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How are Shoring Towers Used in Bridge Repair?

The purpose of shoring towers is to temporarily support a structure—often a building or trench, but also bridges—to prevent them from collapsing. Shoring towers can be used to support bridges in a number of situations, including during construction, when the bridge is undergoing reinforcement, when the bridge is undergoing expansion, or when a nearby structure must be demolished and there is risk that the bridge might crumble along with it. Shoring towers also help keep workers safe while they are on the job site by preventing injury or death that could occur if the bridge were to collapse.

Shoring Tower Bridge Repair Benefits

Applying shoring towers during bridge construction comes with a number of benefits. If a bridge requires repair, it’s often the case that the bridge must be closed and traffic rerouted until the work is complete. This can cause congestion, traffic delays, and even an increase in auto accidents, particularly if the bridge is a main commuter route that might see tens of thousands of drivers each day. With the use of shoring towers, bridges can be stabilized and routes kept open while construction is ongoing, allowing for traffic flow to continue as normal.Even if bridge traffic does not remain open during construction, the use of shoring towers during bridge repair can impact the safety of workers. Bridge repair work is hazardous to laborers, and collapses have been known to take place even after all safety precautions are in place. As previously mentioned, shoring towers support bridges during construction and are an excellent tool to prevent collapse. By utilizing shoring towers, worker protection increases and the risk of injury is minimized.In addition to increased safety and efficiency, shoring towers are directly tied to bridge repair productivity. A bridge collapse is a setback that translates into a decrease in productivity as workers must re-erect collapsed sections of the bridge, repair damaged tools and equipment, reconnect piping or wiring that was damaged during the collapse, and handle worker injuries. By utilizing shoring towers, these kinds of setbacks can be avoided.

Why Buy Used?

Because of their solid composition and engineering, shoring towers have a long working life when maintained and stored properly. In addition, this means that shoring towers are a great piece of equipment to purchase used. Oftentimes when purchasing shoring towers on the used market, contractors can save loads of money while still procuring a quality product. At Eiffel Trading we call that a win-win!

Selling your Shoring Towers

In the same sense, shoring towers are a strong item to sell on the used market. When they are priced correctly, properly maintained over time, and listed on the Eiffel Trading marketplace, selling your used shoring towers is a great way to make money and recoup project costs!

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

In the market for used equipment and materials? Eiffel Trading is the option for you! Our shoring inventory includes used shoring towers, used trench boxes, used slide rail systems, and more. Furthermore, our used steel options range from used sheet pile, to used pipe pile, to used w-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 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.
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Eiffel 101: 4 Uses for Shoring Systems

Shoring systems are used to support a structure to prevent it from collapsing, usually during building alterations, excavations, repairs, or when there is a risk of structure failure. Shoring is most commonly installed during the earliest phases of construction when walls are undergoing reinforcement, when there are large openings in a wall, or when a nearby structure needs to be demolished and the shored building is at risk of crumbling with it. Shoring is also utilized during excavations in order to reinforce trenches, which are notoriously unstable and might cave in without the extra support.

1. Shoring Stabilizes Unsafe Structures

Shoring is commonly used to provide stability for structures that are unsafe or at risk of collapse. For example, if a building’s foundation shifts overtime it may become dangerously tilted, creating a risk for those in or near the building. A shoring system can be used to provide increased support for the unsafe sections of the building while workers repair the structure to make it safe again.

2. Shoring Creates Support During Renovations

A structure does not have to be crumbling or in disrepair to collapse during a renovation project. Even the most solidly-constructed buildings and bridges can become compromised during an alteration project. If a structure’s loadbearing walls are removed during a renovation, a shoring system can be used to support the walls and safely stabilize the affected area until the renovation is complete.

3. Shoring Prevents Trench Cave-Ins

Excavation work can be hazardous to laborers, and cave-ins have been known to take place even after safety precautions are taken. Shoring systems are used during excavations to reinforce trench walls and prevent cave-ins. 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. By utilizing slide rail shoring, you’ll see improved trench stability, improved project efficiency, extended life of the trench, and the ability for laborers to work in peace knowing that even if the trench collapses, they will not be trapped under the weight of the soil. 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.

