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Used vibratory hammers are hammers that have been used before and are being sold for reuse. Due to the high cost of new equipment and wait times on new models, purchasing a used vibratory hammer can be a practical, cost-effective option.

How Vibratory Hammers Work

A vibratory hammer is a unique type of pile driver; unlike traditional pile drivers that use large weights to strike piles into the earth, vibratory hammers use vibrations to drive piles. The vibrations created by a vibratory hammer reduces the earth’s resistance, which decreases the friction between the pile and the ground. This change in friction is what allows the pile to “slip” into the earth. Employing this technique, new piles can be driven quickly and quietly and old piles may be extracted efficiently.Vibratory hammers create their vibrations using spinning weights and counterweights. Using a traditional pile driver, it might take up to an hour to drive a 100 foot pile into the ground, but with a vibratory hammer, that same pile can be installed in about 10 minutes.

Vibratory Hammer Features

Vibratory hammers come with a number of benefits:

• While traditional pile drivers are disruptively loud, vibratory hammers are quiet.
• Vibratory hammers are lightweight and user-friendly.
• They can be used underwater.
• They are more nature-friendly since they don’t disrupt wildlife with loud noises, and they can be used near residential areas without noise complaints.
• They are smaller and easier to maneuver than traditional pile drivers.
• They can both drive and extract piles from the ground.
• They save time and money because they can drive piles faster.
• They use both hydraulic and electrical energy lines.
• They are easy to transport and maintain.
• They are more cost effective than traditional drivers.

The Benefits of Buying a Used Vibratory Hammer

There are many advantages to purchasing a used vibratory hammer over a new hammer. New foundation equipment is expensive. This is especially true if you only need the equipment for a short time or for a limited number of projects. Many builders cannot justify paying full price for a vibratory hammer, which is why they turn to used.Used vibratory hammers cost less than new hammers, even for exactly the same product. By purchasing used, you’ll save money and often come in under budget. Furthermore, vibratory hammers hold their value well, meaning you can resell the hammer after use and recoup much of the cost. This is not necessarily the case for new hammers, which are much like new cars; as soon as you drive them off the lot, the quick dip in value is substantial and cannot be recouped.Used hammers do not come directly from the manufacturer, but rather from a job site or a contractor’s yard. Though this means that they may have some wear and tear, in many cases, this is cosmetic and you will still be recieving a quality hammer.In addition to the cost savings, used vibratory hammers are ready for immediate use and are often listed “ready to ship.” This means you won’t have to wait on a manufacturer to product the item, which can cut down on lag time and reduce the potential for delays.Overall, purchasing a used vibratory hammer enables you to reap many of the benefits of owning your own equipment without the hefty price tag. Win, win!

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is THE place to purchase used heavy civil and marine equipment and materials; our equipment inventory ranges from uysed vibratory hammers, to used used foundation drill rigs, to used concrete formwork, and everything in between. Additionally, our material inventory includes used pipe pile, brand new w beams, use and surplus sheet pile, and much more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Slide rail shoring is a type of modular component shoring system that’s used in place of driven tight sheeting or build-in-place timber shoring systems. Slide rail shoring is unique in that it employs a “dig and push” installation method that allows for quick, efficient setup. Furthermore, this dig and push method can reduce cave-ins and trench collapse that might occur during the excavation, and which is common in other excavation methods.

Slide Rail Shoring System Overview

Slide rail shoring systems can be used for a wide range of applications and provide enhanced safety for both personnel and those in nearby structures. When used properly, these systems allow for exceptional pipe clearance and large free span work zones. Rolling carts can be moved up and down the spreader assemblies as needed for the placement of equipment, and to change the free span work zone provided by the system.Slide rail systems allow for flexibility, especially when encountering crossing utilities or underground obstacles. Many of the components of these systems are designed to allow for safe and quick installation of protective systems around such obstacles so that a project can continue without large time delays or costly disruptions.

