Interlocking honeycomb-cored panel system for construction of load supporting surfaces

Abstract

A reusable panel system for the construction of load bearing surfaces, such as temporary or semi-permanent roadways and equipment support and work surfaces laid out over geologically unstable surfaces or over wet-land marshes. The individual panels of the present invention may interlock on one or more sides to form stable and continuous load bearing surfaces.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to a reusable panel system for the construction of load bearing surfaces, such as temporary or semi-permanent roadways and equipment support and work surfaces laid out over geologically unstable surfaces or over wet-land marshes. [0002] When performing operations with heavy equipment in a remote location, it is often necessary to provide a firm, stable and continuous surface to support such equipment. For example, when drilling an oil or gas well in a remote location, it is often necessary to provide work surfaces used during the drilling process. It is also advantageous to provide one or more roadways to allow access to and from the well-site. Such a surface should be able to support the very heavy equipment used in such operations and able to withstand sever weather. Often the ground is wet and they may include marsh, bog, and / or slippery clay earths. The panels should be easy to install and able to provide sufficient su...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0013] If desired, a panel can be textured, treated and / or coated with a variety of slip-resistant and / or chemical and / or fire resistant coatings to meet the needs of various applications. Furthermore, the panels may be colored to provide high-contrast surfaces in order to enhance visualization of the ground support.

Problems solved by technology

These roadways required an immense amount of labor to complete and were essentially impossible to remove.

However, the gaps in the materials allow the wet ground under the mat to “pump” material up through the gaps as heavy equipment moves over the surface.

This creates a void in the ground under the mat and causes the mats to break and splinter.

Further this “pumping” action often causes the mat to be buried, necessitating the addition of further layers of mats.

These shortcomings result in mats that are difficult to remove when the work is finished.

Another disadvantage is the weight of the mats themselves, when new and dry they are often over 2,000 lbs each, when used and wet the weight can more than double.

This requires the use of very heavy equipment to move and position the mats.

A further difficulty with these wood mats is they suffer from significant rotting problems.

This rotting, coupled with the foresaid difficulty of breaking and splintering of individual boards causes significant expense in repairs and maintenance to the mats.

The resulting discontinuous surface creates hazards for transportation and workers, further it exacerbates the “pumping” action of the mats.

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