Crane Mats
Crane Mat & Outrigger Pad Design
Outrigger and crawler loads spread to ground that can take them — engineered mat and pad design that stands behind your lift plan.
What this covers
A failed outrigger support stops a lift and can end far worse. We design crane mats and outrigger pads from the actual machine reactions and the actual ground — mat/pad sizing, bearing checks and clear on-site verification requirements, with reference to BS 5975:2024 and good practice.
- Outrigger pad sizing from maximum reactions
- Crawler crane mat and track-spread assessment
- Ground-bearing capacity checks and settlement view
- Timber, steel and proprietary mat options
- Interfaces with excavations, services and slopes
- On-site verification and inspection requirements
How we word it
- Designs are based on stated machine reactions and ground information — assumptions are listed and may need site verification.
- The lift itself remains the appointed person's plan; we design the support beneath it.
- Subject to competent checking under the project temporary works procedure.
Typical deliverables
- Mat / pad design calculations and sizing sketch
- Ground-bearing check with stated assumptions
- Verification requirements for site (what to confirm)
- Register, permit and lift-plan interface notes
Information we need for an accurate quote
Partial information is fine to start — we will tell you what matters most.
- Crane type, configuration and lift plan (if available)
- Maximum outrigger reactions or crawler track pressures
- Ground information — GI report, CBR/plate test, or best description
- Crane position plan; nearby excavations, services or slopes
- Proposed or available mat materials
Typical hold points & interfaces
- Pad/mat position and bedding checked before crane arrival
- Bearing verification (plate test where required) before first lift
- Re-inspection after relocation or heavy rain
When contractors use this
- A lift plan lands with big outrigger reactions and no pad design
- A crane is set up near an excavation, slope or buried services
- The appointed person wants engineered proof of bearing
- Ground conditions are poor, made-up or unknown
Move this forward
Send the item, the programme date and what information you already have (drawings, loads, ground info, constraints). You will get a practical view on scope, approach and turnaround.
Related specialist platform: BRE470 Piling Mat Design
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Scope & competence note
Temporary Works Consulting & Design Ltd provides design, advisory, training and support services subject to agreed scope, competence requirements and project-specific information. Digital products, books, templates and tutoring support do not replace formal appointment, competent design review, independent checking, statutory duties or project-specific approval under the project temporary works procedure.
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Need Temporary Works Support Now?
Tell us the item, the programme date and what information you have. You will get a practical, honest response — not a sales pitch.