Slide Rail Shoring Applications

Slide rail shoring systems are designed for a wide range of applications. These systems can be used on a variety of job sites, including:

• Tank installations
• Restricted areas
• Areas with poor soil conditions
• Areas that are sensitive to vibration
• Near rail roads
• Soil remediation
• Bore pits
• Pump stations
• Cast-in-place
• Linear pipeline runs

Safety Advantages of Slide Rail Shoring

Excavation work can be hazardous to laborers, and cave-ins have been known to take place even after safety precautions are taken. Shoring systems can be used to reinforce trench walls and prevent cave-ins during excavations.Slide rail shoring is comprised of vertical steel posts and steel panels, similar to those of a trench box. A four-sided pit system is created when the panels slide into the posts. The posts and panels are slowly pushed into the pit as the site is being excavated, and as the site grows deeper, the slide rail system is also pushed deeper. Due to this gradual installation, trench wall loss can be prevented, which works to prevent cave-ins.Without the use of a slide rail shoring system, cave-ins and worker injury would be more commonplace, as would the potential risk of injury for pedestrians and those in nearby structures; if the cave-in is large enough, it has the potential to impact wider zones, upsetting the integrity of nearby buildings or disrupting traffic near the construction size. Each of these things can lead to more damage and injury, either at the moment of the cave-in or later. Worker safety is a top priority on any construction site, but especially during excavations, as these are some of the most dangerous work zones. By utilizing slide rail shoring, common excavation setbacks can be avoided and worker injury circumvented.

Project Advantages of Slide Rail Shoring

Slide rail shoring systems are engineered to save contractors time and money. When compared to traditional tight sheeting, sloping or complex trench shield assemblies, a slide rail shoring system comes with a number of benefits.

Slide Rail Shoring Provides More Clearance than Standard Trench Shields

Trench shields are usually constructed with sidewalls of varying thickness and are held apart by spreaders, which can be interchanged to match the width of the trench. Trench shields have a maximum clearance that they can withstand without buckling. Slide rail shoring provides more clearance than standard trench shields.

Slide Rail Shoring Minimizes Site Restoration Costs

After a project is complete, trenches must be backfilled and the site restored. By using slide rail shoring, site restoration costs can be reduced.

Slide Rail Shoring Enables Smaller Excavators

Slide rail shoring is a durable, modular component system that allows workers to push the system in place while digging the excavation to depth. Due to its design, the components of a slide rail shoring system require only smaller, more accessible machines during installation and removal than those needed to dig the same excavation using tight sheeting or trench shields. Furthermore, the individual components of a slide rail system are lighter and easier to handle than large trench shields.

Slide Rail Shoring Decreases Labor Time

Due to the ease and efficiency of its design, slide rail shoring decreases the overall installation and removal times of the system.

Slide Rail Shoring Controls Ground Subsidence

Land subsidence is a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth's surface. Subsidence is caused due to underground material movement such as the removal of water, oil, natural gas, or mineral resources out of the ground by pumping, fracking, or mining activities. Slide rail shoring is effective in controlling ground subsidence.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is the prime source for used and new heavy civil equipment and materials. Our equipment inventory includes used shoring equipment including used slide rail systems, used shoring towers, and used trench boxes, among many others. In addition, we house a wide-range of material inventory ranging from used hdpe pipe, to used steel plates, to brand new h-pile beams.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Trenches are temporary and are usually backfilled with soil after construction. While a project is underway, however, it’s possible to cover a trench so that traffic may continue using the road as normal. This is done with a trench plate.Trench plates are large, flat sheets of steel that sit over a trench, acting as a type of “lid.” They are also used along trench boxes during excavation for utility construction and repair. The purpose of a trench plate is to provide a temporary surface for traffic to pass over while construction is underway.

Trench Plate Safety

In order to utilize trench plates in the safest and most effective manner, it’s important to choose the right plate dimensions for each specific trench. A good rule of thumb is for traffic traveling 44 mph or less, there should be a 12” overlap of the steel plate on either side of the trench. For traffic traveling 45 mph or more, the overlap should be at least 24” on either side of the trench. This overlap ensures that if the trench plate shifts, the hole will remain firmly covered. As with all road projects, a structural engineer should be consulted and full site surveys conducted before construction begins. A trench plate’s proper size, thickness and deployment plan will need to be formally assessed by a qualified professional to meet all state and local requirements for bridging an excavation site.

Thickness, Threading, and Materials of a Trench Plate

Trench plates are made of steel that is commonly at least one inch thick. They sometimes feature hardened threaded weld nuts and engineered lifting devices (such as lifting rings) for easy installation. Many plates come with a skid-resistant texture that’s applied to the surface to prevent vehicles from sliding on the steel, especially in wet conditions.Though trench plates are often 1-inch tall, their thickness will depend on the speed of traffic moving over the plate. Speeds above 45 miles per hour may require taller plates, such as a 1.25-inch or 1.5-inch plate thickness.

