Spartan Composite Mats
THE RIGHT HEAVY DUTY MATS FOR EVERY APPLICATION
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Scout Mat™ Protects a Finished Driveway During 63,000-lb Gravel Truck Traffic
Scout Mat™ Protects a Finished Driveway During 63,000-lb Gravel Truck Traffic The Challenge A customer needed to move a fully loaded gravel truck weighing approximately 63,000 lbs. across a finished residential driveway. The truck needed to travel in and out of the property, creating repeated loading on the same surface. The driveway was already finished, so preventing damage was a major priority. Heavy construction vehicles can create concentrated tire loads and repeated stresses that may contribute to cracking, surface abrasion, rutting along unsupported edges, or damage to adjacent landscaped areas. The customer needed a temporary ground-protection solution that could be installed quickly while allowing the truck to access the work area. The Solution: Scout Mat™ The customer selected Spartan Composites Scout Mat™ to create a temporary protective access path over the finished driveway. Scout Mat™ specifications: Size: 4′ × 8′ × 0.5″ Weight: approximately 88 lbs. per mat Rated pressure: up to 200 psi Designed for temporary ground and surface protection Portable size allows installation and repositioning without heavy installation equipment The mats were positioned along the truck’s intended travel path so the tires traveled over the Scout Mat™ system rather than directly on the finished driveway. How the Mat System Helps A 63,000-lb gross vehicle weight does not mean that 63,000 lbs. is applied to one point on the driveway. The actual loading at the surface depends on several factors, including axle configuration, axle weights, number of tires, tire inflation pressure, tire contact area, vehicle movement, turning, braking, and the condition of the underlying driveway. Scout Mat™ provides a protective interface between the truck tires and the finished surface. As the truck travels across the mats, the system helps: Protect the surface The mats separate the tires from direct contact with the finished driveway, helping reduce abrasion, tire marks, and localized surface damage. Manage localized loading The rigid mat structure helps transfer wheel loads across the mat footprint and into the supporting surface below. Actual load distribution depends on the mat layout, substrate, vehicle configuration, and operating conditions. Protect during repeated traffic Because the gravel truck needed to travel both into and out of the property, the driveway was exposed to repeated wheel passes. The temporary access path provided protection throughout the operation rather than only during a single crossing. Maintain a defined travel path The mats also provided the driver with a clearly defined route, helping keep the heavy vehicle away from vulnerable driveway edges and surrounding landscaped areas. Technical Considerations For heavy vehicle applications, gross vehicle weight alone should never be used to determine whether a matting system is suitable. A proper evaluation should consider: Gross Vehicle Weight: approximately 63,000 lbs. in this application Axle Loads: determines how much weight is carried by each axle Tire Configuration: single versus dual tires changes the load/contact characteristics Tire Pressure: influences contact pressure at the tire/surface interface Dynamic Loading: acceleration, braking, turning, and uneven surfaces can increase localized forces Substrate Condition: concrete thickness, reinforcement, asphalt condition, soil support, drainage, and existing damage can affect performance Mat Layout: continuous coverage and correct positioning are important for maintaining the intended travel path Extra caution should be used during sharp turns, hard braking, acceleration, and travel near unsupported driveway edges, where localized stresses may be greater. The Result Scout Mat™ provided the customer with a practical temporary access solution for moving the approximately 63,000-lb gravel truck in and out while protecting the finished driveway from direct heavy-truck traffic. Instead of allowing the tires to travel directly over the finished surface, the customer created a temporary protective roadway that could be installed for the operation and removed when the work was complete. Heavy Truck. Finished Driveway. Protected Access. Scout Mat™ helps put a protective layer between heavy equipment and the surfaces you want to preserve. For heavy vehicle applications, Spartan Composites can help evaluate the proposed equipment, axle configuration, surface conditions, and mat layout before installation. Application performance depends on vehicle configuration, operating conditions, mat installation, and the supporting surface/subgrade. The Scout Mat™ 200 psi rating should not be interpreted as a 200 psi allowable rating for the underlying driveway or substrate.
