Before any construction project begins, it’s extremely important to assess ground conditions. Failure to do so could not only result in making project completion that much harder, but also dangerous and a threat to the construction crew’s health.

Without proper stabilization, uneven grounds or those with weak soil conditions can cause heavy construction equipment to get stuck, or even possibly tip over. When assessing the ground, some considerations include:

• • Amount of existing vegetation
  • The site’s ability to properly drain
  • Overall stability of the ground (soil bearing capacity)
  • How level the ground is
  • The moisture level of the soil

If the ground cannot properly support equipment in its current condition, the U.S. Department of Labor recommends using supporting materials including mats, cribbing, and in the case where construction projects are being completed in wetlands, vehicles such as marsh buggies.

Most construction sites are generally soil stripped or drained beforehand – but this is something wetlands with high moisture levels don’t allow. In such cases, it’s important to protect the site’s surrounding environment – utilizing supporting materials such as timber or laminated mats to not just protect the environment but to also ensure that the project is safely carried out.

For more information on utilizing mats in areas with sensitive soil conditions, check out our blog post: Common Questions When Using Timber Mats in Wetlands.