation job, construction of a bridge deck, or some other heavy industry task, crane mats are essential for distributing the load of equipment to prevent it from sinking into the ground and creating unsafe working conditions. These mats can be made of a variety of materials, but timber crane mats are popular for their durability and versatility. In fact, they can be used in a variety of ways to create temporary roads or pathways for machinery, which can save time and money on site by decreasing the number of equipment trips needed.
The selection process for the proper crane mats for a particular job should start with assessing the size and weight of the equipment to be operated on the site. Heavier equipment requires larger mats with a greater surface area to ensure that the entire crane is supported. Additionally, the allowable ground bearing pressure of the site should also factor into the mat selection process. Fortunately, there are tools available that can assist lift planners in determining the required mat size for a particular application, eliminating the need to use outdated and unreliable rules of thumb.
While it is important to have a good understanding of the basics of how crane mats are designed and constructed, it is equally as important to monitor every lift for any signs of bending or deflection. If a mat is flexing or deflecting excessively, it indicates that the load is being transmitted to the ground in a way that exceeds its capability. In such situations, it is important to stop the lift immediately and consider using a different type of crane mat or moving the load to an area where the ground can better support the equipment.
For most project types, it is more cost-effective to rent high-quality crane mats rather than purchase them for the duration of a job. Rental companies offer a wide variety of sizes and shapes, so you can choose the right mats for your specific application and needs. In addition, they can be delivered and set up quickly on-site, allowing your crew to start work faster.
Load Distribution
It is essential to have a stable platform for your equipment, and Crane Mats are an ideal solution. They provide a solid work surface that stabilizes heavy machinery and prevents damage to the ground. This allows your equipment to operate safely and effectively in a variety of terrain and weather conditions. In addition, it protects the environment by minimizing soil disturbance and preventing environmental contaminants from leaching into the groundwater.
Another important benefit of using crane mats is their ability to distribute the load over a larger area, reducing stress on specific points and preventing localized failures. This balanced load distribution is vital for maintaining the integrity of your equipment and minimizing maintenance costs and downtime.
The load distribution of crane pads and mats is a complex topic that requires careful consideration. There are a number of assumptions that can be made when assessing the performance of these devices, but it is important to remember that there is no such thing as an infinitely rigid material, even high-strength steel. This is why it is critical to take the time to assess the performance of your crane mats and outrigger pads before committing to them for a project.
Excessive deflection can lead to a loss of contact between the ground and the outrigger pad or crane mat, which limits the ability of the mat or pad to spread the load. This is a common cause of crane accidents. It is critical to accurately determine the outrigger pad load and acceptable ground bearing pressure, as well as evaluating the deflection of the pads or mats and the condition of the ground under them.
When you use a TerraLam 700 crane mat, which provides 100% more ground coverage than traditional timber crane mats, the deflection is minimized and the load can be spread out over a wider area of the ground. This improves the load distribution and enables you to reduce the outrigger pad loads, which in turn lowers the risk of equipment overloading and accidents. Additionally, this type of mat is designed to be a permanent solution that will not break down over time like other timber products.
Deflection
Some crane mats are designed to flex or deflect during use, which improves overall load distribution. This type of deflection also helps keep the machinery off the ground, which protects utilities like power lines and water mains from damage. In addition, crane mats can eliminate the need for costly ground restoration at the end of a project.
The size and weight of the equipment will help determine which type of crane mat is best. Heavier machinery typically requires mats with larger surface areas and stronger material to support the load and prevent bending and sinking. For more complex projects, expert specializing in crane mats can offer insights into the most appropriate types of mats for specific equipment and projects.
Some companies are using crane mats made of recycled materials to meet environmental goals and reduce their carbon footprint. The quality of these products is high, and they are usually stronger than timber mats. They can withstand even the heaviest equipment, making them ideal for renewable energy projects that require heavy machinery. They are also durable enough to be reused in the future.
There are many ways to improve ground conditions before a job, such as adding rock, gravel or cement-like materials to the soil. This increases the ground’s capacity to support a crane and improves its ability to distribute the load evenly on the pad or mat.
Choosing the right crane mats is crucial to successful construction projects. The type and weight of the machinery, as well as the location and ground conditions, will play a role in what type of matting is needed. It is important to monitor every lift, especially if a crane outrigger pad or mat is deflecting or bending. If a crane mat or outrigger pad is not performing as intended, it could lead to failure and the loss of life and property.
Deflection of crane mats is expected and should be managed carefully to ensure safety and efficiency during the lifting process. A few simple guidelines can help contractors optimize the performance of their crane mats and outrigger pads.
Intermediate Layers
Crane mats are designed to distribute loads. However, some contractors use them in hard ground conditions that are beyond their design capability – forcing the load to be concentrated over a small area directly below an outrigger – and the result is higher peak pressures than intended. This is a dangerous practice that puts people in danger and reduces the effectiveness of crane mats.
One way to address this issue is to layer crane mats, with each successive mat being a smaller size than the previous one. This allows the smaller mats to support the lower load, without putting too much stress on the larger mats. This method can be effective, especially for softer ground types that are more easily compressed.
Other than distributing load, another important function of crane mats is to provide stability and leveling. This can be particularly important on soft or muddy soils where a crane may become unstable and tip over. This is where crane mats can be very helpful, and is a key reason why they are so popular among construction workers.
Laminated crane mats are strong and stiff, making them easy to handle and move on a jobsite. This can help to speed up the process of setting up equipment, allowing for increased efficiency and project timelines to be met. These mats are also versatile, and can be used for a variety of different tasks in diverse work environments.
For example, they can be used to create temporary roads on construction sites, facilitating the movement of vehicles and heavy machinery. They can also be placed in wetland areas to serve as a bridge between more stable land masses, helping to protect the integrity of the surrounding environment.
Choosing to rent or buy crane mats depends on a number of factors, including the project’s scope and duration. For some projects, renting is more cost-effective, while for others, purchasing may be a better option.
