Integrity work and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) are crucial in the maintenance and construction of pipelines, especially as the infrastructure ages and requires regular assessments and replacements. TerraLam mats can play a vital role in supporting these processes, ensuring stable work environments and efficient operations with notable cost-saving and efficiency benefits over traditional hardwood, timber, and crane mats.
Why TerraLam for Horizontal Directional Drilling?
HDD is a highly efficient method used to install pipelines underneath obstacles like rivers, roads, and urban infrastructure without the need for disruptive, large-scale trenching. This type of work often requires large equipment and supplies in areas not designed to handle such weight so matting is used to protect the ground, create a stable surface for equipment to operate on, and to store pipeline sections. Traditionally, timber mats have been used for this but TerraLam mats bring an engineered product with known load ratings in a package that delivers more lineal footage per mat, freight savings of up to 50%, and a higher quality work surface to enhance jobsite safety.
TerraLam mats create a durable, gap-free work surface that protects the land from heavy machinery and foot traffic. They reduce soil erosion, minimize ground disturbance, and safeguard sensitive ecosystems. This is especially important in HDD projects where large staging areas are needed for welding pipes and assembling equipment.
Creating temporary roads and work pads with TerraLam mats is much easier as they provide twice the surface area of a comparable timber or crane mat. This means less mats used for a faster install, less gaps and breaks between mats which reduces safety hazards, and more surface area to better distribute loads across the ground.
Pipeline operations involve the use of heavy equipment and supplies, which can cause significant ground compaction and instability on soft or uneven terrain. TerraLam mats are an engineered product that can evenly distribute loads, creating a more stable surface and reducing the risk of point loading the ground and sinking, which can lead to costly delays and environmental damage.
Challenging environments are generally the basis of HDD projects, from wetlands and marshes to rugged landscapes, and TerraLams can provide the support needed for the toughest jobs. Whether it’s TerraLam 300s for smaller equipment or robust TerraLam 700 mats for heavier machinery, Sterling offers matting solutions tailored to the unique demands of each project, ensuring stability and safety no matter the conditions.
Are you ready to elevate your HDD and integrity site performance? Consider the advantages of the TerraLam mats over timber, crane, and other hardwood mat types. Don’t let traditional solutions hold you back—add TerraLam to your job sites today and experience the difference! Contact us at 708.388.2223.