Strength and stiffness of 8-Inch and 12-Inch deep mixed oak bolt-laminated timber mats

Abstract

Ground support provided by crane mats ensures the safety of workers and integrity of heavy-duty machines. Analytical evaluation of timber mats is necessary to advance the development of engineering standards associated with wood-based as well as other types of mats. The goal of this study was to mechanically evaluate bending stiffness and strength of timber 8-inch and 12-inch deep mixed oak bolt-laminated timber mats. The 8-inch-deep specimen dimensions were 24 inches wide and 12 feet long, while 12-inch-deep specimens were 24 inches wide and 18 feet long. Twenty-eight specimens of each depth were flexurally tested over a 17:1 span to depth ratio. The modulus of elasticity along with the parametric and non-parametric design strength values are presented herein. The characterization of timber crane mats by analyzing their mechanical properties provides a starting point for producers and users to understand the performance and applications of their product. Further research will allow investigation of alternative materials, sizes, and structural designs.

Bending strength and stiffness of three-ply bolt-laminated mixed oak and hardwood industrial mats

“…As part of graduate research, Herberg (2018) reported on the bending performance of nail-laminated crane mats. Others have reported on the mechanical properties of mixed hardwood bolt-laminated 8-inch deep mats (Owens et al 2020) and mixed oak bolt laminated 8-and 12-inch deep mats (Shmulsky et al 2021). While these research findings detail varying aspects of the flexural behavior of mats or mat components, none speaks to the behavior or design properties of three-ply, mechanically fastened, hardwood mats.…”