Common Trench Plate Sizes

Some common sizes for trench plates that are one inch thick include: 4×4, 4×6, 4×8, 4×10, 4×12, 4×16, 5×8, 5×10, 5×12, 5×16, 6×8, 6×10, 6×12, 6×16, 8×10, 8×12, 8×16, 8×20.

How Trench Plates Are Manufactured

Trench plates are manufactured in steel mills and are made by hot rolling. To do this, a steel slab is heated to 1,700 degrees Fahrenheit and passed through a series of rollers. Each set of rollers makes the slab thinner until the desired thickness is achieved. Once the steel is the correct thickness, the plate is cooled to room temperature and cut to size or rolled into large coils.Hot rolled steel is the cheapest sheet steel available. However, cold rolled steel is another option. Cold rolled steel is created when a steel sheet that has previously been hot rolled is run through a second series of rollers without the addition of heat to create an even thinner sheet of steel. Steel must be hot rolled before it can be cold rolled.

Purchasing New vs. Used Trench Plates

For buyers looking to purchase trench plates, there are two main options: new trench plates or used/surplus trench plates.If you purchase new, you’ll know the quality upfront; new trench plates have never been used before, meaning the structural integrity is known to be solid and there will be no wear and tear setbacks once construction begins. The downside is that new trench plates cost much more than used plates, and delivery could take longer since the plates are often coming from the manufacturer.If you purchase used plates, you’ll pay less, often for a very similar product. Furthermore, used steel plates are ready for immediate use since they do not need to be manufactured; they sometimes come with mill certifications; and they enable high quality results despite prior use due to the longevity of steel. The downside to purchasing used trench plates is that they often contain wear and tear and they can’t be custom made to fit an exact project’s needs.In many cases, used and surplus trench plates are just as effective as new plates and can be used successfully in their place. The decision depends on the project specifications and availability at the time of purchase!

Features to Consider when Choosing Trench Plates

When choosing trench plates for a project, there are several features to consider, including:

• The plate size and size of area to be covered
• Thickness recommendations
• Load bearing features
• The use of fixing and machining processes
• Anti-skid treatments
• Safe handling and installation options
• Plate details such as edges, ramps and chamfering
• Transportation options

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Did you know that Eiffel Trading’s marketplace boasts a wide variety of new and used steel options? From used steel trench plates, to new steel trench plates, to used sheet pile, and everything in between… we have what you need for your next project! In addition to steel products, we also sell used and surplus HDPE pipe, used and surplus traffic barrier (like jersey barrier!) and more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Flexifloat modular/sectional barges are made of welded steel and engineered for use in the shallow water of inland areas. They are built to be used repeatedly for a variety of projects and can support significant loads of static heavy equipment as well as heavy equipment in motion. All Flexifloat models come with stackable modules that can be transported by truck. Every Flexifloat module has a lifting bar that makes lifting and stacking quite simple, and Flexifloat modules can be connected end to end, end to side, or side to side using a built-in locking system. This allows for various shapes and configurations to suit the needs of individual projects.There are three different types of Flexifloat barges: H-50, S-50, and S-70. Below you’ll find information about what differentiates them from each other.

Series H-50 Modular Barges

These are the most compact Flexifloat barges. An H-50 model is engineered to support up to 100-ton loads while also being easily portable and well-suited to projects that require frequent relocations of equipment. Its modules are small enough to allow for simple transport on trucks and trains. H-50 pontoons are popular choices for simple construction projects, pipeline installation projects, core drilling, and material transport applications. They may also be used to service and assist projects that require the use of larger Flexifloat models like the Series S-50 and S-70 barges.