4. Shoring Enables Bridge Repairs Without Closures

If a bridge requires repair, it’s often the case that the bridge must be closed and traffic rerouted until the work is complete. This can cause congestion and major traffic delays, especially if the bridge is a main commuter route that sees tens of thousands of drivers each day. With the use of shoring towers, bridges can be stabilized and routes kept open while construction is ongoing, allowing for traffic flow to continue as normal.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is an online marketplace that allows contractors to both buy and sell materials and equipment. Our shoring equipment inventory includes used shoring towers, used slide rail systems, used trench boxes, and more. In addition, we also offer used trench boxes, used concrete formwork, used drill rigs, 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.
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How Can I Protect Steel Piles from Corrosion?

Steel piles are a series of structural steel shapes that are driven into the earth to stabilize a foundation. The various shapes include steel sheet pile, steel pipe pile, steel h-pile beams, and steel wide flange beams. These structural steel shapes can be driven for retention walls, bridge foundations, excavation applications, and more.Steel piles used in marine areas or driven into other areas of water are susceptible to corrosion. Unprotected steel piles in seawater are particularly at-risk for corrosion, but corrosion is also common, although usually not as rapid or severe, in freshwater areas. The high salt content in seawater is particularly damaging to steel piles. Fortunately, there are a few different ways to protect steel piles from corrosion. Below are some possible solutions:

Coatings -

Protective coatings can help protect steel piles from corrosion in both seawater and freshwater areas. There are several paints and coating options for steel piles that are specifically designed to prevent premature corrosion. Organic resin coatings and metallized aluminum coatings are particularly popular choices. Organic resin coatings are quite affordable, and metallized aluminum coatings are exceptionally protective in saltwater applications.

Concrete Jacketing –

This involves jacketing steel piles with protective concrete. It can provide an extra and needed layer of protection from water that may degrade piles.

Fiber Wraps –

Wraps made of fiber laminate material may be applied to steel piles to prevent corrosion. They may also be applied to piles that have already experienced some degree of corrosion to slow down further decay.

Cathodic Protection –

The process of cathodic protection uses a protective current that offsets corrosive currents in piling. This type of protection causes steel to become cathodic and resistant to corrosion.

Over Dimensioning Methods –

When steel piles are installed, over dimensioning in wet areas that are susceptible to corrosion is a great idea. Over dimensioning involves increasing the wall thickness of sections of piles by using extra piles that serve as sacrificial metal to offer extra support to the overall structure. Over dimensioning is helpful because it increases load bearing capabilities. If corrosion is a possibility in the future, the higher the load bearing capabilities are to start, the better.When steel piles are used in marine and inland areas where they are exposed to water over long periods of time, it is important to employ one or multiple of the corrosion prevention strategies listed above. When deciding which strategies are ideal choices, you should consider the potential costs of certain corrosion prevention methods as well as the needed life expectancy of piles for your individual project. If the proper protection methods are used, steel piles will usually last up to around 50 years in marine areas. Premature removal of piles can be costly. As is the case with most things, adequate prevention of some kind is a worthwhile decision.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace is THE trusted source for new, used, and surplus structural steel. Our offerings include the following: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.
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Eiffel 101: Crane Mat Maintenance Tips

Crane mats offer ground protection for heavy equipment to operate on and sit atop. They are an indispensable addition to projects that involve the operation of cranes and other heavy equipment on ground areas that are uneven or in swamps, marshes, and wetland areas. Crane mats have top-notch load bearing capabilities and are built to be strong and durable. They’re meant to be re-used after project completion rather than discarded. They can easily be stacked and transported to new project locations. If taken care of properly, they can be used repeatedly. Improper maintenance of crane mats impacts their longevity. Below you’ll find some helpful tips to assist you in proper crane mat maintenance:

Keep Crane Mats Clean

It’s essential to clean crane mats after the completion of a project and before the start of a new one. Crane mats used in wet areas may become sullied with plant growth, insects, and damaging residue. It’s best to pressure wash crane mats after use. It’s also a good idea to inspect them before they are transported or used for a new project. Careful inspection and adequate cleaning before installation helps ensure that crane mats will not suffer unnecessary damage due to things like residue from previous environments and insects.

