Road Plate FAQ

Here at North East Shoring Corp., Inc., we offer trench boxes, crane systems, and road plates to construction sites across the nation. Our equipment helps keep job sites safe and efficient. But we know that business owners are big on due diligence when it comes to their investments. We are always ready to answer any questions our clients may have. But in the meantime, we thought we would list some of the more frequently asked questions about road plates.

WHAT DO ROAD PLATES DO?

Road plates are an essential piece of equipment for any safe excavation site. Typically, road plates are used to bridge excavations to open up pathways for traffic. However, any road plate usage must be authorized by a qualified supervisor who determines that the road plate is thick and large enough to be used.

HOW IS A STEEL PLATE ATTACHED TO A ROAD SURFACE?

In order to work safely, a steel plate must be fixed directly in place to avoid any movement. This fixing involves both direct contact with the pavement, as well as pinning, recessing, or securing with asphalt wedges. Pinning, as the name implies, involves driving pins through steel plates into the concrete to hold the plate in place. Recessing is cutting out the steel plate exactly to the dimensions of the excavation, so that the steel plate rests flush with the pavement.

WHAT IS SKID RESISTANCE?

Road plates can easily get slippery, especially when they get wet. This is why they generally require an anti-skid coating. These anti-skid coatings give the road plates skid resistance, reducing the risk of workplace injury from slips and falls. Some road plates have anti-skid coating already applied, while others require that the user applies the anti-skid coating before use.

WHAT IS A TAPERED RAMP?

Tapered ramps are required to make road plates usable for pedestrians and vehicles. Without a ramp, the clearance of the road plate can cause problems. It is important that a ramp be tapered slowly, as if it is too sloped it can be a hazard to motorists and bicyclists. The required taper lengths vary from state to state, but there is a national U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration guideline that any transverse pavement joints that result in a bump (as would be caused with a road plate) must be tapered at a ratio of 60:1, or 5 feet horizontal length for every 1 inch of vertical elevation.

ARE THERE GUIDELINES FOR USING A ROAD PLATE?

There are many guidelines for using a road plate on a job site. Here’s a quick, though not comprehensive, checklist that should be performed when using road plate.

  • Select the correct dimensions
  • Ensure correct overlap (about 1 foot of the road plate should be on firm ground on each side)
  • Secure edges properly and feather with asphalt
  • When more than one road plate is used, they must be welded
  • On uneven roadways, road plates need to be countersunk when necessary
  • All road plates should have an anti-skid coating
  • The road plate’s edges should be painted or marked for extra visibility
  • Warning signs should be placed in advance of the road plate: “Steel Plate Ahead” or “Warning: Bump Ahead”
  • The trench and roadway conditions must be evaluated every day before use, as well as during weather changes (rain, snow, wind, etc.) in order to maintain safety
  • Authorities should be notified of road plate locations during winter
  • Road plates should be inspected at the end of day every day

We hope these frequently asked questions have proven informative. If you are considering investing in a road plate for your business, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at your earliest convenience. One of our friendly and knowledgeable representatives will be happy to answer any questions that you may have. We are always happy to help businesses do their due diligence when it comes to deciding on an investment. We look forward to your call.

At North East Shoring Corp., Inc., we’re focused on keeping the trench and OSHA off your back.

You’re in the middle of a job, and it’s tough to keep everyone safe. A construction site requires everyone to be on high alert all the time. So, you’re stressed and trying to keep people working while also following safety guidelines to the best of your ability. After decades of excavation and trench shoring experience, North East Shoring Corp., Inc. knows what you’re going through. Just know you’re not alone in finding the absolute best trench boxes for your operation.

Imagine calling a trench box company and renting what you need in a single phone call. Think about how easy it would be to plan the rest of your job if you could guarantee when your trench boxes would be on-site. Just picture how quickly and efficiently your crews could work with the proper boxes and equipment. You can stop dreaming and buy or rent trench boxes from North East Shoring Corp., Inc. right now. It’s only a phone call away.

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