Construction managers already know how uncooperative the planet can be. Part of your job involves mastering rough terrain and dealing with difficult site conditions. There are times, however, when nature is less willing to yield than others. This is especially true when building in or near wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas.
The soft soils of swamps and wetlands not only make it nearly impossible to move heavy equipment, they also contain extremely fragile ecosystems that are protected by government regulations. In the interest of keeping work on schedule and within budget, as well as avoiding costly fines and litigation, crews must exercise caution when handling projects in wetlands. Knowing how to mitigate these circumstances is crucial for any contractor working under these conditions.
Understanding How to Build in Swamps
Builders must approach ecologically sensitive projects with a clear plan for creating access. There are several factors to consider when developing a construction strategy, such as:
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Soil stability — Perhaps nothing has as much impact on your preparations as the state of the landscape. When preparing to create an access road through excessively soft areas, you first need to clear the path. This means removing stumps, rocks, logs or other impediments before positioning access mats.
Attempting to build a temporary road over these obstacles can result in serious damage to the tracks, such as warping or breaking, and consequently, your machinery. A rule of thumb for humid conditions is to choose wide rugs. This will distribute the weight of your equipment over a wider surface area, which can prevent sinking. -
Ecological responsibilities — Although construction activity is only temporary, cranes and heavy trucks can still have devastating and long-lasting consequences in wetlands. In some cases, decades may pass before plant and animal life returns to previous levels.
That's why there are regulations in place that provide contractors with a framework to minimize their impact. Builders who violate these laws can be liable with heavy fines and other penalties. To help avoid a violation and mitigate the effects of construction, crews should install access mats to create temporary roads.
Another important consideration when clearing your path is to avoid damaging the root system of surrounding vegetation. This protects the plants in the hope that they can regrow much faster after you leave the workplace. -
Ease of Assembly — If you have an accessibility issue, you don't want the solution to take up time and resources. However, access mats offer a quick and relatively easy way to get to the job site and stay within your budget.
Mats typically come equipped with cable ties that allow for quick connection. With cross-laminated wood rugs, the integrated joints allow them to fit together on their own. Either way, setting up and demolishing these temporary roads can save time and money.
Working with experts
One of the most critical aspects of developing a construction strategy is choosing an experienced partner. Working with a contractor who specializes in temporary road construction and planning means you can focus more on the current project. An experienced access company can assess the job site and suggest a plan that ensures a smooth process from start to finish. Additionally, the right team should be able to connect you with a readily available carpet inventory that can be deployed quickly and conveniently. Having the right people by your side can make all the difference in the success of your work.
Wetlands are some of the most complex land to build on for many reasons. But with proper planning, you can overcome these challenges and put yourself in a much better position to succeed.
Author Bio: Kathy Hopper is the Director of Marketing at YAK ACCESS, which encompasses YAK MAT, NOVO SUL , and BluRoc. Hopper, who has been with the company for more than three years, is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of upstream and downstream marketing efforts.
