The guide to ensuring ground stability in construction projects

The best way to ensure ground stability during a construction project is by following these six rules:

1. Ensure that an industry professional performs a thorough ground stability assessment to establish the ground bearing capacity with the correct equipment and measures the site.
2. Accurately depict the site’s intended usage, the exact equipment and footfall expected on site.
3. Select a ground protection specialist (like us!). To perform their assessment to see which ground protection is best suited to the terrain and project.
4. Select or hire the correct ground protection plus underlay, components and covers as advised and required.
5. After safe installation, ensure the project length is confirmed so the trackway can be checked and periodically tightened as per the requirements.
6. Ensure the ground protection is used appropriately and only the correct equipment uses the ground protection in place – i.e. no steel tracked vehicles.

What to look for when assessing ground stability prior to a construction project commencing

How can you distribute pressure evenly? 

According to HSE (2025), “Vehicle overturns account for nearly a fifth of all deaths in workplace transport accidents. Forklift trucks, compact dumpers, tipper lorries, and tractors are especially prone to overturning.” As such, it’s essential to ensure that pressure is evenly distributed across all working areas on site to prevent plant machinery from skidding, slipping, or sinking. The best way to achieve this is by following the six steps outlined above. Another important consideration is preparing for every eventuality. If things don’t go to plan, is there a chance you’ll need a heavier piece of equipment or plant machinery? Have you factored this possibility into your initial assessment? It’s always better to over-prepare. In our experience, most accidents occur when last-minute changes or emergency fixes require unexpected machinery to enter the site, which was not originally accounted for.  

What is the quality of the ground conditions?  

Common surfaces encountered on construction sites are grass, beach, stone, paving, tarmac, and peat. These ground conditions can be soft, flat, sloping, rutted, or firm. When assessing the quality of the ground and ground bearing capacity, consider not only the site itself but also the access points, as they can significantly impact your assessment. Do you need access roads for heavy machinery throughout the project? We approach each site holistically, ensuring we assess how heavy machinery will physically enter and move around the site. This includes evaluating access points and ensuring the proper pathways are in place for all equipment.  

Are ground conditions likely to worsen over time?  

For longer-term projects, ground conditions and ground bearing capacity can change due to factors like seasonal weather or location. There are a couple of approaches here: Install trackway during the warmer months, then lift and replace it with winter-suitable trackway as conditions change in colder months. Or install winter-grade trackway from the outset, then reassess the conditions in winter to determine whether additional adjustments or trackway are necessary.  

Do you have the right options to ensure stability, given the heavy machinery requirements of the project?  

Similar to the previous point, preparing for heavy machinery from the beginning by using heavy-duty trackway ensures you’re covered either way. Lighter-duty vehicles can safely use heavy-duty trackways, but not the other way around. This early preparation helps avoid any issues later on. 

Why it’s important to assess ground stability requirements on a per-project basis

Ground stability can change over time, and depending on land use, location, and weather conditions, these changes can occur quickly. Even if there has just been a project completed on the same piece of land you intend to use, it is important to assess the ground per project. Areas particularly vulnerable to rapid shifts in stability include coastal regions, high or open terrain, locations exposed to consistent sub-zero climates, and areas with heavy footfall or vehicle traffic. However, some lands may not face these conditions yet still experience instability due to other factors. Nearby construction projects or a history of mining activity can significantly affect the ground’s stability. It’s crucial to monitor and assess these external influences when planning any construction or development project to ensure safety and prevent unforeseen risks.

 The role of heavy-duty ground protection mats

Heavy-duty ground protection mats play a vital role in ensuring site safety, preventing ground damage, and maintaining access on unstable or sensitive terrain. TuffTrak is one of the premium solutions we offer. It is designed for extreme durability and load-bearing capacity. Made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), TuffTrak mats provide a stable, non-slip surface, ideal for construction, infrastructure, and events on uneven or soft ground. These mats are particularly crucial on sites where land stability is a concern, as outlined in the UK Government’s land stability guidance. TuffTrak supports compliance while improving safety and efficiency on-site. Our trackway products page highlights a range of options for different terrains and project sizes that we can support.

We can help

At Davis Trackhire, we use the latest technologies within the ground protection industry. Most of our technologies are created and installed by the industry’s best, Brigade Electronics. We are pioneering the way within the trackway sector with our remote control trucks, which provide for innovative, safer and rapid installations.

We were recently voted Scotland’s Top Road Safety provider and carry a Fors Silver accreditation, safety is our top priority.

In total, we have been operating for 15 years, dealing with a diverse range of projects along the way. Contact our team to learn more about ground stability and the hire products we offer.