Transport Crane Mats Carefully

Transporting crane mats is usually a simple profess. They can be transported on a truck or on a train, and they stack on top of each other quite easily. A semi-truck flatbed is a great choice for transporting them and is an ideal means of secure transport. Although they are easy to stack and move from one location to another, care must be taken to make sure that they do not slip off each other or become damaged during transportation. Tie-downs and/or hook straps should be used to properly secure them for transport. Additionally, lifting bolts (which are attached the crane mats themselves) should be used to properly lift them to and from truck or train.

Install Crane Mats with Care

If care is not taken during crane mat installation, crane mats are susceptible to damage or to posing safety risks to projects. Proper installation is an integral part of crane mat maintenance. Mats should be installed without gaps in a manner that ensures their stability. It’s often helpful to use the assistance of machinery like skid steers or track excavators for precise and efficient installation. Sediment controls should be installed to allow smooth transitions for machinery onto crane mats. Additionally, it’s best to avoid installing crane mats in a manner that may restrict the natural flow of streams. Layering of mats may be necessary under some conditions.

Store in a Protected Area

When not in use, crane mats should be stored in a covered area that is protected from excessive sunlight and moisture. Ultimately, you want to avoid unnecessary damage from being exposed to the elements when crane mats aren’t being employed for a project.If you plan to sell your crane mats after use, adequate maintenance is essential to help you keep them in good condition and keep their resale value high. Whether you’re planning on selling them or re-using them for another project, consider the tips above to help you keep them in tip-top shape over the long haul.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Did you know that Eiffel Trading is an online marketplace that allows contractors to purchase and sell materials and equipment? Specifically, our material inventory includes used crane mats, used steel sheet pile, brand new steel plates, used crane access trestle, and more. In addition, we have a wide range of equipment options including used sectional barges, used concrete formwork, used shoring towers, 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.
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What Is a Kelly Bar?

Kelly bars (also called grief joints, kelly joints and kelly stems) are used during the execution of boreholes by hydraulic rotary drilling rigs. The bars themselves are hollow and attach to the top of the drill column. Kelly bars operate by transferring the torque and crowd force from a rotary drive tool to the drilling tool. Many kelly bars can be applied to any type of piling rig that is available on the market.Kelly bars can be divided into two main types: friction kelly bars and interlocking kelly bars. Friction kelly bars are named such due to the frictional contact created between the rails of each element. Interlocking kelly bars, on the other hand, do not have frictional contact between the rails of each element, but instead have drive ribs that are welded with lock devices in order to transfer the maximum amount of torque to each scope. Standard kelly bars are manufactured to be fully lockable systems with a mechanical locking mechanism between each element and the outer bar and rotary drive.Kelly bars can come with several additional standard features, including:
  • 2-element to 6-element telescopic kelly bars for piling
  • A depth range of 10m to 110m
  • Torque transfer capacity of 80kNm to 500kNm
  • Both interlocking and friction kelly bars
  • High quality seamless steel pipes
  • 6 cams and drive ribs
  • A top flange used to connect the kelly bar to a kelly swivel
  • Upper and/or lower spring shock absorbers
  • A square kelly box for connection the drilling tools
  • A drive pipe to transfer the torque and crowd force to the kelly bar
When purchasing a kelly bar for a drill rig, it's important to look for bars made of high-quality steel with strong mechanical features. No matter whether buying kelly bars new or used, it's also good to look for bars that include origin and quality certificates to guarantee their reliability and longevity. All kelly bars can be purchased with a damping noise system, which can help to reduce the disruptive, high-frequency noises produced during operation; a damping noise system comprises of a phono-absorbent material applied to the outer scope of the kelly bar, which is protected by a steel plates.

