How To Choose the Best Cribbing Blocks for Outdoor Staging Yards

Cribbing is foundational for storing modules in outdoor staging yards.

Cribbing is crucial in ensuring safe storage of modules. In outdoor staging yards, where the environment and terrain can be particularly demanding, choosing the right cribbing requires careful consideration to mitigate potential damage. In this article, we examine how to factor in outdoor conditions when choosing proper cribbing blocks to ensure your modular components remain securely positioned. We’ll also look at the types of cribbing blocks to avoid in these situations.

Selecting the right material for cribbing blocks 

In a recent article, we provided an overview of the most common options for cribbing blocks  and explained how these various materials effectively prevent modules from shifting.  But storing mods in a staging yard requires a more nuanced approach since most yards are not paved or asphalted, so the terrain is less stable.

When considering your options, you should take into account the terrain, as well as exposure to elements.  

Here are some factors to take into account:

• Is the ground uneven? 
•  Could the ground become muddy, potentially causing the cribbing blocks to sink into the soil?
• Is the outdoor yard situated in a marine environment? 

Answering initial questions like these will keep your project aligned with your site-specific requirements. Here are some common types of cribbing blocks in outdoor staging yards.

Concrete cribbing blocks

Concrete blocks are durable, weather resistant, and can withstand considerable sun exposure. With high load-bearing capacities, they provide stable support and are available in various sizes and shapes for customization.

It’s worth noting that concrete blocks can be cumbersome to handle or transport and, for that reason, are very rare to see in the modular industry. Additionally, concrete is a porous material and will absorb water. So, concrete may not be the best option if your outdoor staging yard environment gets wet and freezes.

Composite cribbing blocks

Composite cribbing blocks, made of reinforced plastics or composite lumber, are lightweight and resistant to moisture, chemicals, and UV rays. This resistance is advantageous in outdoor environments. Composite blocks also offer high strength-to-weight ratios, making them easy to handle and transport.

Steel cribbing blocks

Steel cribbing blocks boast unparalleled strength, handling high loads without deformation or cracking. They can easily withstand outdoor conditions when they are designed with corrosion-resistant coatings or finishes to enhance their weather resistance.  Also, steel is inherently fire-resistant, making steel cribbing blocks a preferred choice when there’s a fire risk or high-temperature exposure. Beyond that, when properly maintained, steel cribbing blocks have an exceptionally long lifespan.

Rubber or anti-slip cribbing blocks

Consider rubber or anti-slip cribbing blocks when an outdoor staging yard is uneven or slippery terrain. These blocks can provide additional stability and grip, minimizing the risk of movement or slippage on less-stable surfaces.

Adjustable height cribbing blocks

Adjustable height cribbing blocks, such as screw jacks or telescopic columns, offer flexibility in outdoor staging yards with variable terrain. These blocks allow for precise height adjustments, making them suitable for leveling or supporting modules or equipment on uneven surfaces.

Cribbing blocks to avoid in outdoor staging yard environments

While the suitability of cribbing blocks in an outdoor staging yard environment depends on various factors, there are some types of cribbing blocks that may have limitations or be less ideal for such conditions. Here are a few examples of cribbing blocks to avoid in outdoor staging yards.

Softwoods

Softwoods, such as pine or spruce, lack the necessary density and durability required for harsh weather situations. Due to low resistance to moisture, weathering, and decay, they are more prone to crushing and splintering under heavy loads.

Uncoated steel

While steel cribbing blocks are generally suitable for outdoor use, uncoated steel blocks may be prone to corrosion when exposed to moisture, rain, or harsh weather conditions. Corrosion can weaken the blocks over time, compromising their structural integrity and load-bearing capacity.

The right material for the right staging yard

Selecting the right cribbing blocks for staging yards is critical to ensuring the safety and stability of modules. Each material offers unique advantages, which means assessing the specific requirements of durability, weather resistance, load-bearing capacity, and stability is a necessary step in decision-making. 

Consider the potential impact of the elements and terrain, and consult with professionals experienced in outdoor construction or staging operations to help identify the most suitable cribbing block options for your given environment.

Read more: 

• Perfecting Modular Construction Plans
• Tips for Strapping Wood Frames
• 7 Tips for Modular Transportation

Stream Modular is a transportation logistics company specializing exclusively in modular construction. We help modular manufacturers and builders transport mods, pods, and panels so they arrive on time and safely to the build site.