Environmental conservation is now an important consideration in the construction industry. Many industries are under extreme pressure to evaluate, address, and minimize their effect on the environment. These effects include soil, air, and water pollution, resource depletion, biodiversity loss, waste generation, and habitat destruction.

Due to these, several industries now focus on environmental obligation and sustainability, actively searching for solutions. Some of these companies are investing in modern technology, equipment, and tools that can help minimize all their projects’ environmental impact. Still, one area that often gets overlooked during a huge construction project or heavy lifting tasks is using crane mats.

Crane mats are very strong tools for environmental conservation. The use of heavy machinery and equipment poses a challenge to the environment.

Construction sites, especially those in ecologically sensitive areas, can result in habitat destruction, soil erosion, & pollution of water bodies. Keep on reading to understand the role crane mats play in environmental conservation.

Understanding Crane Mats

Crane mats are heavy-duty, large, flat platforms made with strong wooden timbers. They are manufactured to distribute the weight of heavy cranes & equipment across uneven ground.

They’re an efficient means of providing access roads for huge machinery on construction sites with fragile ground. They are also called the following:

• Swamp mats or Bog mats
• Timber/construction mats
• Ground surface/ground protection mats
• Wooden swamp mats

Crane mats or swamp mats are materials that are positioned in the ground for three primary reasons:

• To prevent the earth from being disturbed when light or heavy-duty machinery or equipment is moving on top of it.
• To keep heavy-duty machinery level and stable when working and moving along the ground.
• To keep workers safe during movement and use of equipment.

The constant movement of these heavy equipment without crane mats can lead to damaged ecosystem functions and minimized biodiversity.

Crane mats are designed to save our environment and prevent impairment to sensitive or uneven land by forming a barrier between the earth and the machinery. Some projects that need crane mats include:

• Right of way contractors
• Transmission or oil and gas construction companies
• Transmission or oil and gas construction  maintenance companies
• Crane companies
• Concrete pump contractors

 

Types of Crane Mats

Crane mats are classified by material, with different designs for various applications.

1.    Timber Mats

Timber mats are a strong, widely available option commonly used in crane operations.

• Solid Timber Mats: Made from thick hardwood planks bolted together, these mats are durable and biodegradable. Thickness ranges from 100mm to 2300mm (4″ to 128″). However, they can be heavy and susceptible to rot in wet conditions.

• Laminated Timber Mats: Constructed from multiple layers of thinner hardwood bonded together, these mats provide increased strength despite being lighter than solid timber mats. They are ideal for lighter crane applications.

• Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Mats: Built with alternating layers of timber, CLT mats provide extra strength and load capacity. They are lighter than solid timber but are more durable and stable for heavy loads.

2.    Steel Mats

Steel mats handle extreme loads and tough conditions, providing superior strength and durability. They are made from solid steel plates and, thus, are durable and resistant to damage. They are used in industrial and construction sites for heavy-duty crane operations but need specialized equipment for transport and placement.

3.    Aluminum Mats

Aluminum mats offer a strong yet lightweight alternative to steel, making them easier to transport and position. They are lighter than steel mats, hence allowing easier transport and handling.

They are corrosion-resistant and durable but not as strong as steel for extreme loads. They are more expensive than steel, but they offer a weight advantage.

4.    Composite Mats

Composite mats are made from high-strength materials such as plastic (HDPE, UHMWPE), fiberglass, and sometimes a steel core. They are lightweight, strong, and resistant to moisture, chemicals, and rot. They are suitable for long-term use and environmentally sensitive areas. Some models are made from recycled materials, hence making them an eco-friendly option.

5.    Plastic Mats

Plastic mats are a lightweight and portable solution, typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). They are resistant to rot, decay, and chemicals, with excellent durability. They are often interlocking, simplifying assembly and storage. They are less strong than steel or composite mats and may be too flexible for some applications.

