Overview
The Embrook School in Wokingham was expanding its facilities to accommodate additional classrooms. The new classrooms were being delivered as modular units, which would be lifted into position using a large crane once they arrived on site.
To complete the installation, construction vehicles, delivery lorries and lifting equipment needed access across the school playground. However, the existing surface was not designed to support heavy construction traffic and there were concerns about whether the tarmac could withstand the weight of vehicles and lifting equipment.
JAK Hire was appointed to design and install a temporary access road for modular classrooms, providing a stable route for delivery vehicles and a reinforced working area for the crane while protecting the playground surface beneath.
The Challenge
nstalling modular classrooms within a school environment often presents significant access challenges. In this case, the only viable route for vehicles and equipment was directly across the school playground.
Protecting the Existing Playground Surface
The condition and thickness of the playground tarmac was uncertain, and the surface had already experienced some wear over time. Allowing heavy construction vehicles to drive across it without protection would have risked:
- Cracking or breaking the tarmac surface
- Permanent damage to the playground area
- Costly repair work once the project was complete
The school needed a solution that would allow construction access while protecting the existing surface.
Supporting Heavy Construction Vehicles
The installation of modular classrooms requires the movement of several large vehicles, including:
- Lorries delivering the classroom modules
- Articulated vehicles transporting building components
- A large mobile crane used to lift the classrooms into position
Each of these vehicles creates significant ground pressure, particularly when manoeuvring or turning.
Creating a Safe Crane Working Area
The crane used to install the modular classrooms weighed approximately 220 tonnes, meaning a stable and reinforced base was essential to allow the lifting operation to take place safely.
The access route also needed to connect seamlessly with the crane location so that the modular classroom units could be lifted directly from the delivery vehicles into position.
Managing Vehicle Movements on a School Site
As with many construction projects carried out on school grounds, careful planning was required to ensure vehicle access could be provided safely and efficiently.
The temporary roadway needed to accommodate large vehicles moving through the playground while maintaining stability and preventing damage to the underlying surface.
The Solution
JAK Hire installed a temporary access road for modular classrooms using TuffTrak ground protection mats, creating a durable and reliable route across the playground.
Temporary Trackway Installation
The access route was installed primarily in three metre wide sections, allowing vehicles to travel safely across the playground without placing direct load on the tarmac surface.
In areas where vehicles were expected to turn or manoeuvre, the roadway was widened to nine metres to provide additional stability and allow sufficient space for vehicle movement.
This wider trackway ensured that delivery lorries and construction vehicles could operate safely without placing excessive stress on the matting or the surface beneath.
Reinforced Sections for Turning Forces
Certain areas of the access road were subject to greater forces from vehicle turning movements. In these sections, the matting was doubled up to increase load distribution and provide additional strength.
This reinforced approach helped maintain stability across the trackway while protecting the underlying playground surface.
Crane Pad Installation
At the end of the temporary roadway, JAK Hire created a dedicated crane pad using TuffTrak mats. This platform provided the necessary support for the 220 tonne crane required to lift the modular classrooms into place.
The crane pad allowed the lifting operation to take place safely while distributing the weight of the crane evenly across the surface.
Efficient Installation and Removal
The temporary trackway and crane pad were installed quickly to ensure the project could proceed according to schedule.
Once the modular classrooms had been delivered and installed, JAK Hire returned to site to uplift the matting system, allowing the playground to return to normal use.
The Outcome
The installation of the temporary access road enabled the modular classroom project to be completed safely and efficiently while protecting the school playground. By using TuffTrak ground protection mats, The Embrook School was able to expand its facilities without damaging the existing playground infrastructure.
A straight temporary access road installed with interlocking mats to support school construction works at The Embrook School.
Heavy duty access mats supporting crane operations during construction works at The Embrook School.
A temporary access route created with heavy duty mats to guide site traffic safely through The Embrook School.
Interlocking ground protection mats installed at The Embrook School to create a safe temporary access route for construction works.
Customer Experience
Temporary Access Roads for Modular Classroom Projects
School expansion projects often require large vehicles and cranes to access areas that were not designed for construction traffic. JAK Hire provides temporary access roads for modular classrooms, allowing delivery vehicles and lifting equipment to operate safely while protecting playgrounds and other surfaces. Our ground protection systems provide a fast, cost effective and fully reversible solution for school construction projects.
Contact JAK Hire today to discuss your temporary access requirements.