Below are some of the specs of the H-50 Series:

• Depth: 3.8 ft.
• Width: 7.5 ft.
• Length: 30 ft. or 15 ft. (depending on chosen configuration)
• Weight: 14,500 lbs. or 7,900 lbs.
• Spud Options: 20-inch diameter or 12-inch diameter

Series S-50 Modular Barges

The S-50 series offers some extra load capacity while still providing excellent portability. An S-50 modular barge can support up to 300-ton loads and can support large cranes with up to 100-ton capacities. It can be transported by truck and train, but it isn’t quite as compact or easy to transport as an H-50 barge. S-50 barges are great choices for bridge construction, dam construction, large equipment transport, dredging projects, and well servicing applications.Below are some of the specs of the S-50 Series:

• Depth: 5 ft.
• Width: 10 ft.
• Length: 40 ft. or 20 ft. (depending on chosen configuration)
• Weight: 27,000 lbs. or 14,700 lbs.
• Spud Options: 20-inch diameter

Series S-70 Modular Barges

S-70 barges can support static loads of approximately 2,000 tons, and they can support cranes with loading capacities of up to 400 tons. Like all Flexifloat barge options, S-70 modules are built to be transported using trucks. They have the maximum strength and buoyancy of the Flexifloat line that still stays within the limits, in terms of weight and dimensions, to be safely loaded onto a truck and relocated on the road. An S-70 modular pontoon is ideal for applications involving the largest and heaviest cranes, largest bucket dredges and excavators, as well as drilling rigs.Below are some of the specs of the S-70 Series:

• Depth: 7 ft.
• Width: 10 ft.
• Length: 40 ft. or 20 ft. (depending on chosen configuration)
• Weight: 33,000 lbs. or 18,000 lbs.
• Spud Options: 24-inch dia. or 24-inch sq.

Buying Used

Since Flexifloat barges are built for repeated use, you can buy H-50, S-50, and S-70 models used as well as new. Buying used to can help cut costs without compromising quality. Once purchased, all Flexifloat options are quite easy to transport to your project location due to their state-of-the-art portability.

Selling Used

Flexifloat barges are one of the hottest items on the Eiffel Trading marketplace, and our team is here to help you get the most out of selling your used barges!

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplaces allows heavy civil and marine contractors to buy and sell new and used equipment and materials. Our marine equipment inventory includes used sectional barges and used push boats, while our foundation equipment inventory ranges from used drill rigs, to used vibratory hammers, and everything in between. aAll of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Pipe piles are employed during deep foundation projects to transfer loads from large structures and buildings to deep layers underground. They are pipes made of steel and may be seamless, welded, or spiral-welded. Additionally, they may be either open end or closed end. Open end and closed end pipe piles are each better suited to specific types of applications. If you’re wondering what differentiates the two from each other, here’s what you should know:

Closed End Pipe Pile

Closed end pipe pile has an opening at its bottom that is covered with either a plate made of steel or a conical tip. A closed end pipe pile’s covering may be called an “end cap.” Closed end pipe piles are great for being driven into loose sands as well as soft soils. They are also suitable for jobs that require load bearing capacity from the entirety of the pile toe. Below are some of the many applications in which closed end pipe pile may be used:

• Highway foundations
• Bridge foundations
• Building foundations
• Railway foundations
• Communication tower foundations
• Offshore construction foundations (where the ground isn’t particularly rocky)

Closed end pipe piles are frequently filled with concrete to maximize their load bearing abilities and resistance against pressure.

Open End Pipe Pile

Open end pipe piles do not have end caps (plates made of steel or conical tips) that cover their openings. Open end pipe pile is often the preferred choice for oil and gas as well as energy projects like wind turbine projects. Open end pipe piles are great at offering resistance to heavy winds and tidal forces. They are the best choice for driving into marine locations as well as rocky locations. They provide excellent columnar strength.The following soil conditions are ideal for the use of open-end pipe pile:

• A dense layer of soil underneath a soft layer of soil
• A dense layer of soil underneath a layer of soil with medium density

Attempting to drive closed end pipe pile in either of those soil conditions can prove to be a challenge, and open end pipe pile is often the best choice.

Buying Closed End and Open End Pipe Pile

Both closed end and open end pipe pile can be purchased either new or used. There is a large variety of new and used pipe pile on the market in a plethora of different sizes and configurations with varying load bearing capabilities. Used pipe pile has been utilized for one or more project whereas surplus pipe pile may have been purchased for a previous project but not used. Because of skyrocketing steel prices of the “new” steel market, used pipe pile has become an even better option in the last few years!Before purchasing used pipe pile, consider its overall condition, size, strength, and whether it is closed end or open end. Additionally, you should consider whether it is seamless, welded, or spiral-welded. Each welding type comes with unique advantages for certain types of projects. You should buy with the individual needs of your project in mind.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace is a one-stop-shop for used and new structural steel! We have it all… from used pipe pile, to brand new h-pile beams, to used sheet pile, and everything in between. In addition, our equipment inventory includes used drill rigs, used vibratory hammers, used concrete formwork, and more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Unlike traditional pile drivers that use large weights to strike piles into the earth, vibratory hammersuse vibrations to reduce the earth’s resistance, which decreases the friction between the pile and the ground. This change in friction is what allows the pile to be driven (or extracted) with ease.When listing your vibratory hammer for sale, it’s important to take quality photos, to include videos of the hammer in use, to set the hammer at a fair market price, to be upfront about defects, and to remember to include specifications.

