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Question 1

What Is FODS?

Accepted Answer

FODS stands for Foreign Object Debris System which consists of a single layer of pre-manufactured mats. Mats are placed directly on substrate without requiring excavation or aggregate. FODS are a standalone solution to any construction entrance specification. Simply lay them out in your desired configuration over any substrate and your entrance is ready.

Question 2

Why use FODS?

Accepted Answer

FODS Trackout Control Device is reusable, quick to install, easy to transport, remove, and relocate. The FODS Trackout Control Mat is the only durable, effective, cost-saving, and environmentally friendly trackout control solution. Compared to steel rumble strips, steel plates and rock construction exits, mats are lightweight and are designed to be easily transported from job to job. The FODS system is installed directly on any substrate and does not require sediment traps or excavation.

Question 3

How do FODS work?

Accepted Answer

The purpose and design of the FODS Trackout Control Mats are to effectively remove sediment from vehicle tires as they exit a disturbed land area onto a paved street meeting SWPPP requirements.

FODS Reusable Rockless Construction Entrance is designed with alternating rows of pyramids that are specifically engineered to open a tire’s lugs as vehicles pass over, causing the mud to loosen and fall out into the base of each mat. The mud collects at the base of the mat preventing it from reaching the street. It will not come in contact with the tires of subsequent vehicles, preventing mud, debris, and other pollutants from leaving a worksite and entering roadways, or storm water system.

Question 4

What are the dimensions of a single FODS mat?

Accepted Answer

FODS tracking pads are 12' wide across the entrance and 7' long in the direction of travel. Mats each weigh 420lbs. Mats can be nested for easy stacking, storage, and transport. The mats will not exceed the width requirements for highway transportation.

Question 5

How do I install FODS?

Accepted Answer

The FODS construction entrances are transported to the construction site on a large truck or trailer. The mats will then be offloaded into place with a forklift, truck-mounted boom, or jib crane on the in situ soils. No excavation or disturbance of the existing soil is necessary. Once the mats are correctly situated in place, take either our 18-inch round head stake or 6-inch concrete screw and anchor the mats through the pre-fabricated holes on the mat in areas where they are most flush with the ground and free of any voids or large rocks. We recommend a minimum of four anchors per mat.

Question 6

How much weight can a FODS mat withstand?

Accepted Answer

FODS Trackout Control Mats can handle nearly limitless weight. Due to its construction from High Density Polyethylene, each pyramid on the FODS mat has a crush rating of over 20,000lbs. The smallest passenger vehicle tire will disburse its weight evenly across a minimum of four pyramids at all times and the larger tires of a commercial vehicles with a rating of HS-25 will disburse their weight over a minimum of eight pyramids per tire. FODS has proven performance with over 2.8 Million lbs. on a single mat.

Question 7

How can FODS mats be cleaned?

Accepted Answer

FODS Construction Exits are easy to clean quickly. We recommend using a Skid-steer broom attachment or a FODS Shovel (specifically shaped to scoop between pyramids). Other options include a Street Sweeper (requires adjusted bristle head), Pressure Washer (must have ability to contain water), or a Water Truck (must have ability to contain water).

Question 8

Where can FODS be installed?

Accepted Answer

Construction Sites, Airports, State and Local Governments, Water treatment facilities, Agriculture, Forestry Access roads, Oil/Gas, Renewable Energy, Telecommunication, Mining, and Transportation among many other industry sectors are all in need of the FODS Trackout Control System every day.

Question 9

How long does a FODS mat last?

Accepted Answer

FODS Mats delivers excellent performance against trackout and has an expected lifespan of ten-plus years while being able to withstand over 1 million passes of an 80-ton vehicle. The FODS system will pay for itself after one to two uses depending on entrance dimensions. Mats can be easily relocated during the duration of a project and reused on subsequent projects.

Question 10

Can metal-tracked equipment drive over FODS mats?

