Building a Temporary Air Bridge

Understanding and Constructing a Temporary Air Bridge

It’s a common scenario on construction sites: you’re preparing for a project, only to discover a vital pipeline runs directly through a critical area you need to access. The reality is, you likely won't be able to drive anything larger than a standard F150 or equivalent truck over it without causing potential damage or creating a safety hazard. This is precisely where a temporary air bridge becomes indispensable. An air bridge, in this context, is a temporary structure typically constructed from road mats, designed specifically to span over pipelines or other sensitive underground assets.

This guide will walk you through the essential steps involved in building a temporary air bridge, ensuring safety, compliance, and efficiency on your job site. While the term "air bridge" might also refer to the passenger boarding bridges at airports, this article focuses on the practical application within civil engineering and construction projects.

Step 1: The Crucial Call to 811 (Before You Dig)

Before any excavation or significant groundwork begins, contacting '811' – the national "Call Before You Dig" service – is paramount. This service is an invaluable resource, especially when working in proximity to underground utilities like pipelines. By calling 811, you initiate a process where a professional crew will visit your site to accurately mark the location of underground lines. Furthermore, they will notify all utility companies that have assets in the vicinity, ensuring everyone is aware of your planned activities.

It is vital to remember that 811 services typically do not mark private water or sewer lines. For these, you must liaunt directly with the landowner to identify any existing private infrastructure. A thorough understanding of all underground utilities is non-negotiable for preventing accidents and costly repairs.

Step 2: Engaging with the Pipeline Company

Once you have a clear understanding of the general utility locations, the next critical step is to contact the relevant pipeline company. This usually involves submitting a formal request for information and permission to build an air bridge. The pipeline company is obligated to respond within a specified timeframe, providing you with essential guidance.

When you communicate with the pipeline company, be prepared with a comprehensive list of questions to ensure the safety and integrity of their pipeline. Key questions to ask include:

Gathering this information directly from the pipeline owner is crucial for building a compliant and safe structure. Their specifications will dictate the exact type of mats, their placement, and any required clearance.

Step 3: Sourcing the Correct Construction Mats

With the necessary specifications in hand, it's time to procure the appropriate construction mats. Road mat suppliers can provide a range of options, but your choice will depend on the pipeline company's requirements, particularly regarding any necessary gap between the mats and the ground.

• For no required gap: Composite mats are often the preferred choice. They offer a smooth, stable surface for vehicles to traverse, minimising vibration and stress on the pipeline.
• For a required gap: If the pipeline company mandates a gap, it's advisable to use heavy-duty mats, such as 12-inch crane mats, as the base layer. These provide robust support and ensure the specified clearance is maintained.

At this stage, you also need to decide whether your team will handle the installation of the air bridge or if you will hire a specialist matting company. While DIY installation is possible, professional matting companies often possess the expertise, equipment, and trained personnel to complete the job more quickly, safely, and efficiently.

Step 4: The Construction Process

Building the air bridge requires careful execution and adherence to the established guidelines. A key consideration during construction is whether you can operate machinery over the pipeline while building. Many pipeline companies will prohibit this, necessitating a different approach.

Method for Restricted Operation:

If operating over the pipeline is not permitted, you'll need to use equipment like a backhoe equipped with a grabber tool to position the mats. The general process involves:

1. Placing Parallel Mats: Lay down two parallel mats on the ground, ensuring they are aligned with the pipeline. The pipeline company will specify the distance these mats should be from the pipeline's centerline. The spacing between these parallel mats should be sufficient to accommodate the width of the bridge mats you intend to place on top. For instance, if your bridge mats are 20 feet long, you might place the parallel mats 12 feet apart to achieve the desired bridge width.
2. Positioning Top Mats: Carefully place the main bridge mats on top of the parallel base mats. For maximum stability and support, ensure the edges of the top mats extend fully to the ends of the parallel mats.
3. Achieving Required Width: Continue adding road mats on top of the base layer until you achieve the necessary width for the air bridge. Consider the width of the equipment that will be crossing, as well as potential operator fatigue or adverse weather conditions. A width of at least three standard mats (providing approximately 12 feet of width) is often recommended for added safety.

Constructing Ramps:

To ensure smooth and safe access to and from the air bridge, ramps are essential on both sides. This can be achieved in a couple of ways:

• Stacked Mats: Use additional road mats, stacking them in a step-like fashion to create a gradual incline. A laminated or composite mat can then be placed on top to provide a smooth riding surface. This method, particularly with composite mats, offers the smoothest and safest approach.
• Dirt Ramps: A more economical alternative is to construct ramps using compacted dirt. However, this method poses greater risks, especially during wet weather or as the dirt erodes from repeated vehicle traffic, potentially leading to instability.

Safety and Compliance: The Top Priorities

Throughout the entire process of building an air bridge, safety and adherence to the pipeline company's directives are paramount. Always double-check measurements, ensure mats are securely placed, and never compromise on the specified clearances or load-bearing requirements. Remember, the goal is to create a safe passage that protects both personnel and the critical infrastructure beneath.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary purpose of an air bridge in construction?

In construction, an air bridge is a temporary structure, usually made of road mats, used to safely span over pipelines or other sensitive underground utilities, allowing vehicle and equipment access without causing damage.

Why is calling 811 important before building an air bridge?

Calling 811 ensures that underground utility lines are marked by professionals before work begins, preventing accidental damage and potential hazards. It also notifies utility companies of your activities.

What information should I get from the pipeline company?

You should inquire about the allowable vehicle weights, the required type and size of mats, any necessary ground clearance, safe distances from the pipeline's centerline, and whether an inspector is needed on-site during construction.

Are there different types of mats for air bridges?

Yes, composite mats are often used for a smooth surface when no gap is required, while heavier crane mats might be used as a base layer if a gap is mandated by the pipeline company.

Is it better to build the air bridge yourself or hire a professional service?

While you can build it yourself, professional matting companies typically offer a faster, safer, and more efficient installation due to their specialised equipment and expertise.

For further assistance with road matting solutions and air bridge construction, consider contacting a specialist provider like Select Mat.

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