FODS Trackout Control Mats: An Overview

Trackout (mud and sediment tracked from a jobsite onto paved roads) can trigger cleanup costs, safety risks, and stormwater compliance issues. This guide explains how FODS Trackout Control Mats work, where they fit in a SWPPP, and how to plan, install, and maintain them—plus an example case study you can borrow for your next project plan.

Reusable stabilized construction entrance Rockless 3-year warranty, 10+ year expected lifespan

What “trackout” is—and why it matters

Trackout is the movement of soil, mud, and sediment from a construction site onto paved surfaces by vehicle tires. It’s not just a housekeeping issue: sediment on roads can create slippery conditions, clog storm drains, and contribute to off-site sedimentation when it rains. For projects operating under a SWPPP (Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan), controlling trackout is a common best management practice (BMP).

Plain-language takeaway: If the road stays cleaner, you spend less time (and budget) on sweeping and rework—and you reduce the chance of sediment leaving the site through stormwater systems.

What is a FODS Trackout Control Mat?

A FODS Trackout Control Mat is a reusable, rockless, modular mat system used at construction entrances/exits to remove mud and sediment from tires. The surface uses raised, staggered “pyramids” that spread tire lugs slightly as vehicles drive over them, helping trapped debris break loose and collect in the mat’s low areas.

Heavy equipment driving over a FODS trackout control mat at a construction site exit
Photo: Heavy equipment crossing a trackout control mat at the site exit.

Key specs (quick reference)

  • Mat size: 12' wide × 7' long × 3.75" high
  • Mat weight: ~420 lb
  • Pyramid height: 2-7/8"
  • Material: durable HDPE (high-density polyethylene—an impact-resistant plastic used in heavy-duty jobsite products)
  • Longevity: 3-year warranty; designed for 10+ years of field use

Because the system is modular, projects often place mats in series (multiple mats end-to-end) to increase tire rotations before the vehicle reaches the street—an easy way to improve performance on muddy sites.

How FODS mats compare to a traditional rock entrance

Many project plans still reference a rock stabilized entrance (often a long run of coarse aggregate). Rock can work, but it also creates ongoing maintenance: rutting, mud pumping, and rock migration onto paved roads. FODS mats are a different approach: they create a stabilized surface with a mechanical “cleaning” action that is easier to reset, move, and reuse.

Consideration Traditional rock entrance FODS trackout control mats
Site cleanliness Can reduce trackout, but performance drops if the rock fills with fines/mud Raised surface encourages debris release; sediment collects in low areas for removal
Maintenance Frequent dressing/refresh; rock gets pushed into subgrade or dragged onto roads Clean by broom-equipped skid steer or street sweeper; remove buildup as needed
Mobility Hard to relocate; often becomes part of the site’s temporary roadway Modular and reusable; can be moved from entrance to entrance as work shifts
Urban work Rock migration is a persistent issue near curbs/inlets Can be installed over hard surfaces (asphalt/concrete) with proper anchoring

Planning: sizing and layout that actually works

The best entrance is the one vehicles can’t avoid. Start by identifying your primary egress point (where tires touch pavement), then build a layout that creates enough tire rotations to drop sediment before the vehicle reaches the street.

1) Choose the exit lane width

Standard highway vehicles typically use a single 12' lane. For off-highway or haul vehicles, plan for wider, dual-lane configurations.

2) Add enough length (mats in series)

Place multiple mats end-to-end to increase tire rotations. Many layouts use 4–5 mats in series depending on site conditions and traffic.

3) Make it part of the traffic plan

Use cones, barriers, and signage so all vehicles exit over the mats—especially during wet weather and peak haul times.

Installation: step-by-step (field-friendly)

Installation is straightforward, but performance depends on prep, orientation, and anchoring. Here’s a practical sequence used on many projects:

  1. Prep the base: Remove large rocks and obstacles. Fill and compact low spots so mats sit flat.
  2. Set orientation: Align mats so traffic follows the intended direction of travel and the exit lane stays 12' wide (per mat width).
  3. Place mats in series: Install multiple mats end-to-end to improve tire cleaning before the roadway.
  4. Anchor to the substrate: Anchor requirements vary. On hard surfaces, leave small gaps between mats for thermal expansion and avoid over-tightening fasteners.
  5. Verify traffic control: Set barriers/signage so all outbound vehicles use the entrance.
Plain-language tip: If mats rock or lift under braking, they’ll underperform and shift. A flat base + proper anchoring prevents that.
FODS trackout mat deployed at a large urban jobsite near a paved roadway
Photo: Trackout control mats in an urban jobsite.