1. Take Quality Photos in Good Light

By taking high quality photos of your vibratory hammer, potential buyers will get a better sense of what you’re offering and will therefore be more likely to act. Aim to take multiple photos from different angles to ensure you’re showcasing the hammer in its entirety. There’s no need to purchase expensive camera equipment to get the best shot of your vibratory hammer. Good-quality daylight and a clean phone lens should be enough to highlight its features.

2. Take a Video of Your Vibratory Hammer in Action

Photos are great for showcasing details, but if you’d really like to take your listing up a notch, take a video of the hammer in action to show to potential buyers. Buyers want to know what they’re purchasing, and they might hesitate to go through with a sale if they aren’t sure the hammer is exactly what they’re looking for. Videos can help make your hammer more marketable by giving buyers the most accurate sense of what they’re purchasing as well as show validity in the working condition of the hammer.

3. Set Your Vibratory Hammer at a Fair Market Price

If you’ve taken all the right photos, videos and specifications yet your hammer still isn’t selling, it could be because it is not priced near other units of similar value on the used market. Do some research on used vibratory hammer prices and the going rate for similar hammers, and keep in mind that equipment will be priced differently depending on your location, the vibratory hammer’s hours, etc. All of these variables should be considred and factored into your asking price!

4. Be Upfront About Defects

Never attempt to trick potential buyers into overlooking an equipment’s defects. Instead, be upfront an honest about wear and tear, and price your hammer accordingly.

5. Remember to List the Details

Buyers want to know details upfront, like a hammer’s current number of working hours, the year of the model, the serial number, whether a unit manual is included, what previous maintenance has been performed on the hammer, and its schedule and logs. The less work a buyer has to do to obtain these details, the more likely they are to make a purchase, so make it easy for them and list as many specifications as possible.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace is THE place to purchase used equipment and materials. We have it all… from used vibratory hammers, to used sectional barges, to used concrete formwork, and everything in between. Furthermore, our material inventory includes used sheet pile, used used crane access trestle, used pipe pile, and so much more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

When crane mats are used to create stable areas for heavy equipment to operate on in wetland, swamp, and marsh areas, they should be both properly installed and properly removed. Proper installation helps ensure that they will do their job well and offer added stability and safety for equipment and workers. Proper removal helps ensure that the crane mats remain in good, useable condition after use and helps ensure that the area where they are used is restored to its original condition. Below are some recommendations for successful crane mat removal.

Basics of Crane Mat Removal

Below are some of the basic things you should do to properly remove crane mats:

• Remove One Mat at a Time – Crane Mats should ideally be removed cautiously, one at a time by backing out of a site.
• Clean Mats After Removal – As soon as crane mats are removed, they should be cleaned to remove dirt, residue, plant growth, and plant material. Cleaning is especially important if crane mats are going to be sold or transported to another project. Generally, spraying the crane mats with water or air will do the trick. You may also want to drop or shake the crane mats with the help of machinery to knock off debris.
• Load or Store Properly – Crane mats should be loaded with care if being transported by truck or train. Use lifting bolts to lift the crane mats and then stack them on top of each other. If they will be transported by truck, use hook straps or tie-downs to secure them once stacked. If the mats are going to be stored before they are used again, make sure to store them in a secure, covered area.

Restoration of Work Area

When crane mats are removed, you should also do your best to restore the work area. Below are some restoration suggestions:

• Inspect Crossings – After crane mats are removed, you should carefully examine crossings to assess the amount of restoration you need to do.
• Stabilize Soil Disturbances – This is particularly important near wetlands and streams. As best as possible, soil should be returned to its original condition prior to project activity.
• Restore Wetland Areas – If crane mats were used within wetlands, these areas should be restored to their original conditions. Restoration may involve revegetation using existing roots and seed stock of plant species that are natural to the area. If mulch is used during restoration efforts, make sure it is weed-free mulch that will not expose the area to invasive plant species.

