FODS Trackout Mat Calculator

FODS Trackout Control Mats: A Practical Guide for Cleaner, More Consistent Site Exits

Vehicle trackout is the mud, sediment, and debris that gets carried off-site on tires and ends up on public roads. The goal of a trackout control Best Management Practice (BMP) — plain English: a "site-exit cleanup system" — is to reduce that carryout so you spend less time street-sweeping, reduce complaints, and stay aligned with your Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).

FODS Trackout Control Mats are a reusable construction entrance system designed to remove sediment from tires without the ongoing material refreshes that come with traditional rock entrances.

What the FODS Trackout Control Mat Does (and How It Works)

Think of the mat as a controlled "tire cleaning lane." The raised pyramid pattern is arranged in rows so tires flex as they roll across. That flexing helps release sediment lodged between tire lugs (the grooves in the tread).

Because the system is reusable, you're not constantly adding, reshaping, and replacing rock. Instead, you maintain performance by periodically sweeping or washing out the captured sediment — then keep rolling.

Real-world takeaway: If your exit gets hammered by weather or heavy traffic, a reusable system can help keep your "exit condition" consistent day-to-day — meaning fewer surprises when the inspector shows up.

Quick Specs Snapshot

Below is a fast way to confirm whether the FODS Trackout Control Mat matches your traffic and logistics. (If you're planning a full entrance lane, you'll typically combine multiple mats into a layout.)

Material-wise, FODS is built from durable HDPE (high-density polyethylene — plain English: a rugged plastic used in heavy-duty applications).

Reusable Mats vs. Traditional Rock Entrances

Rock entrances can work, but they often require ongoing refreshes — especially when traffic, rainfall, or soft subgrades cause rutting and stone migration. Reusable mats aim to reduce that churn by keeping the exit geometry stable and shifting the "maintenance" to periodic cleaning instead of re-building.

Choosing the Right Layout (How Many Mats Do You Need?)

Most sites build an "exit lane" by connecting multiple mats. Common configurations range from 4–8 mats in a straight lane or "T" shape, depending on turning radius, traffic volume, and how much tire rotation you want before vehicles hit the road.

The longer the run, the more tire rotations before a vehicle reaches the street — which is the easiest way to improve performance on muddy or high-traffic sites. A T-shape adds a wider turning radius at the road, so vehicles can swing in without shortcutting the cleaning path.

The examples below are used in the field and make a helpful starting point — final selection should match your SWPPP, site constraints, and traffic patterns. The calculator above lays out a single lane, a T-shape, or a custom run and returns the exact mat count.

Installation: Step-by-Step (Field-Friendly)

Install is typically straightforward and can often be done with hand tools. The goal is a stable, full-contact surface so mats don't rock, bridge gaps, or sit in pooled water.

A stable layout with consistent traffic flow is the fastest path to consistent trackout performance. Start with a firm, level base — compacted soil, asphalt, or concrete — and sweep loose debris first. A flat base and solid anchoring matter: if mats rock or lift under braking, they shift and underperform. Stage mats near the gate to speed install; a typical entrance goes down quickly.

Match the anchor to the substrate: round-head form stakes hold well in soil and gravel, while concrete screw anchors are the choice over asphalt and concrete. Align the lane with traffic flow so vehicles cross straight and steady, and confirm every mat sits in full contact with the ground before opening the exit to traffic.

Maintenance & Cleaning (Keeping Performance Consistent)

Trackout control works best when you treat maintenance as a quick, routine task — similar to sweeping a shop floor. The good news: cleaning is typically simple and equipment-friendly.

Common cleaning options: a skid steer with a broom attachment, a street sweeper (with an adjustable brush head), a manual clean-out using a narrow shovel tool designed to fit between pyramid tracks, or pressure washing when you can contain runoff.

Best practice: Schedule clean-outs after heavy rain, after "muddy phase" work, or whenever you start seeing visible carryout past the mat. If your SWPPP requires it, document the maintenance in your inspection logs.

Mini Case Study: Less Street Sweeping During Wet & Dry Conditions

On a project that saw both rainy and dry days, a contractor reported that using the FODS system cut the amount of street sweeping needed by roughly half. The team also noted a positive overall experience and said they would recommend the mats to other contractors.

Why that matters: Street sweeping can become a hidden cost — labor, equipment time, and schedule disruption. If a more consistent exit reduces sweeping frequency, it can pay back quickly, especially on longer projects. If carryout continues, the usual fixes are simple: lengthen the mat run for more tire rotations, improve base prep and compaction, and add a rinse station upstream for extreme mud. More length almost always helps before anything else does.

Where It Fits in Your SWPPP

Trackout control is a Best Management Practice — a stabilized construction exit that reduces sediment leaving the site on tires. FODS commonly serves as that rockless, reusable exit, and it works best as part of a system: pair it with inlet protection where applicable, perimeter controls like silt socks, and a clear sweeping plan. If your plan requires it, log mat cleanings in your inspection records so the maintenance is documented for review. For the broader site plan, browse Eastgate's full erosion control product guide.

Quick Planning Checklist

• Pick one primary exit and align the lane with traffic flow.
• Choose a layout: single inline lane or T-shape for a wider turning radius.
• Longer runs scrub better — size up for fine soils, wet weather, or heavy traffic.
• Prep a firm, level base and anchor to the substrate (stakes on soil, screws on hardscape).
• Set a cleaning trigger and log it for your SWPPP inspections.

FAQ: Fast Answers for Planning & Submittals

These are the questions we hear most often when teams are deciding between a rock entrance refresh and a reusable mat system.