The complete guide to ground protection mat hire

Multiple different kinds of events and projects can require portable infrastructure installation. From recycling facilities to portable toilets, these are all important issues that need to be taken care of and factored into early planning stages. 

Using a ground protection mat hire service can be a critical part of this process, and it’s important that you get it right. Whether you’re planning an urban festival in a park or need to transport building materials across farmland, use this guide to help you find the right solution.

Assess the ground type

One of the first things you’ll need to do is assess the ground that you’re going to be laying the pathway or support pad on top of. One way that soil is tested is by completing a California Bearing Ratio (CBR) test.

Essentially, a 50mm cylinder is plunged into the soil, with measurements being taken on how much resistance there is. The more resistance, the higher the number, and the more stable the ground beneath you. 

The more supportive the ground is, the less additional support you’ll need from ground protection mats.  

Determine access needs

Next, you’ll need to determine your access requirements 

If you’re just creating a walkway for pedestrians at a festival, then you’ll need to choose a ground protection mat that provides adequate grip without any tripping hazards. You also won’t need the walkway to be too strong. 

If, on the other hand, you’ll need to support the weight of multiple heavy vehicles, such as for access at a construction site, you’ll want to choose something that provides a lot more support and a more aggressive grip. 

Find a supplier

Once you know what kind of ground you’re working with and the loads that will need to be transported, you can start looking for suppliers like Davis Track Hire. 

When looking for a supplier, you’ll need to look for an option that will be able to deliver and install an appropriate mat system. Make sure that they’re able to advise on the kind of system you’re using, and that they’ve supplied ground protection mats for similar purposes in the past. 

Additional considerations

You also need to look into any other additional considerations that might dictate the kind of mat system you install. 

For example, in addition to basic safety concerns, you’ll also need to look into how mats can be used to reduce aesthetic and environmental impacts. If you’re holding an event on public land, such as in a park, then you may have a legal duty to ensure that soil compaction and grass destruction are avoided wherever possible. 

Likewise, you may find that you have similar legal responsibilities outlined in your contracts with private rentals, whether that’s at a farm or a large country house. 

Getting a ground protection mat system installed is an important early step for a lot of events and construction projects. It’s important to assess the ground that you’re working with and consider your access needs, so that you’re able to identify a mat system that’s able to perfectly cater to your operational requirements.