Ground Protection Mats: How to Choose Pipeline Mats

Pipeline projects break ground across a range of environments, from virgin forests to dense swamps to private rights of way abutting acres of farmland. Ground protection mats allow oil and gas operators and their contractors to access these sites without damaging the land. Acting as temporary roadways or staging areas, pipeline mats provide safe, stable passage and support for heavy machinery such as cranes, excavators, and bulldozers as well as rubber-tired vehicles and workers on foot.

A plethora of choices exists within the world of ground protection mats, and a single project may require multiple styles. Choosing the best mat for the application and terrain can improve safety, keep people and equipment moving optimally, and potentially reduce overspending. For instance, using heavy timber mats for work inside facilities would be overkill since lighter, cheaper 3-ply mats would do the job. On the other hand, cutting costs by using laminated mats when stronger bridge mats are needed could create safety issues and increase wear and tear on vehicles.

With the guide below, decisionmakers can gain a deeper understanding of the features of several types of construction mats and their ideal use cases.

18-foot timber mats: Best for most pipeline applications

Sturdy, rugged, and resilient, 18-foot timber mats are the most popular pipeline mats. They are used in roughly 90% of projects.

Timber mats are typically the best choice for rough, uneven, rocky or muddy terrain and for providing access for heavy machinery such as pipelayers. Their rough surface aids with traction. Constructed from dense hardwood timbers bolted together with steel, timber mats are often the way to go when digging ditches or laying pipelines in undeveloped areas.

The ends are treated with a sealant to prevent rot. Bolts and nuts are recessed to guarantee a flush surface. A notch reveals an exposed bolt that allows for lifting and precise placement. Timber mats can be stacked on top of each to create a flat surface over uneven topography.

An 18-foot mat—typically 8 inches deep and 4 feet wide—weighs close to 3,000 pounds, allowing for 20 mats per truck load.

Bridge mats, 3-ply and light-duty mats

While timber mats are a fixture of pipeline work, they’re not the most appropriate fit for every project need. Depending on the type of access required, the vehicles used and the terrain, other ground protection mats, such as bridge mats, 3-ply laminated mats, and light-duty mats, may warrant consideration.

Bridge mats: Heavy-duty mats for decking

Bridge mats are used as decking on top of temporary short-span bridges when site access requires crossing over ditches, waterways, oceanfront areas, or swamps. Constructed from hardwood, they are strong enough to support the weight of multi-ton vehicles. The bridges themselves are often constructed of timber mats.

Bridge mats are heavy and large: The standard length is 40 feet, and they weigh close to 10,000 pounds. Those dimensions can impose constraints on transportation. A typical load size is only about four mats.

3-ply laminated mats: Lighter and suitable for rubber-tired vehicles

If your temporary roads are traveled by rubber-tired equipment only, 3-ply laminated mats might be your best bet. They are lighter than timber mats, cheaper and easier to maneuver. They work on both level and uneven ground but aren’t built for rough terrain and aren’t recommended for use with heavy equipment.

Reinforced by three layers of hardwood lumber, these mats excel at absorbing pressure and are best employed as surface decking, equipment staging pads or parking pads, and to protect ecologically sensitive soils. If you choose 8’x6”x14’ mats, you’ll fit roughly 18 to 20 per load. The mats also come in 16-foot lengths, which allow for 14 to 16 mats per load. Because they are lighter and shorter than timber mats, they are cheaper to transport.

Light-duty mats: Flexible, durable and cost effective

For environments that require more durability than 3-ply mats offer but aren’t rocky or mountainous, light-duty timber mats are an ideal solution. They combine hardwood and pine timbers and weigh roughly half as much as 100% hardwood timber mats, which helps to shave freight costs. The mat’s flexible structure allows it to mold to the ground for smoother passage of equipment and vehicles.

Consulting with a knowledgeable ground protection mat vendor to determine the best type of mats for various project areas can help you avoid mistakes that impact the project or budget. A matting expert can not only advise on the optimal style of mat but also guide you to cost savings. In addition, they can assist with accurately forecasting the number of new and used mats needed. Partnering with a large, full-service mat vendor well in advance of a project is a smart way to mitigate supply chain issues and help ensure you have the right mats when you need them to meet the project’s timeline and budget goals.

Visit our online marketplace to browse our selection of mats or reach out to request help with choosing mats for your next project.