BUY AND SELL WITH EIFFEL TRADING

From used drill rigs, to used pile breakers, to used used augers, Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace has the right foundation equipment option for you! In addition, we offer new and used materials such as new h-pile beams, used pipe pile, new steel road 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.
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What are the Safety Benefits 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 is a modular component shoring system that’s used in place of driven tight sheeting or build-in-place timber shoring systems, and it comes with many safety benefits; the unique “dig and push” installation method of slide rail shoring allows for quick, efficient setup while reducing cave-ins and trench collapse that is common in other excavation methods.Slide rail shoring is a modular component system that allows workers to push the system in place while digging the excavation to depth. Due to its design, 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. They are 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.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 and linear pipeline runs.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 down the line. Worker safety is a top priority on any construction site, but especially during excavations, as these are some of the most dangerous work zones for laborers. By utilizing slide rail shoring, common excavation setbacks can be avoided and worker injury circumvented.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is a one-stop-shop for your heavy civil project needs! From used slide rail systems, to used shoring systems, to used concrete formwork… we’ve got it all! Furthermore, our material inventory includes used hdpe pipe, brand new w-beams, used traffic barriers, 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.
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What Should I Look for In a Shoring System?

Shoring systems are used to support structures to prevent them from collapsing during construction. Usually, shoring is employed during bridge and building alterations, repairs, or when there is a risk of structure failure. Shoring is also utilized during excavations to reinforce trenches, which are notoriously unstable and can cave in without the use of extra stability.When purchasing a shoring system, there are several factors to consider, including how much strength you’ll need for a project (typically measured in kips), the number of linear feet required, how tall the towers will be (when applicable), how versatile the system should be, whether you should choose a name brand or an off brand, and what type of project the shoring system will be used for.

How Much Strength Will You Need?

Shoring is most commonly used during the earliest phases of construction, when walls are undergoing reinforcement, when excavations need reinforcement, to hold very large loads during bridge construction or repair, and when a nearby structure needs to be demolished (to prevent the shored building from crumbling along with it). Each of these scenarios will come with different shoring system strength requirements. When considering strength, keep in mind whether the shoring system will be utilized for only one project or multiple projects, and the range of strengths that might be required for each. For example, if a shoring system is utilized on a heavy bridge project, the shoring system will require a very high level of strength.

How Versatile Should Your Shoring System Be?

Shoring systems come in many forms and can be used on a wide range of projects. If your shoring system will be used only once, this makes it easy to specify the system based on the project’s exact needs. However, if you plan to use your shoring system on a wide range of projects, including projects with yet-to-be-specified requirements, you should consider more versatile shoring systems with higher overall strengths and linear feet.

How Many Linear Feet Will You Need?

Shoring systems can be categorized based on their minimum and maximum number linear feet capabilities. There are several types of shoring for buildings, including raking shores and foundation shores. In the case of raking shores, inclined members called rakers give temporary lateral support to an unsafe wall. For building foundations, 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. Each of these can cover a range of linear feet requirements, which can be customized based on the project. The number of linear feet will change from project to project, and so too will the shoring system.

Should You Choose a Name Brand Shoring System?

There are many name brand shoring system manufacturers, including PAFCO, Peri, Aluma and Acrow. Choosing a shoring system from a big brand may cost more, but it can help ensure reliability and gives many purchasers peace of mind. If you have time to do extra research, however, it’s a good idea to dig into smaller, less-known brands. With proper vetting, it’s possible to discover “off brands” that sell shoring systems with comparable durability and reliability for a lower price.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is your trusted source for heavy civil materials and equipment! When it comes to equipment, our bread-and-butter is used shoring systems, used sectional barges (like Flexifloats!), and used concrete formwork. In addition, our material inventory is wide-reaching and includes used steel plates, brand new steel plates, used h-pile beams, used access trestle, 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.
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How Do I Properly Install Crane Mats?

