FODS: The High-Tech Construction Entrance
FODS: The High-Tech Construction Entrance
As the world continues to move to a more online and digitized platform, the construction industry has seen an influx in the planning, building and construction of data centers, distribution warehouses, and electronics manufacturing plants that are becoming more prevalent across the country. Technology companies like Apple, Amazon, Google, Facebook, Salesforce, and Tesla, are setting new standards for sustainable practices. These technology companies often seek the best-in-class solutions, Best Management Practices (BMP’s), and strategies to reduce their impact on the environment both during and after construction. FODS Reusable Construction Entrance System have been selected for use on the world’s leading technology companies to effectively address construction site trackout, minimize pollution, and ensure compliance with Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP), all while providing the lowest cost per application on the market. This disruptive technology is breaking new ground in the construction industry and allowing contractors to provide their clients with solutions that are better than ever.
This boom in tech focused construction has had a wide spread positive effect with general contractors and suppliers alike. Firms, suppliers, and subcontractors such as such as Walsh Construction, Big-D Construction, Bechtel, and Whiting-Turner Contracting Company, WhiteCap Supply, Plateau Excavation, W. Gardner, an Lightning Ventures have noted the demand for highly-effective pollution control solutions.
Austin, TX – Manufacturing Campus
Stabilized Construction Entrance on Austin, Texas Manufacturing project. Austin Approved Trackout Control System.
Texas has an economy that is regularly ranked as one of the best in the United States. Over the past few years, a number of high-profile companies including HP, Toyota, Tesla, have moved their headquarters to Texas and companies like Amazon, Apple, Google, Facebook, and Microsoft have open major operational facilities. Many of these companies have centered their growth around the Austin area. This boon has led many to start calling Austin the “Silicon Hills”. Due to the entrance of many of these largest technology companies and the close proximity to the University of Texas, this area has become a tech-hub which has attracts many start-ups and growing established businesses from across the country.
In 2018, one of the largest construction projects in the Austin area was announced. A $1 billion manufacturing plant project, which is expected to bring 15,000 high paying new manufacturing jobs, will produce high-end technology devices including smartphones, tablets, and computers in the Central Texas city. This expansion will double the manufacturer’s capacity in the city and enable future growth in the area. The campus will cover a total 133 acres, including 50 acres of preserved open space, and will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy which demonstrates the company’s commitment to protect earth’s natural resources.
As this project broke ground, the contractor needed a construction entrance that provided unmatched erosion and sediment control to minimize the environmental impact of the construction work. The demands and scale of this project led the contractor to select FODS, a reusable composite manufactured construction entrance that can keep up with high volume traffic. By including FODS Trackout Control Mats in their SWPPP plan, the contractor was able to provide a construction exit which far outperforms a traditional stabilized exit constructed out of stone or bull rock following the traditional TXDOT specification.
The growth and prevalence of FODS Trackout Control Mats allowed the City of Austin to see the system in use and evaluate the performance. The clear effectiveness of the system led the City of Austin to add FODS to the list of approved BMP’s in 2020.
Nashville, TN – Datacenter
Stabilized Construction Entrance On Nashville, Tennessee Datacenter Project - TnDOT Approved Trackout Control System
Just outside of the Music City in Tennessee, Gallatin is welcoming a new datacenter for an international social media company. The size of this construction project has made it a prominent landmark to residents in the city. The $800 million project includes the construction of two buildings totaling over 982,000 square feet which will house a state-of-the-art datacenter to provide service to users around the world.
This LEED Gold certified project will use 100 percent renewable energy (solar, wind, etc.) and is designed to use 80 percent less water than similar facilities. As the construction project breaks ground, the contractor prepares for high volume construction traffic due to major land development required prior to building. In addition to high traffic volume, the contractors have also faced the wet weather and sticky soil conditions which are common in the Nashville, Tennessee area.
The site work contractor on the project in Gallatin had used FODS previously on other projects in North Carolina. The success of FODS on those projects prompted the excavator to install FODS trackout control mats for the construction entrance and the main point of exit. By installing FODS trackout control system, contractors minimize trackout and stormwater pollution on high traffic sites and ensure compliance with the Stormwater regulations.
FODS has been third-party tested and shown to reduce trackout up to 59 percent better than traditional methods. A FODS construction entrance will last through multi-year projects even with the heaviest of traffic. Using FODS’ leading erosion and sediment control best management practices allows contractors to minimize pollution, avoid fines, and protect the natural water sources.
Reusable Construction Entrance On Florida Project - FDOT Soil Tracking Prevention Device
Jacksonville, FL – Distribution Center
In northeast Florida, Jacksonville contractors are ramping up preparations for a new ecommerce distribution center. The million square foot e-commerce facility will employ 500 workers and provide service to online shoppers around the state. Located near to two rivers, pollution containment is imperative to prevent contaminating the nearby surface waters. The contractors and engineers have chosen FODS to as the erosion and sediment control BMP to minimize construction trackout from the site. The FODS soil tracking prevention device effectively reduces sediment and debris that is tracked onto roadways which enables contractors to stay in Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) compliant with the city of Jacksonville, Duval County, Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), regulations and further reduce the environmental impact of the project.
Summary
Since being introduced to the market, FODS’ disruptive trackout control solution stands out as a modern take on the age-old problem of jobsite trackout. FODS mats are lightweight, durable, and easy to maintain, which attracts attention from contractors accustomed to expensive, disposable rock entrances that require heavy equipment to install and maintain. Contractors use FODS on projects of all sizes including energy projects, land development, highway construction, urban and residential applications, and the growing technology industry. As large data centers, manufacturing sites, and distribution warehouses become more prevalent, FODS are recognized for their effectiveness at maintaining compliance and reducing environmental impact of construction work. As the leading erosion and sediment control technique, FODS is effective, durable, and reusable.
ABOUT FODS, LLC.
Based in Englewood Colorado, FODS Trackout Control System replaces ineffective and costly traditional rock stabilized construction entrances, saving you valuable time and money. Our proprietary mat design works to effectively remove mud and sediment from your vehicle tires without damaging the tire or the ground’s surface. We provide the only durable, reusable, and environmentally friendly trackout control system currently available on the market. FODS Trackout Control Mats are 100% Made in the USA and are reusable and recyclable.