By: William G. Handlos, P.E. Research shows that GEOTERRA® and GEOTERRA® GTO structural mats provide a ground-surface reinforcement layer to support heavy loads over soft subgrades. More cost-effective than other reinforcement mat systems, the GEOTERRA mats can be used for temporary or permanent applications and are reusable. Offering high crush and flexural strength, the GEOTERRA mats have demonstrated the ability to handle the forces from some of the heaviest wheeled and tracked vehicles under severe conditions. Scope of Test: The University of Kansas Geotechnical Laboratory tested the performance of the GEOTERRA and GEOTERRA mat systems over weak to intermediate subgrades with CBR values ranging from 1% to 4%. They conducted a total of 12 tests to identify threshold and limit conditions, create a data-set for modeling, and determine the equivalent crushed aggregate base. Testing Procedure: Test sections were subjected to 40 kN (9 kip) cyclic loading on a 300 mm (12 in) diameter plate. Earth pressure cells were placed over of the subgrade to measure vertical interface stress distribution. Loading plate displacements were measured by the displacement transducer inside the actuator. Test Observations: The following conclusions were determined for the GEOTERRA and GEOTERRA GTO Structural Mat Systems: The GEOTERRA mats provide additional… Read more »
Posts Tagged: Construction Mats
The Market for Lightweight Construction Mats
Written by William G. Handlos, P.E. Lightweight Construction Mats Construction access in soft soils present a common challenge engineers and project managers face while attempting to complete a project on-time and within budget while avoiding scheduling delays and associated costs. These soft soil sites may also be located in remote, difficult to access areas making construction impossible without a good site access system. Popular construction mat systems are made out of a range of materials including timber, laminate, steel and composite mats. They can be effective, but are also costly. They can also put laborers at risk as they require heavy equipment to install. The ideal mat system for access road construction would be designed to have a high utility-to-weight ratio and would deliver an eco-friendly alternative to current technology. A lightweight construction mat system made from high density polyethylene (HDPE), GEOTERRA®, was created by Presto Products in 2003 to meet the needs of major oil and gas companies working in remote areas of the Amazon jungle. Transporting materials to these sites by helicopter precipitated the need for light, yet strong mats for work platforms and roadways. As the first of its kind, the mats capitalize on the sustainable characteristics of… Read more »
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