Project Overview
When heavy lifting equipment and delivery vehicles are required on an existing construction site, protecting the ground beneath them is an important consideration. This is particularly relevant where existing surfaces need to be preserved throughout construction or installation work.
JAK Hire was contacted to provide temporary crane ground protection for a hospital project in Shrewsbury, where concerns had been raised about whether an existing tarmac area could accommodate the weight of a crane and the lorries delivering new buildings to the site.
With the lifting operation scheduled for the coming weekend, the customer required a practical ground protection solution that could be organised, installed and subsequently removed within a tight timeframe.
Following discussions about the site requirements, JAK Hire recommended a single layer of TuffTrak ground protection mats to help distribute the anticipated loads and minimise the risk of damage to the existing tarmac.
The entire process, from the initial enquiry through to installation, was coordinated within one week, allowing the planned lifting operation to proceed.
The Challenge
Protecting Existing Tarmac During Heavy Lifting Operations
The primary concern for the customer was the suitability of the existing tarmac surface for the proposed lifting operation.
The project involved positioning a crane on site and accommodating delivery lorries transporting buildings for installation. Both activities would introduce significant loads onto an area where the customer was uncertain about the strength of the existing surface.
Without appropriate protection, there was a risk that the weight and movement of heavy equipment could contribute to damage to the tarmac, potentially creating additional repair costs and disruption.
The customer therefore needed a temporary crane ground protection solution that would provide an additional protective layer between the equipment and the existing surface.
A Tight Project Schedule
Timing presented a further challenge. The lifting operation was scheduled for the coming weekend, leaving a limited window to agree on a suitable approach, organise the necessary equipment and complete the installation.
The ground protection also needed to be removed promptly after the lifting operation to return the area to normal use.
JAK Hire needed to deliver a solution that addressed the customer’s concerns while accommodating the demanding project schedule.
Protecting Existing Tarmac During Heavy Lifting Operations
The primary concern for the customer was the suitability of the existing tarmac surface for the proposed lifting operation.
The project involved positioning a crane on site and accommodating delivery lorries transporting buildings for installation. Both activities would introduce significant loads onto an area where the customer was uncertain about the strength of the existing surface.
Without appropriate protection, there was a risk that the weight and movement of heavy equipment could contribute to damage to the tarmac, potentially creating additional repair costs and disruption.
The customer therefore needed a temporary crane ground protection solution that would provide an additional protective layer between the equipment and the existing surface.
A Tight Project Schedule
Timing presented a further challenge. The lifting operation was scheduled for the coming weekend, leaving a limited window to agree on a suitable approach, organise the necessary equipment and complete the installation.
The ground protection also needed to be removed promptly after the lifting operation to return the area to normal use.
JAK Hire needed to deliver a solution that addressed the customer’s concerns while accommodating the demanding project schedule.
The Solution
Single Layer TuffTrak Ground Protection
Following discussions with the customer about the proposed works and the condition of the existing surface, JAK Hire recommended installing a single layer of TuffTrak access mats.
TuffTrak mats are designed for temporary access and ground protection applications, providing a durable surface that can help distribute loads and protect the ground beneath heavy equipment.
For this particular project, a single layer was considered an appropriate solution based on the information discussed with the customer.
The completed installation created an extensive area of temporary ground protection alongside the hospital building. Interlocking TuffTrak mats were positioned across the existing tarmac, providing a continuous protective surface for the planned lifting operation and associated vehicle movements.
By recommending a solution suited to the specific project requirements, JAK Hire was able to avoid unnecessary complexity while providing the ground protection the customer required.
Rapid Installation Ahead of the Weekend Lift
With the lifting operation approaching, JAK Hire coordinated the supply and installation of the TuffTrak mats within a week of the initial enquiry.
The installation was completed in preparation for the weekend, ensuring the temporary ground protection was in place before the crane and delivery vehicles were required.
This responsive approach allowed the customer to maintain their planned programme without needing to accommodate an extended installation period.
Prompt Removal Following Completion
The temporary ground protection was only required for the duration of the lifting operation. Once the weekend works had concluded, JAK Hire returned to the site on Monday morning to remove the TuffTrak mats. This ensured the temporary installation did not remain in place longer than necessary and allowed the area to be returned to the customer promptly.
The Outcome
Practical Protection Delivered Within a Tight Programme
JAK Hire successfully coordinated the supply, installation and removal of temporary ground protection within a demanding project schedule.
The TuffTrak mats were installed ahead of the weekend lifting operation and removed on Monday morning, allowing the customer to complete the planned works with temporary protection in place over the existing tarmac.
The key benefits of the project included:
- Protection for existing tarmac: The TuffTrak mats provided a temporary protective layer to help reduce the risk of surface damage during crane and vehicle operations.
- A solution tailored to the project: A single layer of matting was recommended based on the customer’s requirements, avoiding unnecessary additional layers.
- Rapid mobilisation: The solution was agreed and installed within one week of the initial enquiry.
- Minimal disruption: Installation was coordinated ahead of the weekend lifting operation, with removal completed on Monday morning.
- A complete installation and removal service: JAK Hire managed both the installation and subsequent removal of the temporary ground protection.
For projects involving heavy lifting equipment, delivery vehicles or temporary access requirements, the condition of existing surfaces can influence how work is planned and carried out.
This Shrewsbury hospital project demonstrates how early discussions and a practical ground protection solution can help customers address site concerns while keeping their operations on schedule.
Customer Experience
Related Projects
Temporary Crane Ground Protection from JAK Hire
Whether you are planning a crane lifting operation, transporting heavy equipment or arranging deliveries to a construction site, suitable ground protection can help reduce the risk of damage to existing surfaces. JAK Hire Hire supplies and installs temporary ground protection solutions for a wide range of construction, infrastructure and commercial applications.
From single layer TuffTrak installations to more complex ground protection requirements, our team can discuss your project and recommend a practical solution. Planning a lifting operation or need to protect an existing surface?
Request a ground protection matting quote from JAK Hire and find out how we can help with your next project.