Protecting Critical Hoses with SYSTEM7 XT™
Industry: Sand & Aggregate Project Overview Sand and aggregate operations are inherently abrasive and demanding, with heavy equipment, haul traffic, and loose aggregate materials creating challenging ground conditions. In these environments, large-diameter hoses are often routed across active work areas and gravel access roads to support material processing and site operations. Because the hoses must remain in place while equipment continues to operate around them, protecting them from mechanical abrasion and excessive point loading is critical to maintaining system reliability and minimizing unplanned downtime. Challenge Large-diameter hoses were positioned across gravel surfaces and active work areas. Direct contact between the hoses and sharp, irregular aggregate created continuous abrasion and the potential for premature wear of the hose exterior. In addition, equipment and vehicle traffic operating in the surrounding area could create concentrated loads and movement that increased the risk of hose damage. The operation required a durable ground-protection system that could be installed beneath the hoses to create a physical separation between the hose and abrasive gravel while providing a stable surface capable of supporting heavy equipment traffic. Solution SYSTEM7 XT™ from Spartan Composites was installed directly on the ground beneath the hoses, creating a durable protective interface between the hoses and the underlying gravel. The composite mats eliminated direct hose-to-gravel contact, reducing exposure to sharp aggregate edges and abrasive surfaces. The high-strength composite construction also provides load distribution across the mat surface, helping reduce localized ground pressure in areas subject to equipment and vehicle traffic. Rather than placing the protection over the hoses, the SYSTEM7 XT™ mats functioned as a protective foundation beneath the hoses, isolating them from the rough ground conditions that could accelerate exterior wear. Implementation SYSTEM7 XT™ mats were strategically installed along hose routes and at locations where hoses crossed gravel work areas and active traffic zones. The installation process created a continuous, durable surface beneath the hoses without requiring excavation, permanent ground modification, or extensive site preparation. Once installed, the hoses were positioned directly on top of the composite mats. This configuration provided: A physical barrier between the hose and abrasive gravel. A smoother, more stable contact surface for the hoses. Reduced exposure to sharp aggregate and protruding rock. Improved separation between hoses and contaminated or uneven ground. A reusable ground-protection system suitable for changing work areas. Results The use of SYSTEM7 XT™ provided a significant improvement in hose protection and ground conditions around critical hose routes. Reduced abrasive wear: The mats prevented direct contact between the hoses and sharp gravel, reducing the potential for exterior hose abrasion. Extended hose service life: Minimizing mechanical wear can help reduce premature hose replacement and associated maintenance costs. Improved operational reliability: Protecting critical hoses helps reduce the risk of damage, leaks, and unplanned interruptions. Load isolation: The composite mat system provided separation between the hoses and ground conditions exposed to equipment traffic. Improved job-site conditions: The mats created a more controlled and stable surface around hose routes. Reusable protection: SYSTEM7 XT™ can be removed, relocated, and redeployed as site conditions and hose routing requirements change. Why SYSTEM7 XT™ SYSTEM7 XT™ is engineered for demanding industrial and heavy-duty ground-protection applications where high strength, durability, and load distribution are required. Its robust composite construction is resistant to moisture, corrosion, and harsh environmental conditions. Unlike traditional timber mats, SYSTEM7 XT™ will not rot, absorb water, or splinter, making it well suited for abrasive and continuously changing work environments. For hose-protection applications, the mat’s role extends beyond ground stabilization. By creating a durable separation layer between critical hoses and abrasive aggregate, SYSTEM7 XT™ helps reduce mechanical wear while providing a stable surface capable of supporting demanding site activities. Conclusion By installing SYSTEM7 XT™ beneath critical hoses, the operation created an effective protective barrier between the hoses and abrasive gravel conditions. The solution reduced direct hose-to-ground contact, helped minimize abrasion and mechanical wear, and provided a reusable protective surface capable of withstanding demanding industrial traffic. For sand and aggregate operations where hose integrity and uptime are critical, SYSTEM7 XT™ provides a practical, durable approach to hose protection and ground management.
