Lifting Handling Transport of Articulated Concrete Block Mats
The notes on this page relate to the transport of mats via truck from factory to from depot to project worksite. For lifting during installation of mats on your project go to this link:
Transport and Handling of Articulated Concrete Cable Block Mats
- One Articulated Concrete Cable Block Mat weighs 215 kg per sqm or 616kg each mat.
- For ease of handling the Articulated mats are packed and strapped onto large pallets, usually 4 per pallet.
- Individual mats are typically lifted from the integrated cables using mechanical aids such as forklift, excavator or crane, in conjunction with a lifting spreader bar.
- Lifting and handling of mats should be carried out by authorised, competent and trained personnel.
- Ensure that area is clear of obstructions and away from members of the public and other trades.
- Due consideration to manual handling should be taken when handling the articulated concrete mats.
Equipment Needs
Prior to delivery, review the heaviest lift and highest pick in order to properly size the equipment used for the offload and the installation of the mats. Total pick weight will include the weight of each mat AND Spreader Bar.
Setting Mats with a Crane or Excavator
- Proper lifting with the Spreader Bar ensures the 5:1 working load factor of the cable is preserved.
- Single-end picks (picking up the mat from one end) are not recommended.
- Identify and avoid obstructions that may hinder reach height (Example: Power lines).
ALWAYS ENSURE YOU UNDERTAKE A THOROUGH RISK ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATE THOSE RISKS BEFORE HANDLING THE CONCRETE MATS.
SCHEDULING
Australian Concrete Mats (ACM) and Transport companies are bound to comply with NHVR (National Heavy Vehicle Regulator) conditions and laws. Hence, require at least a full four day notice to schedule trucks.
Deliveries are typically scheduled to accommodate the overall installation sequence requested though the stacking of mats on an individual load is limited to larger mats towards the bottom and smaller mats toward the top of the trailer.
Articulated Concrete Block Mats are packed and strapped, for transport, onto large pallets, typically four per pallet. (see weight and size chart on previous page. For unloading pallets, machinery with tynes is required with a load capacity and reach for a minimum of 3 ton.
Deliveries are typically made on both flat deck and tautliners, (depending on the unloading equipment), so adequate truck access and turnaround room at the jobsite must be provided by the Contractor. The trucks and drivers are typically contract carriers (not Australian Concrete Mats (ACM) trucks).
The truck drivers are not expected to have any special certifications, jobsite training or equipment. In the case special requirements are needed, the terms and conditions will need to be negotiated and established at the time of the order. Truck Drivers will untie their loads but are not qualified to help with any rigging, unloading or installation.
Australian Concrete Mats (ACM) requires notification of any changes or cancellation of scheduled deliveries during normal business hours the day prior to loading in order to avoid any cancellation charges. Restocking, rescheduling fees may apply.
STAGING MATS
For staging mats (offloading for installation later) allow the following times to offload each truck.
(a.) Semi—13.6m trailer length, allow approximately, 1 to 1.5 hours to unload.
(b.) B-Double—21m trailer length, allow approximately, 1.5 to 2 hours to unload.
Staging of mats on-site is highly recommended, especially if your company has never installed ACM Articulated Concrete Block Mats in the past.
Timing is everything. Be prepared to unload the mats when the trucks arrive. With your equipment and operator and yard ready when truck arrives. Additional time between loads should be considered for inexperienced crews. Australian Concrete Mats (ACM) loads typically allow 2 hours for unloading time. Demurrage may apply after this 2 hour period and will be charged at charged at $150 per hour in 30 minute increments, to the customer.
DOCUMENTATION
AB Block Mats will be marked with the Order No. and date of manufacture on a tag that is attached to the cable/rope of each pallet/batch.
Each load will have a Delivery Docket that has the order number with packing list. All paperwork and documentation need to be checked, and signed on delivery to confirm. If there are any discrepancies, damage or issues, these must be reported to Australian Concrete Mats within 24 hours, by text, email or phone call.
ACM will expect evidence, photos and detailed description of the damage or count should be sent at the time of reporting.
CONTACT FOR LOGISTICS
ACM Logistics team can be contacted during business hours on Tel. 02 5629 1223, After hours on Mobile: 0480 234 521 or Email: sales@concretemats.com.au
