FiberTech Outrigger Pads Provide Strong, Rigid Setup in Lighter Weight Package
February 28, 2022 (Guthrie Center, Iowa) FiberTech® composite outrigger pads are designed to withstand and spread extremely high pressures from construction equipment like concrete pump trucks. They effectively spread outrigger loads and create high crane support and stability when extra rigidity is needed, and weight is a concern.
Concrete pump truck operators face unique challenges to properly support their equipment. Ground bearing pressures generated by concrete pumpers can range from 300 psi to nearly 700 psi. These trucks are commonly deployed in new construction areas where the ground bearing capacity or strength of the ground can be as low as 10 psi.
Properly designed, constructed, sized, and strong crane outrigger pads are required to spread out the high, pulsing pressures from the pumps to a level that the ground can support.
FiberTech FRP Composite Outrigger Pads combine multiple layers of quad axial continuous glass fibers and polyester resin to give these Super Duty Outrigger Pads exceptional structural strength and stiffness. A 48”x1” FiberTech Outrigger Pad has a crush rating of 600 psi and a working load limit of 170,000 lbs.
Because most trucks are dispatched with a single operator, outrigger pads need to be light enough for one person to deploy. DICA’s FiberTech® Outrigger Pads were developed to help solve this issue. A 1” thick FiberTech Pad weighs 25% less than an equivalent 3” thick SafetyTech® Pad and provides the same load distribution performance. For example, the 48”x1” FiberTech weighs 140 lbs., and is round, making it easy to roll into place. In addition, FiberTech Outrigger Pads are equipped with DICA’s patented TuffGrip® Handles to encourage safe lifting and minimize trip hazards. Hi-Viz yellow, FiberTech Outrigger Mats are non-conductive, waterproof, and chemical resistant.
“Each of our pump trucks carries various sizes of outrigger pads to give the operators the tools they need,” said Jim Manson, President of Sun Concrete Pumping. “We carry extra big pads for bad ground conditions in less compacted areas. Our operators are trained at understanding proper setup so they can select the right size pad for the situation.”