The Important Roles Of Crane Mats in Environmental Conservation

When working on a project with heavy equipment like a crane, you’ll need a solid and durable working surface that is often not available at the worksite. These huge machines exert intense pressure on the ground, leading to negative environmental consequences.

Crane mats not only provide a solid foundation during heavy equipment operations, but they also safeguard the ecosystem and protect your reputation throughout the project.

Whether it’s a landscaping project, an outdoor event, or a construction site, crane mats are vital in your project sites. Check out the role of crane mats in environmental conservation below:

1. Crane Mats Prevents Soil Erosion

Using heavy equipment over unprotected ground or soft soil leads to degradation and interferes with erosion control, which is crucial in wetland areas.

Project sites are most often susceptible to erosion, but using crane mats prevents it. How does it happen? Crane mats distribute the mass of heavy-duty machinery and equipment, minimizing soil compaction and erosion risks.

2. Crane Mats Do Not Change Land Drainage

Wetlands play a vital role in ecosystems. They act as natural filters for discharge, help prevent floods by directing runoff water, and keep nearby water bodies clean. Additionally, wetlands support a diverse range of wildlife and plant species.

Without crane mats, heavy machinery, tools, and equipment operating in wetland areas create deep tracks in the ground, disrupting natural drainage patterns and putting the ecosystem at risk. However, because crane mats distribute weight evenly, they prevent soil compaction and minimizes environmental impact, allowing wetlands to maintain their natural function.

3. Crane Mats Protect Vegetation

In sensitive regions, crane mats shield vegetation from the impact of heavy equipment operations. They offer a protective and solid foundation that lessens vegetation damage, root damage, and plant life. Crane mats help save our earth’s natural beauty while maintaining ecological balance.

4. Some Composite Crane Mats Can Help Contain Spills

Accidental lubricants, fuel spillage, & other risky materials pose serious environmental risks. Some composite crane mats can act as a containment measure that stops spills from reaching the earth or water bodies, preventing potential environmental damage.

5. Crane Mats Minimizes Soil Disturbance

Crane mats provide a durable and solid surface for heavy equipment and machinery, minimizing soil compaction and disturbance. Effective use of crane mats saves soil structure, prevents erosion, and preserves delicate ecosystems from permanent damage, thus keeping our planet healthy.

6. Crane Mats Aid in Pollution Prevention

Building projects are a primary source of pollution, especially if precautions are not taken. Crane mats minimize the quantity of pollutants released into the water and air, thus positively impacting the environment and local wildlife.

Crane mats also help control dust levels by keeping them down, making the environment healthier and safer.

The Role of Long-lasting Crane Mats in Minimizing Waste

1. Long-lasting Crane Mats Reduce the Generation of Waste

Crane mats also help minimize waste. Choosing long-lasting, reusable crane mats decreases the number of mats that end up being thrown away.

Additionally, once a crane mat is no longer suitable for heavy-duty use, it can still serve other purposes, such as providing stability for farmers and various land projects. Repurposing crane mats helps to lessen waste, thereby benefiting the environment and surrounding neighbourhoods.

2. Crane Mats Aid in Resource Conservation

Crane mats are manufactured from long-lasting, quality materials. Reusing crane mats reduces the demand for new wood and other raw materials needed to produce new mats. This, in turn, helps preserve forests and lowers the environmental impact of resource extraction.

3. They Extend Product Life Cycles

You may not realize it, but used crane mats still have enough life in them. Designed to endure harsh conditions, daily use, and heavy loads, they can be repurposed for multiple projects.

By opting for long-lasting crane mats, companies slow down the production and disposal cycle, reducing environmental waste and promoting sustainability.

On a Final Note;

Crane mats are more than a construction accessory; they’re durable and excellent tools for minimizing the environmental impact of construction projects in sensitive & remote areas. If your company starts using crane mats, it will positively promote a greener future and showcase your devotion to environmental responsibility.