It may look perfectly stable but performing construction work near slopes can be as delicate as building a house of cards. Hills and inclines may appear to be solidly in place, but the enormous pressure generated by heavy equipment and changes to grades caused by digging can disrupt their ability to hold together. When their stability degrades, inclines can become subject to landslides. Such failures put workers and the general public at risk. They also have the potential to cause costly delays and cleanup on the job site. This is why contractors need to understand the most common slope stabilization techniques and be ready to employ them. There are many different slope reinforcement methods, but the use of timber access mats as slope protection matting can be one of the most effective.
How Can Crews Improve Slope Stability?
There are many ways builders can prevent land from shifting in inclined areas. Depending on the circumstances, some of these may be more feasible than others. Some of the most commonly used slope stability methods include:
Anchors and netting
Strong wire mesh or netting is anchored to the side of the hill with the use of metal rods connected to anchor plates. This slope stabilization method serves to hold soil and rocks in place, preventing gradual erosion that can be the precursor to catastrophic collapses.
Retaining walls
Whether constructed of precast concrete, wooden slats or metal panels, retaining walls are frequently installed at the base of slopes to keep the soil in place. Heavy-duty steel piles are often used as a framework.
Soil nails
In some applications, inserting long metal rods directly into the side of an incline can be very effective at preventing the ground from moving. These can be either helical piles that are screwed into the earth or straight rods that are driven into it.
Timber mats
One of the biggest factors affecting the integrity of a slope is the amount of pressure being exerted on its surface. Heavy equipment used on construction sites exerts a great deal of force that can cause ground to become unstable. That’s why it’s important to keep wheels and treads from making direct contact with the surface. Hardwood timber access mats can be used to created temporary roadways that can shoulder most of the weight of trucks, cranes and other large machinery. When it comes to slope stabilization, matting can make a significant difference.
Why Choose YAK MAT?
As a longtime leader in the timber mat industry, no one knows more about timber access mats than YAK MAT. We have an extensive inventory of mats available throughout the country, so the solution to your site’s needs is always nearby and ready to be deployed quickly. For more information about what we can do for you or to request a quote, get in touch with us today.
