Ground Protection: Hardwood Mats vs Plastic Mats - Eiffel Trading

In our post An Introduction to Timber Crane Mats, we discussed how hardwood crane mats, sometimes called construction mats, are built from durable, load-bearing material. These ground protection mats are specially designed to support the weight and movement of heavy machinery and are especially useful for work using heavy equipment in remote areas that are uneven or environmentally-sensitive.

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In general, ground protection mats include crane mats, outrigger mats, and cribbing.

Recently, we’ve had customers ask us about the differences between hardwood ground protection/construction mats and plastic or composite maps. We’ve also heard from customers who have a strong preference for one over the other.

Hardwood Mats

Crane mats are built using heavy timbers that are held together using steel bolts. These construction mats typically measure 8, 10, 12, or even 16 inches thick (depending on the manufacturer), 4 to 8 feet wide, and up to 40 feet long. Mats can be arranged to create larger and uniquely shaped configurations.

Hardwood mats are also available as outrigger mats. These dense mats are often steel-reinforced, available with or without chokers (handles or manual grips). These outrigger mats are a good choice for creating access roads for large trucks or other rubber-tired equipment, as they create a stable platform and are more lightweight than larger crane mats. The connection systems in timber crane or outrigger mats ensure that the mats stay in place for the duration of the project.

Hardwood mats – laid for crane, other types of heavy equipment, pipelaying, vehicles, or as a working surface – provide protection for personnel, property, and the surrounding environment. Using hardwood mats helps prevent damage like ground erosion, vegetation disruption, and helps the area maintain its natural drainage flows.

Some hardwood timber ground protection mats are supported by a steel frame, which helps extend the life of the mat. An added benefit of using hardwood crane mats is that operators can put mats in place using the very crane they will later support. This reduces the need for extra equipment during placing.

Plastic Mats

Plastic and composite construction mats are offered by many different companies, but most mats are plastic or laminate. Though plastic mats are often more light-weight and thus less expensive to transport, the up-front cost is much higher than that of hardwood mats. Plastic mats can also come with many risks.

Plastic mats may or may not have an anti-slip coating or surface, depending on the manufacturer. Mats without this protective surface can also be dangerous during hazardous weather – the pads can become slick, endangering staff and posing a risk to equipment and material on the site.

Plastic ground protection mats do not always provide an equal load distribution to protect the ground underneath. Uneven loads can cause sections of matting to rock up or down, disturbing the natural landscape underneath. Damaged or cracked plastic mats can also cause damage to the surrounding area.

Final Thoughts

All ground protection mats will wear out eventually. Hardwood mats, unlike plastic mats, are built with recoverable materials. There are no industry standards or regulations to help guide manufacturers, which means that every provider of ground protection plastic mats may use different methods of production and assembly. Hardwood crane, outrigger, and ground protection mats are typically produced in the same fashion from manufacturer to manufacturer, because those providers already know what works.

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Do Ground Protection Mats Actually Work? A Comprehensive Analysis

In the world of construction, landscaping, and outdoor events, the question often arises: do ground protection mats actually work? As a professional involved in any of these fields, protecting the ground from damage caused by heavy machinery, foot traffic, or environmental conditions is crucial. Ground protection mats are often touted as the solution to these problems, but how effective are they? This article aims to answer that question by exploring the science behind ground protection mats, their design, material composition, and real-world applications.

Understanding the Purpose of Ground Protection Mats

Ground protection mats are engineered to safeguard surfaces from damage that can be caused by vehicles, heavy machinery, or even large crowds. These mats are designed to distribute weight evenly, reducing the pressure exerted on the ground and preventing issues such as soil compaction, rutting, and erosion.

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Soil compaction occurs when soil particles are pressed together, reducing pore space and limiting the soil’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. This can lead to poor plant growth, increased runoff, and long-term damage to the ecosystem. Rutting, on the other hand, refers to the deep grooves formed in the ground by the repeated passage of vehicles or machinery. Both of these issues are common in construction and landscaping projects and can lead to costly repairs and environmental harm if not addressed.

Ground protection mats are designed to prevent these issues by providing a stable surface that distributes weight and reduces the direct impact on the soil. But do they work? The answer lies in the science behind their design and materials.

