Ground Protection Specification Tool
CHOOSE THE RIGHT
CHOOSE THE RIGHT
GROUND PROTECTION SYSTEM
Ground conditions, vehicle weights, project duration, and environmental requirements all influence which temporary access system is right for your project. Answer three quick questions and we'll recommend the right product.
1Ground Conditions
2Vehicle & Load
3Project Type
Step 1 of 3 — Ground Conditions
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2
3
What are the ground conditions at your site?
This is the most important factor. The weaker or softer the ground, the greater the load distribution area required to prevent rutting and surface damage.
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Firm or compacted ground
Hard standing, compacted hardcore, tarmac or concrete
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Grass, turf or lawn
Sports pitches, event fields, gardens, heritage lawns
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Soft or damp soil
Clay, loam, topsoil — soft but not waterlogged
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Waterlogged or unstable
Saturated clay, peat, waterlogged agricultural land, flood-prone areas
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Environmentally sensitive
Heritage, SSSI, contaminated ground — no leaching permitted
What is the heaviest vehicle or plant that will use the access?
Always specify to the heaviest axle load on site — not the average. A single overloaded crossing can cause ground failure and costly remediation works.
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Pedestrians only
Foot traffic only — no vehicles on the access route
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Light vehicles
Cars, vans, 4x4s, golf buggies — up to 3t axle load
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Medium plant
Telehandlers, mini-dumpers, tractors — 3–6t axle load
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HGVs & heavy plant
Articulated lorries, excavators, concrete wagons — up to 12t axle
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Crane or extreme loads
Mobile or crawler cranes, abnormal loads — can exceed 150t gross
What type of access are you creating?
The application type and duration help us recommend the most practical and cost-effective ground protection system for your project.
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Pedestrian walkway
Temporary paths, event flooring, marquee bases
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Temporary access road
Short-to-medium term vehicle access route
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Long-term or high-use road
Infrastructure, utilities, transmission — months or years
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Crane pad or working platform
Static load support for crane outriggers or lifting operations
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Surface protection only
Protecting grass, turf, or sensitive ground — minimal traffic
Full Product Range
Trackway & Ground Protection — At a Glance
Use the table below as a quick reference when comparing ground protection and trackway hire products. Always confirm ground conditions and maximum axle loads before finalising specification.
Important: Load capacity figures are dependent on ground conditions and installation method. Always seek professional advice if ground conditions are poor or loads are at the upper end of the specification range. Notus Ground Safe offer free site surveys — call 0330 100 0377.
| Product | Max Load | Material | Best For | Installation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notus LD Pedestrian Walkway Panels |
10t (CBR10) | Recycled PVC · 24mm | Pedestrian walkways, event flooring, light surface protection of grass & turf | Single operative · tongue & groove · no plant needed |
| Ground Protection Mats Medium Duty HDPE |
Light–medium vehicles | HDPE · 12mm | Light-to-medium vehicles on grass, turf & soft ground · events, sports, film | Two-person lift · quick-fit connectors · no plant needed |
| Notus HD Heavy Duty Panels |
205t (CBR10) / 12t axle | HDPE · 38mm | Heavy plant, HGVs, construction, utilities, rail, heritage & environmental sites | Telehandler or HIAB · bespoke clamp system available |
| Notus HD Overlap Premium Heavy Duty |
150t+ / 12t axle | Recycled thermoplastic · 46mm | Crane pads, extreme loads, high-traffic heavy haul routes · poor ground | Telehandler + bespoke clamp · M16 bolt fixings · HIAB for large jobs |
| Aluminium Trackway 6082-T6 Grade |
12t per axle | 6082-T6 Aluminium · 53mm | Long-term HGV access roads · infrastructure, utilities, transmission, events | HIAB or hydraulic clamp · up to 90 panels per artic load |
By Industry
Which Ground Protection Products Suit Each Sector?
Recommended products by sector based on typical ground conditions, vehicle types and project durations. These are starting points — a site-specific assessment is always recommended.
Construction & Infrastructure
Notus HDHD OverlapAluminium TrackwayGround Protection MatsNotus LD
Utilities, Telecoms & Transmission
Aluminium TrackwayNotus HDHD OverlapGround Protection Mats
Events & Festivals
Notus LDGround Protection MatsAluminium TrackwayHD Overlap
Renewable Energy
HD OverlapNotus HDAluminium Trackway
Rail
Notus HDHD OverlapAluminium TrackwayNotus LD
Heritage & Sensitive Sites
HD OverlapNotus HDGround Protection MatsNotus LD
Film, TV & Media
Ground Protection MatsAluminium TrackwayNotus LD
Sports, Leisure & Recreation
Ground Protection MatsNotus LDNotus HD
Specification Checklist
Key Questions to Ask Before Specifying Ground Protection
Whether specifying ground protection yourself or working with a supplier, these are the most important questions to answer before any system is selected or installed on site.
Ground Conditions
- What is the ground type — soil, clay, peat, grass, sand, or existing hard standing?
- Is the ground soft, waterlogged, or subject to change during the project?
- Are there environmental restrictions on the site?
- Has a site survey been carried out?
Loads & Vehicles
- What is the heaviest vehicle or piece of plant that will use the trackway?
- What is the maximum axle weight of that vehicle?
- Are there crane operations? If so, what is the gross crane weight and outrigger load?
- How frequently will heavy vehicles be passing over the same panels?
The Project
- How long will the ground protection or trackway be in place?
- Is this a temporary access road, a crane pad, a working platform, or a pedestrian route?
- Does the route cross different ground types requiring different products?
- Are there programme constraints that affect installation method?
Ask Your Supplier
- Can you carry out a full on-site survey before recommending a product?
- What is the load rating under these specific ground conditions?
- What installation method and plant will be used?
- Are RAMS and method statements available for the installation?
Not Sure? We'll Advise You.
Free site surveys, trackway planning, site drawings and product recommendations across the UK.