If crane mats are removed with care, cleaned, and transported/stored properly after their removal, they can be re-used for a different project or sold. Selling used crane mats can be a lucrative choice if they won’t be used for a future project. If you plan to sell them, spend some extra time cleaning them off and making sure they’re in good condition for a buyer. Until they are sold and transported to a new location, they should be stored in a safe place where they won’t be subjected to any damage.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace is your trusted source for new, used, and surplus materials and equipment! Some of our hottest material options are used crane mats, used sheet pile, used crane access trestle, and more! In addition, our brand new material options consist of brand new steel plates, brand new w beams, brand new h pile beams, and more!All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Steel road plates are wide, flat plates commonly used to cover potholes, excavations, trenches, damaged pedestrian walkways, and roads under construction in order that traffic may continue to pass while a project is underway. They are also used over trench boxes during excavation for utility construction and repair. Due to their square edges, steel plates can create uneven surfaces where the road merges with the plate, which can be hazardous to motorcycles, bicycles and pedestrians. Furthermore, because of their smooth surfaces, plates can become slippery when wet. In order to improve user safety, certain steps should be taken when installing and using steel road plates.

1. Properly Attach Steel Plates to the Road Surface

In order to prevent steel plates from sliding and exposing hazards underneath, they should be affixed to the road surface. To do this, pins can be driven into the pavement along the edges of the steel plate. Another option is to recess the plate into the pavement, or to secure the plate with asphalt edges around the plate’s perimeter. Recessing means cutting out the area where the steel plate will be placed and inserting the plate into the recess so that it’s flush with the surface of the road. If multiple plates are used in conjunction, they should be welded together along their seams to prevent additional movement.

2. Install Proper Skid Resistance on Road Plates

Steel plates are wide, smooth and flat, meaning they can become slippery, especially when wet. To combat this, anti-skid coatings should be applied when necessary.

3. Install Tapered Ramps Around Road Plates

Tapered ramps are usually made of asphalt and can be installed around a road plate to reduce the size of the lip between the plate and the road. This allow users to safely cross the steel plates. Tapers must be gradual—if they are too steep, they can create a new hazard to motorcyclists and bicyclists who are at risk of losing control when they encounter the abrupt incline. Generally, tapers should extend five feet horizontally for every one inch of vertical elevation difference.

4. Follow Proper Protocols when Using Steel Road Plates

In addition to the above tips, choosing the right steel plates for a project and following proper steel plate protocols can improve user safety.

• Select the correct steel road plate size for the project.
• Ensure there is adequate overlap between the edge of the excavation and the steel plate; usually, a plate will extend at least one foot beyond the opening in the ground.
• Secure edges properly with feathered asphalt.
• Countersink plates when roadways are uneven.
• Paint or mark the edge of the road plates to improve visibility.
• Use proper advance warning signs to help traffic anticipate the road plates.
• Reevaluate conditions throughout the day to ensure safety.
• Notify proper authorities of plate locations in the winter.
• Inspect the job site at the end of each day to ensure overnight safety.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is a one-stop-shop for your structural steel needs! Our structural steel inventory includes brand new steel plates, used steel plates, used h-pile beams, brand new wide flange beams, and more. In addition, we also range to include many types of used and surplus traffic barrier, used hdpe pipe, used crane mats, and more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Steel plates are commonly used to cover potholes, excavations, trenches, damaged pedestrian walkways, and roads under construction. They are also used over trench boxes during excavation for utility construction and repair. Unlike new steel plates, which come straight from the manufacturer, used steel plates have been utilized in prior projects and uninstalled for resale. While many builders choose new steel plates, used plates are a smart, cost-effective option.

What Are the Specifications of Used Steel Plates?

Steel plates are a rectangular shape made of steel that is at least half of an inch thick. They sometimes feature hardened threaded weld nuts and engineered lifting devices (such as lifting rings) for easy installation. Many plates come with a skid-resistant texture that’s applied to the surface to prevent vehicles from sliding on the steel, especially in wet conditions.Though steel plates are often 1-inch thick, their preferred thickness will depend on the speed of traffic, application, etc. Speeds above 45 miles per hour may require thicker plates, such as a 1.25-inch plate thickness or above.Some common sizes for steel road plates that are one inch thick include: 4×4, 4×6, 4×8, 4×10, 4×12, 4×16, 5×8, 5×10, 5×12, 5×16, 6×8, 6×10, 6×12, 6×16, 8×10, 8×12, 8×16, 8×20.