Maintenance: when to clean and how to keep performance high

Trackout mats work best when the raised surface remains exposed. Over time, sediment accumulates between pyramids. A simple maintenance routine keeps performance consistent and helps satisfy SWPPP inspection notes.

Maintenance routine (practical schedule)

  • Daily housekeeping: Sweep nearby paved areas as needed—especially during wet weather or heavy traffic periods.
  • Clean the mats before they “fill up”: Remove accumulated sediment when buildup starts approaching the working surface.
  • Preferred cleaning tools: broom-equipped skid steer or street sweeper; manual removal for tight access areas.
  • Storm event checks: Inspect before forecasted rain and after storm events as required by your plan.
FODS trackout control mat used at an airport or aviation construction environment
Photo: Trackout control mats used in an aviation construction setting.

Where FODS mats fit in a SWPPP (and what inspectors look for)

In SWPPP terms, trackout control is a site exit BMP. Inspectors generally look for:

  • A defined, stabilized exit where vehicles leave the site
  • Evidence the BMP is being maintained (sediment removed, not just pushed aside)
  • Minimized sediment on adjacent pavement and near storm inlets
  • Documentation: inspection logs, housekeeping actions, and any corrective measures

Trackout control is rarely a “single BMP solution.” Pair mats with common supporting practices such as inlet protection (where applicable), perimeter controls, and a clear sweeping plan—so the whole system works together.

Case study (example): urban infill project with heavy outbound traffic

Project type: multi-month urban infill build near active streets and storm inlets
Challenge: frequent outbound truck traffic + wet weather cycles created recurring roadway tracking and increased sweeping needs
Goal: reduce trackout and make site-exit maintenance more predictable

Approach

  1. The team designated a single primary exit and installed a multi-mat lane in series to increase tire rotations before reaching the road.
  2. Mats were anchored to the existing hard surface and aligned with traffic flow, with cones and signage to keep all outbound vehicles on the exit.
  3. A simple maintenance trigger was adopted: if sediment buildup started approaching the working surface, crews cleaned the mats the same day using a broom-equipped skid steer.
  4. Daily housekeeping included targeted sweeping near the curb line and storm inlet areas during wet weather.

Outcome (what changed on the ground)

  • More consistent site-exit performance: the exit stayed stable without the rutting and rock migration issues common to aggregate entrances.
  • Faster corrective actions: cleaning became a repeatable task (remove sediment from the mats) instead of regrading and re-rocking the entrance.
  • Cleaner perimeter zone: reduced accumulation on adjacent pavement, especially when paired with a defined sweeping schedule.

Decision checklist: is a trackout mat the right fit?

  • You need a stabilized exit where rock migration would be a problem (urban curbs, tight entrances, near storm inlets)
  • You want a reusable solution that can move as the project phases change
  • Your plan includes frequent sweeping/housekeeping and you want to reduce how often the exit needs rebuild work
  • Your exit sees heavy equipment or continuous truck traffic where predictable maintenance matters

FAQ: FODS Trackout Control Mats

How many mats do I need for my site exit?
It depends on traffic type and how muddy the site gets. A common approach is to place multiple mats in series so tires get several rotations before the roadway. Many entrances use 4–5 mats in series, then adjust based on performance during wet weather and peak haul periods.
Can FODS mats be installed over asphalt or concrete?
Yes. On hard surfaces, anchoring and thermal expansion spacing matter—leave small gaps between mats and avoid over-tightening fasteners so the mats can expand/contract with temperature changes.
What’s the best way to clean trackout mats?
Most crews use a broom-equipped skid steer or a street sweeper. The goal is to remove sediment from between the raised features before it builds up to the working surface. For tight areas or smaller sites, manual removal can also work.
Do trackout mats replace street sweeping?
Not usually. Mats reduce the amount of material that reaches the pavement, but a sweeping plan is still part of good housekeeping—especially during wet weather or high traffic. Think of mats as reducing the “load,” while sweeping manages what still gets out.
What should I document for SWPPP inspections?
Document the entrance location/layout, routine housekeeping, and any maintenance actions (cleaning dates, sediment removal, corrective steps after storms). Inspectors typically want to see that the BMP is installed correctly, functioning, and being maintained.