The Science Behind Ground Protection Mats

To evaluate the effectiveness of ground protection mats, it's essential to understand the materials and engineering principles that go into their design. Most ground protection mats are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a robust, durable plastic known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to environmental factors such as UV radiation, moisture, and chemicals. HDPE's molecular structure allows it to maintain its integrity under significant loads while remaining flexible enough to conform to uneven terrain.

The effectiveness of a ground protection mat is largely determined by its ability to distribute weight. When a heavy vehicle or piece of machinery rolls over the mat, the load is spread out over a larger area, reducing the pressure exerted on the ground beneath. This principle is known as load distribution, and it’s a key factor in preventing soil compaction and rutting.

Consider the pressure exerted by a vehicle’s tire on the ground. Without a ground protection mat, the pressure is concentrated in a small area, leading to a high risk of soil damage. However, when a mat is placed under the tire, the pressure is spread across the entire surface of the mat, significantly reducing the impact on the soil. This distribution of force is what allows ground protection mats to effectively prevent damage, even under the weight of heavy machinery.

Testing and Real-World Applications

The effectiveness of ground protection mats has been tested extensively in both laboratory settings and real-world applications. Studies have shown that these mats can reduce soil compaction by as much as 75%, depending on the type of soil and the weight of the load. This reduction in compaction is critical for maintaining soil health, preventing erosion, and ensuring that vegetation can continue to thrive in areas where heavy equipment is used.

In construction and landscaping, ground protection mats have been used successfully to prevent damage to lawns, driveways, and other surfaces. For example, during the construction of a residential home, heavy equipment such as excavators and trucks must often travel across the lawn. Without protection, this can lead to unsightly ruts and compacted soil that may require expensive repairs. However, by laying down ground protection mats, contractors can preserve the integrity of the lawn, avoiding these issues entirely.

Similarly, in outdoor events, ground protection mats are used to protect grass and other surfaces from damage caused by foot traffic and temporary structures. Large events like music festivals or outdoor weddings often involve hundreds or even thousands of people walking across the same areas, which can quickly lead to damaged grass and compacted soil. Ground protection mats provide a stable surface that protects the underlying ground, ensuring that the venue remains in good condition after the event.

Environmental Considerations

Another critical aspect to consider when evaluating the effectiveness of ground protection mats is their environmental impact. As mentioned earlier, soil compaction can have long-term negative effects on the environment, including increased runoff, reduced plant growth, and even damage to local ecosystems. By preventing soil compaction, ground protection mats play a vital role in preserving the environment, particularly in areas where construction or other heavy activities are taking place.

Moreover, HDPE, the material most commonly used in ground protection mats, is recyclable and can be repurposed at the end of its life cycle. This sustainability aspect is increasingly important in today’s world, where businesses and consumers alike are becoming more environmentally conscious.

Limitations and Best Practices

While ground protection mats are highly effective in many situations, it's essential to recognize that their performance can be influenced by several factors, including the type of soil, the weight of the load, and the specific design of the mat. For instance, very soft or wet soils may still experience some degree of compaction even with mats in place, especially under extremely heavy loads. In these cases, using thicker or more rigid mats, or even layering multiple mats, can help improve performance.

It’s also important to choose the right type of mat for the specific application. Ground protection mats come in various thicknesses, sizes, and designs, each suited to different needs. For example, lighter-duty mats may be sufficient for protecting lawns from foot traffic during an event, while heavy-duty mats are required for construction sites where large machinery is in use.

Proper installation and maintenance of the mats are also crucial to their effectiveness. Ensuring that the mats are laid out correctly, with no gaps or overlaps, will help maximize their protective capabilities. Additionally, regularly inspecting the mats for damage and cleaning them as needed will extend their lifespan and maintain their performance.

Conclusion

So, do ground protection mats actually work? The answer is a resounding yes. These mats are scientifically engineered to distribute weight, reduce soil compaction, and prevent surface damage, making them an invaluable tool in a wide range of industries. Whether you’re managing a construction site, planning a large outdoor event, or simply looking to protect your lawn from heavy equipment, ground protection mats offer a reliable and effective solution.

Their proven track record in real-world applications, combined with their environmental benefits and versatility, makes ground protection mats a smart investment for anyone looking to protect the ground from damage. By understanding the science behind these mats and choosing the right product for your needs, you can ensure that your projects proceed smoothly without causing harm to the underlying ground.

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