Crane mats assist heavy equipment like cranes in remaining stable with sufficient bearing while they are in operation. They are an excellent addition to project sites with uneven ground and in wetland, marsh, and swamp areas. Proper installation of crane mats is essential to ensure that they add to the safety and security of a project. Fortunately, crane mat installation is generally quite simple. Below you’ll find some helpful suggestions to aid in the successful installation of crane mats:
  • Use High Quality Crane Mats – Before you begin installation, inspect the crane mats to make sure that they are not damaged or degraded in a way that may interfere with their ability to provide adequate support for heavy equipment.
  • Minimize Installation Over Wet Areas – When in installing in wetland, marsh, and swamp areas, do your best to place mats in a formation that will minimize the amount of them needed directly over wet areas.
  • Avoid Gaps Between Mats – No matter where crane mats are installed, this is incredibly important. In wet areas, be sure to run the mats across wet sections until they reach the solid ground. Gaps between mats can lead to safety issues and environmental damage.
  • Situate Mats Efficiently – Mats should be installed along the intended travel area in a manner that allows individual boards to rest perpendicular to the direction in which traffic will flow.
  • Utilize Lifting Bolts – Each crane mat should have lifting bolts at each of its ends. These allow for easy lifting and moving of mats. Be sure to use these lifting bolts as you lift, move, and situate the mats, whether you are doing so manually or with the help of machinery.
  • Employ Machinery If Possible – This can be particularly helpful for projects that require the installation of a large number of crane mats. Skid steers or track excavators can be an asset and speed up/simplify installation.
  • Install Sediment Controls – Put down erosion and sediment controls at entrances to crane mat installations to allow machinery smooth transitions to mats.
  • Avoid Restricting Natural Flow of Streams – In applicable areas, avoid placing mats in locations that will thwart or restrict the natural flow of water.
  • Consider Layering Mats When Necessary – In areas with particularly deep and moist wetland soils, it may be a good idea to layer mats to create extra support.
In the event that crane mats are employed to create a temporary bridge over a stream for vehicle and machinery access, sections of mats should be placed in and along the water parallel to the flow of the water. Additional mats should then be situated perpendicular to the stream so that they rest atop the first layer of mats. This will create adequate support for the mats to serve as a bridge.As mentioned, acquiring high quality crane mats is an important component of ensuring installation success. Crane mats that are in excellent working condition can be bought both new and used. Used crane mats in good shape can be a particularly attractive investment because of their lower cost. Before making a purchase, make sure crane mats have been inspected and their condition has been reported. Additionally, you should make sure they have the correct dimensions and load bearing capabilities for your project.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Did you know that Eiffel Trading is an online marketplace designed for heavy civil contractors? Our marketplace allows you to both buy and sell used and surplus materials and equipment, including materials such as used crane mats, used crane access trestle, brand new steel plates, and more. Furthermore, our equipment inventory ranges from used sectional barges, to used concrete formwork, to used shoring towers, 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.
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What Are Crane Mats?

A crane mat is a mat that is typically made of large timbers used to provide ground protection for heavy equipment to sit on/work atop. Crane mats are sometimes referred to as timber crane mats, construction mats, or heavy equipment mats. Crane mats are designed to be durable and to have excellent load-bearing capabilities to support the weight and various duties of heavy machinery. Crane mats help heavy equipment operate with greater ease and safety by enabling them to remain stable and firm with adequate bearing. They are a solid choice for use on any type of landscape and can be particularly helpful in wetland areas, swamps, and marshes as well as uneven ground areas.Crane mats are built to last, and many can be used for up to five years. Because of this, they are frequently sold used once they are no longer needed for a project. Purchasing used crane mats can be a great way to help cut project costs. And selling used crane mats when they are no longer needed can be a financially-savvy choice.

Applications

Crane mats are useful for numerous jobs, including:
  • Many projects that involve heavy lifting with the use of cranes
  • Renewable energy projects where extra support is needed for cranes to lift heavy portions of wind turbines
  • Projects where heavy machinery is required and added stability is necessary, including heavy civil, oil and gas, pipeline construction, and utility jobs
  • Bridge construction
  • Excavation projects
  • Projects involving crane access trestle
For bridge construction, crane mats are often used to create bridge decking and may also be called bridge mats. When used for bridge decking, crane mats allow for a safe and stable platform for workers and equipment. Excavation projects that make use of crane mats do so to create support for excavators and/or digging machines to help stop machines from losing their footing and slipping or toppling over. Crane mats can be used to construct crane access trestle, which enables cranes and other heavy equipment to get to areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. They may also be used to build temporary roadways that help get equipment and machinery safely from point A to point B.

