COMPARE METHODS
Choose the control system the project actually needs
Compare preparation, utilities, relocation, cleaning and end-of-project removal—without assuming one method wins in every situation.
| Consideration | FODS | Aggregate / rock entrance | Wheel wash | FODS + wheel wash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installation preparation | Level area and anchoring | Subgrade, geotextile and aggregate | Civil works, equipment and treatment | Both dry and wet stages |
| Water requirement | Not normally for operation | Not normally | Yes | Yes for wheel-wash stage |
| Electricity requirement | Not normally | No | Often | Often for wheel-wash stage |
| Drainage requirement | Site drainage still required | Site drainage still required | Wash-water management required | Combined drainage review |
| Relocation | Designed to relocate | Reconstruct at new position | Usually fixed | FODS stage can relocate |
| Reuse | Reusable mats | Often one-project material | Equipment may be reused | Reusable components |
| Cleaning | Remove collected sediment | Sweep and refresh material | Treat water and remove sediment | Maintain both systems |
| Material replacement | Condition-based inspection | Periodic aggregate refresh | Parts and consumables | Both regimes apply |
| Removal after project | Lift, inspect and store | Excavate and dispose or recover | Decommission civil and plant works | Remove both stages |
| Temporary entrances | Strong potential fit | Common but material intensive | Depends on mobilisation | For demanding temporary exits |
| Local requirements | Project review required | Project review required | May be mandatory | Project review required |
Wheel-washing facilities may be legally or contractually required in some markets and projects. FODS can be used as a dry pre-cleaning measure or as part of a combined trackout-control system, subject to local requirements.
COMBINED SYSTEM EXAMPLE
Dry pre-cleaning around a wheel wash
The manufacturer documents a landfill application using FODS before and after a wheel wash. This arrangement illustrates how dry and wet stages may complement each other where the project plan allows.
Read manufacturer case study ↗Site→FODS→Wheel wash→FODS→Road