There are a lot of situations where the copy/paste approach is the right way to go, but choosing ground protection mats is not one of them. The approach you used in your last project is not always the right fit for the next one. You might be working on a different type of terrain, using heavier or lighter equipment, or facing more stringent environmental regulations.
When you work with an experienced site access partner, the goal should be to focus on your project, not selling products. This approach ensures you get the right combination of mats for every type of project.
Since construction site characteristics vary so widely, finding the ideal ground protection mats or combination of mats for a job can be challenging. The right fit will depend on a number of factors, so project managers use the following set of criteria:
Construction project managers must employ different types of mats for wetlands, mountainous areas, soft sand, and other types of terrain. In fact, you might need multiple types of mats if your project traverses terrain with varying characteristics. Using the same type of mat for different conditions could have negative consequences such as damage to the ground below, unstable work surfaces, or unnecessary spending when you could use a lighter-duty mat.
Whether your project needs pickup trucks, cranes, excavators, or trench diggers, your mats need to be able to support their weight. You also need to factor in the weight and dimensions of any materials that will be transported. The types of tires or tracks on heavy equipment will also influence mat size because they need to be at least as wide as the wheels or tracks. In some cases, you might be able to use a mat that’s two feet wide, and in others, you might need one that’s up to four feet wide.
If you have to comply with a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) or other regulatory requirements, your mats need to be up to the job. Using mats that don’t provide sufficient protection can result in fines, penalties, and potential damage to your brand. Your mat strategy also impacts how much restoration work is required, so consider this when weighing your options.
As a project manager, optimizing the budget is a top priority. Using ground protection mats that are not sufficiently robust can cost you in terms of damage to equipment, regulatory violations, and other unanticipated costs. On the other hand, using lighter-duty mats when you can will reduce freight and the costs of mats. Protect your budget with a custom solution, and remember that you have the option to use both new and used mats, giving you another lever for keeping costs down.
Our teams don’t just provide ground protection mats; we work with you to determine the best possible strategy for ensuring safety, meeting the needs of your project, and optimizing the budget. We do this through:
We start by getting to know the needs of your project. Where will the work be performed? Where do you need to access? What types of equipment will you be using? We also take the project timeline into consideration to make sure your site access solutions align with your goals.
Once we understand the project, we do a site visit where we walk the land, take photos, and often capture drone footage. We also analyze aerial photos, land surveys, civil engineering reports, and any other information that is available to gain an understanding of the terrain and the constraints of the site.
We know there is no one-size-fits-all solution to choosing the right ground protection mats and the formula for finding the ideal combination of mats is not a simple one. We work closely with you to develop a customized solution that optimizes your budget while ensuring adequate protection. Depending on the assessment, the types of mats we might specify include:
When you know you need ground mats but you’re not sure where to start, you can call on our teams to help provide expertise for your project. We specialize in securing the necessary access solutions so you can focus on what you do best. Get in touch at any time to discuss your project and learn more about how custom site access solutions can benefit you.
To learn more about the type of ground protection mats we offer, check out our Access Mat Guide today.