Sizes and Design

Crane mats come in an array of sizes. Common sizes are between 15’ and 50’ in length, 4’ to 8’ wide, and 8” to 1’ thick. Steel through-bolts, also known as lifting bolts, are used to support the width of mats. Types of timber used to create crane mats include Douglas Fir, oak, and mixed hardwood. The ends of crane mats may be painted with wax lumber. Composite mats also exist as an alternative to traditional timber mats. Composite mats may be made of materials like rubber, fiberglass, and plastic.You can find used crane mats in several different sizes and in several different conditions with various load bearing capabilities. Some used crane mats are like-new. Others may have a little bit of wear and tear but are still functional. Mats that are worn, bent, or otherwise damaged are often significantly discounted. You may be able to use such mats as filler for better, stronger mats.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is your trusted source for heavy civil materials and equipment! In addition to used crane mats, we also offer used crane access trestle, used pile drivers, brand new wide flange beams, 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.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.
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What to Consider When Purchasing a Used Sectional Barge

Buying a used sectional barge vs. buying new can save you a considerable amount of money. Sectional barges generally stay in good, usable condition for decades if taken care of well. Because of this, quality concerns are not common among used sectional barges. If you’re looking to purchase a used sectional barge, you’ve probably noticed that there are numerous options on the market. Finding the right one for your project can seem like a challenge at first. To help you out, here are some things we think you should consider as a buyer:

Load Capacity

Sectional barges are all built to support heavy equipment like large cranes. They are sold with different load capacities, however, and you should keep the specific requirements of your project in mind when shopping around for a used sectional barge. You should be able to find options that can support between 100 and 500 tons with roll form decks that are approved for between 5,000 lbs/sqft point loads and 20,000 lbs/sqft point loads.

Overall Condition

Listings should indicate what kind of condition sectional barges are in and should provide you with recent pictures of the barges. A small amount of rust or corrosion should be no issue, but excessive rust or corrosion can be a red flag that a barge isn’t the best investment. Likewise, a little bit of wear and tear is perfectly acceptable. If there are any major dents or severely damaged areas, on the other hand, you should be wary.Another thing to take note of is whether or not a barge you’re interested in purchasing needs to be blasted or not, which can be a costly and time-consuming process. Watch out for barnacles, antifoul build-up, and marine growth on a barge’s underwater hull surface.

Past Uses

It can be beneficial to know where and how a sectional barge has been used previously. If it’s ever been used in salt water, it may have a shorter life expectancy than if it’s only been used in fresh water, which is much less corrosive and damaging. It may be the case that it’s recently been used in salt water but is still in great condition. If so, you might need to give it a good rinse off before using it in fresh water.

Brand/Connection Types

Flexifloat and Poseidon are two of the most popular and trusted brands on the market. They’re both dependable choices. Just be aware of the fact that they come with different connection types, which affect how installation works. The sections of Poseidon sectional barges are connected using securing pins that crew members must insert. In comparison Flexifloat sectional barges come with locking systems attached to barge sections for extremely quick and easy connection and installation.

Add-Ons

Sometimes used sectional barges will be sold with useful accessories like winch systems, elevating systems, and safety railing. If your project requires these accessories, it can definitely save you some money to buy a barge that comes with them rather than paying for them separately. Consider how add-ons can increase the overall value of barge models as you shop around.A used sectional barge can be an incredibly worthwhile investment. Use the suggestions above to help you find an ideal model for your project, and don’t be afraid to explore all your options before deciding which sectional barge to purchase.

Buy and Sell with Eiffel Trading

Eiffel Trading is a one-stop-shop for used and new heavy civil materials and equipment! Used sectional barges are one of our hottest items, in addition to other equipment including used concrete formwork, used pile hammers, and more. Furthermore, our material inventory is wide-ranging and includes used hdpe pipe, used steel pipe, brand new steel plates, used w 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.
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