Accepted Answer

FODS mats are designed for rubber-tired vehicles and equipment. Metal-tracked equipment should not drive directly over the mats, as the tracks may damage the pyramids and compromise their performance. Tracked equipment typically doesn’t cross the construction entrance; it’s usually brought on site by trailer. If it does need to pass through, FODS mats can easily be moved aside, then placed back and re-anchored once the equipment has cleared.

Question 11

Can I rent FODS mats, or do I have to purchase them?

Accepted Answer

FODS has a network of stocking distributors offering both rental and purchase options throughout the United States, Canada, and many countries worldwide. Visit our  to find a supplier near you.

Question 12

How do I get pricing, and what is the lead time?

Accepted Answer

Contact FODS to receive a customized quote for rental or purchase options, including current availability and lead times.

Question 13

Where are FODS mats manufactured?

Accepted Answer

FODS mats are proudly manufactured in the United States using domestically sourced resin and proprietary copolymer additives.

Question 14

Are FODS mats available internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes, FODS mats are available worldwide through our international distribution network. Visit our  page to learn more.

Question 15

Where are FODS mats approved for use?

Accepted Answer

FODS mats are approved or accepted for use in various states and municipalities. Visit our  page to explore requirements and approvals in your area.

Question 16

Can FODS replace a traditional rock construction entrance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, FODS mats are engineered as a direct replacement for traditional rock construction entrances. As a BMP, the appropriate entrance length varies by job site, but FODS can typically be installed with half the travel length of a traditional rock entrance. Contact FODS for a free consultation and site-specific recommendation.

Question 17

Do FODS mats require geotextile fabric or a rock base?

Accepted Answer

While every site is different, FODS mats are engineered to be installed directly on grade without the need for geotextile fabric or a rock base.

Question 18

Are CAD details, specifications, and technical data sheets available?

Accepted Answer

Yes, technical documentation is available to support project planning and design. Visit our  page to access CAD details, specifications, and technical data sheets.

Question 19

How many FODS mats do I need for my construction entrance?

Accepted Answer

The number of mats required depends on your job site and entrance configuration. As a BMP, FODS can typically be installed with half the travel length of a traditional rock construction entrance. Contact FODS for a free consultation and site-specific layout recommendation.

Question 20

What anchors are recommended for installation?

Accepted Answer

While installation requirements may vary, FODS generally recommends five 18-inch round head stakes per mat for soil installations or five 6-inch anchoring screws per mat for asphalt or concrete surfaces.

Question 21

Will FODS mats damage vehicle tires?

Accepted Answer

No. FODS mats are specifically engineered and tested to flex vehicle tires and release mud from tire treads without causing damage. FODS mats have been tested with vehicles ranging from ATVs and golf carts to off-road haul trucks.

Question 22

How much can I save by using FODS instead of rock?

Accepted Answer

Cost savings vary by project, but most contractors see a return on their investment by the second use of their FODS mats. Use our ROI Calculator to estimate potential savings for your project.

Question 23

What are the dimensions and weight of FODS Ground Protection Mats?

Accepted Answer

FODS Ground Protection Mats measure 4 feet by 8 feet and weigh approximately 88 lbs each.

Question 24

What is the load capacity of FODS Ground Protection Mats?

Accepted Answer

FODS Ground Protection Mats have a crush rating of 160,000 lbs.

Question 25

How do FODS Ground Protection Mats connect?

Accepted Answer

FODS offers both 2-way and 4-way connecting hardware systems, allowing mats to be secured together in a variety of configurations to accommodate different site requirements.

Question 26

Are FODS Ground Protection Mats safe for pedestrians?

Accepted Answer

Yes, FODS Ground Protection Mats are engineered to provide stable working platforms and pedestrian walkways. Each mat features a more aggressive vehicle traction profile on one side and a pedestrian traction profile on the other.

Question 27

How do I determine the best Ground Protection Mat layout?

Accepted Answer

Use our  to plan and customize a mat configuration based on your project's needs.

FODS FAQ