The Challenge: Saturated Ground and High Risk Terrain
On the outskirts of a village in West Yorkshire, a new housing development was underway in an area known for its challenging ground conditions. The site sat across floodplain farmland, with recent rainfall leaving the area saturated and soft underfoot. Heavy machinery and contractors needed access to a remote river outlet. Without proper protection, there was a high risk of ground damage and vehicles getting bogged down.
To keep the project on schedule, the team needed a ground protection system that could handle repeated use in wet weather, withstand the weight of construction traffic, and leave no lasting impact on the working land.
The GroundGuards Solution: Heavy Duty TuffTrak Mats
GroundGuards recommended TuffTrak, our heavy duty composite matting, as the best choice for this site. Designed for maximum load bearing strength, TuffTrak mats are ideal for soft and unstable ground, providing a secure surface for tracked and wheeled vehicles alike.
Installed across multiple access routes and turning areas, the mats quickly created a robust temporary road system that allowed vehicles and plant to travel safely across the grassed site. The mats were laid using a telehandler, with our team working alongside site staff to ensure each route was properly aligned and connected.
Each TuffTrak mat interlocks using secure fixing points, which helped keep the walkways and access roads firmly in place even as ground conditions shifted beneath them. Despite ongoing rainfall, the system remained stable and reliable throughout.
Results and Outcome: Protected Ground and On Time Progress
Thanks to TuffTrak, the project team achieved secure and uninterrupted access to key areas of the development site. Even with heavy rain in the days leading up to and during the works, vehicles moved smoothly without churning up the grass or getting stuck.
The mats left the underlying farmland unharmed. Once removed, the site showed minimal signs of disturbance. Importantly, the developer avoided costly delays and potential rework caused by ground damage. With access resolved early, the rest of the project could proceed without disruption.
Talk to Us About Your Access Needs
If your project involves soft ground, rain soaked fields, or difficult terrain, GroundGuards has the experience and products to help. From initial advice to on site installation, we are here to make access safe, simple, and sustainable. Get in touch with our team today to find the right solution for your site.
