Using Steel Road Plate Hire for Strengthening Driveways During Construction

Steel road plates are designed to be heavy-duty, making them excellent for strengthening driveways during construction. Steel road plates are heavyweight, so they can withstand the force of hundreds of cars, trucks and heavy machinery crossing over them during construction. They also offer great safety features, with many road plates designed to include anti-skid finishes. Hinged steel road plates also allow for quick access to an excavation or even regular access across it for example, at the driveway of a site at the end of each working day. They are easy to deploy and can be installed easily.

Using Steel Road Plates for Strengthening Driveways During Construction

Road plates are made from a variety of different materials and are used in an array of different industries – not just construction. The most common types of road plates are made from steel and composite.

Steel

Steel road plates are non-treated plates that are used as temporary road coverings. They are often used to provide a heavy-duty road covering over areas of work. Steel road plates are easy to install and are larger and typically more durable than composite road plates.

Composite

Composite road plates offer an alternative to traditional steel road plates; they are manufactured from composite plastics. They are generally lighter than steel but do not have the same durability and wear resistance.

What Are Road Plates Made From?

Road plates are a staple in the construction industry because they can be used for a variety of projects and have several uses. There are a few best practices when it comes to using road plates, especially in terms of strengthening driveways during a construction project. In this article, we will be looking at the different types of road plates and guidelines for using road plates for strengthening driveways during construction.

1.   Select the correct size. Road plates come in a variety of different sizes to suit different needs and applications:

·     1.8m x 1.8m x 20mm - these are the typical size for covering footpaths and entrances to private driveways

·     2.4m x 1.2m x 12mm - these are typically used for footpaths and hole coverings for light traffic with the long side of the plate bridging the void. These are the most widely used size of road plate with utility operations.

·     2.4m x 1.8m x 12mm - used for hole coverings for light traffic.

·     3.0m x 1.5m x 20mm - used for heavier vehicles and can be used to cover grounds such as playing fields and lawn areas.

·     4.0m x 2.4m x 20mm - used for larger, heavier plant crossing and to cover larger areas of excavation. They can also be used to support crane legs. The weight is distributed over a greater surface area.

·     6.0m x 2.4m x 20mm - cover two lanes of traffic, larger plant and to support crane legs. The weight is distributed over a greater surface area

2.    Make sure there is enough overlap. Normally, steel plates must extend at least one foot beyond the pavement opening onto firm ground.

3.    Secure edges. Make sure edges are properly secured and feathered with asphalt.

4.    Ensure plates are countersunk. Plates need to be countersunk if the road or pathway is uneven.

5.    Coat with anti-skid. If the plates aren’t already anti-skid, they should be coated with an anti-skid coating.

6.    Paint the edges. The edges of the steel plates should be marked or painted to improve visibility.

7.    Use advance warning signs. For example, “Steel Plate Ahead”, or “Bump”.

8.    Consistently revaluate. Roadway and trench wall conditions need to be constantly monitored and evaluated throughout the day to make sure it is safe.

9.    End of the day inspection. You must inspect the road plates each day before leaving the job.

Guideline for Using Road Plates

Road plates are used to cover up temporary excavations or broken areas in the road or pavement. They help vehicles and foot traffic flow during construction work. They are often used on regular roads and carriageways because they can take the weight of a 44-tonne vehicle.

Why Use a Road Plate?

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