What is their Condition?

Used steel plates come from a job site where they’ve been previously used for a road plate application, a beam and plate system, etc. Though this can sometimes mean the steel is in poor working condition, used steel plates can often be brand new, “like new”, or in good working condition. Steel contains very strong properties, so the working life of steel plates is typically long. In some cases, new steel plates might be sold as surplus if the steel was left over from another project in which it was not used or only lightly used.

What are the Benefits of Buying Used Steel Plates?

There are many benefits to purchasing used steel plates over new steel plates.

Used Steel Plates Are More Cost Effective.

The price of used steel is lower than new, even for exactly the same product. New steel plate come directly from the manufacturer, meaning they’re sold for the highest price. Furthermore, with high steel prices, new steel road plates cost more today than they have in the past. This makes used steel plates an attractive option for buyers looking to save money.

You Can Save Time When Purchasing Used Steel Plates.

Many used steel plates are ready for immediate use and uninstalled from their former project. This means that they do not need to be manufactured. Furthermore, used steel plates are often ready to be shipped at the time of purchase, which can cut down on transportation time. Instead of waiting for the next steel rolling, save time by purchasing used!

Used Steel Plates Enable High Quality Results.

In most cases, the wear and tear found on used steel road plates does not impact their function, meaning you can optimize your budget and save money on equipment without sacrificing performance or outcome.

Used Steel Plates Have a High Resale Value.

Used steel plates have a strong resale value, and it’s not uncommon to see the same plate resold multiple times. If you don’t plan on using your steel plates for multiple years, you can purchase used plates with the intention of reselling them after your project is complete.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace is the trusted source of used structural steel; our inventory includes used steel plates, brand new steel plates, brand new access trestle, used pipe pile, and more. In addition, our equipment inventory ranges from used drill rigs, to used sectional barges, to used concrete formwork, and everything in between.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.

Shoring systems are used to support structures to prevent them from collapsing during construction. Shoring is most commonly used during the earliest phases of construction; when walls or structures are undergoing reinforcement, during excavation, or when a nearby structure needs to be demolished (to prevent the shored building from crumbling along with it).Shoring systems usually support either buildings or trenches. For buildings, a shoring system such as piles and lagging support the surrounding loads until the underground levels of the building are completed and can bear the weight of the rest of the building. For trenches, the shoring system steadies the trench walls to prevent cave-ins and keep workers safe.When installing and using shoring, it’s vital to follow all state, provincial, local, and federal regulations to ensure worker safety. Here are a few general guidelines that cover the basics of shoring safety:

• A qualified person should survey the jobsite for hazards that could cause issues with the shoring system. If hazards are uncovered, they should be corrected as needed.
• Plan the shoring’s installation in advance. This includes ensuring that the right equipment is available to safety finish the work.
• Inspect all equipment before use. If a defect is found, the affected item should be removed and repaired. Defective equipment should never be used.
• Obtain a shoring drawing from a qualified professional. The drawing should be used onsite at all times.
• Handle the shoring equipment with care, and only use the equipment as it was intended.
• Don’t erect, dismantle or alter the shoring equipment without the approval of a qualified supervisor.
• Inspect the shoring system through the duration of a project. If there’s any doubt about the safety of the shoring, stop use immediately and contact a qualified supervisor.
• Shoring systems should not be used for fall protection. Furthermore, workers should not use shoring systems if they feel dizzy or lightheaded.
• Do not climb on the cross braces.
• Periodically adjust uneven grade conditions, and plumb and level shoring frames as the erection proceeds. Do not force braces on frames; level the shoring towers for the proper fit.
• Follow proper safety practices during dismantling. Nothing should be removed from the shoring system until a qualified supervisor has given their approval.

Proper installation, use and dismantling of shoring systems can help keep workers safe and prevent collapses during construction, renovation, and expansion.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is a one-stop-shop for all of your heavy civil needs! In addition to used shoring equipment, we also offer used truckable marine equipment, used concrete formwork systems, and more. Furthermore, our material inventory includes used steel sheet pile, brand new steel plates, used hdpe pipe, and more.All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.