Trackout control • SWPPP best practices • Practical field guide
DiamondTrack™ Trackout Mats: A Practical Guide for Clean, Compliant Site Exits
DiamondTrack is a reusable HDPE composite alternative to rock construction exits. The raised diamond geometry helps scrub tires so mud and sediment drop before trucks reach public roads. This guide explains where it fits, how to size it, how to install it, and how to keep it working.
*Load ratings depend on subsurface conditions and how well the entrance is prepared.
What DiamondTrack Is (and Why It’s Different)
A trackout mat (also called a rumble mat or trackout control mat) is used at site entrances/exits to reduce the mud and sediment that vehicles carry onto paved roads. DiamondTrack is built as a reusable HDPE composite mat with raised diamond features designed to create tire deformation (a slight “flex and scrub”) that helps dislodge sediment.
Unlike rock construction exits that get scattered and need replenishing, mats can be lifted, cleaned, and redeployed from job to job. In plain English: it’s a rugged “tire scrub zone” you reuse instead of rebuilding.
Where DiamondTrack Trackout Mats Work Best
- Busy construction entrances/exits where street sweeping and complaints pile up quickly
- Utility and municipal projects with frequent in/out traffic and tight compliance standards
- Residential developments where trackout becomes a daily headache during earthwork
- Any site under SWPPP/NPDES requirements that needs a stabilized exit and cleaner roadways
Planning, Coverage, and “How Many Mats Do I Need?”
Round up to the next whole mat.
For a typical two-lane exit, many crews plan widths of 12–24 ft and lengths of 24–48 ft+, depending on soil type and traffic volume. If your site has fine soils (sticky clay) or you’re in a wet stretch, going longer is usually the easiest way to reduce carryout.
| Common entrance layout | Width × Length | Total area | Typical mats needed | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-lane exit | 12 ft × 36 ft | 432 ft² | 6 mats (1 wide × 3 long) | Light-to-moderate truck frequency, limited footprint |
| Single-lane, longer scrub zone | 12 ft × 48 ft | 576 ft² | 7 mats (1 wide × 4 long, adjust as needed) | Sticky soils, wet seasons, or higher trackout risk |
| Two-lane exit | 24 ft × 36 ft | 864 ft² | 11 mats (2 wide × 3 long) | Two-way traffic, large deliveries, peak pours/hauls |
| Two-lane, heavier conditions | 24 ft × 48 ft | 1,152 ft² | 14 mats (2 wide × 4 long) | High traffic + fine soils + frequent rain |
Subgrade and staging tips (what matters in the real world)
- Start with a firm, level base: compacted soil, asphalt, or concrete. Sweep loose debris first.
- Plan the turning radius: works best when vehicles cross the mat zone straight and steady.
- Stage near the entrance: place bundles close to the gate to reduce handling time.
- Build a cleaning routine: pressure-wash when buildup reduces tire scrub effectiveness.
Step-by-Step Installation (Field-Simple)
- Mark the footprint: define the entrance width and target length (see layout table above).
- Prep the base: grade and compact as needed so mats sit flat and don’t “see-saw.”
- Start at the roadway edge: place the first mat flush to pavement so tires hit the scrub zone immediately.
- Build to length: add mats to extend the scrub zone (longer is usually better for muddy soils).
- Check edges and transitions: confirm tight, stable placement to reduce wobble under turning forces.
- Optional restraint: add edge restraint or staking where turning forces are high.
Performance Benefits (Plain-English)
- Better tire scrub: raised diamond features increase contact and shear so mud drops sooner.
- Durability: HDPE composite construction is built for repeated crossings and redeployments.
- Lower “hidden costs”: helps reduce street sweeping, catch-basin maintenance, and end-of-job cleanup.
- Reusable logistics: clean it, move it, and keep going—no rock pile to remove.
Example Case Study: Subdivision Build-Out with a Two-Lane Exit
Scenario: A residential site wanted a cleaner roadway and less daily maintenance at the main gate. The team replaced a rock exit with a two-lane mat layout sized for frequent concrete trucks, dump trucks, and pickups.
What changed: With a consistent scrub zone and quick wash-downs as needed, visible trackout reduced, street sweeping frequency dropped, and the crew avoided ongoing rock replenishment and end-of-phase rock removal.
Note: Results vary by soil type, rain frequency, traffic volume, and how well the base/transition to roadway is prepared.
DiamondTrack™ Spec Snapshot
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Mat size | 7 ft × 12 ft × 3.75 in |
| Coverage per mat | 84 ft² |
| Approx. weight | 435 lb per mat |
| Load rating (per diamond feature) | Up to ~800 psi (subsurface-dependent) |
| Material | HDPE composite (reusable and recyclable) |
| Common use cases | Construction entrances/exits, utilities, municipal, energy, development projects |
Jobsite Checklist: Keep Your Trackout Control Working
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Base is firm + levelIf mats rock, tire scrub drops and edges can shift under turning.
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Enough length for your conditionsSticky soils and wet weather usually need a longer scrub zone.
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Roadway transition is tightStart mats at the pavement edge so tires hit the control area immediately.
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Clean when buildup appearsPressure-wash to restore the “bite” of the profile.
FAQ: DiamondTrack™ Trackout Mats
Are trackout mats an alternative to a rock construction entrance?
Yes—many projects use mats as a rockless option when they want something reusable and quick to deploy. Your SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan) should guide the specific BMP you’re expected to use.
How long should the mat zone be?
It depends on soil type, moisture, and traffic. If you’re still seeing trackout, the most common fix is extending the mat length and improving base prep so mats sit flat.
Do I need to anchor or stake the mats?
Often mats can be placed on a well-prepared, compacted base without staking. If turning forces are high (tight gate turns, heavy braking, uneven subgrade), edge restraint can help keep the system stable.
What’s the easiest way to clean and reuse them?
When buildup reduces performance, pressure-wash the surface, let water drain, then redeploy. Keeping a simple wash routine during muddy phases usually maintains consistent results.
What are the core specs I should put in my submittal?
A common spec set includes: 7 ft × 12 ft × 3.75 in size, 84 ft² coverage per mat, ~435 lb weight, HDPE composite construction, and up to ~800 psi per-feature rating (subsurface-dependent).
Keywords covered: trackout control mats, stabilized construction exit, SWPPP compliance, rumble mats, construction entrance BMP, sediment track-out control.