Installation
Installation Info
Here are some general guidelines. Every location is going to have its special considerations. If you would like more installation tips or review a particular situation do not hesitate to call the manufacturer Airfield Mat Systems, Inc. at 1-412-401-5025.
See our documents page for more installation information.
Preparation: It’s important to take the time and care to install the mats properly. Prepare the ground so that the mats are installed on a level and stable surface to prevent buckling and high spots. Look for trouble spots where the mat might not be laying flat or where the elevation of the the apron around mat might be such where a mower deck might scalp the ground as it crosses the mat. If there is uncertainty plan to run the mower equipment over the mat after installation to confirm clearance. In the event of thick existing vegetation it is recommended that the ground be line trimmed tight to the ground to minimize settling. Even so it might be necessary to return to the mats a season later, once the vegetation has settled, to further tighten the anchors keeping them flush with the mat and the ground.
Mat Placement: Can Mounted: The 12 inch center hole is designed to fit snuggly around the can lid, while still allowing access to the bolts to remove the lid for general maintenance and troubleshooting of the light. Lay the mat over the light with the points of the football mat pointing in the direction lawn mower equipment will travel.
Mat Placement: Stake Mounted: The Collar insert is designed to first wrap around the light for a snug fit up against the light post. The Large football mat will overlay the center insert. Place the collar around the stake light. Sometimes the collar’s best fit it is to lay flat as shown below. Other times as you can see on the right the collar can be pulled to have its edges over lapping, forming a conical shape sloping from the light post down to the outer edge.
Place the large Football mat over the collar on the light with the points of the football mat pointing in the direction lawn mower equipment will travel.
Anchoring: 8 stake anchors as drawn below. Anchoring will have site specific considerations with various techniques that the Contractor finds best. Generally the anchor can hammered into the ground and is strong enough to penetrate rocks and buried concrete splattering. NOTE: The mat has a small pilot hole for each anchor. Using this hole will position the anchor with its 2 inch pin reaching over the mats edge.
Tools: A hefty hand sledge is best for the stake anchors.
The six stakes are hammered into the grounding uses in a short handled sledge hammer.
Quality Control:
Adjust anchors and mats if necessary to prevent buckling and to accomplish a flush installation. With cooperation from airport personnel, Contractor shall run mower equipment over the final airfield mat installations to ensure clearance. In the case of freshly graded soils or thick ground growth it is necessary to return to the mats a season later, once the soil and or the vegetation has settled, to confirm that anchors are keeping flush with the mat and the ground.
See our documents page for more information regarding mat and anchor installation.