Stronger Together: Spartan Composites and Tupelo’s Workforce Future
Tupelo, Mississippi- best known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley is a vibrant and welcoming community of about 52,000 residents. The city blends a rich musical heritage with a strong sense of local pride and steady economic growth. With a diverse economy spanning manufacturing, healthcare, and retail, Tupelo has become a hub for innovation and opportunity in North Mississippi while still preserving its small-town character. The arrival of Spartan Composites marks an exciting new chapter for the region. In addition to bringing advanced manufacturing capabilities, Spartan is committed to being an active community partner. A central part of this commitment is collaboration with Itawamba Community College and other local technical programs to help build a workforce equipped for modern composite manufacturing. Through hands-on training, internships, and curriculum support, Spartan will work closely with students to provide real-world experience and clear career pathways right here in Tupelo. These efforts aim to ensure that local residents especially those entering the workforce, can access high-quality technical careers without leaving the area. Spartan’s presence is also expected to generate a wide range of job opportunities, from entry-level production roles to highly skilled technical and engineering positions. By investing in local talent and supporting long-term career growth, Spartan Composites is contributing to the continued economic vitality of Tupelo and the surrounding region. This collaboration represents a shared investment in the future where industry and education align to create opportunity, strengthen the community, and support the next generation of skilled professionals. We extend our sincere thanks to the many partners who welcomed us and shared their expertise: · Advancement in Manufacturing Upskilling (AiMUP) Lab & MSU CAVS Extension Center: Dr. Tonya McCall (Director), Billy Peacock (Associate Director), Harry Kitchens (Senior Project Engineer), Carver Middleton (Research Engineer, Athlete Engineering – AiMUP) · Advanced Composite (MAC) Training Center: Crisler Herdon (Research Program Manager), Jeremy Sawaya (Research Engineer, Advanced Composite Institute) · Advanced Composites Institute (ACI) & MAC Training Center: Dr. Chris Bounds (Director, ACI), Chris Herdon (Research Program Manager) · Itawamba Community College: Tzer Nan Waters (Director of Workforce Education), Dylan Baldwin (Dean of Career Education) · Three Rivers Planning & Development District: Terry Treadaway (Director, Division of Workforce Development) · Community Development Foundation: Hunter Aycock (Vice President of Economic Development) Special thanks to Forrest Bryan, Workforce Development Manager at AccelerateMS, for keeping everything on track. We truly appreciate everyone’s time, insight, and partnership. hashtag#tupeloMS hashtag#itawambacommunitycollege hashtag#ICC hashtag#AiMUP hashtag#MAC hashtag#ACI hashtag#AccelerateMS hashtag#MSU hashtag#CAVS hashtag#spartancomposites
LIGHTWEIGHT, INTERLOCKING MATS FOR SITE ACCESS, EQUIPMENT PROTECTION, AND ADDED JOB SAFETY
COMPOSITE ACCESS MATS GET THE JOB DONE
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Best Value
Spartan Composites, boasting the highest ROI in the industry, is the smart way to buy access mats. Unlike wooden access mats, our composites can last for ten-plus years through many jobs on a variety of work sites. -
Versatile
Ready for so many uses, our composite access mats are needed at the toughest worksites: utilities, pipeline, oil and gas, construction, and many more.
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Proven
Spartan Composites mat specifications aren’t just promises. SYSTEM7™ has proven engineering values that wooden mat manufacturers simply can’t predict. -
Reduced Freight Costs
SYSTEM7™ is designed to be the lightest weight mat choice compared to heavy duty wood mats and rival composites. This saves money every time you transport these access mats.
SPARTAN OFFERS TWO COMPOSITE MATS TO COVER A WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRIES AND NEEDS
Spartan products are the right answer for anyone who needs temporary access, ground protection, or a stable work area. Sometimes called composite construction mats, these matting systems serve contractors of all types.
On the heavy-duty side, SYSTEM7™ is perfect for contractors on the largest, most demanding jobs. Our team engineered this product based on years of experience in the matting and contracting business. This ensured our focus on the things that matter most to contractors, such as strength, durability, and effectiveness.
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